January 2024

LA Love Bites: 6 Romantic Restaurants for Valentine's Day

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June 19, 2024

Love is in the air, and so is the tantalizing aroma of delectable dishes! Valentine's Day in Los Angeles isn't just about hearts and flowers — it's about indulging in culinary delights with your special someone. Whether you're wooing a new flame or rekindling an old spark, we've scoured the city to uncover the best restaurants to wine, dine, and make your heart swoon.


Here are 6 Los Angeles restaurants to celebrate Valentine’s Day.

Sonoratown

Located: Across Los Angeles (Fashion District and Mid-City)

Number of Locations: 2

You can never go wrong with tacos on a date. Pair them with some fresh guac or your favorite salsa, and you’ve got yourself a fiesta!


Teodoro Diaz-Rodriguez, Jr. and Jennifer Feltham opened Sonoratown with the idea of serving tacos in the style of San Luis Rio Colorado, Sonora, which is a part of Northern Mexico. From carne asada cooked over mesquite wood fire to carefully crafted handmade tortillas, taco lovers are in for a treat. You can make your own taco, burrito, or quesadillas by adding the protein and veggies of your choice. 


Whether you’re in the mood for a sit down dinner or takeout, Sonoratown is the perfect place for a casual Valentine’s Day date!

Studio Sushi

Located: 4037 Radford Avenue, Studio City, Los Angeles, California 91604

Number of Locations: 1


If you are in the mood for some authentic sushi, make your way over to Studio Sushi. A hidden gem in Studio City, Studio Sushi offers high quality sushi rolls that are crafted with passion and care.


Sushi lovers can try the spicy tuna on crispy rice, lime rolls, and chirashi. And if you are feeling creative, you can get personalized sushi rolls!


Whether you’re looking for a fun night out or a cozy night in, Studio Sushi is the perfect place for a Valentine’s date!

Someone is enjoying sushi rolls in LA for Valentine's Day.

Lucy’s Drive In

Located: 1373 South La Brea Avenue, Los Angeles, California 90019

Number of Locations: 1


Do you and your date want to feel like two teenagers in love? Walk into Lucy’s Drive In and get ready for an old-school Valentine’s Day experience! 


Breakfast lovers can indulge in the traditional breakfast with a Mexican spin, with breakfast burritos and pancakes. And for lunch or dinner they have burgers, sandwiches, and tacos, all of which can be ordered by themselves or as a meal. Seafood lovers have a wide array of options from shrimp and chips to ceviche! And to top it all off, you can get one milkshake, two straws, and let the love blossom.

Chin Chin

Located: Across Los Angeles (West Hollywood, Brentwood, and El Segundo)

Number of Locations: 3


For a more upscale experience, Chin Chin is the perfect restaurant to take your date to this Valentine’s Day. Dishes are crafted using the traditional Cantonese cooking technique “Wok Hei” or “The Breath of The Wok”, the act of searing and stir-frying ingredients in a hot wok.


To start off, you can order some shareables which include tantalizing potstickers, crispy spring rolls, and shrimp toast. The entrees include a wide array of chicken, beef, and seafood dishes. If you are looking for vegetarian options, you are at the right place! Chin Chin offers a variety of enticing vegetarian dishes like Mapo Tofu, Bok Choy and Black Mushrooms, and Fragrant Vegetables. You can also order the noodle or rice bowls and add your own protein of choice!

Two plates of teriyaki chicken are prepared for a Valentine's Day date in Los Angeles.

Roscoe’s Chicken and Waffles

Located: Across Los Angeles (Hollywood, South Los Angeles, Long Beach, Pasadena, Inglewood LAX, Anaheim, and La Brea)

Number of Locations: 8


No one pairs better than you and your date…and nothing pairs better than chicken and waffles! If you are looking to start a unique and casual Valentine’s Day tradition, make your way over to Roscoe’s Chicken and Waffles — a timeless LA classic enjoyed by celebrities like Stevie Wonder and Natalie Cole.


Referred to as “a beloved soul chain” by the New York Times, Roscoe’s serves a variety of Southern sides along with their signature chicken and waffles. Check out their Hollywood location — you may just run into a celebrity this Valentine’s Day!

Little Sister

Located: Across California (DTLA, The Point, Manhattan Beach, Redondo Beach, and Irvine Spectrum)

Number of Locations: 4


If you are looking for a night of elegance, Little Sister by Blackhouse Hospitality Group is the place to be. 


