After years of pushing to keep their kitchens afloat through the dark days of the COVID-19 pandemic and navigating the changes brought on by legislation, social movements and inflation, a growing number of restaurant owners and chefs are reimagining their lives.

Many closed up shop simply because their restaurants were no longer financially viable. Others burned out and yearned for some kind of work-life balance that is nearly impossible to achieve running your own restaurant. Some were done sacrificing family time and wanted to spend more time with their young children.

But no matter their reasons for leaving their businesses, one common denominator stood out among most of the chefs and restaurateurs we talked with: They say they’re much happier now.

Andrea Borgen Abdallah, Former Owner of Barcito in Downtown LA

In spring 2021, after months struggling to keep her Argentine-inspired restaurant Barcito open during the COVID-19 pandemic, Andrea Borgen Abdallah finally felt able to reopen for indoor dining. But she wasn’t excited about it. After years of running on adrenaline, she was running out of energy.

“I don’t love this restaurant anymore,” she thought to herself. After a nearly six-year run, Abdallah closed Barcito in June 2021.

She was feeling burned out even before the pandemic, which forced her to reevaluate her life. “I knew I didn’t want to go back to how things were before,” says Abdallah, 35, who until the restaurant shutdowns of 2020 didn’t have time to have dinner with her husband on a regular basis.

She’s now the director of community engagement for the Independent Restaurant Coalition, where she’s focused on ensuring that the group’s federal policy agenda reflects restaurant owners’ needs. “I want work-life balance to be achievable,” she says. “I want a career in restaurants to feel sustainable for everyone.”

For that to happen, she feels that the restaurant industry itself must change. “I realized I couldn’t fix [the industry] from the inside,” she says. “So now I’m focusing on the systemic issues that get in the way of that future.”

Spencer and Sabrina Bezaire, Former Owners of Eszett in Silver Lake

Spencer and Sabrina Bezaire opened the Silver Lake restaurant Eszett in December 2019, just a few months before the pandemic’s first closures. They’d envisioned a neighborhood wine bar with a super seasonal menu, but to survive during COVID they pivoted to sandwiches and other easy takeout items.

Spencer hoped to get back to his more chef-driven vision for Eszett, but customers were used to the fast-casual menu. At the same time, wages increased after the pandemic, adding to their financial difficulties. The final blow came when the restaurant’s landlord told the couple they could no longer use a portion of the parking lot for outdoor dining.

“It’s just hard to justify being at work for 12 to 14 hours a day,” Spencer says, “and also not make any money.” The Bezaires closed Eszett in January 2023. They sold everything they owned, including their house in Los Angeles, and moved to Orcas Island in Washington state.

But then they got a chance to open up a small restaurant of their own, Lone Pine Larder. Spencer said he couldn’t pass up the chance. They just finished remodeling the building and they’re close to opening up as a lunch deli with pantry items.

They’re keeping things simple with only one or two additional employees and hours limited to lunch four days a week, affording the couple some time away to enjoy the outdoors on the island. “I don’t know if it’s fate,” Spencer says, “or just really dumb.”

Shawn Pham, Former Chef-Owner of Simbal and Fiona

Shawn Pham and his friend and then-partner Nicole Rucker (currently of Fat & Flour) opened Fiona on Fairfax Avenue in the winter of 2018. The all-day bakery-restaurant showcased Rucker’s famous pies and Pham’s creative menu with Vietnamese beef stew, sweet potato pancakes and more. But it closed just nine months after its debut due to lack of consistent business, Pham and Rucker said.

Pham had previously made a name for himself when he opened Simbal in Little Tokyo, but despite a positive review from Jonathan Gold and others, Pham shuttered Simbal in 2017 after two years in business.

For the last three years Pham has been a private chef. “It’s a better life,” he says, “better work-life balance, better pay, better pretty much everything.”

Does he miss leading a restaurant kitchen? “What I don’t miss is with a restaurant, there are lots of ups and downs that are completely out of your control. I personally couldn’t take it, and I prefer not to go through it if I don’t have to.”

The difficulties, he says, are affecting the entire scene. “People are playing it safe. Why increase the risk of not making it by doing something different or pushing the boundaries when it’s hard enough as it is? What it means for diners is that it’s a little more monotonous, fewer choices, less new things.”

Pham says his much of his idealistic thinking is “out the window.” “If I opened a restaurant, I would just give people what they want. I would do Italian food. It’s the best food for a restaurant, customers accept it, they don’t question it, they’re happy to pay for it, no qualms about it.”

