L.A.'s Best New Restaurant Openings of the Month

Because every Angeleno loves to eat, even if he has to valet, we bring you Table Stakes: a series that answers man’s eternally recurring question (“Uh, what’s new?”), and recurs once every lunar cycle or so. Bon appétit.

Tallula’s
Santa Monica

You’re here for: A lively meal with friends or family.
You’re dining on: The turkey enchiladas will make you feel warm inside, and the pumpkin seed hummus is an interesting play on a familiar texture (also, very healthy). Well balanced cocktails and an Esters-picked wine list will keep the chatter going strong.

118 Entrada Dr. (map)
Website

Prawn
Downtown

You’re here for: A healthy lunch break at Grand Market.
You’re dining on: A chopped salad with sweet and spicy shrimp placed on top. This is your new go-to summer lunch.

317 S. Broadway Street (map)
Website

Sweet Chick
Fairfax

You’re here for: A booze-filled dinner with friends at Nas’ famous fried chicken concern.
You’re dining on: Nashville hot fried chicken capable of rousing a few beads of sweat on the brow. The wedges of sweet waffles help subdue that heat, as do the sugary sweet cocktails.

448 Fairfax Ave. (map)
Website

SOCA
Sherman Oaks

You’re here for: Date night or a client dinner.
You’re dining on: Steaks as this is a modish steak house with a Mediterranean freshness. The giant chilled tiger shrimp are bursting with flavor, and barely need the cocktail sauce.

14015 Ventura Blvd (map)
Website

Friends and Family
East Hollywood

You’re here for: Breakfast, brunch or lunch. This would be a great spot to snag the makings for a picnic, too.
You’re dining on: Depends. If you’re there for breakfast you need to try the olive oil eggs because olive oil imbues eggs with a subtle freshness that’s both healthy and delicious. Lunch: roasted chicken salad is a go-to, but that lamb baguette with the crispy potatoes if it’s Saturday. Do not leave without a dessert. These guys do some of L.A.’s best pastries.

5150 Hollywood Blvd. (map)
Website