9 Standout Restaurants of the Month
From a modern Lebanese pop-up to a Mexican-Persian lounge, these 5 newcomers & 4 greats cover the gamut…
These newcomers or new menus cover the gamut, from a modern Lebanese pop-up to a Mexican-Persian lounge. Alongside my latest restaurant reviews — three new & classic steakhouses (the new Izzy’s, The Vault Steakhouse, House of Prime Rib), my latest LA guide, five Peninsula/Silicon Valley newcomers (including Camber, Macarena, BROMA) — these nine spots are also worth visiting. Last month’s standouts are here. As always, I’ve personally vetted and visited each:
5 Newcomers
Modern Lebanese and Levantine Pop-up at Buddy: Ilna, Mission District
Over the years, I’ve enjoyed wine pairings and service from Maz Naba at many notable restaurants, from Nightbird to two and three Michelin Coi, even RN74 (I miss that wine list!) His restaurant and wine experience is impeccable: he was an opening partner at the great Rich Table, is owner and winemaker at Augur Wine Co., and was director of operations for more Michelin-starred greats: Osito, Mr. Jiu’s and Moongate Lounge.
But I did not know he could cook like this! Enter his modern Lebanese/Levantine pop-up, Ilna ("for us" in Arabic), every Sunday at Buddy (4:30-8:30pm). Naba celebrates his half-Lebanese heritage (also, half Brazilian by way of Lebanon) through his home lens of California. Changing dishes and ingredients weekly, he celebrates the ever-rich seasons of Northern California, sourcing from farmers markets and small local distributors. He’s also partnering with locals of Middle Eastern heritage in coffee, art, food, beverage and live music from Palestinian humanitarian Tarik Kazaleh, who plays the oud (Middle Eastern lute).