Kim Prince, Former Owner of Hotville Chicken

A Hotville Chicken restaurant was poised for success. Not only is Prince’s hometown of Nashville the birthplace of hot chicken, but Prince belongs to the family that invented the recipe in the 1930s. But the unfortunate opening date just four months before the COVID pandemic meant that it was an uphill battle from the start.

In December 2022, Prince made the difficult decision to close the restaurant. “You have to evolve,” Prince says. “I’m looking forward to what the Baldwin-Hills Crenshaw Plaza has to offer. I’m not going to cry about losing four walls because housing is going up and that’s something that the community needs.”

An existing partnership with friend Greg Dulan allowed Prince to quickly pivot to focus attention on the pair’s Dulanville food truck. “It’s been helpful to have the partnership and to lean on an established bricks-and-mortar to get the work done. Our food truck sustains itself and thankfully we’ve been able to roll about the city.”

In the year and a half since closing Hotville Chicken, Prince has dabbled in private cheffing, fried chicken demonstrations, culinary mentorships, meal subscription services and brand collaborations. But Prince still has a dream of opening an L.A. restaurant dedicated to her family’s hot chicken recipe.

“There’s no limit,” Prince says. “I have so much faith. As long as the chickens are hatching, I’m gonna fry them and I’m gonna make Nashville hot chicken.”

Carlos Salgado Pauses Taco Maria After 10 Years

When the lease was up in July 2023, it seemed like a good time for Taco Maria owners Carlos and Emilie Salgado to take a pause. Taco Maria had spearheaded the Alta California cuisine movement, was named The Times’ 2018 Restaurant of the Year, earned a Michelin star and a James Beard Award nomination for Carlos. Ten years later, it was clear they had outgrown the 28-seat restaurant.

“In order for our work moving forward to match the quality, scale and innovation that Taco Maria represented,” Carlos says, “it was going to require more thoughtfulness.” The break has also given the couple more family time with their young kids.

“Spending time with my young son and my younger daughter has been the most edifying and transformative experience. I owe it to them and to myself to be very careful in choosing how I return to daily service in a restaurant,” says the chef.

While Salgado is enjoying his break, he says Taco Maria will be a restaurant again before too long. “I am so moved that Taco Maria had the impact that it did and that it inspired a lot of people,” Salgado says. “The work that I do next under the name Taco Maria has to be better, it has to be carefully considered, it has to be healthy, and we are going to take the appropriate time to envision what that means and imagine a beautiful continuation of the work that we were doing.” I sincerely hope you find this “Why These Five Former LA Restaurant Owners Left the Industry? Find Out Details” article helpful.

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After that date, the current temporary authorizations that allowed restaurants, bars, and cafes to quickly expand their footprints into public spaces like sidewalks, parking lots, and street parking will no longer be valid without securing a proper al fresco permit from the city. Here’s what LA business owners need to know about the new permanent outdoor dining regulations.

The Permit Application Process

To keep their parklets, sidewalk seating areas, and street dining setups in place long-term, restaurants must go through an official application and permitting process with the city before the July 31st deadline. According to LA’s program website, all applicants will need to:

1) Create an Angeleno Account user profile
2) Submit site plans, renderings, and other documentation
3) Pay all required permit fees based on their location and size
4) Potentially make infrastructural accessibility and safety modifications

While the initial application process is fully digital, city officials say they will also conduct field inspections once an application is received to ensure the outdoor dining area meets all requirements. Permits can then be approved on an annual or monthly basis depending on the permit type.

The city has published a full walkthrough video explaining all steps of the application process, as well as links to the required documents and forms that need to be filled out.

Fee Waivers for Small Businesses

Recognizing that having to pay permitting fees could be cost-prohibitive for many smaller, independent restaurants still recovering from pandemic shutdowns, Los Angeles has implemented a fee reduction program to offset some of those charges.

Eligible small businesses can apply to have their permanent al fresco permitting fees reduced or potentially even waived entirely. However, the fee waiver program currently has a limited window that’s “ending soon” according to the city website, so interested restaurants should move quickly.

Even with the fee assistance, business owners should still budget for some added costs related to making their outdoor areas compliant with updated safety rules and accessibility standards once the temporary pandemic structures are inspected.

The Push for Permanent Outdoor Dining

When LA first launched its Al Fresco program back in 2020 as a temporary relief measure, no one could have predicted just how wildly popular (and crucial to the industry’s survival) it would become with diners. As the pandemic waned, there was immense public pressure from restaurant owners and customers alike to find a way to make it permanent.

Many establishments had invested substantial money into enhancing their makeshift outdoor areas with planters, heating lamps, shade structures and aesthetic touches to create a beloved”streetto-patio” vibe that quickly became a defining part of LA’s dining scene.

