By: Kendall Moller By: Kendall Moller | October 21, 2024 | Food & Drink, Feature,
Santa Monica’s vibrant culinary scene just got a major boost with the debut of Orla, an Egyptian-Mediterranean restaurant led by acclaimed chef Michael Mina. Nestled inside the newly opened Regent Santa Monica Beach, the restaurant blends bold flavors and a cutting-edge design for a unique dining experience that transports guests from the California coast to the bustling bazaars of Mina’s native Cairo.
“Orla captures the spirit of my Egyptian roots by featuring bold flavors in an energetic space designed to bring people together,” says Mina. “Overlooking the Pacific, Regent Santa Monica Beach is the ideal locale to celebrate this cuisine that has played an integral role in my journey as a chef.”
With more than 30 restaurants across the U.S. and numerous accolades, including James Beard awards and Michelin stars, Mina’s name is synonymous with innovation, and Orla is no exception.
The opening of Orla is perfectly timed with the debut of the Regent Santa Monica Beach, a luxurious oceanfront resort that is redefining indulgence in L.A. With sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Monica Mountains, the Regent marks the iconic brand's return to the U.S. for the first time in decades and is already making waves with its blend of luxury and relaxation.
The synergy between Orla and Regent Santa Monica Beach feels intentional, as both spaces celebrate contrasts: old-world charm and modern flair, serenity and energy, tradition and creativity. AvroKO, the award-winning global design firm behind the restaurant's layout, perfectly captured this balance. The 270-seat restaurant features indoor and outdoor seating and stunning sea-inspired design elements like an octopus mosaic floor made of 300,000 hand-laid tiles.
At the heart of Orla is the menu, a celebration of the rich culinary traditions of Egypt and the Mediterranean. Mina’s personal history is woven into every dish, from the Toasted Orzo & Spicy Duck—a nod to ancient Egyptian pharaohs—to the Spice Marinated Red Snapper, inspired by a dish said to have been loved by Alexander the Great. The focus on seafood is unmistakable, with dishes like the Petrale Sole with phyllo-crusted filets and the Salt-Baked Sea Bream accompanied by shaved zucchini and oregano vinaigrette. Top to bottom, the curated menu showcases the restaurant’s deviation to fresh, local ingredients.
But Orla isn’t just about food;it’s also about community. The restaurant offers both à la carte options and The Orla Experience, a family-style tasting menu that encourages diners to share dishes and connect over food. Additionally, the beverage program, led by MINA Group Wine Director Jermy Shanker, features over 800 wines with an emphasis on regions like Lebanon and Corsica. The drink offerings are rounded out by inventive cocktails that blend tradition with a modern twist.
Reservations are now open via OpenTable, Resy and Seven Rooms. The restaurant welcomes guests daily, serving dinner from 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., and breakfast from 6:30 p.m. to 11 a.m. Be sure to also stop by for the Lobby Social Hour from 3 to 5 p.m. This daily event pairs elegantly light fare with drinks that highlight the creativity behind the bar, offering a refined setting for guests to indulge in a selection of beverages crafted by award-winning mixologists.
Orla is located at 1700 Ocean Ave 90401.
See also: All The New Restaurants And Bars That Have Opened In Los Angeles This Year
Photography by: Tanveer Badal; Regent Santa Monica; Andrew Bui