12 Best Things We Ate Across California At The Beginning Of January
California’s food scene moves fast, and the start of the year set the tone in unforgettable ways.
While many people were easing into January, kitchens across the state were already buzzing with creativity, turning out dishes that felt both comforting and exciting.
From coastal cities to inland neighborhoods, chefs leaned into bold flavors, thoughtful techniques, and ingredients that reflected California’s incredible range.
Early January proved that the calendar reset did nothing to slow the momentum. Across California, these standout meals captured what makes the state’s dining culture so compelling.
Some dishes delivered pure indulgence, while others showcased restraint and precision, allowing simple ingredients to shine.
Together, they revealed how deeply local influences shape the food, whether through global inspiration, seasonal produce, or longtime neighborhood favorites.
These were not just good meals. They were moments that stuck with diners long after the plates were cleared.
The thirteen dishes highlighted here represent the bites people could not stop talking about, the meals that defined the first weeks of the year.
They offer a snapshot of where California’s food scene stands right now and why it continues to set the pace nationally.
1. Pre-Jam Bagel – Layla Bagels (Beverly Hills, CA)
Bagel lovers found something special at Layla Bagels this January, where the Pre-Jam creation changed expectations about what a bagel could be.
The shop sits at 233 S Beverly Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90212, where the scent of fresh-baked dough greets visitors before they even step inside.
Natural light pours through the windows, making the space feel open and welcoming at any hour. The Pre-Jam bagel features a perfectly chewy texture with a golden crust that cracks gently under the first bite.
A subtle sweetness runs through the dough without overpowering the traditional bagel flavor. The filling balances tartness and richness, creating a combination that feels both familiar and exciting.
Mornings tend to bring steady crowds, but the line moves quickly as the staff works efficiently behind the counter.
Seating inside remains limited, so many guests grab their bagels to go. The menu offers several other creative options, making it easy to try something new on each visit.
2. Tacos – Marvito (Los Angeles, CA)
Marvito brought something different to the Los Angeles taco scene this January, proving that innovation and tradition can coexist beautifully.
The restaurant stands at 1113 N Harper Ave, West Hollywood, CA 90046, in a space that feels both modern and welcoming.
Bright colors accent the walls, and the open layout allows for easy movement even when the place gets busy.
Each taco showcases high-quality ingredients prepared with care, from the handmade tortillas to the thoughtfully seasoned fillings.
The menu rotates based on what’s fresh and available, so repeat visitors often find new combinations to try.
Textures play a key role here, with crispy elements contrasting against tender meats and creamy sauces. The portions feel satisfying without being overwhelming, making it easy to sample multiple varieties in one visit.
Service stays friendly and efficient, with staff ready to offer recommendations based on personal preferences.
Weeknight dinners provide a more relaxed atmosphere compared to the weekend rush. The casual setting works equally well for a quick bite or a longer meal with friends.
3. Beef Tartare – Monsieur Dior By Dominique Crenn (Beverly Hills, CA)
Elegance defined the dining experience at Monsieur Dior by Dominique Crenn, where the Beef Tartare demonstrated why this restaurant quickly became a destination.
The establishment resides at 323 N Rodeo Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90210, inside a space that balances sophistication with comfort.
Soft lighting and carefully chosen decor create an atmosphere that feels special without being intimidating. The tartare arrives as a work of art, with hand-chopped beef forming the centerpiece of a carefully composed plate.
Each ingredient serves a purpose, from the sharp bite of capers to the richness of egg yolk that guests mix in themselves. The beef itself tastes incredibly fresh, with a clean flavor that speaks to the quality of sourcing.
Accompanying toast points provide the perfect vehicle for the mixture, crispy enough to hold up but not so thick that they overpower the delicate meat. This dish works well as a starter before moving on to other courses.
The menu offers various options that highlight French technique with California ingredients. Service moves at a measured pace, allowing diners to savor each course properly.
4. Spicy Albacore With Onigiri & Seared Scallops – OyBar (Los Angeles, CA)
Japanese-inspired flavors met California freshness at OyBar in Los Angeles, where the combination of Spicy Albacore with Onigiri and Seared Scallops created a memorable plate.
The restaurant operates at 12446 Moorpark St, Studio City, CA 91604, in a space that feels contemporary yet comfortable.
Clean lines and minimalist decor allow the food to take center stage without distraction. The spicy albacore brings heat that builds gradually rather than overwhelming the palate, while the fish itself remains buttery and tender.