Local officials ultimately decided the quality of life, social, and economic benefits of allowing permanent outdoor dining far outweighed any downsides, as long as they could institute official permitting to ensure pedestrian access and public safety.

So while an extra hoop to jump through, most restaurateurs seem to view the permit process as a small price to pay to keep their incredible al fresco expansions going for years to come. LA’s unique climate and love of indoor-outdoor living make it a perfect place to fully embrace this pandemic experiment as a long-lasting part of the city’s culture.

As a diner, few things elevate a meal more than enjoying it under the open sky, sipping a cool beverage as the gentle breeze rolls off the Pacific. With permanence now on the horizon for LA’s outdoor dining scene, get ready for even more alfresco hot spots to discover across the city’s sun-drenched neighborhoods.

Just remember to make reservations, tip well, and soak in the magic of LA’s eternal summer nights from your perfect patio perch. After all, the city knows few things better than how to dine under the stars. I sincerely hope you find this “Permanent Alfresco Dining in LA? You’ll Need a Permit for That” article helpful.

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Whether you’re craving an iconic NYC-style slice, a romantic candlelit dinner of lobster ravioli, or just a simple but sublime bowl of cacio e pepe, this sprawling city has it all. This are some of the best Italian restaurants according to Observer.

Cento Pasta Bar

921 W Adams Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90016

This tiny West Adams hideaway has quickly become a Michelin-approved hot spot for handmade pasta perfection since opening in 2020. At the intimate 14-seat chef’s counter, you can watch the meticulous preparation as satisfying dishes like the spicy pomodoro with creamy ricotta or pillowy gnocchi get crafted right before your eyes. The breezy back patio provides a romantic al fresco ambiance, while the signature banana tiramisu is an absolute must for dessert.

Colapasta

1241 5th St, Santa Monica, CA 90401

This under-the-radar Santa Monica gem sources local, organic ingredients to create decadent Italian specialties with a unique twist. Fan favorites include the beautiful beet-stuffed casunziei (half-moon ravioli in browned butter) and the heavenly moringa agnolotti, bathed in an earthy truffle cream your taste buds won’t soon forget. With its warm, rustic vibe and intimate environs, Colapasta offers the ideal setting for a celebratory date night or special occasion splurge.

Angelini Osteria

7313 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036

For over 20 years, this iconic Beverly Grove establishment has remained one of LA’s essential upscale Italian dining destinations. Originally hailing from Italy, chef Gino Angelini now also has a second Osteria location in Pacific Palisades, but his original classic still can’t be topped. From sublime antipasti like swordfish carpaccio to the legendary lasagna verde, Angelini’s satisfies with elegant, refined takes on Old World staples. Just be sure to pick up some jars of the famous lemon tagliolini sauce from the adjoining gourmet shop on your way out.

Donna’s

1538 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026

This new-ish Echo Park hotspot seamlessly channels old-school NYC Italian-American vibes with a menu that checks all the boxes for red sauce joint perfection. Sip on one of their playful signature spritzes while sharing an order of cheese-stuffed peppadew peppers, followed by decadent entrees like shrimp scampi, chicken parmesan, or the classic meatballs. But no matter what, save room for dessert – the tiramisu here is possibly the best in the entire city.

Ospi Venice

2025 Pacific Ave, Venice, CA 90291

This modern Italian stunner from the brilliant minds behind acclaimed restaurants like Felix, Kratogo and Petit Trois takes a more refined, contemporary approach to the country’s culinary canon. While you can’t go wrong with any of the top-notch pastas like the signature spicy rigatoni alla vodka, the real star is the crispy provolone starter drowned in addictive vodka sauce that you’ll want to sop up with their fresh-baked focaccia. End with an espresso martini and the sublime Nutella mousse for a next-level sweet finish.

Felix Trattoria

1023 Abbot Kinney Blvd, Venice, CA 90291

Speaking of Felix, chef Evan Funke’s homage to the timeless pasta palaces of Rome has emerged as one of LA’s preeminent temples of Italian gastronomy. Between the open kitchen’s giant pasta-making window, the puffy wood-fired pizza crusts, and showstopping plates like the trofie pesto or tagliatelle ragu, this Abbot Kinney institution offers the complete sensory experience for any pasta aficionado. Just don’t skip the famous caesar salad with crunchy breadcrumbs or the decadent lemon linguine.

Antico Nuovo

4653 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90004

With its exposed wood beams, crackling fireplace, communal tables, and open kitchen with wood-burning grill lending smoky char to every dish, Antico Nuovo absolutely nails that welcoming, countryside vibe every trattoria aspires to. Dishes rotate frequently based on what’s fresh and seasonal, but mainstay highlights include pillowy housemade focaccia, rich beef cheek pappardelle in red wine sauce, and creamy hand-churned gelato to finish. Their all-Italian wine list provides the perfect accompaniment.

