Los Angeles is one of the world’s most diverse and celebrated dining destinations, and lately the city has seen a wave of buzzy new openings. From Michelin-level kaiseki tucked into a strip mall to plant-based Chinese in Echo Park, and from a legendary Tokyo tuna king to a Florence-inspired wine bar, these are the newest restaurants and events to check out right now.
Berenjak Downtown LA
London’s celebrated Berenjak has opened its first U.S. outpost at The Garden at Soho Warehouse in the Arts District. Chef Kian Samyani reimagines the flavors of Tehran’s traditional kebab houses through shared Persian dining. The menu features coal-grilled kebabs like koobideh (minced lamb shoulder) and jujeh (saffron-and-yogurt-marinated chicken), alongside signature mezze such as black hummus made from black chickpeas. Specials include meygoo kabab (barbecued prawns with Kashmiri chili and roasted garlic). Drinks range from traditional sharbats (traditional Persian soft drinks made from fruits, herbs and flowers) and chayee (Persian Earl Grey tea) to inventive cocktails like the clarified yogurt–based Grown-Up Doogh. The wine list spans California and the Middle East with rare bottles from boutique producers.
The space channels both California vibes and Persian garden opulence: pastel tones, patterned rugs, tree lights, and mismatched linens on the patio; velvet, striped upholstery, ceramics, and gold-framed Persian prints indoors.
Asakura
In an unassuming strip mall on the Westside, Asakura delivers a two-hour kaiseki performance for just 13 guests per seating. Helmed by chef Makoto Okamoto (whose sister restaurants already hold Michelin stars), the restaurant offers six courses ($200) or eight ($300). The presentation is theatrical: caviar is served in a heart-shaped dish, presented ceremoniously in a wooden box, accompanied by a sea urchin atop a lotus dumpling with seaweed sauce, and smoked abalone glazed with golden umami dashi. A standout detail: leftovers are transformed into neatly wrapped onigiri instead of a standard doggy bag. With its intimate setting and seasonal artistry, Asakura feels destined for Michelin attention.
SUSHIZANMAI LA
Japan’s legendary sushi chain Sushizanmai has landed in Los Angeles, its first U.S. location. Founded by Kiyoshi Kimura, known as the “Tuna King” for famously paying over $2 million for a single bluefin tuna, the restaurant specializes in maguro (tuna). Inside, a minimalist sushi bar contrasts with oversized wall photos of tuna and a grinning statue of Kimura at the entrance. Guests order via iPad, with rolls and nigiri arriving in minutes. The menu is vast—hand rolls, chirashi bowls, udon, soba—but don’t miss the Tsukiji Roll, with seared crab and shrimp tempura, or classics like spicy tuna crispy rice and miso black cod.
Chimmelier
Currently in soft launch with its grand opening of its latest brick-and-mortar on Melrose in Hollywood on October 11, Chimmelier (short for “chicken sommelier”) is already a cult favorite, thanks to its K-chicken burger at Smorgasburg LA and appearances at Coachella. Founded by Kevin Son and Dong Hyuk Lee in 2020, the restaurant specializes in ultra-crispy Korean-American fried chicken, wings, and towering sandwiches. Expect shrimp toast, kimchi fried rice, tteokbokki, and seasoned fries alongside the signature fried chicken.
Men & Beasts
Husband-and-wife team Minty Zhu and Alex Falco have opened Men & Beasts, a plant-based Chinese restaurant and teahouse. The inventive menu includes king oyster bao with chili mayo, prosperity “pork” dumplings, monkey buns with plant-based char siu, and elote puffs made with taro and corn. Brunch brings whimsical options like bao beignets with five-spice caramel or vegan soufflé pancakes. Guests can also book a guided gongfu tea ceremony, led by Zhu, which pairs rare teas with seasonal snacks in a traditional ritual.
Florence Osteria Pizza e Vino
From restaurateur Francesco Zimone (of L’antica Pizzeria da Michele U.S.), this 35-seat wine bar and restaurant in Santa Monica is an expansion of Florence Osteria in West Hollywood. The rustic-meets-modern space offers over 100 Italian wines by the glass: including rare and premium pours usually reserved for full bottles. Executive chef Giuseppe Gentile presents Tuscan-inspired dishes like Wagyu meatballs, gnocchi al pesto, and wood-fired seafood, along with pizzas like the Diavola, topped with spicy ’nduja and pecorino. The ambiance mixes burgundy leather sofas, Eames chairs, and playful felt art for a cozy, modern Tuscan vibe.
Los Angeles Wine and Food Festival
The Los Angeles Wine and Food Festival returns November 7–9 at Barker Hangar in Santa Monica. Hosted by Tastemade, the city’s largest culinary celebration will feature star chefs including Stephanie Izard, Antonia Lofaso, Michael Symon, Claudette Zepeda, and Brooke Williamson. Over three days, guests can look forward to unlimited tastings, exclusive bites, curated beverage pairings, and immersive food installations.
Chef’s Table x Airbnb
Meanwhile, Chef’s Table x Airbnb brings the acclaimed Netflix series into real life with intimate, hands-on experiences led by top chefs. In Los Angeles, events (priced around $200 per person) include crafting square pizza at Apollonia’s with chef Justin De Leon, shaping fresh pasta at Osteria Mozza with chef Kirby Shaw before a family-style meal, and sharing a Chinese-Peruvian dinner and mahjong night at Chifa with Rica and chef John. Demand has been immediate—Chris Bianco’s “History of Pizza” class has already sold out.