Downtown LA’s best new brunch secret, a pizza and macaron mashup, and lots of Asian fusion
Here now, Eater LA compiles some of the more notable openings scattered throughout Los Angeles. Every week we'll be tackling new places to check out in various neighborhoods. Any new spots that we might've missed? Hit the tipline.
February 22, 2017:
Downtown— Tucked away in one of Downtown’s newest hotels is the aptly named Tuck Hotel Restaurant and Bar. The brainchild of hotel proprietor Juan Pablo Torre, the all-day brunch restaurant has Spanish flair, which means you can start your day with tortilla de patata (Spanish potato omelette), quinoa tabouleh salad, and pancetta breakfast sandwiches. 820 S Spring St, Los Angeles
South LA— American Deli, a chain with over 130 locations primarily in the South, has opened on W Slauson in Harvard Park. On offer are, not surprisingly, tried and true American staples, that is chicken wings, burgers, subs, and apparently friend rice and gyros, too. 1600 W Slauson Ave, Los Angeles
West LA— Late last year, we here at Eater LA reported signage for a rather interesting mash-up concept: pizza and macarons. Well now the eatery, dubbed The Pizza Mac, has finally opened its doors, with a full roster of the French cookies alongside a build-your-own pizza menu. The head-scratching doesn’t stop there, as one of the four sauce options is blackberry jam, which, according to the menu, is “sweet and tangy for the sweet tooth’s.” 2029 Westwood Blvd, Los Angeles
Tujunga— Corner Grill, an Asian fusion counter-service restaurant, has opened in Tujunga. On offer are Korean and Japanese-ish dishes like Korean BBQ burgers, teriyaki bowls, and yakisoba, served from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. 6585 Foothill Blvd, Los Angeles
Sawtelle— In a surprise to absolutely no one at all, a new Japanese restaurant is now serving around Sawtelle. Anzu Japanese Gourmet has a more fusion take on the cuisine, offering rice dishes, karaage burgers, and teriyaki dogs in rather sleek surrounds. 11270 La Grange Ave, Los Angeles
February 22, 2017:
Sherman Oaks— If you happened to drive along Ventura Boulevard this weekend, you may have noticed quite a long line outside of Donny’s Breakfast Spot, what looks like the Valley’s latest breakfast obsession. The name of the game here is home-style Southern comfort food, which means a menu full of gut-busting favorites like chicken and waffles, fried catfish and grits, and more traditional egg plates. 13701 Ventura Blvd, Los Angeles
Boyle Heights— Chinese takeout spot Tong Sing closed at the end of last year. Taking over is Wok on Soto, another American Chinese spot with takeout and delivery at the forefront of the business. Expect the classics, that is sweet and sour chicken, broccoli beef, and lots of noodles to go around. Lunch specials are just under seven bucks. 305 N Soto St, Los Angeles
Little Tokyo— Have you tried Japanese-Italian fusion yet? PASTA e PASTA by Allegro is trying to make the style of cooking better known in Little Tokyo. Dishes like Mentai pasta, made up of a Japanese cream sauce with cod roe and mushrooms, and uni pasta sum of the concept quite well. The restaurant is open daily for lunch and dinner, but is closed on Mondays. 432 E 2nd St, Los Angeles
Westlake— It has been quite some time since a new cold-pressed juicery has opened in LA. Breaking the dry spell is Drink Houz, a healthy eatery that focuses on probiotic drinks, juices, salads, and sandwiches. The beet latte is especially fun for coffee art lovers. 3231 W Temple St, Los Angeles
The Valley— It isn’t every day that we hear of a new Moroccan restaurant opening up in LA. Luckily for Valley denizens, Couscous Bowl is now open slinging their eponymous bowls with beef or veggies, merguez plates, and a variety of salads and sandwiches. 5424 Laurel Canyon Blvd, Los Angeles
February 16, 2017:
Koreatown— Apparently Los Angeles still hasn’t reached maximum poke capacity, as a new fast casual concept, hndlgo, has opened in Koreatown Plaza. Beyond raw fish bowls, the counter also hawks salads, teriyaki, and dessert, all served in bowls. 928 S Western Ave Ste 132, Los Angeles
