Kogen Omakase Coming To Downtown Santa Monica.

Adorable, but short-lived Bar Monette caused quite a sensation when if opened in 2023. Then it quietly slipped out of its location at 109 Santa Monica Blvd in Downtown Santa Monica. Now the troubled space (also previously home to another flashy eatery Red Ruby before Bar Monette) is getting a new tenant. There’s a new ABC application in the window announcing the impending arrival of Kogen Omakase. I can’t seem to find a lot of information on the new Japanese restaurant, so if you have more info let me know.

KinKan Coming To West Edge

This photo of a space in the West Edge development, at Olympic and Bundy, doesn’t reveal too much. But it is the future home of a new restaurant named Kinkan. I believe this will be another outpost of the LA restaurant Kinkan, which specializes in “Thai cuisine with Japanese influence”. This Kinkan promises “made-to-order chirashi bento boxes” and is aiming for an opening sometime in 2026.

Noma Sushi Gets A New Home In Santa Monica

We’ve long known that local institution Noma Sushi would be forced to close due to a proposed redevelopment of the property at 2031 Wilshire. Readers have been repeatedly asking me what would happen to the beloved neighborhood fave. Now we have answers: Signs are up indicating that Noma is moving across the street, to 2020 Wilshire (most recently occupied by Senator Jones), in a property owned by the same landlord as the current location. You’re welcome…