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
May 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 - MAY 2016 Archive


OPENINGS

Echo Park’s newest healthy destination this summer might be Glowing Juices, opening in early July. Look for organic, fresh and cold-pressed juices, as well as smoothies, tonics, shots, organic coffee, bowls and other vegan offerings. A marketplace will sell goodies like veggie trail mix and Go Raw gingersnap cookies. Glowing Juices, 1557 Echo Park Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90026, 310-699-3638.
 
The owners of Britannia Pub have opened Burgers N Brews in the former Santino’s space in Santa Monica. Expect traditional grass-fed beef burgers on brioche buns alongside innovative patties such as lamb with goat cheese and fresh mint sauce, pulled pork with kale and cabbage slaw, and panko-crusted Atlantic cod with cheddar and curry. Diners will also find plenty of craft brews on tap, from Deadpan Pilsner to Elysian Dragon’s Tooth, plus sports playing on big-screen televisions. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Daily. Burgers N Brews, 3021 Lincoln Blvd., Santa Monica, CA 90404, 310-450-5854.
 
The new 365 by Whole Foods market is home to chic vegan restaurant by CHLOE. in Silver Lake. A sister spot to Chloe Coscarelli’s New York City venue, the new eatery offers counter seating and tables for lunch and dinner daily. Menu items include a quinoa taco salad, smoky Portobello mushroom barbecue, smashed avocado toast, a black bean burger and mac 'n' cheese made with cashew cheese sauce and shitake bacon. by CHLOE., 365 by Whole Foods, 2520 Glendale Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90039, 323-378-3891.
 
At the cute new Lobster & Beer in Palms, there is plenty of lobster --- think beer-steamed lobster tail and traditional rolls, as well as tacos, quesadillas, grilled cheese and loaded lobster tots. Ahi poke bowls and kale salad (as well as a lobster kale salad) are other options. To drink, expect a variety of Cali wines and craft beers, alongside a full bar. For dessert, there’s a warm Rocky Road brownie with vanilla bean ice cream. Lobster & Beer, 3456 Motor Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90034, 424-298-8106.
 
Pono Burger will bring its organic, island-inspired burgers to Venice Pono Burger will bring its organic, island-inspired burgers to Venice, in the former space of Hostaria del Piccolo. In the meantime, patrons can visit the original Pono Burger in Santa Monica. Pono Burger, The Frank, 512 Rose Ave., Venice, CA 90291, no phone.
 
Esdras Ochoa (Mexicali Taco & Co.) and Billy Silverman have brought Salazar to the L.A. River, now open in a former auto body shop in up-and-coming Elysian Valley, or Frogtown. Most of the restaurant’s seating is outdoors. Chef Ochoa, a native of Mexicali, prepares meats and seafood on a mesquite grill, and tortillas are 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, 2490 Fletcher Dr., Los Angeles, CA 90039, no phone.
 
Seafood-focused Sawyer is now open in Silver Lake, and executive chef Alex McWilliams (Craft) is heading up the kitchen. The 2,400-square-foot space seats 90 guests both inside and outside and features a cozy back patio with olive and birch trees and a roaring fireplace. Expect a market-focused menu of shareable plates, chilled seafood, and a variety California dishes, including salt cod brandade, duck-fat popovers with Shropshire English blue cheese, a soft shell crab sandwich, sweet corn and razor clam chowder, skate wing, and Carolina fried chicken. Dinner Tues.-Sun., Brunch Sat.-Sun. Sawyer, 3705 Sunset
 Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90026, 323-641-3709.
 
Wexler’s Deli has opened a second and more spacious location in Santa Monica Wexler’s Deli has opened a second and more spacious location in Santa Monica, bringing pristine house-smoked fish (lox, sturgeon), cured meats (pastrami, corned beef) and traditional Jewish baked goods (bagels, babka) to the Westside. Delivery and catering are available. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner daily. Wexler's Deli, 616 Santa Monica Blvd.
, Santa Monica, CA 90401, 213-620-0633.
 
