It appears a new Japanese American concept is moving into the space at 11028 Washington Blvd in Culver City. There’s a banner in the window declaring the new eatery’s name is Heisei. I can’t find much information on this new business, only this still-developing Instagram page.
Plywood is up on a complete build-out of a new sushi restaurant in The Runway in Playa Vista. Seabutter has four other locations (Beverly Hils, Glendale, Laguna Beach, and Westlake Village) and promises “fresh fish, an innovative menu, and a warm and inviting atmosphere”. I’m not sure when they will start dishing fish at this location, but until then, check out their menu here.
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.
(A reader (Thanks Jorge!) found this website.)
Update: Kogen Omakase is now open and it is spectacular. Explore their website to learn more, and rush to make a reservation here.
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.
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…
