Los Angeles’ food scene has always thrived on innovation, cultural fusion, and culinary experimentation, and 2024 is no exception. Whether it’s high-end dining, street food pop-ups, or vegan delicacies, the city’s offerings reflect its diverse population and ever-changing tastes. From cutting-edge omakase experiences to comfort food reimagined with a modern twist, the L.A. food scene has something for every palate.
The Rise of “New Nostalgia”
One of the most intriguing trends in Los Angeles this year is what food writers are calling “New Nostalgia.” This wave combines classic American and international comfort foods with innovative techniques and presentations. Restaurants like The Benjamin on Melrose Avenue are leading the charge by reinventing iconic American dishes. Here, you can enjoy elevated versions of cheeseburgers and crab beignets alongside craft cocktails in a sleek Art Deco-inspired setting. These familiar yet refined dishes are designed to appeal to both long-time Angelenos and the city’s endless stream of new visitors.
Similarly, Ladyhawk in West Hollywood embraces a more global take on comfort food with its Mediterranean-inspired menu. The restaurant, helmed by “Top Chef” Middle East champion Charbel Hayek, focuses on large-format dishes like aged duck with fig and rose blossom. The menu’s blend of traditional and avant-garde flavors offers a delicious journey through the Eastern Mediterranean with a modern twist.
The Omakase Boom
Omakase dining, already a staple in L.A.’s high-end restaurant scene, has seen an explosion of popularity in 2024. Sushi restaurants like Udatsu Sushi in Hollywood are raising the bar with meticulously curated multi-course meals that highlight the chef’s artistic prowess. Udatsu, which is led by Tokyo-trained chef Shingo Ogane, presents a 17-course experience featuring seasonal ingredients and unique flavor profiles. From the smoky depth of fatty tuna to the crunch of sea urchin wrapped in nori, this omakase spot is redefining what it means to dine out in L.A.
The allure of these exclusive, intimate omakase counters lies in the personal connection between chef and diner, as well as the ever-changing menus that highlight seasonal seafood. At Sushi Sonagai in Gardena, an eight-seat omakase-only spot, chef Daniel Son offers a unique fusion of Japanese and Korean flavors in an equally intimate setting. This restaurant, tucked away in an unassuming strip mall, has become one of the hottest weekend tickets in town, proving that excellent food can thrive in unexpected places.
Vegan Cuisine Continues to Evolve
Los Angeles has long been at the forefront of the plant-based movement, and 2024 is proving to be another groundbreaking year for vegan cuisine. While there are countless vegan spots across the city, Argento, the much-anticipated vegan fine-dining restaurant backed by Billie Eilish and Finneas, has been making waves in Silver Lake. The restaurant serves upscale vegan fare that challenges preconceptions about plant-based food, offering dishes like “chicken” made from soy protein and creamy cashew-based cheeses. This marks a shift from the more casual vegan eateries that dominate L.A., bringing an elevated, Michelin-quality experience to the city’s plant-based food lovers.
But it’s not just high-end vegan fare that’s trending. Casual spots like Bridgetown Roti in East Hollywood have brought vibrant flavors to the vegan scene with their Caribbean-inspired menu. Founded by chef Rashida Holmes, Bridgetown Roti started as a pandemic pop-up and has since expanded into a brick-and-mortar space. While the menu features meat dishes like oxtail patties and jerk chicken, its vegan options, including chickpea doubles and vegetable rotis, have garnered rave reviews. Bridgetown has become a must-visit for anyone looking to explore flavorful, plant-based street food in a casual setting.
California Meets the Mediterranean
Mediterranean cuisine is having a major moment in L.A. this year, with a focus on high-quality, locally sourced ingredients and simple yet flavorful preparations. One standout is Le Champ in Downtown Los Angeles, which blends French classics with California’s farm-fresh produce. With a romantic garden setting and dishes like escargot and French onion short ribs, this restaurant evokes the charm of a Parisian bistro while incorporating the health-conscious ethos of California cuisine.
On the other side of the Mediterranean spectrum is Companion in Venice, an all-day eatery that serves a mix of Mediterranean and Californian dishes. Known for its New Haven-style pizzas and natural wine selection, Companion has quickly become a favorite among Venice locals. The emphasis here is on relaxed dining with a focus on quality, whether you’re grabbing a focaccia sandwich for lunch or sitting down for a dinner of seasonal vegetables and olive oil cake. It’s the kind of laid-back but delicious fare that defines much of the Westside’s dining culture.
Wine Bars and Charcuterie Culture
Wine bars are also seeing a resurgence in Los Angeles, particularly those that offer more than just a glass of wine. Butchr Bar in Historic Filipinotown has made a name for itself by pairing excellent wines with housemade charcuterie and dry-aged meats. The focus on sustainability and ethically sourced products, combined with a cozy, stylish atmosphere, has turned this bar into a haven for carnivores and wine aficionados alike. This blend of casual elegance and high-quality ingredients is a hallmark of many new spots opening across the city, catering to the growing demand for refined yet accessible dining experiences.
Fast-Casual Takes on Artisanal
The fast-casual sector continues to thrive in L.A., but the days of bland quick bites are over. Restaurants like Bread Head in Santa Monica are redefining what it means to grab a sandwich on the go. Their artisanal sandwiches, made with house-baked focaccia and high-quality ingredients, have garnered a cult following. From the classic Italian Combo Grinder to daily specials featuring market vegetables and handmade spreads, Bread Head offers a level of craftsmanship that’s rare in the fast-casual scene. This is fast food for the foodie generation, with each bite packed with flavor and attention to detail.
Similarly, All Roads in Brentwood has made a splash with its Roman-style pinsa. A lighter and airier take on pizza, pinsa is made with a unique blend of rice, soy, and wheat flours, making it more digestible than traditional pizza dough. With toppings ranging from classic Italian favorites like burrata and prosciutto to more California-centric ingredients like arugula and pesto, All Roads strikes a perfect balance between authentic Italian techniques and West Coast freshness.
Final Thoughts
Los Angeles in 2024 is a city that thrives on culinary diversity. Whether you’re dining in a high-end omakase bar, enjoying Mediterranean-inspired dishes in a casual setting, or savoring a vegan roti on a lunch break, the city’s food scene offers endless opportunities for exploration. With a mix of innovation, cultural fusion, and a return to comforting classics, L.A.’s food culture is as exciting as ever. This year’s trends are about more than just what’s on the plate—they’re about creating memorable, shared experiences that reflect the city’s unique culinary landscape.
