Birch
Chef Brendan Collins’ new restaurant is a fairly diminutive spot for the big, bold flavors along the Cahuenga Corridor. From refreshing peach and burrata salad to lobster cappelini there’s a little something for everyone, but the rabbit baklava is the star dish, which looks like a phyllo burrito stuffed with tender rabbit confit and dates. 634 Cahuenga Blvd., 323.960.3369
Cast
Viceroy Santa Monica’s sleek new dining destination in the former Whist space boasts an elegant private dining room indoors and scenic outdoor cabanas. Chef Tony DiSalvo’s revamped global menu stars hand-rolled gnocchi, kimchee fried chicken and lamb kefta meatballs, along with creative breakfast options like quinoa and eggs. 1819 Ocean Ave., 310.260.7511
Faith & Flower
The restaurant from Coastal Luxury Management—the group behind the Los Angeles Food & Wine and Pebble Beach Food & Wine festivals—this regal restaurant will have you swooning over everything from the velvet banquettes and dripping crystal chandeliers to chef Michael Hung’s menu, which runs the gamut from kimchi-topped deviled eggs to gorgeous rib eye topped with oysters and jus. The newly launched weekend brunch menu raises the bar with bourbon pancakes and smoked trout Benedict. 705 W. Ninth St., L.A., 213.239.0642
Jean-Georges
With an empire already spanning the globe, award-winning chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten has finally arrived on the West Coast at the new Waldorf Astoria. The luxurious ground-floor dining room and slew of tables play host to some of Vongerichten’s most popular signature dishes, such as the egg yolk toast sandwich topped with a mound of glistening caviar, truffle-coated pizza and uni and jalapeƱo on crispy black bread. 310.860.6566
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