Chef Masatoshi "Gari" Sugio has opened the upscale Sushi of Gari Hollywood. With locations in New York City and Tokyo, this newest restaurant brings its exclusively omakase menu to the Eastown complex on Hollywood Boulevard, which is located just a stone’s throw from the W Hollywood hotel and close to Pantages Theater. Look for lunch specials and artful sushi dishes featuring the chef's signature sauces. Sushi of Gari Hollywood, 6201 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90028, 323-400-6300.
 
Portland cult bakery shop Voodoo Doughnut is coming to Universal CityWalk this fall, bringing its scarily cute Voodoo Doll doughnut with it --- it’s shaped like a voodoo doll, filled with raspberry filling and features a pretzel stake. Visitors will also find maple bacon, Captain Crunch, Grape Ape, mango jelly and lemon chiffon crullers, plus a Mexican hot chocolate doughnut that's dusted in cinnamon sugar and cayenne pepper. Voodoo Doughnut, Universal CityWalk, 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, CA 91608, 818-622-1111.
 
The upscale, two-story restaurant 1212 is open on Santa Monica’s Third Street Promenade. Set in the former Monsoon Café space, 1212 features two bars, patio seating, private event space and an area for live music. The kitchen is run by Walter Greenwood (Commander's Palace in New Orleans and Bartolotta at Wynn Las Vegas), who offers global dishes made with ingredients sourced from Santa Monica farmers' markets. 1212, 1212 West Third St., Santa Monica, CA 90401, 310-576-9996.
 
Chicas Tacos is now serving lunch in downtown Los Angeles. (Dinner hours are scheduled to start June 14th.) The restaurant serves up made-to-order tacos, salsas, guacamole and aguas frescas. Chicas Tacos, 728 S. Olive St., Los Angeles, CA 90014, 213-896-0373.
 
Beverly Hills' Canon Club, which had shuttered in March 2016, has re-opened. Canon Club, 340 N. Canon Dr., Beverly Hills, CA 90210, 310-858-4500.
 
Citizen will open in the former space of Spaghettini & the Dave Koz Lounge in Beverly Hills. Chef Scott Howard has stayed on and will offer eclectic American fare. Look for a Summer 2016 debut. Citizen, 184 N. Canon Dr., Beverly Hills, CA 90210, no phone.
 
Neapolitan pizza at Obicà Mozzarella Bar, Pizza e Cucina Following up on the January opening of Obicà Mozzarella Bar, Pizza e Cucina in Santa Monica, the Italian concept will bring a location to West Hollywood. Obicà Mozzarella Bar, Pizza e Cucina, Sunset Plaza, 8630 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, CA 90069, no phone.
 
On Wilshire Boulevard in Beverly Grove, Coral Fish Poke Shop is now open. Expect sushi and signature poke specials that include a Sriracha tuna bowl, a garlic albacore bowl and a yuzu salmon bowl. You can also build your own dish, or opt for hot options like chicken katsu or tempura. There’s iced green tea and coconut water to drink. Coral Fish Poke Shop, 6357 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90048, 323-655-8060.
 
The Tuck Room has replaced Tanzy alongside the iPic theater in Westwood, offering haute comfort food like clam chowder and fries, potted smoked trout spread, brioche crusted crab cakes, grilled rib-eye and buttermilk fried chicken. Expect a good list of crafted cocktails. Dinner Mon.-Sat. The Tuck Room, 10850 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90024, 310-307-7004.
 
Panama Joe’s, a 5,100 square-foot restaurant/bar inspired by Panama and California beach culture, is now open in Long Beach. Expect hacienda-style architecture and traditional Mexican standards, plus Mahi Mahi tacos, mole chicken, fish enchiladas, and grilled Chilean seabass. Drinks range from margaritas and hand-muddled fruit mojitos to sangria and Micheladas. Panama Joe's Long Beach, 5100 E. Second St., Long Beach, CA 90803, 562-434-7417.
 
