Los Angeles is Wrapping Up a Busy Year of Restaurant Openings Just in Time for the Holidays
As December rolls around, LA's culinary scene is still buzzing with excitement. In the final stretch of 2025, Los Angeles is squeezing out some last-minute newcomers, and we're here to round up the most anticipated restaurant openings.
In November, several highly-anticipated eateries finally made their grand entrance. Phil Rosenthal and Nancy Silverton's flagship eatery, Max and Helen's, welcomed its first customers after months of anticipation in Santa Monica. Locals patiently waited over two hours a day to taste the culinary magic from this powerhouse duo, who brought back some of their best recipes, including Holy Basil's signature dishes.
Another star-studded opening took place at The Americana in Glendale, as Paradise Dynasty, renowned for its vibrant xiao long bao, arrived on the scene. Meanwhile, in the trendy Sawtelle neighborhood, The Mulberry introduced a moody Korean bistro vibe that quickly won over foodies.
This month has seen some exciting new arrivals from Last Word Hospitality's Hermon's to Vandell, LA's hippest cocktail bar near Highland Park. Another Tex-Mex favorite, HomeState, just opened its newest Santa Monica location, offering up their signature flavors for the masses to enjoy.
And if you're craving a taste of Japan in Hollywood, Robata Jinya brings its comforting fare right to your doorstep. Whether it's sipping on an ice-cold martini near Highland Park or indulging in classic French cuisine on West 3rd, these December restaurant openings are sure to delight LA foodies this holiday season.
As December rolls around, LA's culinary scene is still buzzing with excitement. In the final stretch of 2025, Los Angeles is squeezing out some last-minute newcomers, and we're here to round up the most anticipated restaurant openings.
In November, several highly-anticipated eateries finally made their grand entrance. Phil Rosenthal and Nancy Silverton's flagship eatery, Max and Helen's, welcomed its first customers after months of anticipation in Santa Monica. Locals patiently waited over two hours a day to taste the culinary magic from this powerhouse duo, who brought back some of their best recipes, including Holy Basil's signature dishes.
Another star-studded opening took place at The Americana in Glendale, as Paradise Dynasty, renowned for its vibrant xiao long bao, arrived on the scene. Meanwhile, in the trendy Sawtelle neighborhood, The Mulberry introduced a moody Korean bistro vibe that quickly won over foodies.
This month has seen some exciting new arrivals from Last Word Hospitality's Hermon's to Vandell, LA's hippest cocktail bar near Highland Park. Another Tex-Mex favorite, HomeState, just opened its newest Santa Monica location, offering up their signature flavors for the masses to enjoy.
And if you're craving a taste of Japan in Hollywood, Robata Jinya brings its comforting fare right to your doorstep. Whether it's sipping on an ice-cold martini near Highland Park or indulging in classic French cuisine on West 3rd, these December restaurant openings are sure to delight LA foodies this holiday season.
i mean, who needs a new year's resolution when you can just add another restaurant to your dining list? lol but seriously, it's amazing how much culinary love and creativity is going into our city right now. from phil rosenthal's max & helen's to paradise dynasty's xiao long bao, there's something for every food lover out there. i'm curious though, have you tried any of these new spots yet? 
, and it's awesome that LA is getting some fresh faces just in time for the holidays! I've been noticing how many foodies are struggling to make ends meet due to rising costs of living 
. It'd be amazing if more restaurants started offering affordable options or even community-supported meal programs 
. Also, can we talk about sustainability in the food industry? All those new restaurants opening up can't just contribute to waste and pollution 
. We need more eco-friendly practices and zero-waste policies in the kitchen too 
.
. Sawtelle just got a whole lot more interesting with The Mulberry adding its own vibe to the mix...can't wait to see what else Last Word Hospitality has up their sleeves. HomeState is gonna be a great spot for Tex-Mex fans and Robata Jinya's Japanese comfort food is like my happy place 
. And let's be real, who doesn't love sipping on an ice-cold martini or indulging in Tex-Mex goodness during the holidays?
. But seriously though, LA's restaurant scene is always on point and I love how they're constantly innovating and pushing the culinary boundaries 
. Anyone else excited to try out these new eateries?
! I'm also loving the moody vibe of The Mulberry in Sawtelle, it's so on trend 
what's your fave restaurant opening this december?
i'm curious to try out phil rosenthal's dishes, been hearing good things about them 
. On the other hand, HomeState's Tex-Mex spot in Santa Monica might be just the thing for working-class Angelenos looking for a taste of home during the holidays 
santa monica was literally dying for a new place to hang out and now it's like the culinary capital again lol. but seriously, phil rosenthal and nancy silverton are geniuses. paradise dynasty is also giving me all the xiao long bao cravings 
got any recs on hermon's or vandell?