California's newest culinary scene pushes the boundaries between tradition and sustainability, blending global influences with local ingredients to create innovative and conscious dining experiences.

The India Connect Pippal launches innovative cocktail program

One of San Francisco's newest, innovative cocktail programs, Pippal tells the rich story of India's historic landmarks through the eyes of the team's creative head bartender, Izler Thomas. Each cocktail on the menu pays homage to a specific historic building in India and features flavor profiles that reflect the ingredients found in that region.

LA welcomes recently opened SHOR

The team behind a two-time Michelin-starred restaurant has opened the doors to its second culinary venture: SHOR, a bazaar-inspired experience in the heart of LA's Hawaiian Gardens neighborhood. Led by Chef Imran 'Ali' Mookhi, SHOR advances Mookhi's mission to revolutionize fine dining desi cuisine in the West. Inspired by Afghanistan, India and Pakistan, SHOR's menu features 100% halal flavors from around the world in sophisticated presentation. To complement this immersive experience, the team enlisted Executive Pastry Chef Mark Medina, formerly of Le Cordon Bleu, to develop an upscale pastry menu that embodies the essential flavors of desi cuisine. True to the halal non-alcoholic tradition, SHOR offers a unique selection of non-alcoholic beverages, including non-alcoholic versions of classic cocktails, and a water bar.

Baar-Baar

James Beard Foundation semifinalist nominee Chef Sujan Sarkar creates 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 nightly tasting menus or visit the restaurant for Sunday Bollywood Brunch, which features a live DJ and provides the perfect atmosphere for dancing. On Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, guests can enjoy bar snacks and Bollywood-inspired cocktails during Baar Baar Hour.

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New restaurants in Costa Mesa

Straight from Mexico City, Churrería EI Moro opens its U.S. flagship store in Northgate Market, serving the finest churros and chocolate since 1935. The Plot, a near-zero-waste kitchen, offers 100% plant-based dishes full of flavor and sustainability and is the latest location from a dynamic husband-and-wife team. Maizano is reshaping the landscape of fine Mexican cuisine, offering a contemporary take on traditional recipes from the Yucatán, Puebla, and Oaxaca. Costa Mesa Kitchens, a ghost kitchen, features 24 unique restaurants, including Gwyneth Paltrow's Goop Kitchen, creating a bustling culinary playground.

Slow & Low becomes Elk Grove’s newest smokehouse

Located in historic Elk Grove, Slow & Low will occupy a 2,300-square-foot brick building that has been completely renovated and features a spacious outdoor patio and a state-of-the-art specialty smoker. The restaurant will offer popular grilled dishes in addition to vegan and vegetarian options. Michael Hargis, founder of popular Midtown Sacramento German beer joint LowBrau, is expanding his presence to the Sacramento area with the opening of Slow & Low in Elk Grove.

New Healdsburg Mocktail Trail celebrates its premiere

Continuing the trend of low- or no-alcohol options, Healdsburg's Mocktail Trail features various mocktail menus from many popular Healdsburg restaurants. Bartenders 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 created drinks that offer a non-alcoholic menu that goes far beyond typical non-alcoholic cocktails. From Spanish-inspired mocktails to coastal creations, each stop on the trail promises a unique and delicious experience.

Whaling Bar reopens

After a 10-year closure, the Whaling Bar reopened at the Valencia Hotel in early 2024. Originally opened in the 1940s, the Whaling Bar was a favorite among well-known locals and celebrities such as Tom Hanks and Robin Williams. The new edition will feature a new design but bring back some original paintings and nautical-themed cocktails. The cocktail lounge will continue to be part of the hotel, but its cocktail and bar menu will be created and managed by the SDCM Restaurant Group.

The bar celebrates its premiere at the Short Stories Hotel

The Fairfax neighborhood welcomed The Bar at Short Stories Hotel, an upscale lounge and bar concept offering a cocktail experience. Nestled in the central courtyard oasis of Short Stories Hotel, the lounge is reminiscent of a secret garden sanctuary with European and African accents. Its craft cocktails feature unexpected combinations that are both creative and playful. The wine list presents a concise yet broad collection of old and new world wines, with a strong focus on California viticulture. The culinary selection highlights classic American dishes, offering familiar favorites and sophisticated small plates, with an emphasis on shared meals.

Downtown Mariposa welcomes Happy Goat Diner

The farm-to-table restaurant serves modern American classics for breakfast and lunch using food grown on the Happy Goat Farm just a few miles away. Established in 2020, the 1,850-acre farm is dedicated to supporting the local community through a variety of programs. Starting in 2024, the afternoon “Fun on the Farm” happy hour experience will be open to the general public. In the evening, guests can cuddle and feed the goats while enjoying a cocktail made with ingredients from the farm.

Tank Garage opens second location

Tank Garage Winery, a 1930s wine brand and former gas station in the Napa Valley town of Calistoga, is opening a second tasting room in Paso Robles in spring 2024. The winery offers eclectic wine blends and vintage flair to create wines with soul and meaning.

Z&Y Peking Duck now open with new event area

Z&Y Peking Duck, San Francisco's newest restaurant honoring the centuries-old Chinese culinary icon, Peking Duck, is now open for social and corporate events as well as VIP parties with the completion of its new event space. Featuring modern Chinese decor in a vibrant red and gold color scheme, the space has been completely remodeled to accommodate private parties and events for up to 60 people.

Luna Red opens in downtown San Luis Obispo

Located next to Mission de Tolosa in downtown San Luis Obispo, Luna Redd offers an exceptional dining and drinking experience in a vibrant and artistic setting. Chef Shaun Behrens' vision is embodied in a small-plate menu that reflects his deep commitment to using seasonal, locally sourced ingredients.

New restaurant openings in Solvang from two local chefs

Chef Budi Kazali, former chef and owner of the popular Ballard Inn, will return to the kitchen in his upcoming restaurant concept. Similar to The Gathering Table, the restaurant is scheduled to open in spring 2024. The menu will feature mixed cuisine dishes designed for social sharing, most with an Asian cuisine influence. The Crudo restaurant and bar, named after Chef Cullen Campbell's previous dining concepts in Phoenix, Arizona, will open this spring. Crudo will later be joined by a sushi and izakaya-style sister restaurant.