Hot Off the Press

Things are heating up in L.A. and we’re not just talking about the weather. With several newcomers across town you have plenty of dining options from which to choose. Reservations at many popular L.A. restaurants—especially the ones designated below— are hard to come by. So wherever you decide to dine, make your reservations as far in advance as possible. by

Funke > Only a few restaurants in L.A. can claim the notoriety that Mother Wolf and Felix have garnered in a short span. Chef Evan Funke, the same chef behind the acclaimed restaurants, just opened his new namesake restaurant in the heart of Beverly Hills. Funke is a three-story venue, a collaboration with the celebrated chef and L.A. real-estate tycoon Kurt Rappaport. On entering, diners confront the signature glass-enclosed pasta laboratorio, which provides a sneak peek into the pasta-making process with the occasional appearance by the two-time James Beard–nominated chef himself. The contemporary space does not deviate far from its sister Italian restaurants with the exception that here, Funke is largely inspired by the cuisine of Southern Italy—Sicily to be exact. Expect chef’s signature pasta dishes such as cacio e pepe and bolognese but also a few delicious newcomers including Sfincione Palermitana (thick Sicilian-style pizza) and three-meat agnolotti. If you don’t have success snagging a reservation, head to the rooftop garden, open for walk-ins only. Bar Funke looks out to the Hollywood Hills and features a stunning rose-quartz bar. The menu differs from the main dining room’s larger menu, but there you’ll be able to sample delicious bites such as sfincione, crudos, and caviar by Petrossian. 9388 S. Santa Monica Blvd., Beverly Hills, 424.279.9796, funkela.com

Drake's Hollywood > The strip of Melrose Avenue between Santa Monica Boulevard and La Cienega Boulevard has turned into a restaurant row over the last few months with many of the city’s new culinary hot spots

LEILA NAJAFI

popping up next door to each other. Newcomer to the row is Dallas-based Drake’s Hollywood, which moved in adjacent to the vegan-friendly the Butcher’s Daughter and across the street from West Hollywood staple Cecconi’s. Behind the red-velvet rope and neon sign is a dimly lit open-floor dining room inspired by the bygone days of Hollywood. Large red-leather booths serve as roomy seating, and a lively, circular bar presides front and center. See how many famous caricatures you can identify on the custom murals on the wall—a nod to Hollywood history. Classic comfort dishes that never go out of season include a 42-ounce King’s Porterhouse, spicy rigatoni with chili flakes, Caesar salad with cornbread croutons, and a selection of pizza and dishes from the raw bar. Pair your meal with one of the house martinis; if you prefer your martini with an olive garnish then you’ll love the Bleu & Gold cocktail with blue cheese–stuffed olives and a blue cheese salt rim or try the signature World’s Coldest Martini made with frozen vodka. For the grand finale and ultimate sweet-tooth fix, the 24-layer strawberry shortcake is not just eye-candy, it’s irresistibly good. 8747 Melrose Ave., West Hollywood, 213.334.6789, drakeshollywood.com

Aya > When Israeli-owner Igal Benhamou decided to bring a little slice of Israel and the Mediterranean to L.A., Aya, a bohemian, reservations-only dining and nightlife venue was born. The space encompasses nearly 4,000 square feet of outdoor patio at the Sofitel Los Angeles hotel, but once you’re ensconced within the airy environment designed with Middle Eastern motifs, you quickly forget the urban surroundings and are transported to an exotic destination. Aya leans heavily on the lounge ambience, although guests can dine in for a multisensory experience. Entertainment is plentiful with nightly performances, including fire dancers, body painters, and a DJ playing deep global beats as the energy picks up as the hours pass. Sofitel Los Angeles, 8555 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles, 424.722.9406, ayalosangeles.com

Baar Baar Los Angeles > The beloved New York import opens its first West Coast outpost in the Watermarke Tower, at the corner of West 9th and Flower streets in downtown’s South Park district. Combining seasonal California produce and rich Indian flavors, the restaurant brings elevated Indian cuisine to the city. Chef Sujan Sarkar pulls from his childhood memories of growing up in Kolkata to craft a menu that is bold and contemporary while introducing a variety of textures—similar to the decor. Start with chaat (savory snacks) such as the Dahi Puri served with avocado, tamarind, mint, and cilantro chutney or the Kashmiri Duck Taco. Entrées include lamb shank roast with gravy and juicy Baar Baar Butter chicken.End on a sweet note with the carrot halwa cake made with malai (clotted) ice cream, phirni (sweet pudding) mousse, and edible gold. 705 W. 9th St., Los Angeles, 213.266.8989, baarbaarla.com

La Dolce Vita > The 79-seat Beverly Hills restaurant with a storied past reopens with new ownership and a refreshed interior. When the restaurant first opened in 1966, Hollywood legends Frank Sinatra and George Raft were the original investors and their spirit still pervades today. Design nods to the nostalgic Hollywood era include custom-made replicas of designer Charles Hollis Jones’ “Sinatra” bar stool as well as tufted red-leather booths, vintage sconces, and a few modern touches like a bold cheetah-print carpet. No detail was overlooked, including the waitstaff’s bespoke beige wool uniforms adorned

From top: Interior dining at Mon Ami; charred octopus in a pepperoni sauce at Jemma di Mare with gold buttons designed by celebrity atelier Denis Frison. Expect dependable Italian classics like the house chopped salad, spaghetti and meatballs, and veal Parmigiana. 9785 S. Santa Monica Blvd., Beverly Hills, 310-278-1845, ladolcevitabeverlyhills.com

Mon Ami > The name Mon Ami might be French but this hidden indoor and outdoor restaurant draws inspiration from the entire Mediterranean coast. Walk past Red O Cantina on tourist-trodden Ocean Boulevard in Santa Monica and you’ll find this garden-style eatery tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the area. Dishes are meant to be shared and will take your palate on a trip around the world with flavorful menu items such as the chicken souvlaki skewers, Moroccan chicken tagine, Greek salad, and Lobster alla Catalana pasta. A DJ playing tribal beats in the background is reminiscent of the vibrant beach clubs along the Mediterranean, but don’t expect any dancing on tables here. The vibe exudes a casual, breezy charm. 1541 Ocean Ave., Suite 150, Santa Monica, 424.645.5550, monamism.com

Jemma di Mare >

From the team behind Ospi (in Venice) and Jame (in El Segundo) comes another Italian heavy hitter to add to the collection, except this one has an East Coast flair and is located in Brentwood. The mostly seafood-focused restaurant is open for lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch and showcases ocean delights such as charred octopus, lobster fettuccine, and linguine with clams as well as a limited selection of meat dishes. The cocktail menu is inventive, particularly the Pasta Water Martini and the gin-based Millionaire served with a Kaluga caviar bump. Grab a seat at the wraparound bar and watch the bartenders shake up cool cocktails or sink into a banquette. High-top tables and dining alfresco are also options. 11677 San Vicente Blvd., Suite 200, 424-317-0007, jemmadimare.com