The March Hit List: Olivetta, Red Herring, Bar Avalon, and More

Because more is more at West Hollywood’s new European-inspired restaurant from Matt and Marissa Hermer, best known for their work at The Draycott. Tuck into a plush leather booth in the “living room,” and order a dirty martini with blue cheese-infused dry vermouth while chef Michael Fiorelli (Love & Salt) throws a ribeye on the grill. Pro Tip: Don’t miss the vinyl-only music nights by Geffen Records’ Neil Jacobson.

Because this is a feast for your eyes (and appetite) in DTLA’s Eight & Grand hub. Chef Dave Woodall’s menu matches the decor with dishes like orata a la plancha blanketed in a mojo verde. So pull up a peach velvet chair, order the Battle of Puebla cocktail, and drink in the good vibes. 

Because Echo Park’s booming restaurant scene has a new contender. The newest project from Atlanta’s Revelator Coffee, this all-day cafe, helmed by Nathaniel Muñoz and chef Joshua Guarneri, features a brick, vaulted dining room that’s open from morning to night. On the menu are offerings like a surefire bacon breakfast sandwich, market succotash, and blue prawns with piri piri.

Because in a rave review in the Los Angeles Times, critic Bill Addison said the moules frites topped with curly fries are “weird and triumphant.” Don’t let the simple name fool you: Trois Mec vet Douglas Rankin’s menu, which includes lamb tartare and pain perdu a.k.a. French toast, shows his mastery of French cuisine (and then some). Breakfast for dessert is necessary.

Because Silver Lake’s latest watering hole hits all the marks: natural wines, a market-driven menu, and a strip mall setting. Husband-and-wife duo Sabrina and Spencer Bezaire (L&E Oyster Bar) know what the neighborhood wants: namely, charcoal-grilled razor clams in brown butter harissa with a crisp glass of Nikolaihof Grüner. 

Because chef Chad Colby’s menu is straight from the motherland. Case in point: tripe alla Romana with grilled focaccia. Other standouts include handmade pastas — like fazzoletti in beef cheek and veal tongue Bolognese — all offered with pairings from wine director Kevin Caravelli. Save room for fresh strawberry ice cream and an amaro — for good health.

Because the team behind the valley’s favorite sushi restaurant, Sushi Note, has rolled out a casual eatery in Los Feliz. In the old McConnell’s space, chef Kiminobu Saito offers a selection of hand rolls, cut rolls, and sashimi. Pull up a stool at the sushi bar, start off with a snapper hand roll, and knock back a Kimino yuzu soda.

Because Beverly Hills has a new hit soba noodle restaurant from the founder of Tatsu Ramen. Chef Ryu Osobe has a passion for noodles, and he delivers. Kazan’s soba noodles come in a variety of broths and sizes; go for the house signature lamb in lava. Order a Sapporo on draft and snack on some lotus root chips while you wait for your noodles. 

For reservations call the restaurant at (424) 512-9101.

Because M. Georgina is a beacon of innovation at the Row DTLA. Chef-owner Melissa Perello’s craveable food keeps us coming back for more. Order the charcoal-baked potato with an appropriately giant portion of creme fraiche and duck cracklings to whet your appetite.

For reservations call the restaurant at (213) 334-4113.

Because you’re in LA — live your best life. Soak in the sun and order a poolside pasta at the new boutique trattoria at Silver Lake Pool & Inn. And if you have one too many spritzes, book a room. Ricotta pancakes for breakfast? Now that’s a date.

For reservations call the restaurant at (323) 486-7176.

Throughout March and April, Croft Alley at The Standard will showcase chefs from a variety of backgrounds in a series of communal meals that will be silverware-optional. Executive chef Phuong Tran is bringing in a quartet of chefs — including David Schlosser of Shibumi, Jonathan Aviles of Salazar, and Bricia Lopez of Guelaguetza — to each spend a night cooking. Check out the full schedule and nab a Resy.