Folded pizza with oxtail meatballs at Bar Avoja.
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Robiee Ziegler
The Eater Los Angeles Heatmap has existed for nearly two decades to answer the age-old question: “What’s hot and new in LA?” Eater editors do thorough reporting on the most exciting restaurant openings to hit Los Angeles, as well as smaller openings and hidden gems worth having on the radar. Though the local dining scene has endured tremendous challenges in recent years, the city’s spirit of breaking ground and exploring new cuisines and forms continues every month. In this map, we narrow the field to those places that are drawing the most excitement, buzz, crowds, and early positive chatter, focusing largely on restaurants that have only been open for six months or less. When an Eater editor visits a new restaurant, even if it just opened, we share insider tips on what to expect and what’s worth ordering as well.
New this update: This month, we’re adding the white-hot Cento Raw Bar, one of the most visible restaurants on social media right now; Tokyo transplant Mensho Ramen; Evan Funke’s Roman fried snacks and cocktails at Bar Avoja; the stylish new Caribbean restaurant Lucia in Fairfax; clubby upstairs hangout Bar Benjamin; Pasadena TikTok sensation Badash Bakes; Chef Miles Thompson’s Baby Bistro; and popular Erewhon sourdough bakery Hasi Bread. To make room, Din Tai Fung, Marea, Bread Espresso &, Alba, Seline, Cafe Knotted, and Yangmani come off the heatmap.
For even more of an insider’s perspective on how to eat well in Los Angeles, pick up our guidebook: The Eater Guide to Los Angeles. For restaurants that have established themselves as one of the city’s best, check out Eater LA’s Essential 38.
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Eater maps are curated by editors and aim to reflect a diversity of neighborhoods, cuisines, and prices. Learn more about our editorial process.
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