The Verdict is In: Are the Best New Restaurants LA is Obsessed With Actually Good?
In a city where a TikTok video can generate a two-hour wait overnight, finding the Best New Restaurants LA has to offer feels more like a competitive sport than a dining experience. From celebrity-backed diners to Michelin-level transplants, the “hype machine” is running at full throttle. But does the food actually taste like the five-star reviews claim? Eater editors went behind the velvet ropes to find out which spots are culinary triumphs and which are just expensive photo ops.
The Hits: Fine Dining and Destination Drinks
If you only have one reservation to make this month, make it Lielle. Swedish chef Marcus Jernmark has created a powerhouse in Pico-Union that justifies every bit of its $150 price tag. Unlike other celebrity chefs who parachute into the city, Jernmark spent time learning the local soil. The result? A refined, seasonal menu featuring standouts like barbecued abalone and 36-hour-proofed bread that makes the “tasting menu fatigue” vanish instantly.
Similarly, Vandell has finally given Los Feliz a legitimate citywide draw. While the food is “fine,” the cocktail program is the real star. The “Market Fresh” drinks—specifically the smoked tomato cocktail—are precision-engineered masterpieces that have millennials lining up on Hillhurst Avenue for a reason.
The Misses: When Fame Fails the Flavor
Unfortunately, not every “it” spot sticks the landing. The most heartbreaking entry is Max & Helen’s. Despite the powerhouse duo of Nancy Silverton and Phil Rosenthal, the execution feels inconsistent. From unsettlingly sweet matzo balls to an iconic waffle drowned in frosting-like butter, the “proletariat diner” vibe is currently overshadowed by celebrity hoopla and unseasoned eggs.
Then there is Gott’s Roadside. The Napa Valley darling seems to have lost its magic on the drive down the 101. The burgers at the Original Farmers Market location have been described as gummy and overcooked—a far cry from the Northern California original. Finally, Hermon’s offers a “vibes-only” experience; go for the crispy potato fritters and the bar scene, but maybe skip the forgettable mains.
Final Thoughts: To Wait or Not to Wait?
The current wave of Best New Restaurants LA proves that while social media can fill a room, it can’t always season a steak. If you’re looking for innovation and depth, head to Lielle. If you just want a killer martini in a chic room, Hermon’s has you covered. Just remember: sometimes the most “Instagrammable” meal is the one that tastes the most like disappointment.
