The Eater LA heatmap has existed for nearly two decades to answer the age-old question: “What’s new and notable in LA?” Though the Los Angeles dining scene has endured tremendous challenges over the past few years, the city’s spirit of breaking ground and exploring new cuisines continues with every month of openings.
The restaurants featured on this list are typically less than six months old and give a sense of what’s hot and happening around town. For restaurants that have established themselves as one of the city’s best, check out Eater LA’s Essential 38.
Xuntos
Chef Sandra Cordero has been cooking Spanish food in greater Los Angeles for years, but this is her first foray into the busy Westside restaurant scene. At Xuntos, diners can find a proper Spanish pintxos experience filled with many of the familiar snacks and flavors from the Iberian Peninsula proper. That means the classic Gilda, or pepper, olive, and anchovy skewer, served as an amuse-bouche, along with the sweet and salty bikini, or sandwich with caramelized onions, mozzarella, and truffle, as a tapa. There’s plenty of Spanish wine and vermouth too, of course, all served in a laid-back, homey bar space on Santa Monica Boulevard. — Farley Elliott, senior editor
Atla
While world-famous chef Enrique Olvera might have put his personal emphasis on Damian, his Arts District spot that stands on par with his celebrated New York City restaurant Cosme, the chef happens to live in the quirky, funky, and insular neighborhood of Venice. So it made sense to teleport his casual all-day New York eatery Atla to the beachside community, serving polished everyday fare like avocado toasts, carrot salads, and seafood cocktails in a place already bustling with locals. If only other LA locales could be so blessed. —Matthew Kang, lead editor
Sushi Note Omakase
Hidden away in a Rodeo Drive parking garage, the brand-new Sushi Note Omakase serves a parade of pristine nigiri for just under $200 per person. As with the original Sherman Oaks location, wine pairings are encouraged and start at $100. For those looking for a more affordable entry point, swing in daily from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. for a 12-course, $125 omakase. — Cathy Chaplin, senior reporter/editor
Đi Đi
Tuệ Nguyễn, better known by her online moniker Tway Da Bae, has more than a million followers across YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok. Đi Đi is Nguyễn’s first foray into a restaurant of her own and comes about in the former Petite Taqueria space with help from the prolific H.Wood Group. Find signature dishes honey-glazed shrimp and Vietnamese coffee creme brulee served in a fun, Saigon-reminiscent space on La Cienega. — Farley Elliott, senior editor
Level 8
The all-new Level 8 at the Moxy and AC Hotels brings together some of the city’s biggest culinary talents to run multiple dining concepts across several different floors. Highlights include chef Ray Garcia’s Qué Bárbaro, an upscale dinner destination featuring live-fire cooking, and chef Josh Gil’s Maison Kasai, a high-end teppanyaki experience. — Cathy Chaplin, senior reporter/editor