Encino— Did you know that The Valley has a respectable cluster of Korean restaurants? The newest one has landed in Encino, dubbed House of Galbi. This barbecue spot boasts a full bar, which means it should be a solid option to get your #meatsweats on. 15927 Ventura Blvd, Los Angeles
Westchester— If for some reason you don’t want In-N-Out before your LAX flight, there’s a new contender nearby, Unity LA. Located right in the Hyatt Regency LAX, the menu is divided in an interesting format—Boyle Heights, East LA, Pico Union, K-Town, Thai Town, and Little Tokyo. That means you can have your Asian and Mexican food before jetting off to cities that presumably have an inferior dining scene. 6225 West Century Blvd, Los Angeles
East Hollywood— Interestingly, it seems Korean restaurants are starting to spread outside of Koreatown. Located a block from the Santa Monica/Vermont Red Line station in East Hollywood is Nabi, a casual Korean spot that offers bibimbap bowls, barbecue pork tortas, and kimchi grilled cheeses. 4632 Santa Monica Blvd Ste 16, Los Angeles
Downtown— It isn’t always easy to find Turkish coffee in LA. Now the Downtown office crowd can get their highly caffeinated fix at Strada Eateria & Coffee. Located in the King Edward Hotel, the restaurant and coffee shop has an interesting menu with everything from charcuterie plates to sandwiches to small bites like mojama, sun-dried tuna with tomato on sourdough. 119 E 5th St, Los Angeles
February 8, 2017:
Koreatown— With a new restaurant opening nearly every week, is Koreatown the most rapidly developing restaurant neighborhood in all of Los Angeles? This week’s entrant is Chashu Ramen & Bowl, a Japanese eatery that has everything from ramen to poke bowls to tempura. 2500 W 8th St Ste 108, Los Angeles
Pico-Roberston— Oasis Mediterranean Cuisine has added a solid Mediterranean option to La Cienega. In addition to a variety of mezze and kabobs, you’re going to want to order the house special mixed grills. Because who doesn’t need their grilled meats to be served on a gleaming gold tabletop grill. 1663 South La Cienega Blvd, Los Angeles
Exposition Park— Los Angeles sure does loves its fried chicken. Now USC students and museum visitors have a new place for fried poultry in the form of the aptly named Chicken Factory. This straightforward spot offers fried chicken, wings, and sandwiches in Korean BBQ and other varieties. 3844 S Figueroa St, Los Angeles
Hollywood— Located in a strip mall on Vine and Melrose is Taqueria Tapatio, a casual counter-service spot for your burrito and taco fix from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., daily. 720 Vine St, Los Angeles
Hollywood— Taking over the former Soy Sauce Roll & Bowl is another casual sushi take-out spot, this time dubbed Yuki Sushi. With a menu of affordable rolls, poke, and teriyaki bowls, it should be a convenient stop for locals to get their Japanese fix. 7131 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles
February 2, 2017:
Downtown— A “Neo-Pueblo” concept has entered the corner of 8th and Main Downtown in the form of Wild Living Foods. This plant-based eatery by husband and wife duo Richard Torres and Lizbeth Sanchez is an all-day sort of place, which means you can take in the restaurant’s clean-eating ethos from breakfast to dinner, daily. Start off with an activated smoothie and chia pudding before noshing on quinoa bowls and medicinal herb salads. Is there a wide variety of cold pressed juices? You didn’t need to ask. 760 Main St., Los Angeles
East Hollywood— There may be no cuter tea shop in LA right now than Trinnie’s Bubble Tea. The Sunset Boulevard shop has cotton candy-topped milk tea, outdoor seating, and the most adorable neon sign. 5173 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles
The Valley— Yet another Mediterranean restaurant has opened in the Valley. This time it’s Eat Meat Kosher, a restaurant that unsurprisingly serves Kosher fare in the form of shakshuka, falafel, and plenty of shawarma. 14845 Burbank Blvd, Los Angeles
Inglewood— A convenient stop for those on their way to The Forum is El Limon. This casual spot offers a clean aesthetic and a menu that spans from your morning breakfast burrito to evening tacos and burritos. 902 N La Brea Ave, Inglewood
