The 20 Best New Restaurants In Los Angeles 2022

Covid-19 forced many restaurants to prioritize convenience over the full-scale dining that Los Angelenos know and love. And despite dealing with the scary and financially unstable aftermath of the pandemic, 2022 saw a major restaurant boom in Los Angeles. From fine-dining spots with coursed menus to more casual eateries with innovative fare, there was no shortage of exciting openings in LA this year. In addition to brand new original concepts, LA also welcomed expansions from other cities like Phoenix and Miami, reinforcing Los Angeles's position as one of the most important culinary hubs in the United States.

Whether you're looking for a Michelin-starred restaurant to celebrate a special occasion or you need a new go-to pizza place, 2022 upped the ante for the LA restaurant scene. Both long-time Angelenos and foodies from all over the world will find that LA has covered all of the bases and more regarding top-notch cuisine. That said, we've rounded up this list of the best new LA restaurants that opened in 2022.

Saffy's is bringing modernized Middle Eastern food to East Hollywood. This innovative and booming hot spot has found the perfect balance of using traditional spices alongside contemporary techniques to create its signature menu—best of all, Saffy's acts as a one-stop shop for all meals. Patrons can swing by in the morning for a coffee and a pastry or pop in for a traditional shawarma sandwich or falafel wrap at lunch. That said, Saffy's is the most popular for dinner. The beautiful bar is also wonderful for those looking to end the evening with a smooth nightcap.

For the true Saffy's experience, check out the Saffy's Dish Kebab, a dish featuring tenderly-cooked lamb and beef, sweet pearl onions, tomato, beet greens, ginger, spicy serrano, yogurt, and house-made saffron rice.

In the heart of Los Angeles's bustling Downtown Arts District, Camphor puts a global twist on French cooking and flavors. Led by co-executive chefs Max Boonthanakit and Lijo George, the menu at Camphor reflects both chefs' worldly experiences. Even after being open for less than a year, Camphor has already been granted a coveted Michelin star.

The menu at Camphor is designed to encourage diners to share many small bites, urging them to experience as many flavors and preparations as possible. The dishes are simple, but the flavors are bold at Camphor. The garlic parsley butter clams are a light yet flavorful starter that exemplifies this restaurant's simple yet delicious mission. The chicken breast is another prime choice, stuffed with chicken leg mousse and seasoned truffles.

Located in the bustling Row district of DTLA, Pizzeria Bianco is elevating the traditional pizza experience. Originally hailing from phoenix, Pizzeria Bianco has become one of the hottest restaurants in LA since being featured in the popular "Chef's Table: Pizza."

The menu at Pizzeria Bianco is concise and clear. There are only a few starters, three salads, six pizzas, and house-made sorbet to choose from. Though the menu seems short and mild, everything is carefully curated with utmost attention to detail and practice. The Wise Guy pizza offers a smokey experience that is unique yet enticing. The handmade dough is topped with wood-roasted onion, fresh-smoked mozzarella, and fennel sausage. Of course, the Rosa Pizza, which was featured on Chef's Table: Pizza, is also a must-try.

Mother Wolf is the latest and greatest endeavor by famed Chef Evan Funke. The opening of this stunning and spacious restaurant was highly anticipated. In fact, it's still one of the hardest places to get a reservation in LA. Mother Wolf serves as Funke's homage to Rome, embracing the Eternal City's rich and soulful cooking. Using the freshest ingredients from local farmers, Funke offers a menu of thin wood-fired pizzas, seasonal antipasti dishes, and his famous handmade pasta.

Guests can choose between options like the straightforward, buttery, and peppery Cacio e Pepe or the rich and complex Ringtonici alla vaccinara, an oxtail ragu with guanciale, and Pecorino Romano. No matter which you choose, the texture of each handmade pasta is met with a flavorful sauce with the ideal amount of depth and complexity. 

Are you looking for a new favorite spot on the westside? Savida Raw Seafood Bar is quickly becoming a crudo and seafood staple in the oceanside neighborhood of Santa Monica. Local and high-quality sourcing is a huge priority, and it shows both for the seafood dinners and the produce. In other words, fresh is the name of the game at Savida. These high-quality ingredients are the star of the show, as chef Dan Smulovitz strives to keep each dish authentic, allowing every ingredient on the plate to shine.

The Savida Platter is the perfect way to explore some of the best crudo dishes on the menu. For $75, guests enjoy sampling some of the most popular creations, such as the Hamachi with house-made ponzu, dill, mint, cilantro, and crispy shallots.

Pijja Palace is spicing up the food and drink scene in East LA. This twist on a classic American sports bar is taking the vibrant energy and inherent sense of community that sports bars are known for and elevating the bar bites with an Indian-American fusion menu.

From the Dosa Onion rings to the wide array of Indian-spiced chicken wings, the starters and shareable plates are so well executed they could serve as the whole meal. The pasta section is also well worth exploring, combining classically made Italian-style pasta with sauces that have been infused with Indian flavors. The Malai Rigatoni is a popular example that is made with tomato masala, cream, and coriander. As Pijja Place doubles as a sports bar, there is an impressive selection of beers on tap, wines, and craft cocktails to choose from.

