Los Angeles has once again caught the attention of The New York Times, with two local restaurants earning spots on the publication's 2026 Restaurant List. Komal in South L.A. and Jacaranda on Melrose were among the 50 establishments across the country selected by the Times' dining team, showcasing the breadth of Southern California's culinary landscape.
These selections highlight that the region's restaurant scene does not adhere to a single style. Komal, found at Mercado La Paloma near USC, centers its menu around the craft of masa. The restaurant mills its own corn, transforming it into Mexican dishes that the Times praised for their "generous and elegant" qualities. Standouts mentioned include quesadillas and molotes, demonstrating how a foundational ingredient like a tortilla can elevate the dining experience.
Taking a different approach to L.A. dining, Jacaranda on Melrose offers a California-focused tasting menu. Chef Daniel Patterson's restaurant is designed to feel less like a formal dining room and more like a chic dinner party, emphasizing seasonal California ingredients. Its menus frequently feature vegetables, seafood, and foraged items. Jacaranda, notably, approaches fine dining without the usual hushed reverence. The room is art-filled and features a music playlist that can drift into '90s alternative and punk, offering a distinctly Los Angeles take on a tasting menu experience.
The inclusion of both Komal and Jacaranda on the list illustrates the diverse and "endlessly weird" nature of dining in the city, as described by the Times. Komal is deeply rooted in traditional Mexican cooking and its surrounding neighborhood, while Jacaranda presents a contemporary California tasting menu that, despite its Melrose location, aims for the comfort of a well-appointed home rather than a formal culinary temple.
Beyond these two Los Angeles additions, The New York Times' list also recognized two other Southern California establishments. Mesa Agricola in Escondido and Yerord Mas in Glendale also received commendation, bringing the total number of local restaurants on the list to four.
For those looking to experience these recognized spots, Komal is located at 3655 S. Grand Ave. It operates Wednesday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Saturday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Jacaranda can be found at 6623 Melrose Ave., serving dinner Wednesday through Sunday from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