Onigiri provides a comforting, slightly sticky rice component that balances the spice beautifully. Seared scallops add another layer of luxury, with a golden crust giving way to sweet, barely-cooked centers.
Each element on the plate maintains its own identity while contributing to a cohesive whole. The presentation looks clean and intentional, showing respect for the ingredients without unnecessary fuss.
This dish works well for those who enjoy seafood prepared with precision. The menu includes other creative combinations that showcase the chef’s skill with raw and cooked fish.
Dinner service tends to be busier than lunch, with a lively but not overwhelming atmosphere.
5. Fish Sandwich – Bopomofo Cafe (San Gabriel Valley, CA)
San Gabriel Valley’s food scene expanded in exciting directions with Bopomofo Cafe’s Fish Sandwich, a dish that combined unexpected influences into something entirely its own.
Bopomofo Cafe sits at 841 W Las Tunas Dr, San Gabriel, CA 91776, in a casual setting where the focus stays firmly on the food.
The space feels unpretentious, with simple seating and a counter-service format that keeps things moving efficiently.
Crispy fried fish forms the foundation, with a light, crunchy coating that doesn’t hide the quality of the seafood inside. Asian-inspired sauces and toppings add layers of flavor that set this sandwich apart from typical fish offerings.
The bun stays soft enough to bite through easily but sturdy enough to handle the generous filling without falling apart.
Fresh vegetables provide crunch and brightness, cutting through the richness of the fried fish. The portion size satisfies without feeling heavy, making it suitable for lunch or a lighter dinner.
Other menu items explore similar fusion territory, offering variety for repeat visits. Parking can be tricky during peak hours, so arriving slightly off-schedule may help.
6. Peruvian Scallop Crudo – OyBar (Studio City, CA)
OyBar’s Studio City location delivered one of January’s most refreshing dishes with its Peruvian Scallop Crudo, a celebration of raw seafood done right.
The Studio City spot can be found at 12446 Moorpark St, Studio City, CA 91604, offering a neighborhood gathering place with a focus on quality ingredients.
The atmosphere stays relaxed and friendly, making it easy to settle in for a leisurely meal.
Incredibly fresh scallops arrive thinly sliced, almost translucent, showcasing their natural sweetness and delicate texture.
Peruvian-inspired flavors come through in the form of citrus, chili, and herbs that brighten rather than overpower the seafood.
The acidity of the dressing gently “cooks” the scallops while maintaining their silky mouthfeel. Each bite delivers a clean, oceanic taste followed by layers of complexity from the carefully balanced accompaniments.
The presentation looks simple but intentional, allowing the quality of the scallops to shine. This dish works particularly well as a starter, awakening the palate before heavier courses.
The menu offers other crudo and raw preparations that change based on what’s freshest. Weekend evenings bring more crowds, while weekday lunches offer a quieter experience.
7. Smoked Bologna Sandwich – Mario’s Butcher Shop (Newport Beach, CA)
Childhood nostalgia got a serious upgrade at Mario’s Butcher Shop in Newport Beach, where the Smoked Bologna Sandwich proved that simple ingredients done right can create magic.
Mario’s Butcher Shop & Deli calls 1000 Bristol St N, Newport Beach, CA 92660, home, operating as both a quality butcher counter and a casual lunch spot.
The aroma of smoked meats fills the air, making it hard to resist ordering the moment you walk in.
Thick slices of house-smoked bologna form the heart of this sandwich, with a depth of flavor that bears no resemblance to the processed lunch meat many remember from school days.
The smoking process adds complexity and a hint of char that makes each bite interesting. Fresh bread, lightly toasted, holds everything together without getting soggy.
Mustard and pickles provide traditional accompaniments that complement rather than mask the star ingredient. The sandwich comes together quickly at the counter, perfect for a beach day or a casual lunch.
Other sandwiches and prepared meats fill the menu, but regulars often return specifically for this one.
8. Braised Beef Ramen – Lanzhou Beef Noodle (Arcadia, CA)
Comfort arrived in a steaming bowl at Lanzhou Beef Noodle in Arcadia, where the Braised Beef Ramen warmed both body and spirit during early January.
Lan Noodle operates at 411 E Huntington Dr Suite 102, Arcadia, CA 91006, serving traditional Chinese noodle dishes in a straightforward setting.
The space stays simple and functional, with the kitchen visible behind the counter and tables arranged for efficient seating.
Rich beef broth forms the foundation, simmered long enough to develop deep, savory flavors without becoming heavy or greasy.
Tender chunks of beef practically fall apart with gentle prodding from chopsticks. Hand-pulled noodles provide the perfect texture, chewy and substantial enough to stand up to the hot broth.
