Another edition of our choices for the best new restaurants in Los Angeles.
REDBIRD
114 East 2nd Street, Los Angeles
(213) 788-1191
Ambiance
Neal Fraser and wife Amy Knoll Fraser have reimagined the 1930s-era former rectory adjacent to Vibiana, a wedding, events, and performing arts venue, as a beautiful den of delight. Here you’ll find modern touches like Adam Silverman lanterns and a 360-degree bar, as well as references to the past in the Spanish baroque-style ceiling painted by Guerin Swing and a stunning silver door given to the rectory by papacy in 1933. Outside on the pleasing patio that features an art retractable roof, you’ll find tiles and woodwork in a late 19th-century fashion.
DYNAMITE DISHES
Expect seasonal shareable plates with an exotic bent, such as the New Zealand tai snapper crudo with yuzu kosho, shiso, Meyer lemon, and olive oil; the sweet and savory New Caledonian shrimp with grits and cocoa nib chipotle mole.
SWEET TOOTH
Pastry chef Jashmine Corpuz’s chocolate caramel bar rocks our world, as does her flavorful black walnut cake with Humbolt Fog ice cream.
TOP TIPPLE
Mixology master Julian Cox has created an extensive menu with creations like the KCB—gin, kummel, apricot brandy and lemon.
LOVE & SALT
317 Manhattan Beach Boulevard
Manhattan Beach
(310) 545-5252
Ambiance
Love & Salt is the chicest new space to hit Manhattan Beach. At this eatery from the father-daughter team of Guy and Sylvie Gabriele, expect to find earthy touches like a granite bar, paneled poplar walls, exposed wood beams, ample natural light, and easygoing, relaxed décor.
DYNAMITE DISHES
Love & Salt was inspired by the philosophy that great food needs only love and salt. You’ll find both here in the thoughtful Italian meets Californian menu from Chef Michael Fiorelli, which features adventurous nibbles like roasted glazed pig heads in ‘Odds & Ends’; and wood-oven pizzas with unexpected touches like the fantastic duck egg pie topped with guanciale, panna, potato, rosemary, mozzarella, and parmesan.
SWEET TOOTH
Order up seasonally-driven desserts like the honey buttermilk panna cotta with brown sugar streusel and pomegranates.
TOP TIPPLE
Try the Lady in the Ballroom—grapefruit vodka, bell pepper, mint, St. Germain and lemon juice.as well as the housemade limoncello.
FORD’S FILLING STATION
900 West Olympic Boulevard
Los Angeles
(212) 765-8630
Ambiance
Chef Ben Ford may have closed his farm-to-table gastropub in Culver City last year, but luckily for those downtown, his restaurant—Ford’s Filling Station—has reopened in a big way at L.A. Live. Designed by Claire Stansfield, the eatery is spacious and modern thanks to floor-to-ceiling windows, comfy leather seats, and natural tones.
DYNAMITE DISHES
Expect to find seasonal, sustainable gourmet comfort food here, such as shrimp and grits with smoked cheddar and chipotle nage; Sonoma rabbit with bulgur wheat, smoked pork chops with Brussels sprout-butternut squash hash and cider au jus; and bacon-wrapped dates with goat cheese and mozzarella.
SWEET TOOTH
The butterscotch pot de crème with its mascarpone cream, candied pecan, and sea salt is a decadent delight.
TOP TIPPLE
The extensive cocktail list courtesy of Employees Only mix-master Dushan Zaric is incredible. Opt for the Red Leader—Tito’s vodka, beet shrub, and pickled beet—or classics like the New York Sour.
TERRINE
265 Beverly Boulevard, Los Angeles
(323) 746-5130
Ambiance
We love the distinctly French feel of Terrine, a lively California brasserie on Beverly Boulevard. Stephane Bombet, François Renaud, and Kris Morningstar have turned the former Sirena space into a charming, elegant affair chock-full of antiques, bistro-style wooden chairs, and plush banquettes. If you can score it, grab a seat outside by the large tree that sits smack dab in the midst of the patio.
DYNAMITE DISHES
Expect French classics with a California twist, such as Boudin Blanc with parsnip puree, roasted apples, cipollini onions, and vinegar sauce and Octopus with broccoli, Burrata and sunflower seeds.
SWEET TOOTH
The “birthday cake” here is our kind of party: chocolate, sea salt, caramel, and toffee for days.
TOP TIPPLE
French wine is, of course, offered here, but why not opt for a cocktail instead? Our pick is the Honeysuckle—eight-year El Dorado with lime and honey.
