Since 1969, restaurant, hotel, travel & other witty reviews by a handpicked, worldwide team of discerning professionals—and your views, too.




 

News for Restaurants in Los Angeles
March 2016 Archive

Openings / Closings / Chef Shuffle / News Bytes / Sign up for our free, monthly newsletter / News Archive

Get news for restaurants in Los Angeles.  Learn more about what's going on in your dining community.  From chefs to new restaurants, you'll get the most out of Los Angeles restaurants when you know what's going on. 

LOS ANGELES RESTAURANT NEWS - MARCH 2016 Archive


OPENINGS

This spring, Mast Brothers Chocolate will open their Arts District factory and shop, where you can find highly artisanal chocolate made from foraged Peruvian beans. Brothers Rick and Michael Mast plan to make some of their ganaches with local honey, rose geranium and Angel City Brewery beer. Other flavors feature goat milk, olive oil and maple. Mast Brothers Chocolate, 816 S. Santa Fe Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90021, no phone.
 
Korean barbecue meets Argentinian asado at stylish Ombu Grill in Koreatown. Expect plenty of tabletop grilled beef, including Korean-style deungshim ribeye steak, as well as short rib asado. On the side are the usual banchan, and specialties such as bulgogi, spicy octopus and rice, and grilled salted mackerel are also featured. Argentine and Korean beer and wine are among beverage options, as is soju. Ombu Grill, 400 S Western Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90020, 213-637-0262.
 
Angelenos can sip lattes while petting shelter hounds at The Dog Cafe on Virgil Avenue. Similar to cat cafes around the world, L.A.’s first canine haunt serves up coffee (Grounds & Hounds), tea, and snacks as guests bond with the shop’s dogs. The $10 entrance fee includes a beverage, and patrons can hang out in a big dog playroom and have some fun. The dogs are all adoptable, courtesy of the café’s partnership with local animal shelters. Reservations are recommended. The Dog Cafe, 240 N Virgil Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90004, 213-810-2872.
 
This spring, sbe Entertainment Group will launch Doheny Room on Santa Monica Boulevard at the juncture of West Hollywood and Beverly Hills. Expect a lounge-inspired global menu of shared plates by chef Danny Elmaleh (Cleo, Katsuya), luxe desserts, and classic craft cocktails. Doheny Room is set to debut in May and will be open seven days a week from 7 p.m. to 2 a.m. Doheny Room, 9077 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood, CA 90069, 424-777-0266.
 
Grill Concepts, Inc., the company behind hits like The Grill on the Alley and Public School, is replacing their Daily Grill location in Studio City with seafood-focused Laurel Point. The space occupies a prime address on the second floor of Laurel Promenade --- it was home to the Daily Grill for more than two decades. Expect sushi, oysters, cocktails with fresh juices and a summer 2016 debut. Laurel Point, 12050 Ventura Blvd., Studio City, CA 91604, no phone.
 
Esdras Ochoa (Mexicali Taco & Co.) and Billy Silverman are bringing Salazar to the L.A. River, opening in a former auto body shop in up-and-coming Elysian Valley, or Frogtown. Most of the restaurant’s seating will be outdoors. Chef Ochoa, a native of Mexicali, will prepare meats and seafood on a mesquite grill, and tortillas will be made in-house using yellow corn and Sonoran-style flour. Expect real-deal carne asada tacos crafted with cuts of beef like chuck or arrachera. Salazar will also offer up Mexicali-style shrimp. Salazar, 2490 Fletcher Dr., Los Angeles, CA 90039, no phone.
 
Square One Dining co-owner John Himelstein, who co-founded the original Gingergrass in Silver Lake, is expanding the Vietnamese vision to Little Tokyo. The second branch of Gingergrass will replace Lazy Ox Canteen. Expect a similarly modern take on Vietnamese food. At the original location, popular dishes include shaking beef, braised five-spice Berkshire pork belly, crispy Imperial rolls and lunchtime banh mi sandwiches. Gingergrass, 241 S San Pedro St., Los Angeles, CA 90012, no phone.
 
