Los Angeles’ Newest Restaurant Openings, Now on Resy

Just when you thought Evan Funke didn’t have any more pasta shapes in his repertoire, here comes his three-level eponymous restaurant smack dab in the middle of Beverly Hills. Like Mother Wolf and Felix, the focus is regional Italian cooking seen through the lens of a born-and-bred Angeleno.

Be sure to check out Bar Funke, too.

From a bright orange sashimi food truck to a haven for smoky wood-grilled dishes, this Arts District spot from lauded London chef Junya Yamasaki fits right in with the buzzing neighborhood. Order some skewers, don’t miss the steamed rockfish with Manila clams, grab a drink, and then expect to order at least another round.

What Crudo e Nudo is to fresh, locally sourced ingredients served in ceviches and crudos, Isla is the grilled version. From the same team, this menu features yakitori-style skewers of meats, seafood, and vegetables cooked over binchotan charcoal. Think: kanpachi with orange koji marinade, and shrimp with aleppo and yuzu oil. The space is Santa Monica in all its glory, from local artists on the wall, warm woods, and a bougainvillea and herb-filled patio.

If you can trust the folks behind Grandmaster Recorders with anything, it’s one vibey spot. A modern Mexican stunner, Bombo sits pretty below the EP&LP rooftop, and is helmed by none other than chef Samantha Quintero, who takes cues from her Mexican roots and childhood spent in L.A. for one flavor-packed menu, teeming with tostadas, tacos, and large plates like lamb al pastor.

The good news: You can still sit in the Sinatra booth at this famed Beverly Hills spot. The team behind Genghis Cohen and The Spare Room took the reins to breathe new life into the story-filled walls of La Dolce Vita, and they’ve done a bang-up job. Don’t leave without at least one martini and a chance to dig into clams oreganata and the massive bone-in veal parmigiana.

Adding more oysters, steak frites, and caviar to Main Street, Coucou is the latest to make the strip connecting Santa Monica and Venice one of the most compelling dining neighborhoods. The menu leans French bistro, but there’s enough to keep the beach crowd coming back, like a classic burger, vegetarian French dip, and dynamite cocktails.

Because Dina and Steve Samson have combined their Fashion District restaurants into one Italian osteria for the Silicon Beach crowd. You’re here for Superfine’s pies with perfectly cupped pepperoni and other traditional and seasonal toppings, as well as handmade pastas and grilled meats and fish that Rossoblu is known for. As always, cocktails aren’t an afterthought (even for happy hour).

From the Resy Tipline: Superfine Playa will be soft opening with limited seating starting Wednesday, March 22!

Daniele Uditi’s flawless Neapolitan pizzas, both innovative and traditional, jam the small, bright, minimalist dining room at this Silver Lake outpost of his top-rated Westside originals. There’s a reason the cacio e pepe pizza has been widely heralded, but don’t miss the wood-fired broccoli or meatballs as well.

It’s no surprise dinner at Juliet is a scene: The beautiful French-inspired spot is in the same family as perennially packed Norah and Margot. The vibe is both timeless and au courant, a little Paris mixed with L.A. sensibilities. Stop for a martini, stay for the duck confit cigars and grilled lamb chops. 

There’s no shortage of shellfish towers on the Sunset Strip, especially with this streamlined entry. Tuck into blue leather booths inside or shaded by greenery and leafy plants on the sidewalk patio for lobster rolls, clam chowder, and more.

We love a plant-based restaurant that doesn’t slap us in the head with the merits of eating a plant-based diet. Donna Jean is just that, a place with really good seasonal comfort food that happens to be vegan. You’ll find the same pizzas, cast-iron mac ‘n’ cheese, and Nashville-style fried mushrooms from the San Diego original, plus a great L.A. brunch that the Valley needed.

Like the original in Venice and the stunning Larchmont location, this breezy all-day café serves fresh, brightly flavored California fare, including one of the best breakfast burritos in town, from a pretty-in-pink building. Stop for late breakfasts, happy hour, dinner with a bottle of natural wines and cocktails — it’s a place for all, any time of day.

The “Make Tacos, Not War” group heads west with its slow-roasted meats, numerous plant-based options, housemade salsas, and red velvet churros. This is Mexican food amped up with flavors as diverse as L.A. itself: tacos, bowls, and burritos filled with KBBQ (bulgogi or mushroom), banh mi fixings, and fried chicken, along with more traditional carne asada and carnitas.

It feels like you’re eating along the Mediterranean, with the hum of California in the background. Sit on the patio surrounded by potted plants and bougainvillea, tuck into carpaccio and pastas, fresh seasonal salads, and wood-fired langoustines. Or just sit around a fire pit, sip a few cocktails, and watch that Venice light turn to dusk.

The sleek space and Italian-leaning menu make a fine addition to Pasadena’s South Lake District. Choose your adventure: burrata and beets, wood-oven pizzas, ricotta and squash tortellini, or a pork chop that easily feeds two. You can’t go wrong.