Little Sister brings a fusion of “East meets West” inspired food to your table. Guests are treated to an alluring variety of dishes immersed in spices of Southeast Asia blended with French, Dutch, and British colonial influences. Every dish tells a story, from banh mi and dumplings to soups and noodles. Popular choices include the spring rolls, filled with fresh vegetables and fried till they’re golden brown, and the shaky shaky beef, which is marinated beef with tomato rice. Banh mi lovers have the option to choose between the hearty roasted short rib,  mouth-watering grilled lemongrass chicken, and the #SGV Special filled with Vietnamese cold cuts, crunchy pork belly, peanuts, and pate. For dessert, you can order Vietnamese coffee flan. Don’t forget to order it ahead of time, as these sell out very quickly!


The wall art, bar stools, and ambient lighting create a cozy, intimate setting where you and your date can be in your own world.

A Los Angeles couple is enjoying a table of asian cuisine for Valentine's Day.

Tying a Bow on Valentine's Day in LA

From casual bites to dreamy dining spots, any one of these 6 Los Angeles restaurants will make the perfect choice for Valentine's Day. And as the night winds down and dessert plates are cleared, one thing remains certain: nothing beats enjoying good food with great company. Here's to savoring every moment and creating lasting memories with the one you adore. Reserve your table now for a special night with your loved one!

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The food and hospitality industry is entering a transformative era in 2024 — driven by consumer demand for transparency, health, environmental responsibility, and a touch of culinary innovation. Diners are more informed, adventurous, and values-driven than ever before. Whether it’s a craving for Korean-BBQ tacos, gut-friendly mocktails, or carbon-labeled menus, today’s customers are embracing trends that combine personal wellness with global consciousness.

For restaurant owners and foodservice managers, keeping pace with the latest food trends is more than a matter of creativity — it’s a necessity for profitability and long-term success. This guide explores the top food trends for 2024, from plant-based innovations to tech-forward sustainability practices, and how operators can successfully integrate them into their businesses.

Let’s dig into what’s trending, what your customers want, and how your restaurant can stay ahead.

What Are the Top Food Trends for 2024?

Here’s a snapshot of the most impactful food trends shaping menus and operations in 2024:

  • Plant-based innovations – Beyond tofu: think cultivated meats, mushroom mycelium, and chickpea-based seafood substitutes.
  • Climate-conscious menus – Locally sourced, low-waste, and forward-thinking menus aligned with environmental responsibility.
  • Functional wellness foods – Ingredients that support mood, energy, and immunity are being infused into dishes and drinks.
  • Tech-driven dining experiences – AI tools, robotics, and smart systems are elevating back-of-house efficiency and customer-facing dining.
  • Global flavor fusions – Mashups of regional cuisines (like Indian-Mexican or Korean-South American) offer novelty and richness.

Why Do Restaurant Owners Need to Pay Attention to Food Trends?

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  • Consumer demand is shifting: According to the National Restaurant Association’s 2024 Culinary Forecast, over 70% of diners say they actively seek healthier, more sustainable options when dining out.
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  • Increased brand loyalty: Restaurants that align with customer values — health, ethics, innovation — earn trust, repeat visits, and social shares.
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  • Operational agility: Trend-oriented kitchens are quicker to pivot when supply chains shift, diets evolve, or digital preferences change.
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Which Foods Are Trending This Year Across the U.S.?

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Rise of Plant-Based Food Trends

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  • Cultivated meats: Also known as lab-grown meats, these are becoming mainstream. Brands like UPSIDE Foods and GOOD Meat are breaking into U.S. markets with chicken grown from animal cells in controlled environments.
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  • Mycoproteins & legumes: Derived from fungi or pulses, protein-rich alternatives like tempeh, jackfruit, and lupin are being used creatively in tacos, BBQ ribs, and seafood analogs.
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  • Mainstream adoption: Major chains like Burger King and Chipotle continue expanding plant-forward menus, while independents offer bold meatless dishes with flavor-forward sauces, global spices, and satisfying textures.
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Healthy Food Trends for 2024

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  • Gut health focus: Probiotic-rich dishes (kimchi grilled cheese or sourdough naan wraps) and fermented sides are on the rise.
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  • Lower-sugar desserts: Sweet treats are being reimagined with monk fruit, dates, and other low-glycemic ingredients.
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  • Immunity boosters: Menus highlight ingredients like turmeric, ginger, vitamin C, and zinc through smoothies, teas, and power bowls.
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  • Clean-label commitment: Consumers are studying ingredient lists, preferring dishes with wholesome, recognizable components.
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Functional Foods and Beverages

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  • Nootropic-infused drinks: Beverages powered by L-theanine or functional mushrooms cater to focus and calm.
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  • Adaptogenic add-ons: Herbs like ashwagandha, maca, and rhodiola are finding their way into smoothies, lattes, and sauces.
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  • Wellness cocktails: Mixed drinks sans alcohol — but heavy on health — promote detox and energy, flavored with botanicals and natural extracts like spirulina, matcha, and activated charcoal.
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How Are Sustainable Food Trends Shaping the Industry?

