The must-try LA restaurants of the moment.

VESPERTINE

Vespertine first opened its doors in 2017 as a multi-sensory, fine-dining restaurant, located in the four-story “Waffle” tower from architect Eric Owen Moss. Newly reopened, it is still a captivating evolution of Vespertine’s original ethos, as seen through the immersive experience chef Jordan Kahn has created via sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch. Its menu is rooted in biodynamic and regeneratively grown products, as well as the use of wild-foraged ingredients that highlight California’s four eco-regions (coastal chaparral, high desert, low desert, and the Pacific coast). Additionally, rare seafoods such as Pacific deep-sea prawns and various species of the Hawaii deep seven are showcased on the exotic, innovative menu. Vespertine is also extremely exclusive: it only hosts 20 guests at a time for an exceptional, 14+ course tasting menu. 3599 Hayden Ave, Culver City, 90232

STELLA

Stella is LA’s newest rising “star” (and not just because its name means “star” in Italian, either). Located inside an iconic mid-century modern Richard Dorman building in the heart of West Hollywood, the restaurant is a collaboration between restaurateur Janet Zuccarini and chef Rob Gentile that offers modern twists on age-old Italian culinary traditions, inclusive of house-made pastas and locally sourced seafood. It is inspired by the “traveling hearth” of the coastal and pastoral communities across Italy, brought to life with seasonal Californian ingredients. Guests can expect dishes like branzino crudo, woodfired pizza Pinsa Alla Romana, and one of the world’s rarest pastas, Su Filindeu — which translates to “Threads of God.” Its design is a modern interpretation of Old World-Italian kitchens, set over two levels, one of which is light-filled, and the other which embraces a moody, subterranean environment with walnut-paneled walls and terrazzo floors. 8899 Beverly Blvd, West Hollywood, 90048

CIPRIANI

We’re feeling l’amore for California’s first Cipriani location, which continues the four-generation family tradition of “to serve is first to love” in a distinctly LA way. Florentine architect Michele Bönan completely redesigned the former Madeo Ristorante space on Camden Drive, showcasing typically elegant Cipriani décor that is defined here by an overall nautical esthetic with steel-trimmed polished wood interiors, distinctive brown leather chairs, Murano chandeliers, black and white fashion photography, and deep green velvet accents. The restaurant also features a Jazz Café, available at the moment for private events and eventually open for dinner, which captures the timeless elegance and sophistication of old Hollywood with zebra fabrics, arches, palm trees, and a grand piano, and an 80-seat covered outdoor patio. Classic Cipriani dishes on the menu include Calves liver alla Veneziana, and Carpaccio alla Cipriani, while the cocktail menu pays homage to the Bellini, first invented by Giuseppe Cipriani Sr. at Harry’s Bar in Venice, Italy, with an adaptation called “Harry’s Bar Special Roger,” made with white peach puree, fresh orange juice, and vodka or gin for some extra California flair. 362 N Camden Dr, Beverly Hills, 90210 

JADE BEVERLY HILLS

Jade is the latest gem to hit Beverly Hills. The visually stunning eatery blends vintage-inspired design elements such as faded floral wallpaper, with modern touches like an internally lit green onyx bar and a sculptural floating fabric “lake” above; the perfect foil for its Eastern-meets-Western cuisine. Signature dishes include wagyu carpaccio with uni and white truffle oil, hamachi crudo with ponzu and chili crisp, the Diamond Roll, made with lobster, seared salmon, caviar, and gold flake, and the interactive DIY hand roll platter. Its pièce de résistance — which can be ordered by groups only — is the 467 Carat Premium Dragon: an extravagant display with caviar, uni, rolls, and nigiri served on a spectacular smoking dragon platter. 467 N Canon Dr, Beverly Hills, 90210