Leafy greens add a sharp, tangy element that cuts through the richness and keeps each spoonful interesting.
The balance of flavors keeps you reaching for more, even as the generous portion begins to fill you up.
This dish delivers exactly what noodle soup should: warmth, satisfaction, and honest flavors. The menu includes other noodle varieties, but this combination remains a favorite for good reason.
9. Head Cheese Toast – Vin Folk (Hermosa Beach, CA)
Adventurous eaters discovered a gem at Vin Folk in Hermosa Beach, where the Head Cheese Toast challenged assumptions about comfort food.
You can find this coastal spot at 1501 Hermosa Ave, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254, where the relaxed beach vibe meets thoughtful cooking.
Large windows offer glimpses of the neighborhood outside, while inside, the atmosphere stays cozy without feeling cramped.
The toast starts with thick-cut bread, grilled until crispy on the outside but still soft within, providing the perfect base for the rich topping.
Head cheese, made from tender bits of meat set in a delicate gelatin, spreads across the bread with a texture that surprises first-timers in the best way.
Pickled vegetables cut through the richness, adding tang and crunch that balance each bite. This dish works well as a starter to share or as a light meal paired with a simple salad.
The staff explains the preparation happily for those unfamiliar with head cheese. Lunch service tends to be quieter than dinner, offering a more peaceful dining experience.
10. Gambas Al Ajillo – Vaca (Downtown Los Angeles, CA)
Spanish flavors came alive at Vaca this January, where the Gambas al Ajillo showcased the beauty of simplicity done right.
The restaurant occupies a space at 960 W 7th St, Los Angeles, CA 90017, where warm lighting and comfortable seating create an inviting environment for sharing plates.
Conversations flow easily here, accompanied by the gentle sounds of clinking glasses and kitchen activity.
The dish arrives sizzling in a shallow clay dish, with plump shrimp swimming in garlic-infused olive oil that begs to be soaked up with crusty bread.
Each shrimp is cooked just until tender, avoiding the rubbery texture that often plagues seafood dishes.
Sliced garlic turns golden without bitterness, and a scattering of fresh parsley adds color and a hint of earthiness.
Portions feel generous enough to share between two or three people as part of a larger meal. The menu offers several other Spanish-inspired dishes that pair well with the Gambas.
Reservations help avoid long waits, especially during weekend dinner service when the dining room fills quickly.
11. Veal Cannelloni – Radici (Hermosa Beach, CA)
Italian tradition met California sensibility at Radici in Hermosa Beach, where the Veal Cannelloni demonstrated the power of classic techniques applied to excellent ingredients.
Radici sits at 934 Hermosa Ave, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254, creating a neighborhood Italian spot that feels both elevated and approachable.
Warm lighting and comfortable seating encourage lingering over multiple courses and good conversation.
Delicate pasta tubes cradle a filling of finely ground veal seasoned with herbs and spices that enhance rather than mask the meat’s subtle flavor.
The pasta itself achieves that ideal texture, tender but with just enough structure to hold its shape. A creamy sauce coats each piece, adding richness without becoming heavy or cloying.
A light dusting of cheese finishes the dish, providing a final layer of flavor and a touch of color. The portion feels appropriate for a pasta course in a multi-course meal or as a satisfying main dish.
Other pasta offerings on the menu rotate seasonally, but the cannelloni remains a consistent presence.
Reservations help secure a table during busy weekend dinner service when the dining room fills with locals and visitors alike.
12. Tuna Melt – Little Fish (Melrose Hill, CA)
Classic American comfort food got a thoughtful update at Little Fish in Melrose Hill, where the Tuna Melt proved that familiar dishes still have room for excellence.
Little Fish has made its home at 4901 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90029, operating as a neighborhood spot that values quality ingredients and careful preparation.
The interior feels bright and airy, with windows that let in plenty of natural light throughout the day.
High-quality tuna forms the base, mixed with just enough mayonnaise and seasonings to bind it together without drowning the fish flavor.
Melted cheese blankets the top, creating that essential gooey texture that defines a proper tuna melt. The bread gets grilled until golden and crispy on the outside while staying soft enough to bite through easily.
Each element works in harmony, creating something greater than the sum of its parts. The sandwich arrives hot from the griddle, with cheese still bubbling slightly at the edges.
This dish satisfies cravings for nostalgic comfort food while maintaining enough refinement to feel special.
The menu includes other sandwiches and seafood-focused dishes that showcase the same attention to detail.
