Check out California's newest culinary hotspots

The newest culinary scene in California is redefining traditional cuisine by incorporating global influences and using locally sourced ingredients. By prioritizing innovation and sustainability, this trend is giving rise to unique and environmentally friendly dining experiences.

Check out the amazing list

1. The India ConnectionPippal Launches Innovative Cocktail Program: Pippal, one of San Francisco's newest and most innovative cocktail programs, tells the rich history of India's historic monuments through the eyes of the team's creative head bartender, Izler Thomas. Each cocktail on the menu pays homage to a specific Indian heritage property and incorporates flavor profiles that reflect the ingredients found in that region.
2. Los Angeles welcomes the newly opened SHORThe team behind a two-time Michelin restaurant has opened the doors to its second culinary project, SHOR, a bazaar-inspired experience in the heart of Los Angeles' Hawaiian Gardens neighborhood. Led by Chef Imran 'Ali' Mookhi, SHOR is furthering Mookhi's mission to revolutionize high-end Desi cuisine in the West. Inspired by Afghanistan, India and Pakistan, SHOR's menu offers 100% halal global flavors in sophisticated presentations. To complete this immersive experience, the team engaged executive pastry chef Mark Medina, Le Cordon Bleu Alum, to develop an elevated pastry menu that embodies the well-rounded flavors of Desi cuisine. Following the non-alcoholic halal tradition, SHOR offers a unique selection of non-alcoholic beverages including non-alcoholic versions of classic cocktails and a water bar.
3. Baar BaarChef Sujan Sarkar, a James Beard Foundation semifinalist nominee, is creating elevated Indian cuisine at the newly opened Baar Baar in downtown Los Angeles. The bold and imaginative menu explores the many flavors and textures of authentic Indian cuisine with a contemporary approach. Guests can enjoy tasting menus nightly or visit the restaurant for the Bollywood Sunday Brunch, featuring a live DJ and just the right atmosphere to get up and dance. On Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, guests can enjoy snacks at the bar and Bollywood-inspired cocktails during Baar Baar hour.
4. More in CulinaryNew Restaurants in Costa Mesa: Straight from Mexico City, Churrería EI Moro introduces its flagship US location at Northgate Market, offering the best churros and chocolate since 1935. The Plot, a near-zero waste kitchen, offers 100% plant-based dishes rich in flavor and sustainability, marking the newest location by a dynamic husband and wife team. Maizano reshapes the landscape of elevated Mexican cuisine, offering a contemporary interpretation of traditional recipes from Yucatán, Puebla and Oaxaca. Costa Mesa Kitchens, a ghost kitchen, features more than 24 unique restaurants, including Gwyneth Paltrow's Goop Kitchen, creating a lively culinary playground. Slow & Low Becomes Elk Grove's Newest Smokehouse: Located in historic Elk Grove, Slow & Low will occupy a 24,000-square-foot footprint. ft. brick building that has been completely renovated with a large outdoor patio and a state-of-the-art custom smoker. The restaurant will offer barbecue favorites as well as vegan and vegetarian options. Michael Hargis, founder of popular German brewery LowBrau in Midtown Sacramento, is expanding his presence into the greater Sacramento region with the addition of Slow & Low in Elk Grove.
5. The new Healdsburg Mocktail Trail debutsContinuing the trend of adopting low and no alcohol options, Mocktail Trail in Healdsburg offers diverse mocktail menus from many popular Healdsburg restaurants. The mixologists at Lo & Behold, Spoon Bar, Bravas Bar de Tapas, Chalkboard, Goodnights Prime Steak & Spirits, Little Saint, The Rooftop at Harmon House and Willi's Seafood and Raw Bar have crafted drinks that feature a non-spirit menu that ranges far beyond. Typical non-alcoholic cocktails. From Spanish-inspired mocktails to coastal creations, each stop along the trail promises a unique and enchanting experience.
6. Whaling bar reopensAfter a 10-year closure, the Whaling Bar reopened in early 2024 located inside the Valencia Hotel. Originally opened in the 1940s, the Whaling Bar was a favorite among locals and notable luminaries such as Tom Hanks and Robin Williams. The new version will incorporate a new design but will bring back some original nautical-themed paintings and cocktails. The cocktail lounge will continue as part of the hotel, but its cocktail menu and bar will be created and managed by SDCM Restaurant Group.
7. The bar debuts at the Short Stories hotelThe Fairfax neighborhood welcomed The Bar at Short Stories Hotel, an elevated concept lounge and bar offering an advanced cocktail experience. Located in the central courtyard oasis of Short Stories Hotel, the lounge evokes a secret garden sanctuary with European and African touches. Their craft cocktails feature unexpected combinations that are also creative and fun. The wine list highlights a succinct but broad collection of old and new world labels, with a strong focus on California winemaking. The culinary selection highlights classic American fare, with familiar favorites and refined small plates, with an emphasis on shareable meals.
8. Downtown Mariposa welcomes Happy Goat DinerThe farm-to-table restaurant serves updated classic American fare for breakfast and lunch with food grown at Happy Goat Farm, just a few miles away. The 1,850-acre farm was established in 2020 and is dedicated to serving the local community through a variety of programs. Starting in 2024, Fun on the Farm's afternoon Happy Hour experience will be available to the general public. In the evenings, guests can snuggle and feed the goats while enjoying a cocktail made with ingredients from the farm.
9. tank garageTank Garage Winery, a 1930s wine brand and gas station-turned-winery in the Napa Valley town of Calistoga, will open a second tasting room in Paso Robles in spring 2024. The winery features blends of eclectic wines and aged vibes, to make Wines with soul and purpose.
10. Z&Y Peking Duck Z&Y Peking Duck, San Francisco's newest restaurant celebrating the centuries-old Chinese culinary icon, the Peking Duck, is now open with the completion of its new event space designed for social and corporate events and VIP parties. Featuring modern Chinese decor with a vibrant red and gold color scheme, the space has been completely remodeled for private parties and events of up to 60 people.
11. Red Moon Located next to the Tolosa Mission in downtown San Luis Obispo, Luna Redd offers an extraordinary dining and drinking experience in a vibrant and artistic atmosphere. Chef Shaun Behrens' vision is realized in a small plates menu, which reflects his deep commitment to using locally sourced, seasonal ingredients.
12. New restaurant openings in Solvang by two local chefsChef Budi Kazali, former chef and owner of the beloved Ballard Inn, will return to the kitchen at his next restaurant concept. Like The Gathering Table, the restaurant aims to open in spring 2024 with mixed-cuisine menu items aimed at enjoyable sharing, most with an Asian-inspired influence. “Crudo” restaurant and bar, named after chef Cullen Campbell’s former hospitality concepts in Phoenix, AZ, will open this spring. Crudo will later be joined by a sister sushi and izakaya-style restaurant.