Despite a challenging year for the restaurant industry, Los Angeles welcomed a wave of new dining spots in 2025. The city added a variety of new dining options in 2025, spanning Mexican and Mediterranean cuisine as well as cafés and breakfast spots.
Los Angeles Welcomes a Fresh Mix of Restaurant Openings
The latest restaurant openings have highlighted Los Angeles’s diverse and vibrant palate. Restaurants by talented chefs and small businesses, finally funding their first brick-and-mortar space, have found a home in LA. The list below includes several of the notable restaurant openings this year:
1. Farmhouse at Descanso Gardens
Farmhouse at Descanso Gardens, a new farm-to-table spot, opened its doors in LA in May. Southern California’s Chef Rich Mead founded the establishment, which offers lunch, dinner, and special weekend brunches. Popular dishes include short rib palate, Asian chicken salad, cauliflower steak, and apple crisp for sweet lovers.
When: May 30, 2025
2. Matu Kai
A sister concept restaurant of Beverly Hills’ Matu, Matu Kai began its journey in Brentwood this year. Operated by Jerry A. Greenberg, Michael Odell, Ryan Gianola, and Scott Linder, it is a Japanese-inspired restaurant. The main course of the restaurant is focused on Japanese-style steak tartare, braised beef cheek, and high-quality New Zealand-raised wagyu.
When: April 6, 2025
3. CAVA
A Mediterranean fast-casual restaurant chain opened its first outlet in Azusa. The restaurant featured a Community Day tradition during its opening-day celebrations. It welcomed guests with free meals. The restaurant serves steaming hot bowls and pita bread with a variety of dips and dressings.
When: July 25, 2025
4. La Popular
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Overlooking the Hollywood sign, La Popular, an authentic Mexican restaurant, debuted at Ovation Hollywood. The restaurant features an innovative menu crafted by Chef Jhon Arevalo, along with a creative cocktail list. LA Popular’s menu features reimagined Mexican cuisine with a modern twist, yet keeping the original hit of flavors.
When: September 22, 2025
5. Morihiro
Storefront image of Morihiro restaurant and Chef Mori working (Source: Yelp)
This October, Los Angeles welcomed Morihiro “Mori” Onodera’s renowned restaurant, Morihiro. The new location in Echo Park expands Chef Mori’s Japanese concept and his signature rice dishes. Apart from perfecting the Japanese ‘koshihikari’ strain of rice grown in Sacramento, he worked on cultivating his own ‘Satsuki’ rice in Uruguay. This move highlights Chef Mori’s commitment to hard work and to perfecting his current menu.
When: October 10
6. La Monique
La Moniquie joined LA’s coastal fair and offers a French-inspired upscale dining experience. The restaurant offers seafood, seasonal produce, and steak, paired with well-curated wine selections. Customers can also enjoy the sophisticated decor and refined art collection in the backdrop of the restaurant.
When: October 11, 2025
7. Chimmelier
A fan-favorite Korean fried chicken restaurant celebrated its LA debut with free tastings and giveaways. Chimmelier’s menu includes popular Korean street-food favorites such as tteokbokki, corn cheese dogs, kimchi fried rice, and Buldak burgers.
When: October 11, 2025
8. West Hollywood Breakfast Company
For the brunch lovers in Hollywood, Rise & Shine Hospitality Group brought the West Hollywood Breakfast Company. The restaurant held a soft opening and donated all proceeds. The breakfast joint serves a variety of flavors of waffles, pancakes, and French toast.
When: October 25, 2025
9. Anna Pizza
A wood-fired pizza restaurant, Anna Pizza, opened its first brick-and-mortar location in Valley Village. The restaurant is backed by Chef Thomas of Fire and Wood Catering. At Anna Pizza, customers can enjoy traditional Italian recipes made with homemade dough and seasonal ingredients.
When: November 1, 2025
10. Tiki Kai
Located at 73 Pier Avenue, Tiki Kai, a new tropical-themed restaurant and bar, has opened its doors. The owner, Patrick Mescall, is a longtime South Bay Area restaurateur with several establishments to his name. The restaurant features island-style cocktails and a casual tropical vibe.
When: November 5, 2025
11. Hard Rock Casino
Hard Rock International, in partnership with the Tenon Indian Tribe, opened a full-scale casino and entertainment resort this November. Hard Rock Casino features 150,000 square feet of world-class gaming space with 2,000 slot machines and over 50 live table games. The dining room offers musical and entertainment experiences.
When: November 13, 2025
12. Popup Bagels
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PopUp Bagels, a cult favourite bagel shop, opened its doors in LA. The shop announced a limited-time collaborative schmear with the popular coffee shop La La Land for the opening festivities. It’s a Connecticut-based bagel store that offers freshly baked bagels, ready to enjoy right out of the bag.
When: December 19, 2025
All these openings highlight the diversity and resilience of the Los Angeles dining landscape. 2025 proved to be a strong year for the city’s restaurant industry, as Los Angeles welcomed global concepts and fresh new flavors.
