Los Angeles, CA – The dynamic culinary landscape of Los Angeles is set to experience a particularly vibrant July, marked by the arrival of one of the world’s most acclaimed restaurants for a limited engagement and a wave of exciting local developments.
Headlining the month’s gastronomic news is the highly anticipated pop-up residency by Chef Grant Achatz’s Michelin three-star Chicago restaurant, Alinea. Renowned globally for its innovative, multi-sensory dining experiences, Alinea is bringing its special 20th-anniversary tour to the heart of Southern California. The temporary installation will take place at the prestigious The Maybourne Beverly Hills, offering Los Angeles diners a rare opportunity to experience Alinea’s distinct culinary artistry without traveling to Chicago.
Reservations for this significant pop-up event are expected to be in high demand. They will become available for booking via the online platform Tock, with the release scheduled for July 22. The menu for the Beverly Hills engagement is planned to feature a selection of beloved Alinea staples, alongside new creations incorporating local Californian influences, promising a unique fusion of the restaurant’s Chicago roots and its temporary West Coast home.
New Talent and Concepts Reshape the Scene
Adding further prestige to the regional dining news, an acclaimed Orange County James Beard Award nominee is reportedly making a move to Thunderbolt. This transition highlights the flow of culinary talent within Southern California and underscores the growing recognition of the Orange County food scene, with its notable figures making their mark in Los Angeles.
Summer Offerings Abound
Beyond these major headlines, July brings a wealth of other diverse food and beverage developments across the city, catering to a variety of tastes and occasions.
Verve Coffee Roasters is embracing the summer season with a new menu rollout. Available at their Arts District location and other branches, the summer selection introduces refreshing new drinks such as the Citrus Creamsicle Iced Latte. Complementing the beverage program, the food menu expands with items like a roasted corn tartine, offering seasonal flavors designed for warmer weather.
Sweet treat enthusiasts can look forward to a special collaboration between two beloved California institutions: McConnell’s Fine Ice Creams and See’s Candies. Starting July 11, this partnership will yield three limited-edition ice cream flavors, merging McConnell’s artisanal ice cream with See’s classic confections. The featured flavors are brown sugar with milk Bordeaux, a sweet and savory combination; PB&J with peanut butter patties, reinterpreting a classic comfort food pairing; and strawberry with strawberry creams, offering a fruity and creamy indulgence.
For those seeking evening social events, Sushi Roku Santa Monica is hosting a unique Pickle n Tequila community happy hour on July 9. The event is scheduled from 6 to 8 p.m. Attendees will receive a complimentary cocktail upon arrival and gain access to a special menu curated for the occasion. This menu includes popular bites such as fried chicken sliders and spicy tuna rolls, providing a lively atmosphere for mingling.
Wine aficionados have a dedicated series to anticipate at American Beauty, located within The Grove. The restaurant is launching a summer wine dinner series, kicking off on July 10 with a dinner featuring John Locke of Birichino Wines. The series continues later in the month, with Jason Haas of Tablas Creek featured on July 31, and concludes in August with James Sparks of Liquid Farm & Kings Carey on August 21, offering guests curated wine experiences paired with the restaurant’s fare.
In Beverly Hills, Marea Beverly Hills is promoting its weekday dining options. The restaurant offers a convenient two-course prix fixe power lunch, available on weekdays from noon to 2:45 p.m., designed for business lunches or midday treats. Additionally, Marea highlights its Aperitivo happy hour, featuring a selection of cocktails and shareable bites, providing a relaxed setting for early evening drinks and snacks.
July in Los Angeles is shaping up to be a month brimming with culinary excitement, from high-profile pop-ups and talent shifts to seasonal menus and special events, underscoring the city’s status as a premier global dining destination.