Best Restaurants That Opened In L.A. In 2016
2016 was a great year for new restaurants all over town, cementing L.A. as one of the premier food scenes in the U.S. Spanning all types of cuisines, chefs across LA have opened several unique and must-go to restaurants. d
Catch LA
8715 Melrose Ave
West Hollywood, CA 90069
(323) 347-6060
www.catchrestaurants.com
With a rooftop space that makes pretty much every other location in Los Angeles jealous, Catch LA opened in September 2016 and has quickly become known for its celebrity sightings, delicious and creative seafood-focused food, and tasty cocktails. As one of the popular hotspots in the city, it may be tough to get in though. So, if you score a reservation, make sure not to miss it. The menu focuses on seafood items like sushi, ceviche, crispy shrimp, crunchy rice cakes, lobster mac & cheese, and entrees like a crispy whole snapper, lobsters, Alaskan King crab, crispy chicken a filet mignon and much more.
Salazar
2490 Fletcher Dr
Los Angeles, CA 90039
www.salazarla.com
Salazar, which opened May 2016, brings elevated Mexican mesquite grilled dishes in a space that oozes cool. Brought to Angelenos from co-owner and Chef Esdras Ochoa coupled with a bar program from Beverage Director Brandi Boles, the restaurant focuses on classic Mexican flavors with a modern twist. Set on the L.A. river, the concept expands on the former Salazar Mazda garage featuring an open kitchen with great indoor and outdoor seating. At the restaurant, Chef Ochoa makes hand-made tortillas, while cooking up specialties like their grilled pork chops, carne asada tacos and the frijoles charro. With a great mix of decor and food, it's a must visit.
Manuela
907 E 3rd St.
Los Angeles, CA 90013
(323) 849-0480
www.manuela-la.com
Manuela opened in October 2016 in the Hauser Wirth & Schimmel arts complex in DTLA's Arts District and offers seasonally driven menu items from chef Wes Whitsell's North Texas upbringing. The restaurant was created by the gallery's co-Presidents Iwan and Manuela Wirth and uses artisanal techniques including in-house smoking, fermenting, preserving and pickling for most of its menu items. Manuala offers guests a convivial, distinctive experience in which art, food, sustainability, and community converge with popular menu items including: The Redneck, Grilled Quail, Deer Burger, Smoked Pork Shoulder, and Hushpuppies.
Kettle Black
3705 Sunset Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90026
(323) 641-3705
www.kettleblackla.com
Kettle Black opened in August and features a modern approach to a rustic aesthetic that supports artisanal and handmade food and cocktails. The restaurant occupies what was originally home to the California Bank and prominently displays an original vault from when it was first built in 1922 and focal points also include 17 foot ceilings, original tile, brick, and vaulted wood truss beams. Executive chef Sydney C. Hunter III serves Italian cuisine including handmade pastas and pizzas, the current popular dish is the Wood-fired Polpette Pizza made with meatballs, 'nduja and leoncini.
by CHLOE
2520 Glendale Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90026
(424)-675-7618
www.eatbychloe.com
by CHLOE, the vegan fast casual concept offering vegan takes of comfort food classics including veggie burgers, salads, non-dairy ice cream, pastas, juices and more, opened its doors in May 2016 in Silverlake's 365 by Whole Foods. Alongside the Los Angeles location, by CHLOE currently has multiple locations in New York, with additional expansion planned for New York and Boston in 2017. The Los Angeles restaurant's kitschy atmosphere is anchored by black and white details, highlighted by unique textiles, pops of color and two neon signs of their signature burger and fries hang in the dining area. Their most popular item is their Guac Burger, but be sure to also try a freshly baked chocolate chip cookie.
Erven
514-516 Santa Monica Blvd.
Santa Monica, CA 90401
(310) 260-2255
www.ervenrestaurant.com
Erven, a plant-based new-American cuisine restaurant located in Santa Monica, comes to Angelenos from Chef Nick Erven and Midcourse Hospitality Group. Open for lunch as a sit down casual chef driven experience, and for dinner with a more sophisticated dining experience, diners will find superb dishes such as their Sunchoke Bread Pudding with braised maitake mushrooms, crispy rice and pho gravy, summer squash with buckwheat hoisin, smoked eggplant, and a beer battered tofu sandwich with celery slaw, thick pickle and manchamantel. There is also be an attached marketplace with takeout deli cases and a small section of seating, where guests can find easy grab and go service.
Wexler's Deli
616 Santa Monica Blvd.
Santa Monica, CA 90401
(424) 744-8671
www.wexlersdeli.com
Wexler's Deli had already opened a downtown L.A. location, but in May of 2016 it expanded into Santa Monica as chef Micah Wexler continued to redefine Jewish Deli culture with his modern take on deli classics. This is Wexler's second deli under the same name following the original Wexler's Deli in downtown L.A. All of the smoked fish and meats here are brined, cured, smoked and crafted in-house, and served on rye-bread and bagels baked to Chef Wexler's specifications. His paper thin lox and house smoked pastrami have drawn crowds to his first location in Downtown Los Angeles, so with the new Santa Monica location, fans can still enjoy favorites like The O.G., Reuben, and Ruskie, along with a few new additions to the smoked fish bar that will only be available in Santa Monica, including a Pastrami Lox and a Smoked Trout sandwich, as well as Dana's Matzo Ball Soup, and chocolate babka.
