Best Californian Restaurants in South Los Angeles

Some of the dishes were phenomenal, like the Brussel sprouts side dish, sauce for the salmon, the focaccia bread with butter/honey, and berries with Chantilly cream. Ambience was cozy, felt like being in a different country. Fun.

The experience at Openaire this morning was so such a lovely way to spend our first meal of 2025. The staff was very special . So warm , attentive , intentional and present ! We truly felt like guests in someone's home . The food matched the rest of the sweet vibe at Openaire . If we lived closer we would come more often . h and when we left they also greeted us a warm goodbye and showed appreciation for us coming.

Chef Kursten stepped away from his busy kitchen to come greet our table, which was a nice touch. Carson our waiter was super funny and engaging in our conversation. Can’t wait to come back.

Vespertine delivered one of the most extraordinary dining experiences we’ve ever had in the United States, rivaling the caliber of Michelin three-star restaurants abroad, such as Boragó in Santiago. The food was a stunning combination of originality, flavor, and artistry, each dish a masterpiece that delighted the palate and the eye. Service was impeccable, with the timing of each course orchestrated to perfection. The building itself is a marvel, adding a unique and modern dimension to the experience. While the evening was nearly flawless, there were a few minor areas for improvement. The final dessert felt overly elaborate and heavy, making it challenging to fully enjoy at the end of such a substantial meal. The dessert room, located near the entrance, was uncomfortably chilly on a cool evening, requiring us to retrieve our coats. Lastly, the $20 valet charge came as an unwelcome surprise, especially considering the restaurant’s high price point and the fact that the parking lot is private and on-site. A clearer sign or complimentary parking would have better matched the overall premium experience. These small critiques aside, Vespertine was a truly unforgettable dining journey—one we would highly recommend to anyone seeking a world-class culinary adventure in Los Angeles.

Loved the Christmas Eve tasting. Each dish was the star of its own act....I really couldn't pick out a favorite. I love all the flavors and the architecture is so captivating. I felt transported to a different world for one night for a very special foodie experience. Thank you for making this so special for me and my family.