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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.