Where LA Is Eating: New Restaurants Worth The Reservation
- By: Ani Gutierrez
Five new restaurants with five different moods, all united by flavor, detail, and that late-night glow only LA seems to capture.
You thought you had dinner plans, then LA opened five new doors that made you rethink them. From fire-lit intimacy in Studio City to Persian plates in DTLA, these five new dining destinations across LA are where the flavors steal the spotlight, every dish tells a story, and one bite always leads to another.
ALTO
Tucked away in Studio City, Alto is a fire-to-table restaurant putting a contemporary twist on culinary customs of Uruguay and Argentina. The space hums with warmth and a cinematic glow, while the open kitchen turns fire into spectacle. Dishes like Torta Frita, Chimichurri Prawns, and Asado Banderita bring a modern, fire-to-table edge to comfort food. Their cocktail menu is full of drinks that complement the smoke rather than compete with it. With an elevated yet relaxed atmosphere, dining at Alto feels like an intimate secret, even when full.
Sun-Tue: Closed
Wed-Sat: 5PM-10PM
12969 Ventura Blvd, Studio City, CA 91604
Berenjak
Berenjak brings Persian flavor to the industrial heart of DTLA’s Arts District, wrapped up in an authentic feeling of culture and family roots. The menu reimagines delicious Persian staples, like Mast O Khiar, Mirza Ghasemi, and Jujeh Kabab, all presented with just enough modern gloss to feel current. Their drinks pull inspiration from regional flavors, while cocktails like the Grown Up Doogh, and a tight wine list add a taste of understated luxury. This is the kind of place where you come for the food, stay for the energy, and are surprised when your “quick dinner” turns into staying till closing.
Sun-Mon: Closed
Tue-Sat: 5:30PM-11PM
1010 S Santa Fe Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90021
Deda
In Old Pasadena, dining at Deda unfolds like a quiet discovery of a warm Georgian haven where amber light meets the comfort of shared plates. Dishes like Minted Cheese Croquettes, Pkhali Mezze, and Lamb Tolma balance rich, bold flavors with a touch of refinement, while the weekend brunch keeps things playful with mimosas and Georgian bites. The drinks hold their own: The Dediko Cocktail delivers a bright, memorable finish to any dish, while their mimosa list is perfectly matched to the cuisine. Whether it’s a slow brunch or a late dinner, Deda brings soulful flavor to the heart of Pasadena.
Mon-Thur: 5PM-9PM
Fri: 5PM-10PM
Sat: 11AM-10PM
Sun: 11AM-9PM
55 S Lake Ave, Pasadena, CA 91101
Florence Pizza & Vino
Florence Pizza & Vino brings the taste of Tuscany to Santa Monica with the kind of charm that feels straight out of a Roman holiday. With a location already gracing the palettes of West Hollywood (Florence Osteria), their newest Santa Monica restaurant has an interior that glows at sunset, and is filled with the hum of conversation. The menu celebrates Italian classics like Cacio e Pepe, Fusilli Amatriciana, and crisp-edged pizzas elevated by authenticity. Their happy hour offers classic cocktails and wines that are dangerously easy to love, and pair with every plate. Whether you’re slipping in after the beach or dressing up for date night, put Florence on the top of your dining radar.
Mon: 11AM-3PM , 5PM-8PM
Tue-Thur: 11AM-3PM
Fri-Sat: 11AM-3PM , 5PM-9PM
Sun: 11AM-4PM
413 Santa Monica Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90401
Darling
Darling in West Hollywood brings fire and vinyl to the city’s culinary spotlight. The space is part wood-fired grill and hi-fi lounge, with a menu that changes monthly, yet always centers around wood, smoke, and California seasonality. Standouts like the Hokkaido Scallops and the Red Kuri Squash-Mochi Fritters nod to their signature fire-to-table artistry. Their cocktails mirror that same precision, with bright, balanced pours and an inventive play on flavors. Whether it’s a celebratory dinner or a late-night linger, Darling tempts you to stay awhile. Every detail, from the crackle of the grill to the soundtrack spinning overhead, feels designed to keep you there enjoying the night.
Mon-Tue: Closed
Wed-Sun: 5:30PM–10PM
631 N Robertson Blvd West Hollywood, CA 90069
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