Koreatown— Korean barbecue isn’t limited to grilled meats, as some K-town restaurants reserve their grills for seafood. One such restaurant was the longstanding Jaebudo 2, which has just come out from under a remodel to become DaeBuDo. This is a spot for everything from hagfish to eel to lobster grilled right on your table. 3916 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles
January 25, 2017:
South LA— Brothers Cary and Duane Earle have been a longstanding fixture on Crenshaw Boulevard. The duo most recently served their wares out of a cart after having to relocate their original hot dog stand due to Metro line construction. Well now the shiny new brick and mortar location of Earle’s has arrived with turkey dogs, spicy beef links, chili, and even vegan options. 3864 Crenshaw Blvd, Los Angeles
Koreatown— A temple of all things chicken has opened in Koreatown’s Chapman Plaza. Dong Dae Moon Dakhanmari, the first LA location of a popular restaurant in the Dong Dae Moon neighborhood of Seoul, is the place for dakhanmari, which translates to one whole chicken. Here the bird is cooked in a broth with rice cakes and vegetables for a meal that sounds especially soothing. 3465 W 6th St Ste 50, Los Angeles
North Hollywood— Coffee For Breakfast, a Venezuelan breakfast and lunch spot, has opened on Burbank in North Hollywood. The fantastic menu includes Venezuelan breakfast plates with arepas and a choice of meat, cachapas or corn pancakes, and condensed milk-sweetend cups of joe. 11482 Burbank Blvd, Los Angeles
North Hollywood— Also setting up shop in North Hollywood is Bobarrito. If you couldn’t guess, this retailer specializes in boba and sushi burritos. Yup that trend is still trying to become a thing in LA. Here you can have your poke as a burrito, bowl, taco, or nachos. 5233 Vineland Ave, Los Angeles
Burbank— A quaint new coffee shop has opened in Burbank, dubbed Basecamp. The adorable shop boasts adorable shabby chic digs, breakfast burritos, and plenty of caffeinated beverages to keep you going all day long. 1221 West Riverside Dr, Burbank
January 18, 2017:
Sherman Oaks— Despite it’s name, The Valley’s new Let’s Pho doesn’t just offer the noodle soup and other Vietnamese dishes, but also slings an extensive menu of Thai dishes as well. The former Goldie’s has been revamped, offering a hip interior with a coffered ceiling, checkered tiles, and plenty of communal seating. 4344 Woodman Ave, Los Angeles
Silver Lake— The Forage team’s highly anticipated follow up Wolfdown has finally landed. Taking over the former Nicky D’s Pizza on Rowena, Wolfdown offers an unbearably quaint patio, beer and wine, and an Asian-influenced menu that includes dishes like stir-fried ramen with crab and uni, Korean fried chicken, and pork shoulder kare kare. 2764 Rowena Ave, Los Angeles
Koreatown— It seems that Koreatown can’t get enough watering holes, as a new contender, Tok, has opened on Wilshire. Drinking is the name of the game here, with affordably priced soju and beer, and Korean fried foods to soak it all up. 3807 Wilshire Blvd Ste 120, Los Angeles
Hollywood— Although it was slated to open in December, chain eatery Farmer Boys has just opened on Hollywood Boulevard. The counter-service restaurant offers burgers, salads, and breakfast options. 5519 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles
Downtown— There’s a new creperie in town thanks to Cafe Crepe, located in Union Station. It’s certainly nice to have the option to pick up savory and sweet crepes with a coffee before catching the train. 800 N Alameda St, Los Angeles
January 11, 2017:
Koreatown— The build-your-own model is really taking off in Los Angeles, as evidenced by the excess of poke restaurants that have spread across town. Well now apparently it’s time for BYO Korean barbecue, as Cup-Bop has opened on Wilshire with KBBQ in a cup. Diners select a base, protein, and toppings, with each item priced a la carte for a true BYO adventure. 4003 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles
