A Guide to the Best New Restaurants in Los Angeles
Los Angeles keeps attracting food lovers with its changing dining scene. This year, many new restaurants have opened, offering fresh flavors and creative ideas. From casual spots to upscale venues, these places reflect the city's diverse culinary styles and are definitely worth checking out.
Norikaya
Chef Akira Back, known for his creative Korean takes on Japanese cuisine at his Vegas spot, Yellowtail, has launched a lively temaki bar in Koreatown at the bustling corner of Western and Sixth. Partnering with Robert Kim, who runs AB Steak and Mama Lion, Back brings his global influence to this new venture, with his restaurants now spanning cities like Dallas, London, and Seoul. The focus of Norikaya is straightforward: expertly crafted temaki hand rolls using premium ingredients, complemented by a few shareable appetizers, all served at a sleek high countertop.
Photo Credit: instagram.com/norikayala/
The Benjamin
Ben Shenassafar, known for the streetwear brand The Hundreds and the Family Style food festival, has opened a stunning Art Deco-inspired restaurant on Melrose Avenue called The Benjamin. The menu reflects the tastes of the well-traveled first-time restaurateur, drawing on classic American dining with dishes that visitors would enjoy any night of the week. Signature items include a cheeseburger, crispy crab beignets, and a strong selection of cocktails — including ice-cold martinis — attracting stylish diners and making prime reservations hard to secure at the moment.
Photo Credit: thebenjaminhollywood.com
Udatsu Sushi
Udatsu, the Michelin-starred omakase restaurant from Tokyo led by chef Hisashi Udatsu, is set just above Rokusho. This small venue offers 17 courses of Tokyo-style sushi, featuring high-quality sashimi and nigiri. The evening starts with cocktails on the terrace, followed by a counter service meal that may include sea urchins from both Hokkaido and Santa Barbara, aged tuna prepared in different ways, and a sardine roll with micro greens.
Photo Credit: instagram.com/udatsu.sushi.la/
Japanese • 
Bar • 
Sushi • Komal Molino
After years at the Michelin-starred Mexican seafood spot Holbox, chef Fátima Juárez and her partner Conrado Rivera have launched their own venture, Komal Molino. Located in Mercado La Paloma, this new stand features dishes inspired by Juárez’s roots in Mexico City and Oaxaca, using heirloom corn that she nixtamalizes and hand-processes into masa. Each dish holds personal significance for Juárez, such as the Taco Sonia, named after her favorite taco-maker from childhood, and pan de calabaza (squash bread) made from a cherished family recipe.
Photo Credit: google.com
Companion
Nick and Dakota Monica, a husband-and-wife team, opened Companion with the idea of creating a space that feels like inviting friends into their living room. This vision turned into an all-day cafe and restaurant near Lincoln Boulevard in Venice. By day, Companion offers coffee, pastries, and sandwiches filled with porchetta and bolognese, crafted by chef Jack Goode (formerly of Quarter Sheets, Bab’s, and Jac’s on Bond). In the evening, the space transforms into a wine bar featuring dishes like a Caesar salad made with Romano beans instead of lettuce, panzanella salad, rigatoni Bolognese, and wagyu New York Strip. Dessert includes homemade ice cream topped with a double ristretto shot.
Photo Credit: google.com
Chez Mia
Chez Mia, located in the former Ago space on Melrose, stands out as one of the most visually appealing new restaurants of the year. Created by the Boujis Group (known for the Draycott and Olivetta), this indoor-outdoor dining spot takes inspiration from the French Riviera in both design and cuisine. The extensive menu includes traditional offerings with options for vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free diners, while standout dishes are found in the caviar, seafood, and appetizer sections, such as hamachi carpaccio and caviar gougeres. For those wanting to splurge, the cocktails and desserts, particularly the pistachio soft serve, are worth trying. Although it may not cater to every food enthusiast’s expectations, Chez Mia blends seamlessly into West Hollywood’s lively dining scene, offering an elegant yet costly night out. Outdoor seating is available, with $20 valet and nearby metered street parking.
Photo Credit: instagram.com/chezmia_melrose/
Butchr Bar
This stylish spot sets itself apart with its menu. Butchr Bar offers a unique, meat-focused selection featuring housemade charcuterie, sausages, and expertly prepared steaks. While the prices can be on the higher side, the quality of the meat is even higher. Owners Tyson and Bridgette Blackney take pride in sourcing antibiotic-free meats, which are dry-aged and butchered in-house. Highlights include the picanha beef tartare, grass-fed Wagyu steaks, and the unexpectedly refreshing fruit granita. Meals here may lean towards simplicity, but for steak lovers, Butchr Bar is a must-try destination. Street parking available.
Photo Credit: butchr.bar
Mexican • 
Italian • 
French • 
Wine Bar •
I am visiting California from Maryland and I had the opportunity to dine at Norikaya this past week with my son. I have spent many years in the restaurant industry and have a high standard when dining out.
I loved it! Everything was perfect-- the service, the food, the ambience. The manager and staff were very attentive and friendly and made it an enjoyable meal start to finish.
Now the food. Everything was perfectly executed. I appreciate when food is served at the right temperature and texture, and of course the taste has to be there too. My favorites were:
- Cucumber salad: the cucumber was so thinly sliced and the dish was a work of art. The flavor was spot on with the right level of sweet and savory.
- Crispy rice: The texture was perfect. Crispy, a little sticky. And most importantly when it comes to crispy rice, it wasn't greasy.
- Strawberry unagi roll: honestly, I didn't know what to expect but took a chance. It was worth it. The strawberries were so thinly sliced that the flavor wasn't overwhelming. The temperature of the various ingredients played well off of each other. This one is a MUST when you go.
Overall, I 100% recommend Norikaya and can't wait for the next time I'm in town to visit again!