Table Stakes: The Best New Restaurants in L.A.

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.

Kismet
Los Feliz
You’re here for: The modish decor is ideal for a date (great for round two) or a convivial dinner with friends.
You’re dining on: Some spiced cashews to start, with some of their pillowy soft bread and house labneh. All of the salads are delicious. Then move on to the rabbit for two or the hen of the woods mushrooms if you’re with a vegetarian.
4648 Hollywood Blvd (map)
Website

Tsubaki
Echo Park
You’re here for: An intimate dinner that involves booze. So dates. The room is tiny and loud, but fun.
You’re dining on: The Japanese Caesar with the soft tofu is a must, as are the fried prawns. It’s Japanese izakaya, so it really depends on your appetite. But do save room for the curry soba.
1356 Allison Ave. (map)
Website

Farida
Hollywood
You’re here for: A casual dinner with a group of friends. Or a meal pre- or post-movie at the Archlight. Or before or after a concert at any one of the nearby venues.
You’re dining on: Definitely order some hummus, which they serve with shishito peppers. After that, mussels, with a really tangy turmeric cream and pea shoots. Late night: the chicken baguette will not disappoint.
6266 Sunset Blvd. (map)
Website

Mikkeller
DTLA
You’re here for: Drinking beer with a large group of people. The international craft brewers, based out of Denmark, are considered by many to be the top of their field. And their stunning 7,600-square-foot warehouse space is your new beer church.
You’re dining on: Mostly delicious ales. But when you decide to blot out the buzz, you’ll have an assortment of smoked meats to do it with, as well as homemade pastries, which they call danishes, naturally.
330 West Olympic Blvd. (map)
Website

Little Fatty
Mar Vista
You’re here for: Hangover food, pre-going-out food or takeout (via Caviar, Postmates or UBEREATS) for couch-bound meals.
You’re dining on: Morsels of chicken glazed in garlic, soy and ginger, cauliflower battered and fried to a golden crisp, and a doughy scallion pancake.
3809 Grand View Ave. (map)
Website