Looking to enjoy a luxe tasting menu for under $100? Kinn puts a casual spin on fine dining menus in the heart of Koreatown. The space is small and intimate, featuring only a handful of tables along the wall along with a sleek bar top that gives patrons an up-close-and-personal view of the delicate plating process. The prix fixe features six courses that change regularly, and unless you decide to opt-in for the supplemental courses, the tasting menu runs $72 per person.

That said, the accessory octopus course is well worth the additional charge. The plating is a work of art, creating a tantalizing experience for both your taste buds and your eyes. The wine list has everything from light-bodied reds to vibrant orange wines, but diners can also decide to pair their meal with some refreshing sake or a beer.

There's no denying that French food certainly had its moment in 2022 in LA. Mr. T in Hollywood was definitely at the forefront of this new era. This chic and modern restaurant puts a contemporary spin on classic French cooking techniques. Many dishes are unique takes on street food, creating a globally-inspired menu full of diverse flavors. Some standout menu items include the Mr. T lamb kabob, steak frites, and "Thai" tuna crudo.

Whether you choose to sit out on the spacious patio or inside the simple yet stylish dining room, Mr. T is a solid option for a special date night out on the town. In addition to having some beautiful vintage wines by the glass, the signature Mr. T cocktail is a refreshing and easy-to-drink libation made with prickly pear, mezcal, and candied hibiscus.

Bub and Grandma's bread can be found at various restaurants and coffee shops throughout LA. However, in 2022, the famed bakery officially opened a brick-and-mortar restaurant offering everything from breakfast sandwiches to refreshing salads. The breakfast portion of the menu is served until 11 AM daily, featuring items like the bacon, egg, and cheese sandwich and Bub's butter and jam toast served on your choice of fresh-made bread.

For lunch, visitors can select an array of classic cold sandwiches and vibrant salads. The menu also features several show-stopping sides, like the potato salad, unstuffed cabbage, and the beloved pickle plate. Caught a craving for something sweet? The daily selection of pastries changes regularly, as does the restaurant's list of beer and wine options.

Melrose Avenue is home to some of the most popular restaurants in all of Los Angeles, and Kuya Lord is quickly making a name for itself on this foodie destination street. This chef-driven fast-casual restaurant serves upscale Filipino food in a relaxed atmosphere. Everything is available for both dine-in and to-go, ensuring you can get your fix no matter your schedule.

While the menu at Kuya Lord is seemingly straightforward, the ingredients are sourced almost entirely from local California farmers and fishermen, and the dishes are creative and inspired. Crowd choices include Chef Maynord's signature Lucenachon, which features precious ounces of four-day slow-roasted pork belly with spiced vinegar. It is served in a Kuya Lord rice bowl with garlic java rice, tomato cucumber salad, and pickled papaya.

Located in the coastal hub of Hermosa Beach, Chef Ray Hayashi has created a one-of-a-kind Japanese-inspired menu at RYLA. The produce used in every dish is hand-picked from the farmers market by Chef Ray and his team weekly, ensuring that the highest quality and locally sourced ingredients are used.

One of the more simple and classic menu items that still remains a favorite is the Kushi Oysters, served with a bright and citrus-forward ponzu sauce and topped with grated daikon and pomegranate. Black Truffle Fried Rice showcases a more complex and inspired fusion of culture and flavor. This rich rice dish is made with Chinese sausage, egg, scallion, pickled ginger, and freshly shaved Bagnoli truffle, resulting in a flavor-forward treat that is still very balanced. Pair your meal with one of RYLA's signature cocktails, or select some sake for a dynamic culinary experience.

This year, KAVIAR expanded from its original location in Pasadena to Downtown Los Angeles. This immersive Japanese restaurant specializes in timeless sushi, sashimi, and various hot dishes, including miso-glazed black cod and uni pasta. After becoming a local hotspot in Pasadena, the expansion to DTLA has made KAVIAR's quality cuisine more accessible and centrally located for all Angelenos.

When it comes to rolls, the TruffLe Toro roll is a decadent option that features truffle oil, black Russian sturgeon caviar, and even a bit of 24K gold. That said, patrons can also opt for more basic preparations like the baked tuna roll or classic maki. The cocktails are also fun to explore, with the lychee mint martini being a refreshing and slightly sweet dream.

Caught a craving for classic Mediterranean cuisine? Mandolin Taverna is located inside one of Los Angeles's most exclusive social clubs, Soho House, and boasts a traditional Mediterranean menu in an impressively stylish setting. The space offers indoor and outdoor seating, the latter allowing guests to dine in the garden of the Soho House warehouse surrounded by lush trees and carefully placed string lights a la Greece.

With a full bar and a menu ranging from shareable starters to main entrees, there is something for everyone at Mandolin Taverna. Dive into the classic greek salad for something familiar and refreshing before indulging in the tender grilled lamb chops, which are served with orzo pilaf for a balanced and memorable meal. After dining, stop by the on-site lifestyle boutique Ms. Mandolin for some Mediterranean-inspired goodies.

