Welcome to your monthly guide to the must-know food-world news in Los Angeles. Discover the latest industry trends, hottest restaurants to try, and more. Dine on.
’Tis the season to eat, drink, and be merry, and these Los Angeles restaurants are providing the festive atmosphere to do just that. For some holiday cheer with a side of movies, look no further than French restaurant Lillie’s, at the Culver Hotel. Classic holiday films will be projected on the lobby walls at the hotel, including Miracle on 34th street, It’s a Wonderful Life, and Babes in Toyland. Meanwhile the restaurant is decked up in nutcrackers, mistletoe, and fresh pine garlands, and a giant Douglas fir tree welcomes diners into the space.
For something more grand and sparkly, head to Santa Monica’s Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows. Its restaurant, FIG, will be decorated with festive lights and a Christmas garland, and diners will get a bird’s eye view of the hotel’s breathtaking, 20-foot tall Christmas tree. The Fairmont kicks celebrations up a notch on December 11, when hotel guests can gather around the tree for a celebratory afternoon full of complimentary festive drinks, small bites, and holiday activities like taking photos with Santa Claus and decorating festive cookies.
Continue the extravagant celebrations at Jean-Georges Beverly Hills that’s decked out with multiple Christmas trees at the entrance, red table settings, and garlands throughout the restaurant.
But if you’re looking for a more casual vibe, check out Scottish pub Tam O’Shanter, where carolers sing in the wreath-covered dining room every night in December. And for something warm and cozy, The Ordinarie bar in Long Beach is the place to be. A holiday pop-up running there through December 30 features a stocking-covered fireplace, and festive cocktails such as an almond milk chai spiked with rum and coffee liquor.
Here’s some other food news you don’t want to miss this month:
- The folks behind Hollywood hit Mother Wolf debuted a fancy British pub called The Chap.
- Here are Eater LA’s picks for essential tamales in the city.
- Check out LA Taco’s list of the best Indigenous-owned Oaxacan restaurants in the city.
- People are lining up to get their fix of classic deli sandwiches at the new Bub and Grandma’s.
And before you go, these are the LA restaurants to check out this month, all bookable on OpenTable:
- Enjoy handmade pasta and flame-grilled seasonal dishes at Downtown’s Hearts and Flame. Book now
- Experience fine dining under a 20-foot ceiling at Hotel Nomad’s chic new Per L’Ora. Book now
- Order a charred, thin-crust pie at Phoenix-area chef Chris Bianco’s popular Pizzeria Bianco. Book now
Kristin Braswell is a journalist and founder of CrushGlobal Travel, a company that customizes travel guides and authentic experiences around the world.