Josh Zad, who owns five Alfred {Coffee & Kitchen} locations around Los Angeles, is diversifying with Alfred {Tea Room}. Expect 25 different tea variations in about five categories. Zad's brewing method of choice is a Modbar pour-over system. May 9, 2016, marks the concept's debut on fashionable Melrose Place. Alfred {Tea Room}, 8463 Melrose Pl., West Hollywood, CA 90069, no phone.
 
Pattaya native Naiyana "Judy" Timsuren and Chiang Mai native Pam Zoobharasee opened Khaosan, a Thai street-food concept in Woodland Hills. Both women have considerable restaurant experience and are looking to feature the flavors of home. Expect dishes like spicy and sour oxtail soup, keelehk neuh (beef curry made with kassod leaves) and saiy ooah (spicy Thai sausage). Khaosan, 19801 Ventura Blvd., Woodland Hills, CA 91364, 818-932-9845.
 
Chef Marcel Vigneron will soon open Beefsteak Chef Marcel Vigneron will soon introduce Beefsteak next door to Wolf. This concept will offer juices and "plant-based cuisine" for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Look for it to open in early/mid summer 2016. Beefsteak, 7661 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90046, 323-424-7443.
 
After being closed for almost a decade, legendary mariachi dinner theater La Fonda de Los Camperos has returned to its former home on Wilshire Boulevard in the Westlake neighborhood outside of downtown. Three live dinner shows a night feature full mariachi bands and a traditional Mexican menu that offers chile rellenos, carne asada, chicken mole poblano and enchiladas. Drinks range from micheladas to margaritas and Moscow Mules. Dinner Thurs.-Sun. La Fonda de Los Camperos, 2501 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90057, 213-380-5055.
 
Vito's Pizza will take over the former McCabe’s Bar & Grill in Santa Monica, with a summer opening expected. This second location of the popular pizzeria will also serve liquor. Vito's Pizza, 2455 Santa Monica Blvd., Santa Monica, CA 90404, no phone.
 
French wine bar/boutique Garçons de Café has opened in the Spring Arcade in DTLA’s Historic Core, offering an eclectic mix of French clothing and accessories, cheese and charcuterie, and a selection of French wines by the glass and bottle. Expect antique furnishings, a small outdoor patio and a charming bar. Lunch & Dinner Tues.-Sun. Garçons de Café, Spring Arcade Building, 541 S. Spring St., Los Angeles, CA 90013, 213-278-0737.
 
Chef Greg Bernhardt (Church & State) and Nicolas Fanucci (The French Laundry) have opened Paley on Sunset Boulevard in Hollywood. Set in the former landmark CBS Studios, the elegantly expansive dining room boasts mid-century stylings, nearly 250 seats, and a long bar and open kitchen. Expect a menu of local and seasonal California fare. Paley, 6115 Sunset Blvd., Hollywood, CA 90028, 323‎-544-9430.
 
Cape Seafood and Provisions has opened Cape Seafood and Provisions, the much-anticipated seafood shop from Michael Cimarusti (Providence, Connie and Ted’s), has opened on Fairfax Avenue. Cape Seafood and Provisions, 801 N. Fairfax Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90046, 323-556-2525.
 
The former space of Bow & Truss in North Hollywood will be replaced with El Tejano, a Tex-Mex restaurant. El Tejano, 11122 Magnolia Blvd., North Hollywood, CA 91601, no phone.
 
A posh stretch of Melrose in West Hollywood is home to Le Relais de l’Entrecôte, a franchise of the Parisian chain devoted to a single menu item --- steak frites --- along with French wine and desserts. Le Relais de l'Entrecôte, 8755 Melrose Ave., West Hollywood, CA 90069, 310-358-9021.
 
