Casa Madera
Making it big in Los Angeles isn’t just reserved for the entertainment industry. With an eclectic, rich dining scene like ours, we constantly have culinary leaders working to open the next big L.A. hotspot. And lucky for us, that means there’s a long lineup of new restaurants, lounges, food stands, bars and more to always try. See below for all the new places that have opened in Los Angeles in 2023.
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Website/ 22160 Ventura Blvd 91364
Opened in June, Casaléna brings to Woodland Hills a culinary experience notable for its seasonally-driven shareable plates and lively craft cocktails inspired by the Mediterranean. The restaurant and bar transcends guests via its European resort ambiance. Menu highlights include charred octopus, roasted corn agnolotti, butterflied whole branzino and zucchini pizza.
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Website/ 525 W 7th St 90014
There is a new coastal Euro-beach restaurant and bar in downtown. Called First & Last Club, the concept comes inspired by owner Alessandro Nicolaci’s childhood in Italy and focuses on low-ABV cocktails and small plates.
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Website/ 1254 S Figueroa St 90015
Level 8 has opened on the eighth floor of the Moxy & AC Hotel in downtown Los Angeles. Sprawling across 30,000 square feet, the space features both dining and entertainment with the likes of rooftop pool deck Golden Hour, the Mr. Wanderlust piano bar and jazz lounge, nightlife concept Sinners y Santos and restaurant Maison Kasai, Mother of Pearl, Què Bábaro and The Brown Sheep.
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Website/ 9960 S Santa Monica Blvd 90212
In collaboration with Nerano Beverly Hills and led by chefs Marcos Spaziani and Louis Huh, Lou’Mar held its grand opening on Sept. 20. The reservation-only restaurant offers creative cocktails and unique shared plates enlivened by Korean and Venezuelan flavors.
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Website/ 3116 W Magnolia Blvd
Now totaling five locations, Lucifers Pizza opened a new spot in Burbank’s Magnolia park district. The Kiwi-inspired pizzeria spreads across 1,600 square feet, making for a cozy place to meet up with friends and family.
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Ivan Vasquez will have a new Madre outpost in Santa Clarita. In addition to offering its renowned selection of over 500 bottles of mezcal (including a number of exclusive batches), it will feature Oaxacan rugs, art, and sculptures Vasquez sourced during his trips home. It opens on Oct. 2.
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Website/ 1541 Ocean Ave 90401
From Pacific Coast Hospitality Group, this Mediterranean restaurant debuted in Santa Monica in March. Already attracting the liked of Kendall Jenner, Mon Ami welcomes diners to enjoy dishes inspired by the likes of Spain, Greece, Italy, France and Morocco.
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Website/ 111 W 9th St 90015
Mona Pasta Bar debuted in downtown in early August. Coalescring local Southern California ingredients and classic Italian techniques and flavors, the menu is ideal for snacking over a glass of wine, sharing between friends or enjoying a multi-course dinner.
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Website/ 206 S Beverly Dr 90212
Parakeet Café has opened its first Los Angeles location is Beverly Hills. The all-day menu is made from locally sourced, seasonal, organic ingredients and the pastries by new bakery directory Quentin Collignon are a must for lovers of almond croissants.
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Website/ 11770 San Vicente Blvd 90049
On Sept. 28, Planta will have a second Los Angeles location. The Brentwood eatery will offer plant-based offerings like carrot tartare, crispy mushroom hand roll and tagliatelle carbonara.
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Website/ 849 Ocean Ave 90403
Oceana Santa Monica opened its flagship restaurant in early September. Inspired by SoCal produce, Sandpiper menu highlights include Maine lobster tortellini, slow-cooked pork rago and roasted Japanese sweet potatoes.
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Website/ 1215 1/2 Cypress Ave 90065
Last Word Hospitality— behind the likes of Found Oyster and Queen St.— unveiled a pizza concept in Cypress Park in August. A tribute to Philadelphia pizza joints, Shins Pizza is a takeaway and delivery establishment where you can order slices or full pies.
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Website/ 421 N Rodeo Dr 90210
Making the jump from Sherman Oaks to Beverly Hills, Sushi Note expanded its L.A. presence with an omakase concept. The 14-seat space presents an intimate, refined dining experience of its 20-course sushi program.
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Website/ 10645 W. Pico Blvd 90064
During the final sprint of summer, West L.A. welcomed a new Italian bistro. Vicini Ristorante & Wine Bar celebrates chef-owner Luco Bedon’s familial roots from the Veneto region of Italy through its lineup of over crudos, cicchetti, handmade pastas, platters of ribs and more.
