Los Angeles is, predictably, never short on new places to eat. Standing out in a city where new restaurants open almost daily is a challenge, but two L.A. spots have managed to catch the eye of diners and, in turn, Yelp's algorithm, landing on its list of the 25 Best New Restaurants of 2026.
The highest-ranked L.A. entry is Firstborn, a Chinese-American restaurant in Chinatown, which came in at No. 2 on the national list. It's the only newcomer from Los Angeles to crack Yelp’s top 10. Chef-owner Anthony Wang combines his Chinese-American background with European culinary training, presenting a seasonal tasting menu that changes regularly. The restaurant, which occupies a notable art-deco space, has also already garnered Michelin recognition.
Firstborn's $68 prix-fixe menu offers diners three choices per course. Potential dishes guests might encounter include caviar blinis, a rich duck sausage, the crispy Chongqing fried chicken, duck fat rice, and melon shaved ice for a sweet finish. The restaurant also aims for a specific ambiance, with cocktails leaning into a sci-fi-movie aesthetic, while the overall lighting design keeps the setting decidedly romantic.
Further down the list, at No. 19, is Lucia, which offers a different take on the dining experience. Known for its Caribbean dishes and a distinct "seen-and-be-seen vibe," Lucia focuses on the culinary traditions of the Caribbean diaspora. Owner Sam Jordan, alongside Chef Cleophus “Ophus” Hethington—a two-time James Beard Award finalist—curate a menu of seasonal items.
Dishes that might appear at Lucia include a Jamaican bun served with coconut butter and sorrel-apricot jam, truffle and manchego saltfish croquetas, and a jerk lamb shank. Both Firstborn and Lucia represent different approaches to the fine-dining scene, but both have clearly made an impression on their patrons.
Yelp determined its rankings by analyzing the volume and ratings of reviews for full-service restaurants that opened after January 1, 2025. Data for these reviews was collected through June 11, 2026, creating a snapshot of the newest and most popular spots. These local standouts are part of a broader dining landscape, with Yelp noting several emerging trends across the country.
According to Yelp, steak is experiencing a significant surge in popularity, with searches for “steak near me” jumping 59 percent over the previous year, reaching an all-time high in August 2026. Indian cuisine is also on the rise, seeing a 135 percent increase in searches for Indian bowls and a substantial 459 percent increase in searches for “Indian food buffet near me.” While Los Angeles consistently adds to its extensive roster of dining options, Yelp's latest list narrows the field, highlighting two places worth seeking out.