Los Feliz— Speaking of poke restaurants, yet another has opened, this time in Los Feliz. Kope Poki, which follows the popular base-protein-topping structure, is notable for its adorable green exterior and tiny digs. 1903 Hyperion Ave, Los Angeles
Downtown— Taking over the former Hummus Republic location on W 7th Street is the aptly named 7th Street Cafe. The restaurant offers a menu chock full of highly instagrammable breakfast and lunch dishes like a beef patty and mac ‘n’ cheese sandwich, Hot Cheetos-crusted chicken tenders, and Italian sausage-wrapped egg. 225 W 7th St, Los Angeles
Encino— Aiming to make burgers a “high-class delicacy” is American Heritage Fine Burgers & Cocktails, a restaurant on Ventura that tops its patties with everything from kimchi to lobster. Rounding out the menu are small plates, sandwiches, and a nice selection of beers. 16610 Ventura Blvd, Los Angeles
Hollywood— Open in the former Chan Darae Thai restaurant on Cahuenga is Waku Waku Sakebar. Seems like the space got a pretty nice interior refresh alongside a new menu of sushi, ramen, and (shocker) poke. 1511 N Cahuenga Blvd, Los Angeles
January 4, 2017:
Hancock Park— Located on Melrose and Vine is a hip new burger joint dubbed The Burgerian. Of note is an especially sleek interior design, glowing bathroom mirrors, and a selection of burgers that range from classic options to shrimp burgers and filet mignon sandwiches. 5820 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles
Larchmont— Not too far from The Burgerian is Bardonna, a coffee shop concept taking over the former Groundworks. Seems like a nice place to sip Klatch cold brew, post up with your laptop, and yes, nibble on the requisite avocado toast. 139 1/2 North Larchmont Blvd, Los Angeles
Van Nuys— Farm Table, a breakfast and lunch spot across the street from the Van Nuys Courthouse, has opened with a menu that has something for just about everyone. There’s avocado toast here too, alongside other trendy items like kale salads, poke bowls, and Korean beef tacos. 6209 Van Nuys Blvd, Los Angeles
The Valley— This week’s poke opening is En Joy Bowls, a new Valley contender with the same build-your-own format you’re probably used to, but with base options that include bamboo rice and kelp noodles. 17815 Chatsworth St Ste C, Los Angeles
Pico-Robertson— Cafe Panamericana has opened with a lovely menu of housemade breads and pastries inspired by travels throughout South America. Beyond baked goods and coffee, breakfast and lunch items like egg sandwiches, salads, and empanadas should make it a welcome addition to the neighborhood. 8781 W Pico Blvd, Los Angeles
December 28, 2016:
East Hollywood— East Hollywood has low key been having a pizza renaissance, with a new pizza joint opening up almost every month. The newest addition is NY Crust, a pizzeria with a wide variety of pies along with a selection of wings. 5421 Santa Monica Blvd Unit C, Los Angeles
Westwood— Replacing the old New India Grill is Maharaja Cuisine of India. Think standard Indian favorites, but with a stellar $10 lunch buffet option that seems like an early favorite with the local office working crowd. 1321 Westwood Blvd, Los Angeles
Koreatown— Parked on Wilshire near Western is the exceptionally named new food truck, Sushi Road Fighter. The new concept focuses on fusion cuisine that takes the form of bulgogi tacos, unagi burritos, poke bowls, and an assortment of rolls. 3680 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles
North Hollywood— Opening its doors on Victory and Lankershim is taqueria Bajacali Tacos. With dishes like whole fried tilapia, sub-$2 fish tacos, and a selection of affordable burritos and tostadas, it should (hopefully) fare well in the neighborhood. 11640 Victory Blvd, Los Angeles
Westlake— Apparently poke craze just won’t quit, as yet another fast casual concept, Pokémolé, has opened on the outskirts of Koreatown. Beyond build-your-own bowls, this spot also has poke burritos and a “fresh never frozen” mantra, so this one just might be worth checking out. 530 S Occidental Blvd, Los Angeles
December 21, 2016:
Koreatown— Koreatown is exploding with new restaurants, as it seems that the neighborhood gets a few new eateries to its name nearly every week. This time it’s Deung Chon Shabu & Noodles on Olympic. The concept direct from Korea also has a location in Queens that hawks hot pot that also turns into fried rice at the end of your meal. 2585 W Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles
