A Look Inside Los Angeles Magazine’s Celebration of the Best New Restaurants
Culinary Stars Shine at Los Angeles Magazine’s Best New Restaurants Celebration
On February 23, The Sun Rose in West Hollywood became a hub for Los Angeles’ culinary talent during the annual celebration of Los Angeles Magazine’s Best New Restaurants for 2026. Located on Sunset Boulevard, the event featured a diverse lineup of top eateries presenting their signature dishes.
Notable guests included Aitor Zabala, the three-Michelin-starred chef from Somni, as well as Los Angeles Magazine’s Chef of the Year, Nancy Silverton. Other esteemed chefs present were Ki Kim of Restaurant Ki, Ray Garcia of Broken Spanish Comedor, Lily Rosenthal and Mason Royal from Max & Helen’s, PJ Calapa of Marea, Burt Bakman, and Kevin Meehan, among others. The presence of culinary influencers like Lawrence Longo, along with Wolfgang Puck and Barbara Lazaroff from Merois, added to the event’s prestige.
“I cannot tell you how honored I am,” said Silverton. “Not only to be in this magazine, but to be Chef of the Year. Who would have thought?”
As guests made their way down the venue’s golden staircase, they were welcomed by an array of enticing aromas and vibrant music from DJ Alan. Each participating restaurant showcased special bites, emphasizing their unique culinary flair.
The evening featured a selection of drinks from Empress 1908 Gin, Dulce Vida Tequila, Shelter Distilling, Mission Craft Cocktails, Avaline Wine, and Dante Beverly Hills, ensuring guests stayed refreshed with Acqua Panna and San Pellegrino provided at each table.
Culinary highlights came from various contributing restaurants, including Top Chef alum David Fricaud’s La Monique, Fiorelli Pizza, and the renowned Genghis Cohen. Garcia’s Broken Spanish Comedor served coal-roasted Japanese sweet potatoes alongside miniature salt-air margaritas.
“I’m excited to be here as part of the best new restaurants at Los Angeles magazine,” Garcia remarked, showcasing his signature tres leches cake with guava and strawberry.
Additional participants such as Electric Bleu, Bar Siesta, Daisy, Maydān, Alba Los Angeles, Ospero, and Max & Helen’s treated attendees to their culinary staples. Sweet delights featured "L.A.’s dopest cinnamon rolls" from All About the Cinnamon, alongside treats from Levain Bakery and Max & Helen’s viral hot chocolate. Guests also enjoyed a tasting of additive-free tequila from SKORPIOS 1618.
To conclude the evening, Los Angeles Magazine President and Publisher Christopher Gialanella and editor Jasmin Rosemberg raised a toast, expressing gratitude to attendees for their support of the city’s vibrant dining scene.
“Remember,” Rosemberg urged, “If you like what you’ve tasted, please dine out and support these restaurants.”
The night not only highlighted the city’s culinary excellence but also hinted at a promising future for dining in Los Angeles, marked by creativity and flavor.
