10 New Restaurants to Try in Los Angeles

The past year and a half has been an incredible challenge for restaurants across the country. Los Angeles has been no different, with many restaurants facing challenges, some sadly, closures. If you have been following me for a while, you will know that this industry is so dear to me, and I wanted to do anything I could to help keep their doors open last year amidst an unprecedented pandemic. I worked with many local restaurants through the non-profit, Fueling the Fearless, helping to raise funds from the public to pay for meals that were donated to frontline healthcare workers. Overall, the organization donated hundreds of thousands of meals, fueling frontline workers as well as keeping many small restaurants in business.

Though the year 2020 was difficult for all, 2021 has already seen a significant return to dining due to the eagerness and demand for gathering, experiences and of course, amazing food. Many new restaurants have opened this year, bringing renewed energy and a sense of hope for the industry. Below are some of my favorite new restaurants in Los Angeles that you have probably seen me enjoying on Instagram lately, and that you should definitely try in 2021.

Tatel

The new restaurant — an LA extension of the original Tatel brand in Spain, with locations in Madrid and Ibiza — is nothing if not a star-studded affair, backed from the likes of Laker champion Pau Gasol to tennis legend Rafael Nadal and soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo. The trendy new restaurant sits in prime Beverly Hills on Canon Drive, taking over the old Nic’s space next to Wally’s. If not already impressive, Tatel’s kitchen is being run by Michelin-starred chef Luigi Fineo. Fineo received the Michelin star in 2008 while operating as the executive chef at Chef at La Botte Ristorante in Santa Monica, making him the youngest chef to receive the honor. More recently, Fineo spent two years at The French Laundry under Thomas Keller before moving to Keller’s Bouchon Beverly Hills. Most recently, Fineo worked alongside chef Gino Angelini as executive chef of Rivabella Ristorante.

Tatel is a beautiful venue, adorned with red bougainvillea, plush turquoise booths, and pink barstools, with the menu focusing on organic and locally sourced ingredients, Mediterranean recipes and quality Spanish seafood traditions such as paella and iberico. Five nights a week, there is live music, and they just announced that they will be adding lunch service as well.

Winston House

A unique venue for Venice, Winston House is an intimate supper club by the beach. Winston House is serving as an upscale American restaurant and live music venue. It looks like an ordinary house from the outside, but inside, there are three-stories that have been transformed into one of the most intimate music venues in Los Angeles. The energy inside is palpable and positive, something we all need after 2020.

Soulmate

One of the best new patios in Los Angeles, Soulmate West Hollywood is a go-to for outdoor dining. It’s massive open-air patio is complete with a live olive tree, as well as eucalyptus, passion flower vines, and ficus at the edges. The beautiful design is coupled with beautiful a Spanish/Mediterranean tapas style menu, with shareable plates like chicken croquettes, tomate toast, and paella bites.

Matū

For meat lovers, the new Beverly Hills restaurant on S. Beverly Drive may be your new favorite steak place. Matū features a five-course set tasting menu which centers around 100 percent grass-fed Wagyu beef. The menu changes every night, what could be considered a steak Omakase, with a menu that showcases the various cuts of beef in a variety of preparation methods.

Bicyclette

Bicyclette is exactly what LA needed, in my opinion. The powerhouse behind Republique recently opened this classic Parisian style bistro in Beverly Hills. The warm, welcoming vibe of the restaurant makes you feel like you have been transported to the Left Bank, with a menu firmly rooted in French food, wine, and dessert.

Ghisallo

Brought to you by the owners behind The Tasting Kitchen in Venice and the sous chef from Pizzana, Ghisallo is the westside’s not-to-be-missed new fast casual pizza concept. Ghisallo serves seasonal, wood-fired pizzas, fresh pastas, salads, and even New York Steak in an intimate setting on Ocean Park, with a back patio perfect for a casual night out with microbrew on tap and wine.

etta

etta is the Chicago export in Los Angeles, inside the anticipated hotel, The Shay at Ivy Station. The beautiful sprawling space features indoor and outdoor seating, serving comforting Italian and Mediterranean staples cooked in a wood-fired hearth, as well as a unique cocktail list.

Girl and the Goat

Another Chicago export is Girl and the Goat, taking over a prime spot in the heart of Los Angeles’ Downtown Arts District. The triangular red brick space boasts warehouse ceilings, rattan chairs, large floor-to-ceiling windows, and leafy house plants dangling over bleached wood tables where the family-style Peruvian menu is served. The airy restaurant also has an outdoor patio that feels like a lush greenhouse and is decked out with string lights, setting the perfect vibe for an al fresco dinner.

Issima

The Boujis Group behind Olivetta on Melrose and the Draycott at Palisades Village recently opened a new poolside restaurant at the Kimpton La Peer Hotel. The coastal pan-Mediterranean menu is paired with great DJs and late night cocktails.

Gigi’s

Gigi’s is one of the sexiest new restaurants in LA. The upscale French restaurant in Hollywood is Parisian bistro meets hotel bar, with dim lighting, plush mohair booth seating, reclaimed marble flooring, and a beautiful crowd.