Forma Restaurant

1610 Montana Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90403
110 Navy St, Venice, CA 90291

Don’t sleep on these Westside sister restaurants offering refined Cal-Italian fare in chic yet relaxed settings. While you could make an entire meal out of the decadent starters like fried pizza dough with burrata or crispy artichoke hearts with lemon, be sure to save room for heavenly pasta plates like the signature truffle tortellini. Heartier proteins like the seared branzino with salsa verde also satisfy, while the bubbling olive oil cake transports you to the Amalfi Coast with every bite.

With so many amazing Italian restaurants to choose from across Los Angeles, there’s really no excuse not to carbo-load like a proper paisano on the regular. From show-stopping $30+ pasta tasting menus to walk-up slices that rival NYC’s finest, LA truly offers something to satiate every Italian cuisine craving at any budget. I sincerely hope you like reading this “Craving Italian, Check Out LA Best Italian Restaurants-Your Taste Buds Will Thank You” article.

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Torisoba Tonsho (Beverly Grove)

Torisoba Tonsho is new Japanese concept from the Shin Sen Gumi ramen chain specializes in unique chicken ramens. Choose from original, spicy dan dan, or lemon butter varieties – all featuring delightfully frothy, whole-grain noodles in rich chicken broth. Standout sides include karaage, gyoza, avocado chicken salad and more.

Address-349 N. La Cienega Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90048.

Dumpling Mix (Redondo Beach)

For delectable Taiwanese/Chinese dumplings and noodles, head to the South Bay’s Dumpling Mix. Their dozen-plus dumpling varieties like celery-pork and corn-chicken can be boiled, steamed or pan-fried. Excellent stir-fries, soups, fried rice and an impressive tea selection round out the menu.

Address-705 N. Pacific Coast Highway, Redondo Beach, CA 90277.

Vivi Ristorante (Valley Village)

Vivi Ristorante, casual Italian eatery offers impeccable handmade pizzas, pastas and paninos in a cozy neighborhood setting. Don’t miss the lunchtime-only paninis piled with steak, veggies, turkey or salami on fresh rosemary focaccia. Their authentic Neapolitan pizzas are also not to be missed.

Address-5424 Laurel Canyon Boulevard, San Fernando Valley, CA 91607.

Noodle Art (3rd & Fairfax)

This Xi’an noodle house’s new Farmer’s Market outpost offers a streamlined menu of the OG San Gabriel Valley location’s finest dishes. Highlights include their legendary “hamburgers” and “pita bread soaked in lamb soup” delicacies.

Address-6333 W. 3rd Street, Ste. 508, Los Angeles, CA 90036.

Sichuan Street Food (Pasadena)

For truly unique, tongue-tingling fare, head to this new Sichuan hotspot on East Green Street. In addition to classics like dan dan noodles and twice-cooked pork, they offer an entire section of the menu devoted to exotic bullfrog dishes you won’t find anywhere else.

Address-1035 E. Green Street, Pasadena, CA 91106.

From hidden international flavors to incredible handmade pastas and dumplings, these 5 LA eateries are keeping some of the city’s best food secrets. Skip the hype and check them out for an unbeatable, underrated dining experience. I sincerely hope you like reading this “Why These 5 LA Restaurants Are the City’s Best Kept Secrets? Find Out Here” article.

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Centennial Celebration and Devoted Patrons

As the doors opened before dawn on its centennial anniversary Wednesday, devoted patron Ronnie Medina proudly took his place as the first in line. For Medina and countless others, stepping into The Original Pantry is to be transported back through the decades.

“When I was 10, my dad brought me here for my first ‘man meal,'” Medina shared. “And 30 years later, I brought my son on his 10th birthday. And the [server] who helped us said, ‘I’m actually the one who served you.'”

A Cultural Fabric of LA

It’s these types of multi-generational bonds and oral traditions that make The Original Pantry such a singular part of LA’s cultural fabric. From fathers introducing their sons to the diner’s famous pancakes to late-night revelers seeking a post-party meal, the experience has remained steadfastly unchanged across 10 decades.

Centennial Celebration Events

To commemorate the 100-year milestone, the restaurant pulled out all the stops for its centennial celebration. From 6 am to 3 pm, guests who purchased a meal received a complimentary stack of pancakes. Live mariachi performers serenaded diners, while commemorative souvenirs were handed out.

