As LA's culinary scene comes to a close for 2025, the final countdown is underway with several late-blooming eateries. For those who missed it, let's look back on some of November's most highly anticipated openings.
Holy Basil had been making waves before finally opening its doors in Santa Monica on November 29. The eagerly-awaited restaurant from chef Nancy Silverton and comedian Phil Rosenthal proved too popular, drawing in locals willing to brave the wait – a line that snaked out for over two hours each day. The buzz didn't stop there; Paradise Dynasty landed at the Americana with its famous xiao long bao, bringing a taste of China's vibrant culture to Glendale. Meanwhile, Sawtelle got its own Korean bistro vibe courtesy of The Mulberry.
Moving on to December, LA's hospitality scene is seeing some fresh blood. Last Word Hospitality launched Hermon's in Los Feliz – think upscale dining with a hint of sophistication. Not to be outdone, Vandell added some much-needed cool to the neighborhood as its hip cocktail bar opened its doors. And for those craving Tex-Mex on a Friday night, HomeState is set to open a new location in Santa Monica. Hollywood fans will be delighted by the arrival of Robata Jinya, serving up comforting Japanese fare.
In all, LA's best December restaurant openings are looking particularly good this year – offering everything from classic French cuisine to moody Korean eats. Whether you're after an ice-cold martini or indulging in exquisite French delicacies on West 3rd, there's something for everyone.
Holy Basil had been making waves before finally opening its doors in Santa Monica on November 29. The eagerly-awaited restaurant from chef Nancy Silverton and comedian Phil Rosenthal proved too popular, drawing in locals willing to brave the wait – a line that snaked out for over two hours each day. The buzz didn't stop there; Paradise Dynasty landed at the Americana with its famous xiao long bao, bringing a taste of China's vibrant culture to Glendale. Meanwhile, Sawtelle got its own Korean bistro vibe courtesy of The Mulberry.
Moving on to December, LA's hospitality scene is seeing some fresh blood. Last Word Hospitality launched Hermon's in Los Feliz – think upscale dining with a hint of sophistication. Not to be outdone, Vandell added some much-needed cool to the neighborhood as its hip cocktail bar opened its doors. And for those craving Tex-Mex on a Friday night, HomeState is set to open a new location in Santa Monica. Hollywood fans will be delighted by the arrival of Robata Jinya, serving up comforting Japanese fare.
In all, LA's best December restaurant openings are looking particularly good this year – offering everything from classic French cuisine to moody Korean eats. Whether you're after an ice-cold martini or indulging in exquisite French delicacies on West 3rd, there's something for everyone.
my wallet can't take it no more! I know some ppl love waiting 2 hours but tbh it's just too much time 
. Anyways, Paradise Dynasty sounds fire tho 
their xiao long bao better be on point! And omg HomeState in Santa Monica? That's like a dream come true for me 
and Robata Jinya? Japanese food in Hollywood? Yes pls 
just had to chime in about Hermon's, it looks like they're going upscale with that 'sophistication' vibe... kinda hoping they don't forget to keep it real, you know? also saw Robata Jinya and it sounds like some cozy comfort food - need a spot for a casual Friday night in. still salty about the xiao long bao hype tho
. I mean, Holy Basil was supposed to be this game-changing restaurant and now it's just a bunch of people waiting in line for hours... what's the point? 
And don't even get me started on Paradise Dynasty, everyone's going gaga about their xiao long bao but have you tried those at that other spot downtown? It's not like they're all that special 
. And another thing, why do we need another Korean bistro in Sawtelle? Can't we just stick with the one good one on Pico 
. Anyway, I guess Hermon's and HomeState are looking pretty cool so far... but only if they deliver on that fancy-schmancy vibe and Tex-Mex goodness, respectively 
i've been hearing great things about homestate in santa monica too, their tex mex menu is def calling my name! 
️ can't wait to check out robata jinya for some comforting japanese grub 
and i'm lowkey obsessed with Holy Basil already had me salivating just reading about it 
. can't wait to try out Hermon's last word hospitality sounds so fancy schmancy 
and robata jinya for all you hollywood fans out there 
. december is shaping up to be an amazing month for foodies, literally every new spot looks amazing 
and sawtelle sounds like a total vibe fest too!! hermons in los feliz looks fancy enough to impress even the pickiest eaters 
anyway it seems like santa monica is the place to be for foodies now that holy basil and homestate are open 
and hermon's sounds super fancy but also kinda intimidating 
. And don't even get me started on the whole "upscale dining with a hint of sophistication" thing - just code for "we're gonna charge you an arm and a leg for some overpriced soup". I mean, come on, LA's got enough fancy restaurants already; can't we just have something real for once? Like, a decent taco truck that serves actual tacos 
️.
i mean who can resist a good xiao long bao? 
but what really gets me excited is the new location of homestate in santa monica... friday night tex mex is literally my jam 
can't wait to try them all though! 
and i'm so stoked they got that famous xiao long bao from paradise dynasty! can't wait to try it out 
. and i'm so down for the arrival of home state in santa monica 
but hermons in los feliz sounds like it's gonna be super upscale and boring 
not really my thing. and the new homestate location in santa monica is a good idea i guess, more tex mex options are always welcome