On Wednesday, six restaurants in Los Angeles were added to the esteemed California Michelin Guide.
The researchers for the Michelin Guide take a full year to scout for the finest dining establishments, updating their selections biannually. This month, they highlighted a diverse array of options, ranging from seafood spots to Chinese-American eateries.
Corridor 109
Corridor 109 is characterized as a “cozy 11-seat counter” eatery located in Melrose Hill, just behind Bar 109. The focus here is primarily on fish, notably raw preparations.
Chef and owner Brian Bake, who refined his culinary techniques in New York prior to returning to Los Angeles, has received commendation for his detailed and skillful dishes. Standouts include Santa Barbara spiny lobster tartare served with a kelp tartlet and whitefish mousse.
The restaurant operates Thursday through Saturday, and it’s important to note that “reservations are required.”
firstborn
This Chinese-American establishment, found in Broadway’s Mandarin Plaza, is owned by chef Anthony Wang, who is a first-generation American.
The Michelin Guide acknowledges the restaurant for its “welcoming and comfortable” atmosphere along with a “well-organized kitchen” ideal for shared meals.
Notable dishes on the menu include soft tofu dumplings paired with sautéed shiitake mushrooms and duck sausage.
Lapava
Lapava is a new pasta bar in Koreatown, created by the married couple Matthew Kim and McKenna Rella. They put an interesting spin on Italian dishes with Korean influences.
A highlight is the bulgogi meatballs served with milk bread in a truffle tomato sauce. There’s also pasta accompanied by short rib ragu.
The guide suggests dining with a group to sample a variety of dishes, as “the portions are not very large.”
little fish melrose hill
This sit-down restaurant on Melrose Avenue is celebrated for its high-quality, sustainably sourced seafood and California-grown produce.
For lunch, you’ll find options like fish fry sandwiches and tuna melts on a menu that’s described as “casual in form but precisely executed.” Dinner offerings include seared pork and shellfish sausage.
Lugya
Lugya, a Mexican restaurant located in Meydan Market on Jefferson Boulevard, features tlayuda as its standout dish, along with fresh tortillas and sausages.
The setting has a food market vibe where diners place their orders at the counter and then choose their seats. The portions here are described as “hearty.”
Zira Uzbekistan Kitchen
This spot is a fantastic place to explore the flavors of Uzbekistan, nestled between China and Europe. Owner Azim Rahmatov serves lunch and dinner daily at his location in the Fairfax District.
The menu showcases traditional dishes such as salads, soups like hand-pulled noodle lagman, skewers, and dumplings.