Hollywood is all about sequels, so it's only fitting that Cleo should get one, too. Disruptive Restaurant Group, a subsidiary of sbe, will open a branch of the Mediterranean restaurant at L.A. LIVE. (This will be the second Los Angeles location, and fourth nationwide.) Chef Daniel Elmaleh will create exclusive new dishes for the menu. Cleo, L.A. LIVE, 800 W. Olympic Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90015, no phone.
 
Chef Bernhard Mairinger re-opened BierBeisl Imbiss on May 18, 2016 Chef Bernhard Mairinger re-opened BierBeisl Imbiss on May 18, 2016. He reconsidered after the outpouring of support following the announcement of the April closure. The restaurant now features table service and a condensed menu. BierBeisl Imbiss, Spring Arcade Building, 541 S. Spring St., Los Angeles, CA 90013, 213-935-8035.
 
sbe Entertainment Group launched 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, 9077 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood, CA 90069, 424-777-0266.
 
The Cannibal Beer & Butcher focuses on meats (house-made charcuterie, etc.) The Cannibal Beer & Butcher has opened at Platform, a new retail and dining destination in Culver City. The concept includes a restaurant and butcher shop. The Cannibal Beer & Butcher, Platform, 8850 Washington Ave., Culver City, CA 90232, 310-838-2783.
 
Westbound brings cocktails from around the world and elevated bar snacks to the Arts District Westbound, a new bar and eatery in the Arts District, brings cocktails from around the world and elevated bar snacks to the One Santa Fe mixed-use complex. Celebrating the site of the original 1893 Santa Fe Railroad’s La Grande Station, design highlights include leather Pullman booths, a copper-clad bar and satin brass light fixtures. Executive chef Gary Nguyen offers an assortment of small plates and bar food, including “Foie ‘n’ Waffle,” a dish featuring brioche, espresso, maple, and navel orange compote. Westbound, 300 S. Santa Fe Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90013, 213-262-9291.
 
Cisco Adler, a local entrepreneur who has called Malibu home since his birth, will open Malibu Burger Company. The restaurant will serve a selection of healthy gourmet burgers and other casual fare from chef Aaron May in a creek-front setting in the heart of Malibu’s Civic Center. Farm-to-plate patty and condiment options can be mixed and matched by diners. The menu will also feature alternatives such as salmon, quinoa burgers and bun-less burger bowls. Malibu Burger Company, 3822 Cross Creek Rd., Malibu, CA 90265, no phone.
 
Serving up artisanal donuts, fried chicken and Intelligentsia coffee, Birdies downtown has got you covered for sweet, savory and caffeine cravings. Birdies, 314 W. Olympic Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90015, 213-536-5720.
 
Look for a Fall 2016 opening for the West Hollywood location of New York seafood spot Catch. The rooftop space will feature a retractable roof. Catch, 8715 Melrose Ave., West Hollywood, CA 90069, 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. Alfred {Tea Room}, 8463 Melrose Pl., West Hollywood, CA 90069, no phone.
 
Grilled avocado from True Food Kitchen The health-conscious chain True Food Kitchen will open a location in Pasadena. The menu offers a selection of shareable appetizers, pizzas, salads and signatures, such as a quinoa burger, tacos and spaghetti squash casserole. True Food Kitchen, 168 W. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91204, no phone.
 
Mari Los Angeles has replaced Park Grill at the InterContinental Los Angeles Century City. The restaurant is in soft-opening mode, with a grand opening scheduled for July 2016. Mari Los Angeles, InterContinental Los Angeles Century City, 2151 Ave. of the Stars, Los Angeles, CA 90067, 310-284-6536.
 
David King (Osteria Mozza) and Duke Gervais (Pizzeria Antica) partnered to open Baldoria Bar + Kitchen. The new restaurant in Little Tokyo focuses on modern small plates and bottled craft cocktails. Expect communal tables and a good bar scene. Baldoria Bar + Kitchen, 243 S San Pedro St., Los Angeles, CA 90012, 213-947-3329.
 
