While Los Angeles has always been known as a foodie’s paradise, its trendy and classy restaurants weren’t exempt from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. There have been incredible challenges that brought the industry to a temporary halt in 2020. Something that people from all over the world aren’t used to, most especially foodies situated in L.A, restaurants had to transition to continue their business through online methods of dining. Fortunately, the gradual adjustment to the post-pandemic has brought in the good news that restaurants can accommodate on-site dining. While some had to fully close down due to the economic downfall, new restaurants have opened this 2021—some of which had been long-awaited as they were set to open last year. This list of restaurants thrives in the diverse community of Los Angeles, featuring American, Brazilian, Asian, Mediterranean, and Parisian cuisines made with California’s freshest ingredients.
Situated in Los Angeles Arts District is this artsy restaurant that combines the culture of Brazil with the touch of L.A. Brazilian chefs and business partners, Rodrigo Oliviera and Victor Vasconcellos, who aim to express the Brazilian culture with flavor, talent, kindness, and art through their cuisine. “Caboco” is a term used to define the multicultural heritage of Brazilians—hence, this restaurant features a menu that highlights the Manioc root that originally originated from the Amazon region of Brazil. Manioc root is also commonly referred to as cassava, yuca, and tapioca. Their Manioc-inspired dishes include flavors extracted from its roots such as tapioca flour, tucupi, farofa, and yuca fries. To emphasize the Amazonian taste further, fruits and wild vegetables sourced from the region are used in their dishes—including the plant Barbados Gooseberry that is termed as ora-pro-nobis, which translates to “pray for us” in Brazil. Along with their strong-flavored food are Brazil’s classic cocktails and international cocktails mixed with cachaça.
A restaurant that captivates dinners and passers-by through the interior and exterior designs from various spectacular artists of L.A to match the vibe of the Arts District. In a nutshell, Caboco brings people on a journey that allows them to get a taste of the multicultural Brazilian lifestyle and cuisine.
Located in the heart of Venice Boardwalk, Winston House is an intimate supper club owned by Corey McGuire and Jake Matthews. A space that they define as a Home for Music will feature live music from various artists such as Ed Sheeran, Este Haim, Hozier, Justin Bieber, Kelly Clarkson, Majid Jordan, and many more. The design of this space is a powerhouse that gives off the classic American and Asian atmosphere. In terms of their menu, similar to its design, they brought in the classic American flavors combined with Chinese and Japanese ingredients—popular yet unique dishes such as Chips & Dip with Yuzu Sour Cream, Shrimp Toast with Maple Chili Glaze, Mighty Duck Tacos with Plum Sauce, and Chicken Nuggets with Sansho Salt, and etc. Of course, it doesn’t end with that, they also produced a lobby bar, Winston express, performance room, and mezzanine lounge to cater to a wide range of audiences.
An intricately designed restaurant and bar with live music, Winston House seeks to create a community space for artists and music lovers.
A newly opened restaurant in Brentwood—the second location following their spot in West Hollywood, is owned by Suzanne Goin and Caroline Styne. As they are both highly experienced chefs and foodies that are passionate about healthy sustainable food, they headline a menu that contains Mediterranean-inspired dishes. To combine their expertise, Caroline includes her finest and indulgent selection of wine while Suzanne brings in her market-driven small plates menu.
With the best tasting and looking dishes in a rustic yet classy restaurant, foodies from Brentwood and other parts of L.A. will surely have a new go-to dining spot to destress with their loved ones.
A Parisian-inspired restaurant established by Chefs Walter and Margarita Manzke emphasizes their cuisine on Paris’s quintessential bistro culture and California’s fresh ingredients. With their numerous experiences from visiting and cooking in France, they create a restaurant that embraces the roots, traditions, and techniques of French cuisine. They bring in their culinary passion along with their trained skills to the L.A. community for an authentic dining experience.
The place offers two dining spaces, Bicyclette Bistro and Bicyclette Restaurant. What’s surprising about this is that Walter Manzke designed the place himself, it features a wood-lined ceiling, wooden furniture, and pistachio-colored walls that exude refreshing energy. Diners will certainly feel as if they are immersed in Paris while having delicious dishes that play with the flavors of Parisian and Californian cuisine.