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Website/ 712 S Santa Fe Ave 90021
Yangban has reopened following a major interior renovation. The Korean American restaurant menu showcases influences from seasonal California ingredients and refined techniques. Highlights include Gochujang Braised Black Cod and Golden Prawn Toast Ama Ebi.
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Website/ 7302 Melrose Ave 90036
Are you vegan or vegetarian? Come try APB and their fully plant-based bar. APB, standing for “all plant based,” serves freshly made vegan sushi by Niku Nashi, as well as vegan cocktails and desserts.
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Website/ 1025 Abbot Kinney Blvd 90291
Adding a healthy dose of SoCal flare, Casamata CEO Santiago Perez brought ATLA from New York to Venice Beach. Sprawlin 7,200 square feet, the restaurant includes an outdoor patio and a menu with the likes of quesadillas, tacos, ceviches and aguachiles made from California ingredients. Keep your eyes open on reservations for later in the summer.
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Website/ 900 West Olympic Ave 90015
On the floor 24 of The Ritz-Carlton, dine at Agave Library and enjoy the breathtaking views with high-end tequila. With five courses featuring different spirits and foods, chef Kevin Luzande presents a wonderful tasting menu that changes with the seasons.
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Website/ 14106 Ventura Blvd 91423
With the menu crafted by executive chef and partner Lior Hillel, Valley Angelenos can enjoy the Mediterranean style dishes at Bacari. It serves up favorites from its other locations across town like Shawarma Tacos, Ricotta & Beet Gnocchi, Pistachio Lamb Kebab and eclectic wines, in addition to seasonal dishes.
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Website/ 705 West 9th Street 90015
At Baar Baar, chef Sujan Sarkar offers his own spin on Indian cuisine. The dishes are authentic and creative: a combination of dishes Sarkar grew up eating in Kolkata, mixed with modern techniques he has learned from kitchens across the world.
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Website/ 9159 Sunset Blvd 90069
Bar Next Door is the perfect new place to go to for a craft cocktail. Enjoy your cocktail created by bar director Brynn Smith where each signature drink on the menu is related to a different location nearby, such as for The Beverly Hills Hotel (a clarified pink paloma rose spritz) or Whisky a Go-Go (whiskey and coke).
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Website/ 1215 Cypress Ave 90065
Barra Santos is a great place to go for a neighborhood atmosphere and Portuguese cuisine. Seating only 40 guests, it is worth the wait to order the Piri Piri Chicken, the Buttered Sardine Toasties and other delectable dishes.
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Website/ 603 N La Cienega Blvd 90069
In the mood for Mexican food? Come and taste Bombo. Through the talents of head chef Samantha Quintero, diners will enjoy everything on their plates from the whole sea bass with lime sauce to mushroom tacos. Take in the atmosphere of the restaurant while viewing artwork around the room created by local Los Angeles and Mexican-based artists.
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Website/ 10250 Santa Monica Blvd 90067
Following a successful pop-up, Eataly Los Angeles has added Capri to its permanent lineup of restaurants. Located on its main shopping floor, the Southern Italian-influenced menu offers fresh seafood, traditional pasta, spritzes and regional Italian wine.
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Website/ 22160 Ventura Blvd
Opening the last week of June, Woodland Hills is treated to a new restaurant inspired by Mediterranean coastal fare. Diners will flock here for the likes of butterflied whole branzino with chimichurri and grilled lemon; charred octopus with fingerling potatoes; an excellent zucchini pizza and enticing cocktail menu with drinks like the Smoke Fig Old Fashioned and Caprese Martini.
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Website/ 1118 Abbot Kinney Blvd
When you step into De Buena Planta Garden Club and Mezcaleria, you are surrounded by the flourishing garden and the abundance of new plants. The space was redesigned for guests to focus on the greenery and the bar first while they are sipping on cocktails next to herbs and succulents. Guests can walk through the plant shop where they can purchase plants, soil, ceramics, gardening tools and much more.
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Website/ 9850 Wilshire Blvd 90210
Taking over the former Jean-Georges space at the Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills, chef Steve Benjamin and the award-winning hotel culinary team craft dishes enhanced by Mediterranean flavors and European influence at Espelette.
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Website/ 9388 S Santa Monica Blvd 90210
Following his dominance of the L.A. restaurant scene with Felix and Mother Wolf, chef Evan Funke has set roots in Beverly Hills with a gorgeous self-titled restaurant that continues his reputation for excellent pizzas and pastas, in addition to a number of vegetable-forward menu items.
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Website/ 822 Washington Blvd 90292
In the mood for a cocktail that tastes like a tropical getaway? Check out Gin Rummy, an island-inspired cocktail bar that will leave you thinking you're on a beach. Beverage directors Marcus Ragas and Danillo Kim have generated their own fun menu with Frozen Rummys, Tikis, Highballs and so much more. Gin Rummy also offers a small selection of snacks to go with the drinks, as well as a section of mocktails.