Highland Park will add another notch to its belt with Café Birdie, a stylish and sprawling 160-seat bistro helmed by chef/partner Joey Booterbaugh (The Hungry Cat). Expect a Cal-Med menu and a long bar with craft cocktails. Café Birdie, 5631 Figueroa St., Los Angeles, CA 90042, no phone.
 
In Echo Park, Icy Rush Co. is a cool new ice cream “boutique” on Sunset Boulevard. Milk-based, homemade ice cream flavors include Mexican caramel and Key lime pie, while dairy-free nieve ices range from fresh lime and orange chipotle to red wine sangria. Icy Rush Co., 2148 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90026, 213-908-5703.
 
Silver Lake’s popular lobster shack Knuckle & Claw has opened a sister spot on Santa Monica's Main Street. Expect the same lobster rolls and blue crab rolls, as well as a full oyster bar and a garden patio. Knuckle & Claw Santa Monica, 2715 Main St., Santa Monica, CA 90405, 310-399-9939.
 

NEWS BYTES

Fig & Olive's Aperitivo Happy Hour
Fig & Olive’s new “Aperitivo” happy hour runs daily in the bar and lounge from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Guests can choose from summer garden cocktails ($8) made with fresh ingredients such as muddled blackberries and rosemary-thyme syrup. Bites include prosciutto, ricotta, fig, olive and walnut crostini; a truffle mushroom croquette; lamb meatballs with gremolata; and sliders, all priced from $5 to $10. Fig & Olive, 8490 Melrose Place, West Hollywood, CA 90069, 310-360-9100.
 
Atwater's OZU East Kitchen Debuts Happy Hour
OZU East Kitchen is launching happy hour just in time for summer. Tuesday through Saturday from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m., guests can enjoy some of Atwater’s favorite bites, including avocado toast with yuzu guac and blistered shishitos with shiso salt and smoked mayo ($4 each). Other small plates on offer are chicken karaage, chicken fried tofu and crispy rice cake with a sunny side egg ($6 each). Drink specials include $7 wines, sake bottles and Asahi draft beer pints ($5). OZU East Kitchen, 3224 Glendale Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90039, 323-284-8773.
 
L’Ami Announces New Prix-Fixe Dinner Sunday Through Thursday
Santa Monica's L’Ami is now serving a chef’s selection prix-fixe menu Sunday through Thursday from 5:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. The cost is $49 per person and includes an appetizer, entrée and dessert. Selections include a beet and burrata tower, white sea bass with harissa emulsion, Mary’s organic free-range chicken breast with porcini mushrooms, and fresh daily desserts. L'Ami, 246 26th St., Santa Monica, CA 90402, 310-310-8064.
 
Free Kids Meals at Recess Eatery Through June
Highland Park's Recess Eatery has launched its "Kids Are On Us" offer: for every one adult entrée ordered, diners can enjoy one free kids' meal. Chef Sevan and his wife Tamar (who is also co-owner) have two kids themselves and want to remind customers that they cater to families. The offer runs through the month of June. Recess Eatery, 5022 York Blvd., Highland Park, CA 90042, 818-507-0592.
 
Cassia Unveils New Dishes For Weekday Lunch
Chef Bryant Ng’s Santa Monica restaurant Cassia now offers lunch on weekdays from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Select dinnertime favorites like the Vietnamese pot au feu will be on the menu, alongside all-new dishes such as a Vietnamese-French dip sandwich made with clay oven-baked flatbread and served with a side of pho broth for dipping or sipping. The Spice Table Burger --- a popular item from Bryant’s previous restaurant, Spice Table --- has been revived (and renamed) as the Cassia Burger. Other dishes include a chickpea curry sandwich and cold sesame noodles. Cassia, 1314 Seventh St., Santa Monica, CA 90401, 310-393-6699.
 
