Los Angeles continues to thrive as a gastronomic hub with a slew of new restaurant openings that cater to diverse palates and dining experiences. From upscale venues to casual eateries, here’s a roundup of the latest debuts across the Southland.
Blue Magpie in Arcadia opened its doors on June 11, showcasing a fresh approach to Taiwanese cuisine. Named after Taiwan’s national bird, the restaurant features a modern touch on traditional dishes, such as its unique Napa casserole which layers sakura shrimp, dried scallops, and kurobuta pork under bubbling cheese, torched tableside. Chef Leo Lo and entrepreneur Kevin Tang aim to bring fine dining back to the area, inviting patrons to enjoy a weekend brunch menu inspired by Taiwanese street food. The restaurant’s 3,500-square-foot space includes design elements reminiscent of the Formosan blue magpie, complete with private dining rooms.
Meanwhile, beachside in Venice, two new establishments opened their doors in a charming converted bungalow in late June. Heather Tierney, known for her work with Butcher’s Daughter, launched Only the Wild Ones, a restaurant and vinyl listening bar offering a curated selection of plant-based dishes alongside a well-rounded drinks menu featuring wine and cocktails.
On the second floor, Leena Culhane introduced Forces of Nature, a cocktail bar that works as a space for workshops and special events, serving a diverse menu of drinks, including zero-proof options.
Studio City welcomed Local Kitchens on July 2, marking the first food hall of its kind in Southern California. This innovative venue combines the talents of various renowned chefs, offering a range of delectable dishes from diverse cuisines under one roof. Guests can indulge in favorites like Alvin Cailan’s burgers, Tuệ Nguyen’s Vietnamese offerings, Rick Martinez’s Mexican fare, and more. With several locations already thriving in Northern California, Local Kitchens promises to bring a unique culinary experience to the region.
In Malibu, Gladstones partially reopened its outdoor deck on July 4, after being affected by the January Palisades Fire. Although the interior still undergoes renovations and is not expected to reopen until early 2026, the deck’s refreshed look features designs by architect Stephen Francis Jones and a mural by artist Jonas Never. Guests can still enjoy classic menu items including fish tacos, ceviche, and lobster rolls, making for a memorable dining experience by the beach.
Katsuya made its latest debut in Century City on July 25, expanding the culinary legacy of Okinawa-born chef Katsuya Uechi. The new lounge restaurant, which replaces the former Rock Sugar, features an extensive menu that includes sushi, sashimi, and hot appetizers like rock shrimp tempura, alongside larger mains such as miso black cod. Uechi, who first opened Katsuya in Studio City in 1997, continues to broaden his culinary reach with this chic addition under his partnership with SBE.
East Los Angeles saw the reopening of Muelle 8, albeit in a more streamlined format with a food trailer. Owner Jay Orozco revived the concept, bringing back chef Luis Cortez, whose menu now highlights popular items from the barra fría and barra caliente, including camarones zarandeados and a surf-and-turf taco with shrimp and grilled cabrería. Originally launched in Downey in February 2023, Muelle 8 quickly gained acclaim for its fresh, regional Mexican seafood offerings.
A unique addition to Hollywood came with the opening of Tesla Diner on July 21. Situated at a former Shakey’s location, it serves as Elon Musk’s first foray into casual dining, blended with the retro-futuristic aesthetic of its electric vehicle charging station setup. Longtime LA restaurateur Bill Chait helped conceptualize the diner, where chef Eric Greenspan offers a casual menu featuring burgers, breakfast tacos, and more.
Chinatown welcomed Cafe Tondo on July 25, a new café and bar inspired by Mexico City’s vibrant food scene. Offering a diverse menu from early morning coffee and conchas to evening fare including Milanesa and steak frites, Cafe Tondo promises a unique dining experience. This establishment results from a collaboration among various creative minds, aiming to encapsulate the essence of a circular relief, as suggested by its name, ‘Tondo.’
Lastly, Bar 109 opened on July 29 in Melrose Hill, marking the debut of Brian Baik’s stylish cocktail bar. This bar occupies the front portion of the forthcoming tasting menu restaurant Corridor 109, which has been in development for years. With drinks overseen by Kayla Garcia, an award-winning bartender formerly of Kumiko, Bar 109 serves a range of classic cocktails with an innovative twist alongside creative bar bites.
This month’s restaurant openings reflect the vibrant and ever-evolving culinary landscape of Los Angeles, promising exciting dining options for locals and visitors alike.
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