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From Menu to Sourcing: The Push Toward Sustainability

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  • Local and seasonal sourcing: Supporting nearby farms reduces emissions, ensures freshness, and appeals to community-minded consumers.
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  • Zero-waste operations: Chefs are using root-to-stem cooking, fermentation for food preservation, and creative uses for scraps in sauces or stocks.
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  • Eco-conscious packaging: Compostable containers, reusable to-go kits, and edible cutlery are disrupting traditional takeout models.
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Tech and Innovation in Sustainable Dining

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  • Carbon labeling: Climate impact scores on menus help customers make informed dining decisions, much like calorie counts.
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  • AI-driven inventory management: Tools optimize ordering patterns, reducing spoilage and overstock-related waste.
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  • Vertical farming & hydroponic setups: Onsite or bordered supply chains shorten the farm-to-table journey.
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What Is the Most Popular Food Trend Right Now?

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While many trends are gaining traction, one standout in 2024 is the rise of global comfort fusion — particularly dishes that marry traditional comfort food with spicy, umami-rich flavors.

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  • Korean-Mexican cuisine: Think birria bulgogi tacos or kimchi queso.
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  • Indian-South American mashups: Curried empanadas or tandoori arepas are headline grabbers.
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  • TikTok’s viral influence: Trends like \“chili crisp eggs\” or \“pickle sushi\” are being adapted on local menus, proving that social virality turns into real-world demand.
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How Social Media Is Driving Food Trend Adoption

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Role of Social Media in Accelerating Food Fads

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  • Influencer credibility: A single post from a viral chef or creator can spark national interest in a dish.
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  • Hashtag virality: Foods labeled #ButterBoard or #WaterTok evolve into week-long waitlists and menu must-haves.
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  • User-generated content: Diners love documenting quirky, beautiful, or “you’ve-never-seen-this-before” dishes to share online.
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Leveraging Food Trends for Restaurant Marketing

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  • Seasonal menus & pop-ups: Limited-time offerings based on trending foods motivate urgency and trial.
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  • Social callouts: Encourage diners to tag, post, or review your trend-forward menu items.
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  • Reels and behind-the-scenes content: Show viewers where your ingredients come from or how a niche global dish is made.
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Global and Fusion Food Trends to Watch

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  • Japanese-Peruvian (Nikkei) flavors: Featuring citrusy ceviches with umami-rich miso and soy glazes.
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  • West African influences: Dishes using jollof rice, egusi stew, or fonio grain paired with plant-based elements.
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  • Filipino-American blends: Adobo-braised brisket sandwiches or ube milkshakes have mainstream momentum.
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Tips for Implementing 2024 Food Trends in Your Restaurant

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  • Test with limited-time offers (LTOs): Introduce a trending ingredient as a weekly special or seasonal dish to measure interest.
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  • Survey your customers: Use email lists or POS systems to gather input on potential additions.
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  • Train your staff: Equip them with the knowledge and enthusiasm to explain functional or sustainable items.
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  • Work with specialized suppliers: Align with local farmers, health-focused vendors, or zero-waste packaging providers for smoother execution.
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Final Thoughts: Stay Ahead of the Curve with 2024’s Food Trends

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Adapting to food trends in 2024 isn’t about chasing every new idea — it’s about identifying the trends that align with your market, values, and culinary identity. Plant-based options, sustainability, global flavors, and wellness-centric dining aren’t just appealing — they’re economically vital.

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Restaurants that act early — leveraging data, culture, and digital ecosystems — will attract today’s health-conscious, eco-aware diner and become tomorrow’s industry leaders.

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Ready to Lead the Industry with Smarter Menu Strategies?

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2024 promises bold innovations in food — and your restaurant can thrive by embracing the right trends. Whether you’re scaling functional drinks, reducing kitchen waste, or jumping on the next viral fusion dish, the right tools can help you act faster and smarter.

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Subscribe to the Push blog for expert insights on restaurant operations, emerging food trends, and next-gen hospitality technology. Stay ahead — serve success.

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Internal Links

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External Sources

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  • National Restaurant Association 2024 Culinary Forecast
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  • Technomic’s 2024 Foodservice Trends Report
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  • Mintel Functional Food Trends Analysis 2024
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