A new year is upon us, encouraging optimism and hope even as we contend with the spread of the latest Omicron variant. While much remains up in the air, the last two years have proven our ability to adapt—and nowhere is this more evident than within our local restaurant and hospitality industries. When faced with social distancing orders and shutdowns, they figured out how to innovate their offerings in a to-go format. When dining was limited to al-fresco experiences, they transformed city sidewalks and parking lots into string-lit paradises where we could once again break bread with friends. And now, on the cusp of a new year, they’re delighting us with the promise of new dining destinations, mixed-use spaces, membership clubs, and cafes that are sure to become the backdrop of this year’s best memories. Spanning a Korean-American deli and super, a two-story Mexican marketplace, a Black-owned membership club, and several new debuts from celebrity chefs, here are 18 2022 openings in LA to get excited about:

Beverly Grove 

Opening date: January Mexico’s renowned, family-owned restaurant group, Grupo Hunan, is debuting their first stateside concept with Alma at The Grove. Adjacent to the outdoor shopping center’s iconic fountain, the two-level space features a coastal palette and materials, and will house a walk-up taqueria, marketplace, and cocktail bar on its ground floor. On the second floor you’ll find a full-service fine-dining Mexican restaurant, with signature dishes like tacos al pastor, birria, and escamoles.