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Website/ 4220 N Coldwater Canyon Ave 91604
Created by Sara Kramer and Sarah Hymanson, Kismet Rotisserie is the place to get an impeccable rotisserie chicken. What’s more, Kismet Rotisserie menu extends beyond chicken and is also plant-based and sustainable with items such as sandwiches, salads, potatoes and sweets.
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Website/ 11814 Ventura 91604
Come test out Michelin-starred chef Shigenori Fujimoto’s creations at Leona’s Sushi House. Try the delicious sushi and pair it with a refreshing cocktail such as Voilette Rose, a mix of Maestro Dobel Diamante Reposado Tequila, lime, agave, rose, jalapeno and tajin, or Shiso Daiquiri, a combination of Flor de Cana Rum, melon, lemon, cherry, and Shisho Leaf. It’s the perfect complement to some of the freshest fish you’ll find in town.
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Website/ 4625 Admiralty Way Ste. 104 90292
Vegans rejoice. You’ve got another plant-based sushi option in town. At Planta, chow down onthe Pan-Latin inspired vegan dishes while enjoying the breathtaking waterfront views. Consider the sweet potato-based Sunset Roll, Queso Fundido made with cashew mozzarella and the truffle-enhanced Udon Noodles.
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Website/ 12746 Jefferson Blvd 90094
Serving fresh and local produce, come to Superfine Playa to try the menu created by chefs Dina and Steve Samson. Superfine Playa offers Italian cuisine with a menu of homemade pastas, wood-grilled meats and fish.
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Website/ 2900 Grand Ave 93441
Created by Joey Tenseley (the winemaker and owner of Tensely Wines) comes Tensley Tasting Room, the first Santa Barbara winery-owned tasting room in Los Angeles. Tensley Tasting Room allows guests to taste its various varietals, including the 2022 Clairette Blanche, 2022 Rose of Grenache, 2020 Santa Barbara County Syrah and 2021 Thompson Vineyard Syrah.
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Website/ 1415 Ocean Ave 90401
Located within The Georgian Hotel is a new eatery helmed by executive chef David Almany with menu items like Chicken Milanese, Pappardelle Ragu Bolognese and Blue Prawn Posillipo.
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Website/ 6600 Topanga Canyon Blvd 91303
Located inside Westfield Topanga Mall is the brand new Topanga Social featuring 27 food and beverage options. The options range from Dtown Pizzeria, Garden Creations and Primo’s Donuts to Shrimp Daddy’s, Truffle Brothers Market and so much more. Want to order from multiple places? You can order from multiple shops at the same time using the Topanga Social app; at the touch screen ordering stations or from the QR codes posted around the space.
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Website/ 10250 Santa Monica Blvd 90067
Making its fifth location in Los Angeles, True Food Kitchen is ready to serve more of the city right at Westfield Century City. True Food Kitchen uses intentionally sourced ingredients to create satisfying meals. With its new spring menu featuring over 30 new dishes, you will leave feeling full and well.
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Website/ 6801 Hollywood Blvd 90028
Opened just in time for summer, the multi-course kaiseki restaurant presents a refined omakase menu of artful dishes that don’t have a single competitor on this end of Hollywood Boulevard. Menu highlights include a savory egg custared with creamy uni, egg yolk and fresh wasabi and a Wagyu filet mignon that comes with a French-influenced Burdock sauce.
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Website/ 4349 Tujunga Ave 91604
Want to experience the glamor of Old Hollywood? Set a reservation for Velvet Martini Lounge and immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the Rat-Pack inspired lounge. Try the vintage inspired cocktails or the artisan cheese and charcuterie on the slick menu.
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Website/ 8500 Beverly Blvd 90048
Under the new direction of Saison Hospitality culinary director chef Paul Chung, Angler reopened in Beverly Grove. With a promise that every creation touches the hearth fire in some capacity, the menu spans cold and hot dishes with the likes of dry-aged vermillion crudo with smoked bone vinegar and puffed rice; eggplant with smoked masala and onion yogurt and swordfish al pastor with barbecued pineapple. The complementary bar program includes large format cocktails and wines by the glass.
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Website/ 7302 Melrose Ave 90036
An acronym for All Plant Based, APB comes from Jeffrey Best and Ken Jones and esteemed mixologist Julian Cox. The fully plant-based bar is the ultimate spot for vegans (and non-vegans too!) with a vegan menu of cocktails, dry libations and sushi by chef Niko Zaragoza.
