The space at 11916 Wilshire in Brentwood has gone through a number of incarnations over the last few years. Most recently it was The Upper Crust Pizza. Before that it was a French restaurant, and before that another pizzeria. But now a new name has gone up on the iconic sign: Doner Corner is moving in and refurbishing the space. Promising “the true essence of Turkish cuisine”, you can expect a menu of doner, falafel, kibbeh, hummus, and more.
The two second floor restaurants in Brentwood Gardens Plaza, at 11677 San Vicente Blvd, have always been a bit problematic. I’ve long wondered if perhaps it is due to the fact that they’re not street-level. The space currently operated by Ospi has been through a number of excellent iterations over the years. But the other space has been home to California Pizza Kitchen for a very long time. Sadly, that chapter has come to a close. Readers have been letting me know that CPK has vacated the space. While there are still many locations around, this location was dear for many as it was their first encounter with the revolutionary California Cuisine brand that invented “The Original BBQ Chicken Pizza“.
We have a plucky new contender throwing their hat into the ring of a very competitive pizza market in Brentwood. Window graphics are up on the space 11684 W San Vicente announcing the arrival of Flour Cafe and Pizzeria. Their website gives a wildly different address in the heart of a residential neighborhood in Santa Monica but confirms a Brentwood location. Flour has a location in the Palisades and offers a solid menu of New York style pies, as well as salads and sandwiches. 
Brentwood Village is having a moment… There’s a new ABC application on the front door of 148 S Barrington Ave. in Brentwood Village, previously home to beloved local hotspot Brentwood Restaurant & Lounge and ill-fated Baja Norte. The space is completely gutted, and there’s not much information on the new eatery. But if you examine the ABC application, a familiar name is listed: Dana Slatkin. Dana Slatkin is none other than one of the people behind Westwood’s French culinary powerhouse Violet. The business name on the application is listed as “Glenbarr”, but what I’m hearing is that the new business’ name will be The Wilkes. (I do not have confirmation for this.) Rumor has it this will be a return to the loungey superclub feel of the old Brentwood Restaurant & Lounge. You’ve got my attention…
If you were wondering what was going on behind the build-out at 155 S Barrington Place in Brentwood Village, I’ve got answers. An ABC application was recently posted on the front that gives us proof this will be the location of Terroni Brentwood. And while What Now Los Angeles broke the news earlier this year, the license application confirms it. The people behind Terroni, Grupo Terroni, operate a series of Italian eateries across the region, including Terroni Beverly and La Bettola LA. The focus is on Italian with “authenticity and tradition” utilizing quality ingredients imported from Italy for their pastas and pizzas. Brentwood sure does love Italian food. Remember that the legendary Peppone, Maria’s Italian Kitchen, old-school Divino, and the recently opened and quite splendid All Roads are all about a block away…
It appears there’s a new sweet treat shop landing at 11918 Wilshire Blvd in LA. A banner us up announcing the arrival of Black Sugar Boba. It looks like they were aiming for an earlier opening, but their website still promises this location. Look for a menu of high-quality milk tea, matcha, cereal milks, smoothies, slushes, and fruit tea.
It appears that Brentwood is getting a new icy treat shop. The Now (formerly Granville Plaza) development, at 11819 Wilshire Blvd in Los Angeles, has been undergoing a remodel for a quite a while now. In space #102, the new tenant will be the first US location of Mimi Ice Cream. According to the website, Mimi Ice Cream was created in Armenia, where they operate 20 locations. They describe themselves as “leaders in the soft-serve ice cream market”. This location will carry 20 flavors, 12 of which will be permanent with 8 rotating flavors. And yes, I’m not kidding, there will be a curious emphasis on pickled vegetables and fruit. Interesting….
Ever since I first told you about Total Wine & More taking over the old CVS space at 12015 Wilshire Blvd over a year ago, I’ve been peppered with questions about an opening date. It took long enough, but to all those people who asked, I have this happy news. Total Wine & More is now open. You’re welcome.
It appears the people behind Beverly Hills’ popular sophisticated steakhouse Matū are bringing their passion for exceptional beef to Brentwood. A sharp-eyed reader (Thanks Jack!) noticed an ABC application on the front of a former men’s clothing store at 11777 San Vicente Blvd. Ste 134, just to the right of Katsuya. While the application doesn’t give away the business name, the applicant is Grass Fed Wagyu LLC, the parent company behind the stylish steakhouse. The online application does appear to confirm that this will be the location of a new Matū. Construction is underway, so an opening may be a way off, but until then, read about restauranteur Jerry Greenberg‘s (UOVO, SUGARFISH, HiHo Cheeseburger) pursuit of steak perfection here.
