Los Angeles Dining Scene Heats Up with New Openings and a Beloved Return
Los Angeles’ vibrant culinary landscape continues to evolve, with a mix of returning favorites and exciting new concepts captivating diners across the city. From the long-awaited reopening of a Silver Lake poke destination to innovative Filipino breakfast offerings and expansions of lauded restaurants, the city’s food scene is brimming with activity.
Ohana Superette Makes a Triumphant Return
After a five-year hiatus, Ohana Superette, the casual daytime poke shop, has reopened its doors in Silver Lake. Husband-and-wife team Eric and Miriam Park are behind the venture, offering a thoughtful and traditional take on poke. “I always try to do my version but not mess with it too much,” said chef and co-owner Eric Park, emphasizing his commitment to authenticity.
The menu features ginger-and-soy-marinated tuna, garlicky poached shrimp, and ponzu glass noodles served over Koshihikari rice or seaweed salad. Daily offerings include Spam and shiso musubi, with the Spam slow-cooked to a near-brûléed perfection. Fresh kimchi adds a crunchy, flavorful side. The shop, located at 2850 W. Sunset Blvd., is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and can be found online at ohanasuperette.la.
Kapé Brings Filipino Breakfast Culture to Chinatown
In Chinatown, Lasita’s weekend-only Kapé pop-up is drawing crowds with its unique take on Filipino breakfast. Owners Nico de Leon and Chase and Steff Valencia describe the concept as celebrating “the art of taking a snack break, social pause, recharge and gossip.”
The menu showcases a range of pastries, including pandan olive oil loaf, mango royal rolled cake, and ensaymada combined with mamon. Savory options include breakfast sandwiches filled with longanisa, tocino ham, or corned beef on freshly baked pan de leche. Specialty coffee drinks, like affogato with miso condensed-milk ice cream and cappuccino with jackfruit purée, complete the experience. Kapé operates Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 727 N. Broadway, Los Angeles, and can be found online at lasita-la.com.
Sogo Roll Bar Expands to Highland Park
One of Los Angeles’ premier hand-roll bars, Sogo Roll Bar, has expanded with a second location in Highland Park. The original location, which debuted in 2020, quickly gained a following for its dedication to the art of temaki. The collaborative venture between Sushi Note’s Kiminobu Saito and David Gibbs, and Bar Covell and L&E Oyster Bar’s Dustin Lancaster and Sarah Dietz, now offers its identical menu – including donburi and appetizers – alongside beer, wine, and sake at its new outpost.
The Highland Park location, situated at 5535 York Blvd., is open Sunday to Thursday from noon to 9 p.m. and Friday to Saturday from noon to 10 p.m. More information can be found at sogorollbar.com.
Bread Head Brings Santa Monica Success to Manhattan Beach
Bread Head, lauded by Los Angeles Times food critic Bill Addison as “L.A.’s next great sandwich shop,” has opened a second location in Manhattan Beach. Founders Jordan Snyder and Alex Williams, along with partners Greg Willsey and Michael Pasternak, are bringing their signature focaccia sandwiches closer to the pier.
The new location at 1129 Manhattan Ave. features indoor and outdoor seating, a seven-seat bar (with hopes of serving beer and wine soon), and beach-themed décor. A larger kitchen promises an expanded menu, potentially including breakfast and additional hot sandwiches. Bread Head in Manhattan Beach is open Wednesday to Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and can be found online at breadheadla.com.
DineL.A. Returns with Record Participation
DineL.A., Los Angeles County’s bi-annual dining event, is back, featuring nearly 450 restaurants offering special menus and prix-fixe options. This year’s iteration, which began today, boasts the largest number of participating restaurants since the event’s inception in 2008, with 80 entirely new additions. Diners can find exclusive meals at established favorites like Mélisse, Bar Amá, and Wally’s, as well as newer spots such as Marea, Soban, Luke’s Lobster, and Saijo. More details can be found at discoverlosangeles.com/dinela.
