New Restaurants, Legendary Concerts and So Much More
After one of the rainiest SoCal winters in recent history, spring has officially sprung in Los Angeles! The wildflowers are blooming and the sun is shining. From exciting new restaurant openings to the legendary Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach, there are seemingly endless activities, events and tasty experiences to look forward to this April. We’ve rounded up a list of our most anticipated LA meals and happenings this month.
Food
Bar Coucou
Bar Coucou officially opened its doors at the end of March, and it has already become the coolest new hangout spot in Venice. The drink menu features everything from traditional aperitifs to a masterful martini with a twist along with a solid selection of low-intervention wines. When it comes to the food, expect classic French favorites like steak tartare and caviar service, but there are also more innovative dishes like the lemongrass and coconut broth ceviche and decadent zucchini beignets.
Location: Venice
Saltie Girl
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If you’re all about tinned fish like the rest of LA currently is, you need to hit up Sunset Blvd’s Saltie Girl. This Boston-originated eatery has already become a major hotspot after only being open for a few months. From tinned scallops and octopus to its decadent lobster frites, Saltie Girl’s seafood shines across the board. It’s best to make a reservation, but you might get lucky and snag a spot at the signature light-blue bar top.
Location: West Hollywood
5/1
Juliet
Juliet is one of the newest additions to the French food scene in LA. This chic and dynamic restaurant is located in Culver City but feels more like an elevated space in Paris. The menu is incredibly unique and inventive, featuring one-of-a-kind apps like duck confit cigars and chilled mussels. Though you might be inclined to stick with wine, the Le Sage cocktail is a smoky sensation that you won’t want to miss.
Location: Culver City
Angler
After temporarily closing in May 2022, Angler LA has reopened in the Beverly Center and is better than ever. The menu is much more approachable than before; fresh and innovative seafood is still at the forefront. The sea snails are a unique must-order that are cooked in a creamy vermouth sauce that you will literally want to drink. Everything is great for sharing, but be sure to start your meal with the decadent cheesy bread.
Location: Beverly Center
5/18
Barra Santos
Barra Santos is the latest and greatest concept from Last Word Hospitality. This cozy neighborhood joint just opened its doors in East LA and is serving up Portuguese bites and drinks. The wine list features vino primarily from Portugal and Spain, and the menu includes Portuguese favorites like buttered toast with sardines and piri-piri chicken. The restaurant has both indoor and outdoor seating and a stunning red oak bar top.
Location: East LA
5/2
ILÉ Bistro
The opening of ILÉ Bistro in Citizen Public Market marks a major movement for Nigerian cuisine in Los Angeles. This authentic yet modern eatery opened its doors on March 24, offering Angelenos the opportunity to enjoy traditional Nigerian soups and bowls with a California twist in a stunning yet laid-back bar-style setting. The spicy soup and jollof rice give diners a true taste of the elegant and bold spices used in Nigerian cooking.
Location: Culver City
Dine LA
It’s almost time for every foodie’s favorite week in Los Angeles! Dine LA kicks off April 28, inviting locals and visitors to get a true taste of the city’s best restaurants at a discounted price. Most restaurants that participate in Dine LA create a prix fixe menu that typically runs between $15 to $30 for lunch and $30 to $50 for dinner. Most menus are three to four courses, but alcohol and drinks must be purchased separately.
Location: All around LA
Fun
Willie Nelson 90 Concert Celebration
Willie Nelson is turning 90, and there’s no other party we’d rather be at! This two-night event is taking place on April 29 and 30 at the Hollywood Bowl. More than 35 musicians are expected to play in honor of the legendary country singer, including Chris Stapleton, Neil Young, Kacey Musgraves, Snoop Dogg and more. Secure your tickets while you can, and get ready for a night of cold beers, great tunes and even better vibes.
Location: Hollywood
Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach
The adrenaline-pumping Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach is taking place April 14-16. In addition to being one of the most prestigious street races in America, it is also the longest-running major street race in the country. Across the course of just two nights and three days, the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach garners more than 185,000 devoted fans and viewers, so expect things to get pretty rowdy.
Location: Long Beach
World of Barbie
Ever dreamed of a party with Barbie? World of Barbie is a pink dream that gives guests an inside look at the glamorous life of the world’s most iconic doll. From the life-size Barbie dreamhouse to the Instagram-worthy campervan, there is so much to see and do. Whether you’re a devout Barbie fan or lover of all things interior design, a trip to World of Barbie is a one-of-a-kind experience for visitors of all ages.
Location: Santa Monica
Venice Beach Outdoor Comedy Club
On April 8, the Venice Beach Outdoor Comedy Club is popping up for a night of belly laughs and legendary jokesters. Performing comedians include headliners from Comedy Central and Netflix, so expect to see some familiar faces on the stage. The show is 90 minutes long and starts at 8 p.m. Best of all, it is BYOB, and since adult beverages are encouraged, you can bring your favorite wine, beer or canned cocktail.
Location: Venice
Fashion, Art, Culture
Festival of Books
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On April 22 and 23, USC will be hosting the annual Los Angeles Times Festival of Books. As the largest literary event in the country, the Festival of Books always includes in-depth presentations, panels and even live musical performances. Speakers for the 2023 festival include Laura Dern, Stacey Abrams and Celeste Ng. Get ready to listen in on some beautiful conversations and gain insight into the lives of some of your favorite writers.
Location: DTLA
Carl Craig: Party/After-Party
Starting April 16, the Carl Craig: Party/After-Party exhibit is going to be on display at the MOCA in DTLA. This somatic experience uses sound and music to create an immersive connection to art in a unique sense. Party/After-Party kicks off with an ode to the creators and pioneers of techno music and proceeds to take viewers on a journey into American electronic music producer Carl Craig’s own relationship to sound, music and life itself.
Location: DTLA
Cirque du Soleil: Corteo
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Instead of having to travel to Las Vegas for a Cirque show, those in SoCal are being treated to more than a month of Cirque du Soleil right in the heart of DTLA. Cirque du Soleil: Corteo is touring in Los Angeles until April 30, and viewers can expect a stellar show as always. From jaw-dropping acrobatics to mind-bending illusions, get your tickets and prepare for a night of breathtaking performance and talent.
Location: DTLA
The Other Art Fair
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Head to Santa Monica to catch The Other Art Fair from March 30 to April 2. The mission of The Other Art Fair is to spread the message that art is for everyone—not a select group of elitists. Instead, the works displayed shine a light on artists from all different backgrounds, experiences and levels of expertise. The fair also hosts live music and poetry readings along with interactive installations so viewers and guests can get as involved as possible.
Location: Santa Monica
Allie Lebos graduated from the University of California, Santa Barbara in 2017 with a BA in Communication. While in school she was a staff writer at The Daily Nexus for nearly two years. Since graduating she has written for The Palisades Magazine, as well as Hidden Hills Magazine. Currently living in Santa Monica, Allie loves to indulge in good food, hot yoga, and daily walks along the beach; writing articles on travel, special events, as well as features on local businesses and individuals.