Pico-Robertson— A new neighborhood bar has landed on Pico, dubbed Founders Ale House. With a selection of just about every type of bar food you could ever want from chicken wings to burgers to fish and chips and a wide variety of brews, it should be a welcome addition to the ‘hood. 8771 W Pico Blvd, Los Angeles
Northridge— It isn’t often that Korean restaurants break out of Koreatown. Luckily for Valley denizens, MUSSE is now hawking a wide variety of soups and stews like galbi jjim and suh lung tang. 8456 Reseda Blvd, Los Angeles
Downtown— Ben N Lin, a new coffee and sandwich shop, has opened on Crocker Street in the Fashion District. The quaint coffee house boasts drinks like Spanish lattes, pre-made sandwiches, and warm mom ‘n’ pop vibes. 921 S Crocker St C-21, Los Angeles
Beverly Grove— It isn’t always easy to find a great bowl of udon outside of Little Tokyo and Gardena. Aiming to change that is Kochi, a Japanese eatery on La Cienaga that offers various preparations of the thick noodles alongside mini rice bowls, tempura, and an assortment of small plates. 408 N La Cienega Blvd, West Hollywood
December 14, 2016:
Downtown— A cool new after-work watering hole has opened on 5th and Broadway Downtown. Dubbed Mezcalero, the restaurant and bar serves tacos, other booze-friendly bites and, shocker, plenty of mezcals and tequilas to boot. 510 S Broadway, Los Angeles
Hollywood— Back in August we announced the upcoming La Carmencita, a seafood-focused Mexican restaurant on Highland. Looks like the restaurant is now open, swinging Baja-style plates that range from aguachiles to ceviches to octopus and shrimp tacos. The new eatery is also open for Sunday brunch. 1156 N Highland, Los Angeles
Hollywood— It isn’t often that Hollywood Boulevard gets good restaurants. Hoping to break the mold is D’s Dubai Sauce, a kebab and shawarma spot with plenty of white and green sauce to go around. 6510 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles
East LA— Need more pizza in your life? Pizza Bandit has opened with Yasiel Puig-approved pies. Think heart-stoppers like pastrami pizza at affordable prices. 6201 Whittier Blvd, Los Angeles
Downtown— Another casual lunch spot has opened Downtown to feed the office-working masses. Dave’s Grill on Main between 6th and 7th is hawking everything from breakfast burritos to Philly cheesesteaks to burgers. 646 S Main St, Los Angeles
December 8, 2016:
Downtown— A trendy new eatery called Wake & Late takes over the former Semi-Sweet Bakery in the heart of Downtown’s Historic Core. With a slate of breakfast offerings, plus everything from salads, sandwiches, and late night snacks, it’s the ideal spot for busy denizens in the area. 105 E. 6th St.
Little Tokyo— Tea Master Matcha Cafe is a new matcha-based green tea shop that opened in Little Tokyo. What you’re really going to come here for is the bright green matcha soft serve (perfect to pad your Instagram account), with a selection of teas available if ice cream isn’t your thing. 450 E. 2nd St.
West Third— A hybird Middle Eastern fast casual called Soom Soom (sounds like the Mazda catchphrase) has opened on West Third Street next to Cedars-Sinai hospital. Think shawarma and kabobs in a bowl with sides like hummus and pickled cucumbers. 8744 W. 3rd St.
Little Tokyo— Yet another notable Little Tokyo spot to check out: Baobab. With a sort of Asian-style take on Chipotle, expect burritos, bowls, and buns (instead of tacos) inside the Little Tokyo Village Marketplace. Yes, it’s gussied up fusion in a shopping mall, but the early reviews are pretty positive. 333 S. Alameda St. Unit 100E
Koreatown— There’s a new Korean pig’s foot specialist called Myung Ga JokBal with affordable $10-12 lunch dishes and shareable combos that start at $39.99 and up go to $54.99 (which should feed a small army). If you’re into tasty pig parts laid out beautifully on a platter with a slew of banchan, this place is for you. 3063 W. 8th St.
Five Brand New Eateries to Check Out in LA, Fall 2016 [ELA]