Los Angeles continues to solidify its reputation as a culinary hotspot, with a wave of new restaurant openings and a thriving food truck scene offering diverse and innovative dining experiences.
New Restaurant Openings
Jacaranda
Located in Hollywood, Jacaranda is the latest venture from chef Daniel Patterson and his wife Sarah Lewitinn. This intimate 30-seat restaurant offers a 10-course seasonal tasting menu that highlights foraged and local ingredients. Signature dishes include tofu with caviar, steamed Kauai prawns, and pepper-crusted duck with roasted blueberries. The restaurant’s design features lilac-tinted windows and rust-colored banquettes, creating a welcoming dinner-party ambiance.
Bar di Bello
In Silver Lake’s Sunset Row complex, Bar di Bello brings a Milan-inspired dining experience to Los Angeles. The restaurant features a hidden entrance behind red velvet curtains, leading to an interior adorned with deep walnut millwork and vintage Italian modernist lighting. The menu offers modern Milanese cuisine, with standout dishes like in-house made trofie alla Genovese, orecchiette with veal ragù bianco, and a signature chicken cutlet served with shallot soubise and capers.
BADMAASH Venice
The acclaimed Indian fusion restaurant BADMAASH has opened a new location on Abbot Kinney Blvd in Venice. Known for bold reinterpretations of Indian cuisine, the menu features dishes like chicken tikka poutine and masala steak frites. The Venice location boasts a brutalist-inspired interior with blackened brick walls, marble-inlay tables, and distressed leather banquettes, offering a unique dining atmosphere.
Sushisamba
Sushisamba, the renowned Japanese-Brazilian-Peruvian fusion concept, has launched its latest outpost in West Hollywood’s Design District. The vibrant, multi-level outdoor space and private indoor dining area showcase lush landscaping and colorful murals. Culinary offerings range from sushi and sashimi to skewers and flavorful dishes like the Samba LA Roll with A5 Wagyu and the rich Brazilian seafood stew.
Food Truck Favorites
Los Angeles’ food truck scene remains a vital part of the city’s culinary landscape, offering a variety of flavors on the go. Here are some of the most popular food trucks currently delighting Angelenos:
Leo’s Tacos Truck
Famous for its al pastor tacos, Leo’s Tacos Truck operates multiple locations, with the most renowned at La Brea and Venice. The sight of their massive trompo (vertical spit) spinning with marinated pork topped with pineapple has become iconic. The al pastor here is considered some of the best outside of Mexico City.
Kogi BBQ
Chef Roy Choi’s Kogi BBQ launched a cultural phenomenon with its Korean-Mexican fusion cuisine. Signature items like short rib tacos and kimchi quesadillas have garnered a dedicated following. The truck operates at various locations; check their social media for daily updates.
The Tropic Truck
Specializing in Caribbean cuisine, The Tropic Truck offers dishes like jerk chicken nachos, ropa vieja nachos, and a variety of tacos and quesadillas. Their vibrant flavors and generous portions have made them a favorite among locals.
Los Angeles’ dynamic food scene continues to evolve, offering residents and visitors an ever-expanding array of dining options. Whether you’re seeking a fine dining experience or a quick bite from a food truck, the city’s culinary landscape has something to satisfy every palate.