LA's Culinary Calendar Heats Up for 2026
January marks the dawn of a fresh year, and what better way to kick off 2026 than with an influx of exciting new dining options? Los Angeles is well on its way to solidifying its position as one of America's top food destinations, with several highly-anticipated restaurants set to open their doors this month.
While December left us with a bounty of fresh offerings, it's time to turn the page and highlight the latest crop of eateries vying for attention. Hermon's innovative take on American cuisine stole the show in December, earning its owners a coveted spot among L.A.'s most sought-after reservations. Nearby, Henrietta in Echo Park is now serving up lunch and dinner options, while Régalade on West 3rd Street is redefining French dining with its unique twist.
Meanwhile, DTLA's The Row has welcomed Kar Son, a sleek Chinese eatery that honors tradition, making it the perfect destination for those seeking authentic flavors. However, this month will see even more new additions to the culinary scene. Matū, the LA institution known for its mouthwatering cheesesteak sandwiches, is expanding to Pasadena, while Cameo Beverly Hills is set to open Zampo, a chic Nikkei restaurant that seamlessly blends Peruvian and Japanese flavors.
Other notable openings include Nancy Silverton's latest venture, Lapaba, which brings together Korean-Italian cuisine, and Scarlett, a sultry new lounge replacing the former Amour space on Beverly Boulevard. Whether you're looking for bold twists on classic dishes or authentic international flavors, LA's January restaurant openings have something to offer every foodie.
January marks the dawn of a fresh year, and what better way to kick off 2026 than with an influx of exciting new dining options? Los Angeles is well on its way to solidifying its position as one of America's top food destinations, with several highly-anticipated restaurants set to open their doors this month.
While December left us with a bounty of fresh offerings, it's time to turn the page and highlight the latest crop of eateries vying for attention. Hermon's innovative take on American cuisine stole the show in December, earning its owners a coveted spot among L.A.'s most sought-after reservations. Nearby, Henrietta in Echo Park is now serving up lunch and dinner options, while Régalade on West 3rd Street is redefining French dining with its unique twist.
Meanwhile, DTLA's The Row has welcomed Kar Son, a sleek Chinese eatery that honors tradition, making it the perfect destination for those seeking authentic flavors. However, this month will see even more new additions to the culinary scene. Matū, the LA institution known for its mouthwatering cheesesteak sandwiches, is expanding to Pasadena, while Cameo Beverly Hills is set to open Zampo, a chic Nikkei restaurant that seamlessly blends Peruvian and Japanese flavors.
Other notable openings include Nancy Silverton's latest venture, Lapaba, which brings together Korean-Italian cuisine, and Scarlett, a sultry new lounge replacing the former Amour space on Beverly Boulevard. Whether you're looking for bold twists on classic dishes or authentic international flavors, LA's January restaurant openings have something to offer every foodie.
what a year it has been so far for la food scene!! and now we get to see even more new spots popping up 
hermons american cuisine is def one of my faves, that place was hoppin last dec! but im hyped about matu expanding to pasadena 
who else is stoked for zampo in beverly hills? nikkei meets peruvian sounds like a match made in heaven 
and lapaba with korean-italian cuisine? i need to get myself to that ASAP 
what are u guys eating at la food scene right now? 
i need to try Lapaba ASAP that Korean-Italian fusion sounds EVERYTHING 
! I remember back in '92 when LA's dining scene was still growing pains - now look at us! 
It's so exciting to see all these new restaurants popping up, but sometimes I wonder if we're losing the classic places that made our food scene great in the first place. Still, gotta keep it fresh, right? 
. You know what that says about us? We value connection & sharing experiences with others. It's like, when we try new restaurants, we're not just feeding ourselves physically, we're also nourishing our relationships & memories 
. So, the next time you're out trying a new dish, remember that food isn't just fuel for the body – it's also a way to connect with others & create moments that last a lifetime 
.
. Don't get me wrong, I love a good eatie as much as the next person, but can we please just have some real, honest food for once? None of this "twist" or "fusion" nonsense... just give me something that tastes like what I'm used to! 
. But what's got me most hyped is the fusion flavors being brought together by these new spots like Lapaba and Zampo... Korean-Italian and Peruvian-Japanese respectively? My taste buds are already doing the happy dance 
! It's gonna be a wild ride, and I'm so down to try them all out