2022 was filled with good food and even better company. There’s so many amazing new restaurants I tried, but these are the ones that shined.
January – Olivetta, West Hollywood
Olivetta is a European Inspired restaurant in West Hollywood, California that has a remarkable atmosphere and even better food.
Must Try: Bread and Butter, Lobster Pasta, Truffle Fries
Address: 9010 Melrose Ave, West Hollywood, CA 90069
Hours: Everyday 6:00PM–12:00AM
February – Trivoli Tavern, Chicago
The old-world, dark wood interior gives Trivoli Tavern an extra sexy feel. The food is comforting and the cocktails are delicious.
Must Try: Skillet Cornbread, Truffle Bucatini, Baked Crab Cake, Classic Ribeye, Mushroom Casserole
Address: 114 N Green St, Chicago, IL 60607
Hours: Saturday & Sunday: 10:00am-1:45pm / Sunday – Thursday 4:30pm – 10:30pm / Friday – Saturday: 4:30pm – 11:00pm
March – Fixe Southern House, Fort Worth
An upscale Southern eatery with the most amazing biscuits I’ve ever had. I’m dying to return for dinner here.
Must Try: The Pollo Frito Loco Biscuit, The Standard Biscuit
Address: 5282 Marathon Ave, Fort Worth, TX 76109
Hours: Monday – Friday 10:00AM–9:00PM / Saturday & Sunday 9:00AM-9:00PM
April – Ospi, Venice
I know I’ve posted about Ospi a lot, but it’s truly one of my favorite Italian restaurants ever. I think about the ricotta toast every week.
Must Try: Crispy Provolone, Ricotta Toast, Caesar Salad, Cauliflower, Eggplant, Vodka Pizza, Copione Pizza, Raschiatelli
Address: 2025 Pacific Ave, Venice, CA 90291
Hours: Monday-Thursday 11:30AM-9:30PM / Friday 11:30AM-10:30PM / Saturday 10:30PM-10:30PM / Sunday 10:30PM-9:30PM
May – Leña Brava, Chicago
This Baja-style seafood spot is my favorite go-to in the West Loop. It also has a great Mezcal and wine selection to pair with the incredible wood-fired plates.
Must Try: Classic Ceviche, Pineapple & Goat Cheese Aguachile, Charred Queso Fresco, Cochinita Pibil Empanadas, Short Rib, Whole Spanish Branzino
Address: 900 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60607
Hours: Sunday-Thursday 4:30PM-10:30PM / Friday & Saturday 4:30PM-11:00PM
June – Mandolin Taverna, Los Angeles
Straight from Miami and placed in Soho Warehouse downtown Los Angeles, Mandolin Taverna is a quality Mediterranean restaurant with fun bites, drinks and a beautiful setup.
Must Try: Greek Sampler, Roasted Cauliflower, Grilled Tiger Prawns, House Fries with Garlic Greek Yogurt
Address: 1000 S Santa Fe Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90021
Hours: See OpenTable for seating times.
July – Prado Mercearia, Lisbon
Prado Mercearia quickly became one of my favorite restaurants of all time. The seasonal menu is brilliant and it’s some of the best small plates I’ve ever had in my life.
Here’s an article I wrote about Prado Mercearia earlier this year.
Must Try: The menu is ever-changing, but the oysters are a must if they’re in season.
Address: R. Pedras Negras 35, 1100-404 Lisboa, Portugal
Hours: Monday & Tuesday 7:00PM-12:00AM / Wednesday-Friday 12:00PM-12:00AM / Saturday & Sunday Closed
August – Chez Monsieur, Paris
I’ve lived in Paris for 8 months of my life and this was the most authentic restaurant I’ve been to. This French bistro took a top spot this year for one of the best meals I’ve had.
Must Try: Escargot, “Chez Monsieur” Style Veal Stew, French Beef Fillet
Address: 11, rue du Chevalier Saint-George
75008 Paris
Hours: Monday-Friday 12:00–2:30PM, 7:00–10:30PM
September – Ajisai, West Hollywood
Ajisai was a big surprise to me. This little sushi spot was packed with bold, big flavors. It’s easily some of the best sushi I’ve had in LA.
Must Try: Biscotti, Shishito Saute, Baked Crab Roll, Mr. Shoei Roll
Address: 809 N Palm Ave. West Hollywood, CA 90069
Hours: Tuesday-Friday 12:00PM-2:00PM, Monday-Saturday 5:30PM-10:00PM / Sunday Closed
October – Mr. T, Hollywood
The bar at Mr. T’s is definitely somewhere I’d hang out. Mr. T’s menu has a little bit of everything and I really enjoy particular dishes. I’m eager to go back and check out other menu items.
Must Try: “Thai” Tuna Crudo, Mr. T Mac and Cheese, Poulet Frit “Cesar”
Address: 953 N Sycamore Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90038
Hours: Tuesday-Thursday 6:00PM-10:00PM / Friday – Saturday 6:00PM-10:30PM
November – Dunsmoor, Glassell Park
This was one of my favorite meals of the year. Everything I ate melted in my mouth. I can’t put into words how good this place was.
Must Try: Sour Milk Cornbread, Wood-Roasted Pacific Oysters, Baby Albacore, Beef Ribeye
Address: 3501 Eagle Rock Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90065
Hours: Sunday-Thursday 5:30PM-10:00PM / Friday & Saturday 5:30PM-11:00PM
December – Anju, Washington, D.C.
This contemporary Korean restaurant was a standout in DC for me. The rich, comfort eats matched perfectly with the homey interior.
Must Try: Mandu, Chikin, Ssam Board
Address: 1805 18th St NW, Washington, DC 20009
Hours: Friday & Saturday 5:00PM-10:00PM / Sunday-Thursday 5:00PM-9:00PM / Saturday & Sunday 11:00AM-2:00PM
What restaurants I should try in the new year?
THE WATERS EDIT 