Shake Shack has opened its first Los Angeles area location in West Hollywood New York-based Shake Shack has opened its first Los Angeles area location in West Hollywood. The chain is known for its burgers, hot dogs, crinkle cut fries and "concretes" (frozen custard). Additional branches are slated for Glendale, downtown L.A. and Century City. Shake Shack, 8520 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood, CA 90069, 323-488-3010.
 
Rock & Brews has opened a second location at Los Angeles International Airport. This one is in Terminal 1, while its sister restaurant can be found at Terminal 5. Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley of the band KISS founded this growing chain of restaurants offering American fare and craft beers. Rock & Brews also has branches in El Segundo and Redondo Beach. Rock & Brews, Los Angeles International Airport, Terminal 1, Los Angeles, CA 90045, 424-702-4596.
 
Sweetfin Poké will open on Larchmont Boulevard Signage is up for a location of Sweetfin Poké on Larchmont Boulevard. This quick-sevice spot, which started in Santa Monica, offers variations of the beloved Hawaiian seafood dish, including classic tuna, kale snapper, spicy yuzu salmon and mango albacore. You can also build your own bowl. Sweetfin Poké, 135 N. Larchmont Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90004, no phone.
 
Taking over the former Tipple & Brine space in Sherman Oaks is The Sherman Restaurant & Bar. The Sherman Restaurant & Bar, 14633 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks, CA 91403, 818-485-2200.
 
Jean-Georges Vongerichten will open a restaurant at Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills Chef/restaurateur Jean-Georges Vongerichten will open a restaurant at Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills. The name for the concept has not yet been announced. The opening is scheduled for 2017. Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills, 9850 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills, CA 90067, no phone.
 
Chef Ricardo Zarate (Mo-Chica, Paiche) will return to the local dining scene with Rosaliné, a new Peruvian restaurant in the former Comme Ça space in West Hollywood. Rosaliné, 8479 Melrose Ave., West Hollywood, CA 90069, no phone.
 
Golden Road Brewing has opened a tasting bar at downtown's Grand Central Market. Patrons can expect pierogies and more than a dozen beers on tap at Golden Road Grand Central Market. Golden Road Grand Central Market, Grand Central Market, 317 S. Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90013, 213-624-2378.
 
Trejo's Tacos, a modern Mexican cantina and restaurant from actor Danny Trejo, has finally made its debut. Spacecraft Group and designer Kris Keith created the space, which features Mexican-themed murals made from custom tiles. Trejo's Tacos, 1048 S. La Brea Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90019, 323-938-8226.
 
Chef/restaurateur Michael Mina will open THE STREET at the Beverly Center The Beverly Center will soon undergo extensive renovations that will include a number of new dining options. There will be a row of street-level restaurants as well as THE STREET, an eighth-level food hall from chef/restaurateur Michael Mina. THE STREET, Beverly Center, 8500 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90048, 310-854-0070.
 
Bru's Wiffle & More in Beverly Hills serves up a menu of chicken & waffles, burgers, pizzas, sandwiches and more. Bru's Wiffle & More, 8635 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills, CA 93101, 310-360-6600.
 
Actress Jessica Biel is part of the team behind Au Fudge Los Angeles Actress Jessica Biel is part of the team behind Au Fudge Los Angeles, a kid-friendly restaurant in West Hollywood. There's also a marketplace that opens daily at 8 a.m. Au Fudge Los Angeles, 9010 Melrose Ave., West Hollywood, CA 90069, 424-288-4268.
 
Avec Nous has opened at L’Ermitage Beverly Hills Avec Nous, a French bistro, took over the space of LIVELLO at L'Ermitage Beverly Hills. The restaurant is helmed by chef Olivier Quignon (former executive chef of Bar Boulud in New York). Avec Nous, L'Ermitage Beverly Hills, 9291 Burton Way, Beverly Hills, CA 90210, 310-860-8660.
 
