Just back from a week in LA.
Overall the food scene in LA is as good as its ever been. I go to LA 3-5 times per year and have been tracking its culinary evolution.
Some quick fire thoughts on food/meals/wine:
Alma - started here a short time after landing. I have eaten here several times. Very good meal but I do not see the growth in the kitchen. I hope they continue to evolve. Staff was incredibly nice and the winelist is small but thoughtfully chosen to pair with the food.
Sqirl - For me the most exciting restaurant in LA. I say this because the food is delicious and there really is no comparison in any other U.S. City. That is to say a restaurant that focuses on breakfast and lunch with such passion. Ate there more than once.
Orsa and Winston - Good meal. A few very good dishes. For LA this is very good. Just did not blow me away.
BestiaLA - Wish I liked the food here better. It is overall good and the wine list is very good. The desserts were surprisingly excellent and savory. It just did not blow me away, especially the pizza. Especially after eating at Roberta’s in NYC two times in the prior week.
Sushi Gen - Wow! This is the type of restaurant where LA shines. We showed up and there were at least 75 people in line. I learned that the regulars don’t like the Sushi counter so we were seated after many people who chose to wait for a table. Highly recommended. Call two weeks in advance for a resy. $20 corkage. Very small glassware. I will definitely go back.
Urasawa - Fantastic overall experience. Chef is a master and so personable. My expectations were sky high and it was a bit of a let down (especially after seeing the bill). I will definitely go back.
Santa Monica Farmers Market - We cooked with friends on NYE so we hit the market. All I will say is that I think the prices are 50-70% less than Union Square Farmers market - you Weast Coasters are lucky.
Night + Market - Tasty and enjoyable. Focused wine list that pairs well with the food and a reasonable corkage. Not nearly as good as Pok Pok (which is opening in LA).
Pot - Went here for lunch. Service was a disaster. Food was decent and the wine list was good. I would go back for dinner.
Rustic Canyon - Needed a place close to the airport to meet someone halfway and this worked perfectly. The food was overall good and my guest’s loved it. I have know Chef Fox from his Ubuntu days and I would say he has adapted his style to fit the audience. He was doing some of the most exciting food in the U.S. at Ubuntu and this was a bit disappointing for a pescetarian, most of the dishes had meat and it is not fair to judge the restaurant without trying them.
Coffee - Went to Blacktop, Bar Nine and Blue Bottle (former Handsome). Bar Nine in Culver City is outstanding and highly recommended.
Wine Stores - LA and the surrounding area have an amazing array of wine stores. So much on the shelves that would disappear in minutes in NYC. Went to DomainLA several times.
Ran out of time and did not make it to several places including Grand Central Market (went a few months ago and loved the diversity and the energy) and a number of food trucks.
Overall the food and wine scene in LA has greatly improved but it still falls short of other great food cities despite having great ingredients and an ever growing client base (e.g., Bestia is one of the busiest restaurants I have ever seen).