Australian Chef Craig Hopson is getting ready to open a new restaurant in Mar Vista called Electric Bleu, located at 3523 S Centinela Ave.
The new restaurant will make its debut in the former home of Rustic Kitchen Restaurant & Wine Bar and is scheduled to debut in mid-July 2025. Hopson tells What Now Los Angeles that Electric Bleu will be a French-leaning neighborhood bistro, serving up dishes rooted in European technique but made with California’s finest, seasonal ingredients. Guests can expect roast chicken, local seafood, and local farmers market produce, a signature passionfruit tart, and more. The drink menu will feature beer, natural and conventional wines, sparkling selections, and an eclectic range of sake and vermouth offerings.
Hopson, who is opening the restaurant with partner and creative director Mai Sakai, brings an impressive pedigree to the project. A veteran of Michelin-starred kitchens around the world, his resume includes stints at Picholine (where he earned two Michelin stars), Le Cirque, and Shirley Brasserie in Los Angeles. Trained in Australia, Geneva, and Paris, Hopson was mentored by the legendary Alain Senderens and has refined his skills in iconic European kitchens, including Guy Savoy and Lucas Carton.
Inside, the space is undergoing a complete remodel. Hopson says the new interior will have a modern French farmhouse vibe, featuring fabric banquettes, natural wood tables, a butcher block bar, and eye-catching lighting fixtures. The goal is to create a space that feels cozy and residential, bringing a warm, inviting atmosphere to Mar Vista diners. Stay tuned as Electric Bleu prepares to bring a refined, neighborhood-friendly experience to the Westside this summer.