In a city bursting with incredible Mexican cuisine at every price point, Mírate has managed to stand out and make a name for itself since its opening in 2022. High-quality, local, and seasonal ingredients are at the forefront of the Mírate menu. Bold, traditional Mexican flavors meet local California ingredients and whimsical culinary techniques to create a special and buzz-worthy dining experience at this stylish Los Feliz spot.

The menu at Mírate is diverse and exciting, featuring classic Mexican favorites and exciting fusion twists like the pork belly taco served with black sesame and tomatillo pico de gallo. If you're seeking something more traditional, the Albondigas de mi Abuela is a great option. This bold and hearty soup is made with shrimp, pork, and house-made spicy salsa. Regardless of your choice of entree, the bar list is complete with curated craft cocktails, Mexican wine, and a robust collection of mezcal and tequila that will pair nicely with nearly any item on the menu.

Another exciting new name in the food scene is a place called Dunsmoor. The menu at Dunsmoor is simple and unassuming, yet each dish delivers bold flavors and consistent quality. With a dedicated approach to letting each ingredient shine, the menu highlights the beauty of the top-notch proteins and produce.

Staff with the fresh and bright oysters, which are served raw with ramp vinegar and black peppers, or go for something a little fuller and order the rich, warm, sour milk cornbread made with white cheddar, hatch chili, cultured butter, and honey. The main courses are an example of the beach of quality protein and cuts. For something timeless, consider the duck breast, served with mashed potatoes, giblet gravy, and watercress for a decadent and elevated take on a classic meat and potato plate.

Located downstairs in an inconspicuous office building in Little Tokyo, Sawa is quickly and quietly becoming a hot spot for Omakase-style sushi in Los Angeles. Omakase, meaning "I leave it up to you," in Japanese, per the Michelin Guide, is a chef-driven tasting menu that allows the chef to design an individualized and coursed menu daily.

The interior space further adds to the intimate and personal vibe of Sawa. With just eight bar top-style seats, guests are invited to watch as the bartender and chef create special and innovative creations for the guests. 17 seasonal courses, an optional alcohol pairing, and a full bar stocked with fine Japanese whisky, cocktails, wine, and sake — dining at Sawa is a one-of-a-kind experience that both sushi and seafood lovers will remember for years to come.

Ipoh Kopitiam is located in Alhambra and specializes in Malaysian fare. This new spot is committed to highlighting the beauty and diversity of traditional Malaysian food, featuring menu items that have been passed down from generations using herbs, spices, and other imported ingredients directly from the Southeast Asia nation.

There is nothing pretentious about this beloved new hot spot. The welcoming and casual atmosphere invites guests to feel at home as they prepare to explore the exciting menu. The dishes are unique to those who have never experienced Malaysian food and authentic to those who grew up eating these flavors. Check out the popular Roti Canai appetizer, a warm and flaky flatbread dish served with a bold and spicy sauce for dipping.

Meaning "outside" in Japanese, n/soto was born out of the change in atmosphere and dining culture brought on by the pandemic. With a mission to embrace this change in the development of a new restaurant, n/soto is serving fine-dining Japanese food on a stunning covered outdoor patio.

Across the board, every dish on the menu at this Midcity spot is ultimately refined and elegantly presented. Each dish's clean, simple, powerful flavors highlight not only the impressive skill of chefs and partners Niki Nakayama and Carole Iida-Nakayama, but the beauty of Japanese cuisine as a whole. Check out the steamed sea bass served with shiitake, kombu, and Japanese mountain yam for a delicious full-size entree, or order an array of fresh nigiri, handrolls, and other sushi-style favorites to sample a variety of what n/soto has to offer.

Pizzeria Sei is stepping up the Los Angeles pizza game by opening this Pico-Roberston neighborhood spot. The pizzeria is family-owned and operated, specializing in Tokyo-style Neapolitan pies. While the interior seating area is small, offering just a few tables on the patio and in the dining room, there is a great bar top area where guests can enjoy a view of the pizza-making process.

The Caesar salad makes for a great fresh starter, featuring crisp croutons that pair perfectly with the rich dressing. From the classic margarita to the spicy Diavolo — complete with tomato and mozzarella, basil, soppressata, olives, parmesan, and chili flakes — each pizza is perfectly cooked to order. At high temperatures, a charred and bubbled crust is guaranteed. Sure enough, Pizzeria Sei has the signature of a good Neapolitan pizza.

Located in the bustling Arts District of Downtown Los Angeles, Yangban Society opened its doors and, in doing so, created a dynamic fusion of Korean meets California cuisine. Yangban Society boasts an impressive menu serving elevated food made with the area's best ingredients.

Despite the high-quality food, the atmosphere at Yangban Society remains casual and cool. Whether you make a reservation and dine in for a full sit-down experience or order some of the creative fusion food to-go, there is always something new and exciting to try. Guests can even swing by the attached supermarket, inspired by a classic New York City deli, and grab all the fixings needed for a cozy and mouthwatering meal at home.