Jesse Gomez and chef/partner Jose Acevedo have opened Maradentro in Brentwood. It's a sister location of popular Studio City Mexican seafood restaurant Maradentro. Maradentro, 1168 S. Barrington Ave., Brentwood, CA 90049, 424-273-1377.
 
Fabrizio and Diana Bianconi (Via Veneto) will open Italian restaurant L'Isola in the former Ortolan space on West Third Street. It will be a sister restaurant to L'Isola on the island of St. Barth's. L'Isola, 8338 W. Third St., West Hollywood, CA 90048, no phone.
 
"Top Chef" alum Marcel Vigneron has opened Wolf. The food is described as "seasonal Los Angeles cuisine." Wolf, 7661 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90046, 323-424-7735.
 

NEWS BYTES

The Little Door Debuts Luxe Weekend Brunch
For the first time ever, The Little Door on West Third Street will debut brunch service on its patio on April 30, 2016. Guests after the launch date can expect an upscale brunch experience with a Benedict menu featuring the likes of grilled mini filet mignon, duck confit hash, and Moroccan crab cakes. Breakfast specials will include seared foie gras and duck egg while grilled marinated octopus, a spicy ahi tuna tartare salad and a goat cheese and pistachio tart will be among lunch-time options. Of course, cocktails will also be on hand. The Little Door, 8164 W. Third St., Los Angeles, CA 90048, 323-951-1210.
 
Chef Walter el Nagar presents one last installment of his pop-up Barbershop Ristorante Barbershop Ristorante's Last L.A. Pop-Up
Chef Walter el Nagar is saying farewell to Los Angeles with one last installment of his pop-up Barbershop Ristorante. (After that, he will embark on a European tour in June stopping in Barcelona and Ibiza, and ending in Italy in his hometown of Milan.) It will be hosted at the Service & Supply barbershop in Venice on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings through April 2016. The cost is $75 for the five-course prix-fixe menu, with wine pairings available for an additional $25. Reservations are required for spots at the two seatings: 7 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. For more information, visit Barbershop Ristorante's official website. Barbershop Ristorante, 436 Lincoln Blvd., Venice, CA 90291, 424-272-5849.
 

CHEF SHUFFLE

Check back soon for more news.

CLOSINGS

NoHo’s pleasant patio spot Bow & Truss has shuttered. Bow & Truss, 11122 Magnolia Blvd., North Hollywood, CA 91601, no phone.
 
In Beverly Hills, bistro Relais de Paris has closed. Relais de Paris, 8635 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills, CA 93101, no phone.
 
Beverly Hills' Canon Club, which opened last year, has shuttered. There is no word on what will replace it. Canon Club, 340 N. Canon Dr., Beverly Hills, CA 90210, no phone.
 
Husband and wife proprietors Alex Mosavi and Sylvie Gabriele closed Farm Stand in El Segundo. They will work with Love & Salt chefs Michael Fiorelli and Rebecca Merhej to open a Mediterranean fast-casual restaurant in a new location in Los Angeles. Slated to debut in 2017, this concept will carry on the local, organic, sustainable focus of Farm Stand. Farm Stand, 422 Main St., El Segundo, CA 90245, no phone.
 
The second location of Petty Cash Taqueria in downtown L.A.'s Arts District has closed. The original Petty Cash Taqueria remains open. Petty Cash Taqueria, 712 S. Santa Fe Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90021, no phone.
 
Spaghettini & the Dave Koz Lounge in Beverly Hills has shuttered. Chef Scott Howard will stay on for the new concept, which is scheduled to open in Summer 2016. Spaghettini & the Dave Koz Lounge, 184 N. Canon Dr., Beverly Hills, CA 90210, no phone.
 
Short Cake, the bakery companion to since-shuttered Short Order, has closed its stall in The Original Farmers Market. Short Cake, Farmers Market, 6333 W. 3rd St., Los Angeles, CA 90036, no phone.
 
Sherman Oaks frozen yogurt shop Humphrey Yogart closed March 26, 2016. Humphrey Yogart, 4574 Van Nuys Blvd., Sherman Oaks, CA 91403, no phone.
 