The Restaurant at Mr. C will offer a special five-course anniversary menu for $55 Five Year Anniversary Menu at The Restaurant at Mr. C
From June 6-30, 2016, The Restaurant at Mr. C will offer a special five-course anniversary menu for $55. Executive chef Giuseppe Manco’s celebratory menu showcases family classics such as the Bellini and beef carpaccio (invented by Giuseppe Cipriani at Harry’s Bar in Venice, Italy, in the 1940s); baked white tagliolini with ham or mushrooms, coated in a light cream sauce; baby artichoke and avocado salad with a light olive oil and lemon dressing; and Mr. C’s famous vanilla meringue cake. Mr. C, Mr. C Hotel, 1224 Beverwil Dr., Los Angeles, CA 90035, 310-226-6245.
 
The terrace at The Belvedere features an outdoor fireplace Al Fresco Dining at The Belvedere
The Peninsula Beverly Hills hotel has expanded the terrace at The Belvedere. It features a 30-foot Italian Cypress tree, French limestone fountains and an outdoor fireplace. The Belvedere, The Peninsula Beverly Hills, 9882 S. Santa Monica Blvd., Beverly Hills, CA 90212, 310-788-2306.
 
North Italia has launched its spring menu, including an asparagus pizza North Italia Launches Spring Dishes & Cocktails
The Irvine and El Segundo locations of North Italia are featuring new menu items for spring, including seasonal salads and an asparagus pizza topped with shaved artichoke, lemon, pistachio and a fried egg. There are also several new cocktails, such as the Apricot Limonata (Smirnoff vodka, apricot liqueur, smashed lemon). North Italia, The Point, 840 S. Sepulveda Blvd., Ste. 110, El Segundo, CA 90245, 310-469-7695.
 
Find out the winners of the James Beard Foundation Awards LA's James Beard Foundation Award Winners
The James Beard Foundation Awards took place on May 2, 2016, in Chicago, and a handful of Los Angeles chefs took home honors. Suzanne Goin of Lucques won Outstanding Chef; Dahlia Narvaez of Osteria Mozza was named Outstanding Pastry Chef; and Jon Shook and Vinny Dotolo of Animal were recognized as Best Chefs: West.
 
Wally's Beverly Hills Launches Take-Out Counter
Wally's Beverly Hills has launched a new take-out counter, located at the store entrance. The counter will be open seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Patrons can walk in to place their order or do so in advance by calling 310-475-3540 ext. 311. The take-out menu ranges from sandwiches like the “Taste of Parma” (Prosciutto di Parma, aged gruyere, butter, greens) to a kale and French feta salad (wilted black kale, marinated French feta, cucumber, jicama, cilantro, radishes, grilled lemon vinaigrette). There are also desserts, including a rich chocolate platino cookie with vanilla buttercream filling. Opt for sides like truffle chips and mixed artisanal olives. Wally's Beverly Hills, 447 N. Canon Dr., Beverly Hills, CA 90210, 310-475-3540.
 

CHEF SHUFFLE

Los Feliz Mexican stalwart El Chavo is reinventing itself with chefs Phillip Frankland Lee (Scratch Bar & Kitchen) and Alejandro Carasco now helming the stoves. Look for edgier small plates that include refined ceviches and crudos, a squash blossom quesadilla, branzino, chicken mole and braised short ribs with jalapeno. An elevated cocktail program matches the new fare. El Chavo, 4441 W. Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90027, 323-664-0871.
 

CLOSINGS

aestus had its final night of service on Sunday, May 22, 2016 Santa Monica's aestus had its final night of service on Sunday, May 22, 2016. New owners will take over the space and open an Italian restaurant. aestus, 507 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica, CA 90401, no phone.
 
In Westwood, Tanzy has closed. The space has been transformed into The Tuck Room, a concept by Sherry Yard. Tanzy, 10840 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90024, no phone.
 
Hollywood's Sadie Kitchen & Lounge has closed. Sadie Kitchen & Lounge, 1638 N. Las Palmas Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90028, 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.