Historical Significance and Notable Guests

Officially designated a Los Angeles Historical-Cultural Monument, The Original Pantry has played host to a cavalcade of iconic guests over its century-long existence. According to the diner, stars like Marilyn Monroe and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. have all dined within its signature red neon-lit interior.

A Storied History

Originally opened in 1924 before moving to its current Figueroa location in 1950, the cafe remained under the same ownership for decades until former LA mayor Richard Riordan’s passing in 2023.

An Immovable Bastion of Consistency

As the city it calls home continues evolving, The Original Pantry remains an immovable bastion of consistency, nostalgia, and civic pride. Here’s to 100 more years of flapjacks, late nights, and landmark memories. I sincerely hope you like reading this “LA Original Pantry Cafe Hits 100 Years-What Makes It a Classic?” article.

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Quick Succession of Break-Ins

The first alarm sounded around 3 AM at the Maria’s Italian Kitchen in Woodland Hills, prompting operations manager Peggy Gonzales to rush to the San Fernando Valley site. While awaiting police, Gonzales received a call that the security company had detected a break-in at the Encino location. Just 15 minutes later, the Sherman Oaks restaurant also alerted them to a burglary in progress.

Extent of Damage and Loss

“Incredible. They hit all three restaurants in less than an hour, causing damage more expensive than anything we kept in the safes,” said Maddy Alfano, owner of the local Italian restaurant chain. Surveillance footage shows the culprits speeding off with two safes in a vehicle after the coordinated heists.

Cashless Transactions Debate

Many LA restaurants have transitioned to cashless transactions during the pandemic, but Alfano still kept some cash reserves on hand. A proposed Los Angeles City Council bill would require businesses to accept cash payments, to accommodate unbanked groups like the elderly and unhoused.

Councilmember Heather Hutt, sponsor of the cashless ban bill, argues it would build equity. But Alfano contends that most people now have debit cards or can convert cash to gift cards. By potentially fueling burglaries, she believes going completely cashless would make operating restaurants in Los Angeles safer and easier.

Police Investigation and Community Response

The Los Angeles Police Department is actively investigating the break-ins and asks anyone with information to contact them. The targeted Woodland Hills site was also burglarized earlier this year, indicating an organized crime ring focusing on the restaurant group.

Resilience and Solidarity

As lawmakers debate cashless legislation and police pursue the culprits behind the early morning crime spree, the family-owned Italian eateries face repairs and reinforced security measures. But the safety of their staff and customers remains priority number one after the unprecedented series of robberies.

Impact on Community and Resolve

Targeting beloved local restaurants, the early-hour burglars stole more than just cash. They took community touchstones, violating the sense of comfort diners expect when breaking bread. But the owners and patrons stand ready to fight back against such brazen criminal acts. I sincerely hope you find this “Thieves Rob 3 LA Italian Restaurants in Just One Hour-Full Story Inside” article helpful.

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As a famed restaurateur, cookbook author and TV personality (NBC’s Today, Iron Chef America), Tila holds six culinary Guinness World Records. He stars in Food Network’s Ready Jet Cook and his latest cookbook, 101 Thai Dishes You Need to Cook Before You Die, follows multiple bestsellers.

Here, Tila shares his favorite dishes from iconic L.A. restaurants:

Bossam Platter at Yi Cha

“Yi Cha LA blends Asian-meets-French technique through chefs like unsung hero Debbie Lee. Her Bossam plate with seasoned, meltingly tender pork belly plus homemade banchan, kimchi and pickles is outstanding.”

$49 (serves 3-4) 3705 Sunset Blvd., Silver Lake yicha-la.com

Heritage Pork Chop at Redbird

“Neal Fraser’s Grace helped hone my early cooking. His Iron Chef prowess proves no one bests his pig cookery! Redbird’s Heritage Pork Chop with beluga lentils, bacon, charred cabbage and mustard jus recalls my Grace days and has an awesome cocktail menu.”

$48-114 E. 2nd St., Little Tokyo redbird.la

Signature Pot Roast at Jar

“I’ve eaten at Jar since 2011. Suzanne Tracht’s proteins are legend, but my comfort go-to is her pot roast! For a Tila twist, pair it with Jar’s duck fried rice.”

$49-8225 Beverly Blvd., Beverly Grove thejar.com

Whether you’re a longtime Angeleno or just visiting, let Chef Jet Tila’s picks guide you to some of the most crave-worthy flavors in Los Angeles. From French-Asian fusion to perfected American classics, these three dishes showcase the city’s incredible culinary diversity through the eyes of one of its most renowned chefs. I sincerely hope you like reading this “Chef Jet Tila Must-Try Dishes in Los Angeles? Find Out Here” article.

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