West Hollywood’s Hottest New Restaurants & Bars of 2023

West Hollywood is home to a thriving culinary and nightlife scene that stands out even in buzzy Los Angeles. Whether you’re into intimate dinners and breezy rooftop rendezvous or celebrity hangouts and casual neighborhood gems, these are some of WeHo’s most exciting restaurant and bar openings of 2023. Grab a seat at one of these sought-after spots. 

Arden

Elegance, whimsy and fabulous craft cocktails — need we say more? Arden transports you from bustling Santa Monica Boulevard to an enchanted retreat complete with a blooming overhead garden, Victorian fountains and a sometimes-occupied piano. It’s a fabulously romantic dinner spot to visit with your sweetheart (though you’ll want to reserve a table ahead of time). You can also stop by Arden’s casual café for an Instagram-worthy brunch with your besties, like pink chocolate-drizzled crêpes or rose-tinted coffee drinks.

ardenweho.com | 8289 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood, CA 90046 

Holy Water

While we can’t guarantee any healing from their tonics, Holy Water will definitely make you feel welcomed. Flickering candles and woven-basket lighting creates a cozy vibe throughout the bar, while friendly and knowledgeable bartenders make dazzling drink concoctions just for you. Backed by a star-studded team, including Woody Harrelson and John McEnroe (it’s attached to Harrelson’s buzzy new dispensary, The Woods), this moody, casual-chic bar focuses on crafting cocktails using superfood ingredients, botanicals and the cleanest spirits.

holywaterweho.com | 8275 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood, CA 90046 

Flipper’s

From New York’s SoHo to the world of WeHo comes Flipper’s, an all-day brunch spot where the undoubted stars are the light and airy soufflé pancakes. These pan-fried clouds of dough are an oh-so-delectable way to start your morning (or afternoon — it is brunch, after all). Get them with a simple drizzle of house-special maple syrup or go all out with caramelized bananas, chocolate sauce, chocolate ice cream and a dollop of whipped cream. 

flippersus.com | 1010A N. Fairfax Ave., West Hollywood, CA 90046

Casa Madera

If you’re looking for a trendy upscale dinner spot in the heart of West Hollywood, Casa Madera is it. Located at the top of the Mondrian Hotel, a meal at Casa Madera means not only incredible dishes but dazzling views of the city through open, arched windows. Soak up the scene with friends as you savor dishes like tender, melt-in-your-mouth wagyu beef and fresh hamachi crudo, seasoned with rich Mediterranean and Mexican flavors.

thecasamadera.com | 8440 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, CA 90069

DiDi

Immerse yourself in Vietnamese culture and cuisine at DiDi, a new restaurant concept from chef and TikTok sensation Tuệ Nguyễn (aka Twaydabae). Created in collaboration with H. Wood Group (the minds behind Delilah and Harriet’s), this restaurant channels sultry jungle vibes with tropical wallpaper accents, Vietnamese-inspired architecture and DiDi’s signature romping tiger motif. Enjoy the ambiance in a booth as you nom on glazed pork buns and spicy pan-fried curry noodles. And save room for desserts like the multi-layer crêpe cake.

didiletsgo.com | 755 N. La Cienega, Blvd., West Hollywood, CA 90069

Great White

Great White, a popular LA chain with locations in Venice Beach and Larchmont Village, has opened a third restaurant in WeHo’s Design District. This all-day café is minimalistic and bohemian, with artwork by resident artists woven throughout the space—from pieces on the walls to the labels on the wines. A meal here is delicious and laid-back, combining simple ingredients with rich international flavors. Stop by for brekkie or enjoy a soul-satisfying lunch. We recommend the harvest bowl with yuzu-ginger dressing and miso tahini — yum! 

greatwhite.cafe | 8917 Melrose Ave., West Hollywood, CA 

Bar Next Door

Housed in the former talent agency that brought Marylin Monroe to the silver screen, Bar Next Door aims to bring an easygoing neighborhood vibe to the eclectic and bustling Sunset Strip. Grab a diner-style booth with friends and catch up over drinks from the expansive menu. We recommend the fruity Viper Room (an homage to the iconic nightclub just up the street), made with pisco, passion fruit liqueur, honey, lemon, lime, bitters, Peroni, serrano pepper and pineapple.

barnextdoor.com | 9159 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, CA 90069

Charcoal Sunset

Savor the smoky flavors of backyard barbecue in the heart of West Hollywood at Charcoal Sunset, a new restaurant opened by Michelin-starred chef Josiah Citrin after the success of his Charcoal Venice. As the name suggests, everything on this menu is cooked over or in the coals of a live fire. Though the dinner menu may be elevated, Citrin’s place is a neighborhood restaurant. Come with family or friends for seasonal, shareable meals, or order a plate all for yourself.

charcoalsunset.com | 9000 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, CA 90069 

Or Bar

During the day, Or Bar acts as a coworking space and coffee bar, serving up iced chai lattes and frothy cappuccinos. After 4 p.m., office hours are over and the party begins! Or Bar transforms into a reimagined disco club where you can boogie to ’70s, ʼ80s and ʼ90s anthems until the wee hours. The bar also hosts a slew of events, from guest DJs and disco bingo to speed-dating.

theorbar.com | 8228 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood, CA 90046

Hudson House Sunset 

On the west side of the famous Sunset Strip, close to Beverly Hills, Hudson House Sunset is a seafood lover’s dream. Enjoy the sushi raw bar, where you’ll find rolls featuring bluefin ahi, spicy salmon and delicious crab. If you prefer your meal cooked, opt for maple-planked salmon or blackened white fish tacos with chipotle remoulade. Or skip the fish altogether and choose a Cajun-spiced French chicken house special. 

hudsonhousesunset.com | 9255 W. Sunset Blvd. #100, West Hollywood, CA 90069

Drake’s Hollywood

There’s no better place to enjoy the glitz and glam of film’s Golden Age than West Hollywood. Dress to the nines and embrace the retro vibe of Drake’s Hollywood, with glossy red-leather booths, the intimate glow of table lights and murals honoring silver-screen greats. Drake’s is a hot spot for celebrating at your fanciest — and spotting a celebrity or two. Bring your friends and commemorate your birthday with towering cakes or a cotton-candy cloud, complete with sparkler.

drakeshollywood.com | 8747 Melrose Ave., West Hollywood, CA 90069

Bar Merois

From the world-famous Wolfgang Puck and his elegant Sunset Boulevard restaurant, Merois, comes a glitzy new venue to extend your evening fun at the Pendry West Hollywood: Bar Merois. Indulge in sippers like the Samurai Sword, made with Suntory Toki whiskey, Cointreau, lemon, ginger and honey, or nibble on late-night bar bites like lobster spring rolls and karaage chicken.

pendry.com | 8430 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90069

Saltie Girl Seafood Bar

Inspired by her New England upbringing, Saltie Girl founder Kathy Sidell’s restaurants reflect her passion for sampling the ocean’s bounty. From tins of sea-urchin caviar to seafood towers and New York-style smoked fish, Saltie Girl’s new WeHo location (which technically opened in late 2022) brings the best of East Coast seafood to SoCal. For those who prefer turf over surf, choose from delicious options like hanger steaks and beet panzanella. After your meal, grab a tasty treat from Saltie Girl’s on-site bakery, SweetBoy. 

saltiegirl.com | 8615 W. Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, CA  90069