News Summary
Los Angeles is experiencing a vibrant shift in its dining landscape with new restaurant openings and the revival of beloved spots. Following a series of closures at Universal CityWalk, new eateries like Raising Cane’s and Slice House are set to debut, alongside cultural expansions such as Trellis Bar & Lounge at the Getty Museum. From plant-based options in West Hollywood to Mediterranean restaurants in Venice, the culinary offerings continue to diversify, promising a delightful experience for locals and tourists alike as the city embraces gastronomic innovation.
Los Angeles is witnessing a vibrant transformation in its culinary landscape this July, with several new restaurant openings and revivals, reflecting both innovation and resurgence within the dining scene.
A series of restaurant closures at Universal CityWalk earlier this year set the stage for an exciting array of new eateries. Notable closures included Popcornopolis, Sparky’s, Crepe Cafe, and Dongpo Kitchen. However, in a bid to revitalize the area, new restaurants have been announced, promising diverse culinary offerings for both locals and tourists.
Among these newcomers, Raising Cane’s, known for its chicken fingers, is set to make its debut soon, while Slice House by renowned chef Tony Gemignani will offer pizza enthusiasts a new haven. Additionally, Fullerton-based Korean barbecue restaurant Mr. BBQ is on track to replace the former Johnny Rockets space, with an anticipated opening in 2026. This eatery plans to feature an enticing menu of all-you-can-eat meats such as pork jowl, beef brisket, and beef belly, sure to attract barbecue lovers.
Moreover, the prestigious Getty Museum has launched a new cocktail bar, Trellis Bar & Lounge, which opens at 2 p.m. on operational days and features a menu of small bites. The bar will extend its hours until 8:30 p.m. on Saturdays during the summer Off the 405 concert series, starting July 26, enhancing the cultural experience for museum visitors.
Fresh Flavors in Little Tokyo
On July 3, just in time for the famed Anime Expo, the One Piece Cafe, originally planned for Las Vegas in May 2024, opened its location in Little Tokyo, Los Angeles. This opening caters to anime enthusiasts and food lovers alike, adding another layer of excitement to the area.
Cultural and Culinary Expansions
In an effort to keep the culinary spirit alive, Genghis Cohen will start hosting Genghis Cohen Live at the Kibitz Room beginning July 23 while searching for a new permanent location. Furthermore, Bagels by Kneady, a beloved bagel pop-up, has found a permanent home in Rock & Reilly’s at USC Village, where it will serve sourdough bagels and sandwiches.
The dining scene continues to evolve with the anticipated opening of T&T in Chino Hills in fall 2026, focusing on California produce cooked over live fire. Meanwhile, sushi lovers can look forward to the opening of Sushi Zanmai, a Japan-based chain, in Koreatown’s Chapman Market.
Recent updates also include Pasjoli temporarily closing while Miya in Altadena has successfully reopened. The Hi Bake chain, hailing from China, has opened a grab-and-go location in Beverly Hills, delighting customers with extravagant pastries.
New Culinary Ventures
The new plant-based restaurant, TOB (Taste of Beauty), in West Hollywood has brought vegan and vegetarian prix fixe options to the forefront. Little Tokyo has welcomed the second location of Izakaya Go, which is focusing on traditional Japanese drinking food, broadening the choices available to culinary explorers.
In Silver Lake, Joe Siyam has opened a classic American diner bar featuring simple food offerings, catering to those in search of nostalgic dining experiences. Meanwhile, Damo expands as a matcha spot in the Arts District, enhancing its menu alongside its original drinks.
Venice recently welcomed Kassi, a Mediterranean restaurant perched on the rooftop of the Hotel Erwin, offering breathtaking ocean views along with Greek-inspired dishes. In Santa Monica, Diner Antonette has made its entrance with a menu that includes favorites from Ingo’s Tasty Diner alongside unique new items.
Lastly, Mensho Tokyo, a renowned ramen chain famous for its rich toripaitan broth, has opened a second location in Downtown Culver City, while Lucia in Fairfax focuses on elevated Afro-Caribbean cuisine. The journey of revitalization continues as The Butcher’s Daughter has reopened its Venice wine bar location after a hiatus, offering a selection of natural wines.
Overall, the culinary scene in Los Angeles is flourishing, with new concepts and the return of beloved eateries promising to keep the city buzzing with gastronomic excitement.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Hi Bake Bakery Opens Its First U.S. Location in Beverly Hills
Hi Bake Set to Open in Beverly Hills
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Additional Resources
- The Infatuation: New LA Restaurants Openings
- Time Out: Best New Restaurants in Los Angeles
- Observer: Los Angeles Best New Restaurant Openings July 2025
- Wallpaper: New Restaurants in Los Angeles
- Eater LA: Biggest New Restaurant Openings Los Angeles June 2025
- Wikipedia: Los Angeles
- Google Search: Los Angeles restaurants news
- Google Scholar: Los Angeles cuisine
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Los Angeles restaurant
- Google News: Los Angeles food news
