LA’s Best Restaurants ATM

LA has been a long time foodie spot, with new and upcoming restaurants popping up and creating buzz. If you’re an LA Native you likely have a list of hot new restaurants you want to hit – here are some to add to your list…

1) If you’re willing to wait: Bavel

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Pictured above – Bavel is the ultimate foodie spot. Willing to wait, means that you may not get a reservation for….say a month or two? But that’s how you know it’s good. Sister restaurant of other ultra-popular (and also, almost impossible to get in to) DTLA restaurant, Bestia, you are in for a treat when you dine at either of Chef couple, Ori Menashe and Genevieve Gerais’s restaurants. Not only is the Mediterranean style food at Bavel to die for, but the restaurant is gorgeous, the service is phenomenal, and the music is awesome. The menu is designed for family style meals. My family and I loved the classic Hummus and Pita, the Grilled Prawns, Scallop Crudo, Lamb Shawarma, the Spicy Cauliflower, and the Flatbread. We ended the meal with the peach cobbler which was beautiful. If this restaurant isn’t already on your list, hurry up and squeeze in a res!

2) For the Sushi Lover: Sushi Fumi

If you love sushi this is a place to try. You know when people say they love sushi and you ask them what their favorites are…and they respond “spicy tuna rolls.” If you’re like me you’ll shake your head, because that is not what qualifies as sushi. Well, the reason I love Fumi so much is because it has something for everyone. I, personally, am a Sashimi or Sushi kind of girl. I want anything that was freshly caught and seasoned with yuzu. Sushi Fumi has fresh fish for hardcore sushi lovers, as well as many types of rolls and vegetable/meat dishes for those who prefer something a bit more Americanized. If you’re like me and appreciate freshly caught fish, I recommend the Yuzu Red Snapper Sashimi, the Toro Sushi, as well as basically anything else on the list of daily specials.

3) If you eat carbs: Jon and Vinny’s

Jon and Vinny’s is one of the best Italian meals I’ve ever had in my life…and yes, I’ve been to Italy. The food is fantastic and worth every damn calorie. Their second branch of this restaurant just opened in Brentwood, but the original location is on Fairfax. There is not one bad thing on the menu, but my all time staples are: the Spicy Fusilli, the LA Woman Pizza, the Chicken Parm, the Ricotta and Orange Blossom Honey Toast, the Gem Lettuce & Chopped Antipasto Salads, and last but absolutely not least, the Six Hour Bolognese. If by some miracle you make it to desert, my personal favorite is the Warm Strawberry Bread Pudding with Vanilla ice-cream. A reservation is hard to get here, but if you make it far in advance or for an early bird special, consider yourself lucky.

4) For someone who loves Pancakes & Pizza: Gjelina

Located on a street full of amazing food and shopping, Abbot Kinney in Venice, Gjelina is a beautiful restaurant with even more beautiful food. I’ve been to Gjelina for both Brunch and Dinner and have yet to have a bad bite. Pictured above are the Buckwheat Ricotta Pancakes, topped with Blueberry compote and Crème fraîche – PSA they taste as incredible as they look. My favorite thing about Gjelina is that ordering Pancakes and Pizza at brunch is extremely normal and in fact, encouraged. The pizza is magnificent and if you’re having trouble making a reservation or don’t have time for a sit down meal, they have GTA right next door which serves pizza by the slice. Ridiculous.

5) If your favorite meal is Brunch: Gjusta

Gjusta, under the same owners as Gjelina, is an Artisanal bakery in Venice – inspired by traditional East Coast delis, as well as European markets & bakeries. When you walk inside, you pull a ticket out and wait your turn in line. When you get your meal it’s like you’ve won the lottery. Every vegetable feels as though it’s been plucked from the ground especially for you. Their bread makes every piece of bread you’ve tasted before-hand remind you of cardboard. You may think I’m exaggerating…go see for yourself! Gjusta is an awesome spot to get coffee, bring your dog, people watch – just beware that someone is probably eyeing your table while you finish your foot tall bagel sandwich.

Other LA restaurants that I recommend adding to your list are:

• Son of a Gun
• Barrique
• Animal
• Republique
• Pizzana
• Petit Trois
• Gran Blanco

LA Restaurants that I’m dying to try are:

• Bestia
• Majordomo
• Felix
• Night + Market
• All Time
• MTN
• Ceviche Project
• Kassi Club