Citizen
184 N Canon Dr.
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
(310) 402-5885
www.citizenbeverlyhills.com
Located in the heart of Beverly Hills, Citizen opened July 2016 and is a social dining experience featuring an eclectic American menu from Chef Scott Howard including: Spanish octopus, the citizen burger with Pimento cheese/chili and roasted baby carrots and other favorites. Josh Goldman's Soigné Group bar program draws inspiration from iconic 1960's Americana and features tiki cocktails and straightforward drinks like the Jack Taylor and their Mai Tai as well. The sleek new restaurant features a brick relief on one wall, rustic tables and orange velvet chairs, while outside there is a large open-air patio lounge and fire pit.
71Above
633 W 5th St.
Los Angeles, CA 90071
(213) 712-2683
www.71above.com
71Above opened in July high atop the U.S. Bank Tower creating a restaurant 'of' and 'for Los
Angeles' with a contemporary modern American cuisine that references the ethnic makeup and cultural traditions of the sprawling metropolis. Perched on the 71st floor, diners can enjoy extraordinary unobstructed scenery, expanding for miles in all directions. Chef Abgaryan created a dining journey that includes a two-course lunch, a three course dinner, as well as guided chef's tasting menus, and curated wine and cocktail parings. Each menu offering concludes with an array of dessert offerings by Executive Pastry Chef Gregory Baumgartner.
Delilah
7969 Santa Monica Blvd
West Hollywood, CA 90046
(323) 745-0600
www.hwoodgroup.com
Delilah opened in October 2016, paying homage to the roaring 1920s art deco style, filled with plush interior aesthetics with its hybrid restaurant and lounge. The atmosphere at Delilah attributes to the timeless charm and grace of Hollywood's golden era. Delilah combines classic and modern American cuisine influenced by the era's popular array of soulful food with specialty libations. Guests can enjoy lounge style bottle service following dinner hours, while being entertained by live performers and surprise acts nightly.
Norah
8279 Santa Monica Blvd.
West Hollywood, CA 90046
(323) 450-4211
www.norahrestaurant.com
Norah, the latest from restaurateur Rohan Talwar of the acclaimed Ellipsis in Bombay opened in February of 2016 and focuses on seasonal, local products and offers an eclectic American menu ranging from freshly shucked oysters and house-made charcuterie to wood-burning grilled meats, and fish. Alongside cocktails, beer and wine, this West Hollywood eatery has become a favorite among young 30 somethings looking to be seen. The thoughtfully-sourced menu from Chef Mike Williams supports the local food community by showcasing produce and whole animals from nearby farms. The finely selected menu is divided into three sections: first, second, and third. After enjoying a delicious meal, save room for the decadent, and surprisingly vegan and gluten-free sweet corn ice cream with coconut caramel, almond crunch, lime zest and sea salt.
The Cannibal LA
8850 Washington Blvd.
Culver City, CA 90232
(310) 838-2783
www.thecanniballa.com
Located at the new and beautiful PLATFORM building in Culver City, The Cannibal LA opened in May of 2016 and is the new West Coast outpost of the popular NYC-based beer and butcher-focused restaurant. Executive Chef Francis Derby helms the meat-forward, vegetable-heavy menu with a focus on house-made sausages, charcuterie and nose-to-tail large format dining. Unique to this location, there is a full retail and butcher shop, offering a daily sandwich menu, too. The extensive beverage program features a selection of 450+ international beers, a carefully curated wine list with a heavy American influence, as well as craft cocktails for guests to sip on. The 120-seat restaurant features an open kitchen design and a Grillworks wood burning grill while the beer, butchery, and biking elements are evident in the design throughout.
Gwen
6600 W Sunset Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90028
(323) 946-7512
www.gwenla.com
With a full dining room and patio, Gwen in West Hollywood has risen to the top of L.A.'s hottest restaurants in 2016. The interior is stunning, and is thanks to a dream realized by Chef Curtis Stone (of Maude) and Luke Stone. Gwen is named after their grandmother, who lived outside of a farm outside of Melbourne. This is where they were first exposed to livestock and food which led Curtis to become one of the best chef's in the world. At Gwen, dinner is more than just dinner. It's an experience. Surrounded by raw meat hanging in rooms, Gwen is a toast to the past. But, the restaurant offers more than just meat. Salads, and great sides go along with the delicious food.
Here's Looking At You
3901 W 6th St
Los Angeles, CA 90020
(213) 568-3573
www.hereslookingatyoula.com
Here's Looking At You is undoubtedly one of the best and hottest restaurants in the city. And, for good reason. Alums from Animal are behind this Koreatown outpost and have partnered on this restaurant in an area that is becoming more and more popular. Craft plates with strong flavors, and Asian herbs define the menu while the cocktails menu helps define this elegantly designed restaurant.
