Birdie G’s, Angler, Pizzana West Hollywood, Now on the Resy Hit List

Because with his brand-new Santa Monica spot, Jeremy Fox pays homage to local California produce and his Midwestern roots. Classic, craveable dishes get an upgrade—think a Dungeness crab-and-prawn cake and signature chopped salad with ‘nduja. Check out the rotating daily specials, including Gladys’ Lengua Pot Roast on Thursdays and banger meatloaf with mashed potatoes on Fridays.

Because Bay Area star chef Joshua Skenes (Saison) has arrived at the Beverly Center. With the award-winning chef’s new Los Angeles outpost, expect a simple menu comprised of fresh seafood and peak-season ingredients. Highlights include salt and pepper scorpion fish and slowly grilled hen of the woods mushrooms.

For reservations, contact the restaurant at (424) 332-4082.

Because chef Daniele Uditi’s neo-Neapolitan slice has taken over the Westside. With a second WeHo location, Pizzana’s new menu offerings include a smoked salmon-topped pizza and a special spinaci pie. Top it off with an order of gluten-free polenta fries for good measure.

Because count on this Venice newcomer, helmed by former fine dining chef Vartan Abgaryan, to deliver from brunch through dinner. Gather a group and enjoy a sun-drenched weekend with offerings like shakshuka, Dungeness crab Benedict, and cinnamon rolls topped with cream cheese frosting, followed by a round of crisp micheladas for the table.

Because take in sweet summertime with a snack on the patio (think raclette grilled cheese and crispy artichokes doused in smoked green goddess dressing). Sip on the Yola Mezcal-based “La Vida Rosa”– made with chartreuse, ginger, raspberry, and pink pepper.

Because at long last, West Hollywood locale Formosa Cafe has reopened, with chef David Kuo’s Taiwanese fare front and center. The iconic space, which has been fully restored, boasts a luxe interior with red booths and an original trolley, setting the tone for Kuo’s comfort food dishes (think beef and broccoli, dan dan mian, walnut shrimp) and tiki cocktails.

Because this all-day favorite and Brooklyn transplant is a welcome addition to East Hollywood. Come early for grain bowls topped with sprouted grains, poached egg, and nettle-walnut pesto; at dinnertime, spring for a dozen oysters followed by a pitcher of pineapple-turmeric-tequila punch, and, for dessert, the fluffy rosewater pavlova with passionfruit.

Because chef Javier Ramos’ salty butterscotch boi doughnut is here to stay. At El Vy, Ramos’ signature seasonal offerings, like magic myrna potatoes with achiote, oregano and “mucho limon,” balance the chef’s indulgent hits: the blue box cheeseburger—topped with aioli and pickles, and served on brioche—is a revelation.

Because downtown has a new destination for Adobada tacos. Jorge “El Joy” Alvarez-Tostado dishes out the Tijuana-style tacos as quickly as he can carve the meat off the trompo (a vertical rotisserie stacked with marinated pork). The namesake dish here includes fresh house-made tortillas, open-fire grilled meats, and a touch of cheese. Pro-tip: order the off-menu “perron”– Joy’s ode to Rosarito’s famous mariscos truck, El Yaqui.

Walk-ins only.

Because few things are more satisfying than handmade pasta done exceptionally well. At Matt Molina’s Hippo, fan favorites include the tried and true Monday night lasagna verde and seasonal sweet corn cappellacci. Round out the meal with fresh pizza bianca, from nearby Triple Beam, and an expansive wine list, and your date night is set.