Los Angeles is once again proving itself to be a dynamic culinary capital, with September 2025 marking a significant surge in new restaurant and bar openings across the city. From intimate wine bars and vibrant cantinas to sophisticated speakeasies and fresh seafood destinations, the latest news from the Los Angeles dining scene offers a diverse array of experiences for both locals and visitors.
Bar Bacetti Expands Echo Park’s Italian Charm
Leading the charge is Bar Bacetti, an eagerly anticipated aperitivo wine bar and pizza lounge that officially opens its doors in Echo Park. This new annexe is an extension of the beloved Bacetti Trattoria, a neighborhood trattoria already celebrated for its Roman-inspired cuisine and California sensibility. Situated at 1507 Echo Park Ave, Bar Bacetti aims to capture the Italian spirit of “spuntino,” the art of snacking. The design, crafted by Stayner Architects, draws inspiration from its sister establishment, featuring custom metal art by Matt Lipps that playfully depicts iconic Los Angeles and Italian landmarks. Patrons can anticipate a cozy, dimly lit atmosphere with comfortable banquettes and a quartz-topped bar, complemented by a dog-friendly outdoor patio. The menu boasts pizzas exclusive to this new spot, alongside enticing aperitivo snacks like fried meatballs with salsa verde and chilled octopus salad. The bar also offers a curated selection of wine-based cocktails, with signature drinks such as the “Sophia” featuring lambrusco and port.
Cento Raw Bar Offers a Surreal Seafood Sojourn
In the West Adams neighborhood, Cento Raw Bar emerges as a captivating new destination for seafood aficionados. From the acclaimed team behind Cento Pasta Bar, this establishment delves into the world of raw bar delicacies with a unique, lounge-like atmosphere. Designed by Brandon Miradi, the space is envisioned as a “mermaid cave,” featuring sculptural plaster walls and a seafoam-hued bar that evokes a serene, underwater grotto. Guests can indulge in elaborate seafood towers brimming with lobster, crab, shrimp, oysters, and uni, alongside Mediterranean crudos and innovative small plates. The ambiance is as much a draw as the cuisine, promising a transportive dining experience.
88 Club: A Beverly Hills Enclave of Elevated Chinese Cuisine
Beverly Hills welcomes 88 Club, a sophisticated speakeasy-style restaurant helmed by “Top Chef” winner Mei Lin and restaurateur Francis Miranda. Located at 9737 S. Santa Monica Blvd., this establishment offers an upscale take on Chinese banquet-style dining. The intimate, dimly lit space, designed by Preen, blends dark woods and leather with luxurious touches, creating an exclusive club feel. Chef Mei Lin reinterprets nostalgic family recipes with modern culinary precision, presenting elevated dishes such as char siu pork, nam yu-roasted chicken, and caviar-topped sesame prawn toast. The bar program complements the cuisine with inventive cocktails, including a unique Gimlet infused with perilla.
Daisy Margarita Bar Blooms in Sherman Oaks
Sherman Oaks gets a vibrant new addition with Daisy Margarita Bar, a Mexican cantina concept from the team behind the popular MÃrate in Los Feliz. Situated at 14633 Ventura Blvd, Daisy offers an eclectic menu featuring ceviches, tacos, and larger plates, all designed to pair with an extensive list of margaritas. The bar is known for creative concoctions, including a popular frozen guacamole version and unique flavor profiles inspired by Baja-style fish tacos. The design embraces a rustic yet elevated Mexican tavern aesthetic, incorporating warm tones, traditional textures, and playful accents like fringe on bar stools and a custom jukebox. Adding to its allure, Daisy Margarita Bar is planning to unveil an upstairs speakeasy, Gilbert Perez Bar, dedicated to Mexican rum and tropical cocktails.
A Trending Culinary Landscape
These prominent openings are part of a larger trend shaping the Los Angeles dining scene this September. From Italian wine bars and Persian culinary journeys to fast-casual Chinese-American spots and Latin American cafes, the city’s culinary landscape is continually evolving. Notable mentions include Florence Osteria Pizza e Vino expanding in Santa Monica, Berenjak bringing London’s Persian flavors to Downtown LA, and Jade Rabbit offering a new fast-casual Chinese-American option in Santa Monica. The growing interest in specialized bars, whether for aperitivo, raw seafood, or craft cocktails, underscores a sophisticated palate among Angelenos.
The influx of new establishments in September 2025 signals a robust and exciting period for Los Angeles’s food and drink industry. These trending venues are not only offering diverse culinary explorations but are also crafting unique atmospheres that invite discovery and enjoyment, making the city a must-visit destination for food enthusiasts.