Hutchinson Cocktails & Grill has closed. Hutchinson Cocktails & Grill, 826 N. La Cienega Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90069, no phone.
 

CULINARY EVENTS
Want to learn to cook
? Try new dishes? Meet a foodie friend for fun? Check out our compilation of culinary events in your area.


View our calendar of Wine Dinners & Tastings in Los Angeles

Discover the top restaurants in Los Angeles for various cuisines and categories like sushi, steakhouses, pizza, happy hours, romantic dining and even gourmet food trucks. Find the best restaurants in LA here!

Discover the best restaurants in LA

Current News View archived news: January 2024 | December 2023 | November 2023 | October 2023 | September 2023 | August 2023 | July 2023 | June 2023 | May 2023 | March 2023 | December 2022 | November 2022 | October 2022 | September 2022 | August 2022 | July 2022 | June 2022 | May 2022 | April 2022 | March 2022 | February 2022 | January 2022 | December 2021 | November 2021 | October 2021 | September 2021 | August 2021 | July 2021 | June 2021 | May 2021 | April 2021 | March 2021 | February 2021 | January 2021 | December 2020 | November 2020 | October 2020 | September 2020 | August 2020 | July 2020 | June 2020 | April 2020 | March 2020 | February 2020 | January 2020 | December 2019 | November 2019 | October 2019 | September 2019 | August 2019 | July 2019 | June 2019 | May 2019 | April 2019 | March 2019 | February 2019 | January 2019 | December 2018 | November 2018 | October 2018 | September 2018 | August 2018 | July 2018 | June 2018 | May 2018 | April 2018 | March 2018 | February 2018 | January 2018 | December 2017 | November 2017 | October 2017 | September 2017 | August 2017 | July 2017 | June 2017 | May 2017 | April 2017 | March 2017 | February 2017 | January 2017 | December 2016 | November 2016 | October 2016 | September 2016 | August 2016 | July 2016 | June 2016 | May 2016 | April 2016 | March 2016 | February 2016 | January 2016 | December 2015 | November 2015 | October 2015 | September 2015 | August 2015 | July 2015 | June 2015 | May 2015 | April 2015 | March 2015 | February 2015 | January 2015 | December 2014 | November 2014 | October 2014 | September 2014 | August 2014 | July 2014 | June 2014 | May 2014 | April 2014 | March 2014 | February 2014 | January 2014 | December 2013 | November 2013 | October 2013 | September 2013 | August 2013 | July 2013 | June 2013 | May 2013 | April 2013 | March 2013 | February 2013 | January 2013 | December 2012 | November 2012 | October 2012 | September 2012 | August 2012 | July 2012 | June 2012 | May 2012 | April 2012 | March 2012 | February 2012 | January 2012 | December 2011 | November 2011 | October 2011 | September 2011 | August 2011 | July 2011 | June 2011 | May 2011 | April 2011 | March 2011 | February 2011 | January 2011 | December 2010 | November 2010 | October 2010 | September 2010 | August 2010 | July 2010 | June 2010 | May 2010 | April 2010 | March 2010 | February 2010 | January 2010 | December 2009 | November 2009 | October 2009 | September 2009 | August 2009 | July 2009 | June 2009 | May 2009 | April 2009 | March 2009 | February 2009 | January 2009 | December 2008 | November 2008 | October 2008 | September 2008 | August 2008 | July 2008 | June 2008 | May 2008 | April 2008 | January 2007 | March 2008



VALENTINE'S DAY WINES

Add wine to the celebration of love, curated by GAYOT´s Wine & Spirits Editor.

Check the list.

CHAMPAGNE COCKTAILS

For a rosé bubbly Valentine's Day celebration.

Get the recipes.

GAYOT'S RESTAURANT AWARDSOver the years, we have been electing restaurants to be on GAYOT's Yearly Restaurant Awards.

Check the list.