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Website/ 9355 Culver Blvd 90232
The Culver City food hall welcomes three new culinary concepts in March: Bang Bang Noodles by chef Robert Lee; Uoichiba Temaki + Chirashi by Liwei Liao from The Joint Seafood and ILÉ Bistro, the experimental West African concept from chef Tolu Eros and partner David Olusoga.
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Website/ 8440 Sunset Blvd 90069
Located inside the Mondrian Los Angeles, Noble 33’s newest venture lets you journey to the Mayan Riviera without ever leaving the city. Casa Madera has already become the Sunset Strip’s most exciting additions of the year just three months in with its seafood-forward menu, social-media worthy cocktails that taste as good as they look and lively, gorgeous atmosphere. Be sure to include the albondiga, ceviche blanco wagyu top cap and arrachera tacos on your order.
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Website/ 218 Main St 90291
Serving up locally sourced California-French fare, Coucou marries Paris to the Pacific. The Venice cocktail bistro is a warm, inviting spot to gather over oysters, moules marinière and crisp cocktails, like the European Summer (fords gin, dubonnet, fresh kumquat, mandarin, lime) and the Coucou Sour (pisco, dry orange curacao, lime, egg white).
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Website/ 9785 S Santa Monica Blvd 90210
Beverly Hills re-welcomes La Dolce Vita under new owners, Marc Rose and Med Abrous of Call Mom (The Spare Room, Genghis Cohen). The new owners aim to preserve the restaurant’s history with a nod to the nostalgic Italian-American restaurants of their youth in New York City. Menu items include buffalo mozzarella with eggplant caponata, clams oreganata, house chopped salad, spaghetti and meatballs, stuffed manicotti and veal parmigiana.
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Website/ 4123 Centinela Ave 90066
Led by Dylan Weiss and co-founded with Hotcakes Bakes’ Elfie Astier, the mother-son duo gave Culver City a neighborhood spot for natural wines. The wine bar also serves up French-inspired dishes like Pâté de Campagne and lamb chops and puts on comedy shows to enliven your evening of sipping independently produced vino from around the world.
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Website/ 1335 E 6th St 90021
The downtown Arts District is now home to a Spanish tapas bar. From Factory Place Hospitality Group, Flor y Solera is inspired by Spain’s 17 regions and promises the chance to eat dishes rarely seen outside of Southwestern European country. The menu features choices like Fideus Rossejats amb Cloïsses, a Catalan toasted noodle dish with clams; Migas Camperas, a traditional dish of fried bread and meats from the Meseta and Arròs amb Crosta from Valencia.
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Website/ 8888 Washington Blvd 90232
Continuing the Culver City renaissance, Juliet opened in February. The seafood-centric, Paris-inspired restaurant and patio is an all-day-and-night destination for feasting over French-inspired dishes enlivened by SoCal seafood. Highlights include Carpaccio de Thon, Cigars de Confit de Canard, Moules Persillade and Madeleines au Beurre Noisette. Meanwhile, the wine list solely features French products and the bar program offers classic cocktails.
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Website/ 900 Exposition Blvd 90007
Located at the Natural History Museum, the casual eatery is the newest venture by chef John Cleveland and Roni Cleveland, co-owners of the award-winning Post & Beam in Baldwin Hills. Menu highlights include the hot pastrami sandwich, street tacos and flatbread pizza.
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Website/ 73 Market St 90291
Open to Neuehouse members for breakfast and lunch and then members and their guests for dinner, Reunion in Venice captures “the never-ending summer holiday of our dreams,” as put by Robert Marchetti, global executive vice president of restaurants and bars at CultureWorks. The menu features coastal Italian cuisine.
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Website/ 3510 Sunset Blvd 90026
Located in what was once Silver Lake’s Eszett, this lesbian wine bar is committed to being a safe, sexy, casual and welcoming space to gather and imbibe. While sipping local beers, natural wines or nonalcoholic drinks, guests can graze on bites like street-style hot dogs and fried salt cod croquettes.
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Website/ 900 W Olympic Blvd 90015
The Ritz-Carlton, Los Angeles elevated its dining options with the addition of Sendero. The 24th-floor dining concept hosts four independent dining experiences that reflect chef Kevin Luzande’s journey down the Pan-American Highway, the network of roads that link the coastal countries of North, Central and South America. Book a reservation at Corteza for seafood-centric Baja fare or opt for Leña when in search of an Argentine-influenced steakhouse. Meanwhile, the Agave Library is focused on offering rare and premium tequila and mezcal. The fourth concept, Volante, will open later in 2023 as a conceptual chef’s table.
From French fare to Mexican cuisine, you can find it all in Los Angeles.
Photography by: Photo by AVABLU for Casa Madera