A sharp-eyed reader (Thanks Michael!) noticed an ABC application on a not-easy-to-spot build-out in Brentwood. It appears to reveal that breezy coffee and casual dining spot Great White is setting up housekeeping at 11660 Darlington Ave, right behind A.O.C. Great White bills itself as an “all day cafe” at its three other choice locations across LA, and offers a menu of breakfast, sandwiches, bowls, share plates, and pizza that you can check out here.
When I originally posted about a new Italian venture with Toscana alum on board, at 145 S Barrington Ave. in Brentwood Village, the name on the ABC application listed the new eatery as Nuvola. Since then, signs have gone up on the space announcing the name as All Roads. The new “Roman inspired eatery and wine bar” will be open every day from 11AM to 10PM. It looks like they’re close to opening. Until then, check out their menu of pinsa and salads here.
(Thanks Susan!)
It looks like the good people of Brentwood are getting a fresh new dining option. Window paper is up on the space at 11753 San Vicente Blvd, once home to Moo Greek Yogurt, announcing the arrival of LA Sushi Co. LA Sushi Co has locations in local event stadiums, so it appears this will be their first standalone brick-and-mortar. 
Great news Good People of MDR, luscious icy treats are heading your way! Crazy-popular gelato experts Bacio di Latte are continuing their expansion. With a location in The Westfield Century City Shopping Center and a new one in Brentwood, it appears they are taking a space in the Waterside Marina del Rey Shopping Center. You’re welcome!
If you blinked, you probably missed when Roca Pizza was open at 1061 N Swathmore in Pacific Palisades. They were only open about six months. Now the location is getting another pizza restaurant, Jemma Pizzeria. Jemma Pizzeria is another project of Jackson Kalb (Ospi, Jemma di Mare) who spilled the beans to Eater about what to expect.
Tara’s Himalayan Cuisine threw open their doors in July of 2019, at 262 26th St. in Santa Monica, just across from the Brentwood Country Mart. At the time, the introduction of Himalayan food to the tony neighborhood caused quite a stir. Sadly, readers are reporting to me that Tara’s has since disappeared from this location. Apparently, fans can still order from the Venice location.
There’s a new ABC application on the front of the space at 145 S Barrington Ave. in Brentwood Village. The name of the new eatery is Nuvola, but that doesn’t bring up much on a search. The license details reveal two names, Luca Crestanelli and Roberto Facciolla, both of whom are associated with local Italian powerhouse Toscana Restaurant Group. I don’t know what is exactly in store (the window display seems to imply more of a deli), but definitely exciting news for the tony, exclusive neighborhood.
Cheery lifestyle brand SunLife Organics is bringing their signature message, “to love, heal, and inspire”, to the Good People of Brentwood and Santa Monica. There’s window paper up on a commodious corner space in the Brentwood Town Center on the corner of San Vicente and 26th St. announcing the happy news. Expect a menu of their proprietary juices, shakes, bowls, and coffee/tea.
Good People of Brentwood, you’re about to be spoiled for choice when it comes to wine, beer, and spirits. A sharp-eyed reader noticed the ABC application on the front of the cavernous old CVS space at 12015 Wilshire Blvd. The application spills the beans that Brentwood will be getting its verey own location of retail alcohol superstore Total Wine & More.
(Thanks John!)
I told you two years ago when Brentwood’s fave watering hole/pickup joint Cabo Cantina, at 11829 Wilshire, fell victim to the Pandemic. The space has sat empty ever since. That’s about to change. A sharp-eyed reader (Thanks Matt!) spotted an ABC application on the front of the address that confirms that Banana Leaf is moving in. Bringing a much-needed and refreshing injection into the Brentwood food scene, Banana Leaf has five other LA locations and offers a menu they describe as a “balance between classics and progressive Indian cuisine”.
It was me who broke the news that high-end Spanish tapas chain Teleferic Barcelona was replacing old school Italian fave Vincenti at 11930 San Vicente Blvd. in Brentwood. They have since opened to nightly adoring crowds. Now it looks like the brand is increasing its presence along the tony street. Right next door to Teleferic Barcelona, plywood is up on the space 11934 San Vicente announcing a branch of El Merkat by Teleferic Barcelona. On offer at El Merkat will be a selection of “authentic Spanish gourmet products” including cheeses, meats, wines, spices, and paella kits.
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