(EXPERIENCE MAGAZINE) — Los Angeles, CA — DineLA 2026 has come and gone, and the Experience Magazine team embarked on an unforgettable culinary journey through Los Angeles, sampling a diverse array of dishes from various restaurants. Each stop offered a unique taste of global flavors, highlighting the rich culinary scene of this vibrant city.
Our adventure began at Cali Chili, nestled in downtown Los Angeles. This gem, curated by Michelin Star Chef Manjunath Mural, offered a $55 DineLA menu featuring three courses and a dessert.
For the first course, we enjoyed the Cali Chilli Fresh Salad, a refreshing blend of avocado, basil, cilantro, tomato, feta cheese, and lemon vinaigrette. The flavors were vibrant and perfectly balanced, setting the tone for the meal. Erwin tried the Sichuan Pepper Chicken Wings, expertly fried and delightfully spicy, leaving us wanting more.
For the second course, we had the Paneer Badrijani, delicious eggplant rolls stuffed with paneer and nuts that were rich in flavor and texture. I opted for the Navratan Korma as the third course, a creamy curry with mixed vegetables, fruits, nuts, and paneer, tailored to our request without cream. The subtle spices were comforting and satisfying, while Erwin indulged in a delightful espresso tiramisu for dessert, finishing the meal on a high note. The flavors at Cali Chili were so compelling that we found ourselves planning a visit to their original Long Beach location soon
On January 27th, we ventured to Casablanca, one of the few Moroccan restaurants in Los Angeles. This $55 DineLA menu took us on a delightful journey through Moroccan cuisine. We began with a salad sampler that included beet salad with almonds and feta, carrot salad infused with harissa and cumin, and cucumber and tomato salad lightly dressed with herbs. For the main courses, we sampled the Veggie Pastilla, a flaky pastry filled with sautéed brussels sprouts, bell peppers, and preserved lemon, which was a highlight.
I also tried a quinoa bowl featuring fresh veggies and broth, while Erwin enjoyed the vegetable tagine.For dessert, we concluded with a traditional mint tea, served in a beautiful display by the chef. The experience at Casablanca was rich in flavors and cultural warmth, making it a memorable dining experience.
On February 4th, we visited Tonchin, a ramen spot that felt more like a family gathering than a typical restaurant. We started with shishito peppers, grilled to perfection, and then I indulged in the vegan tantan ramen, which was the show-stopping dish featuring a rich miso broth and a perfect blend of flavors. Tonchin’s casual atmosphere complemented the extraordinary flavors, making it a must-visit.
Tonchin is a standout ramen restaurant in Los Angeles, it offers a unique twist on traditional ramen with its Tokyo-style tonkotsu Ramen. Known for its rich, umami-packed broth and house-made noodles, Tonchin is part of a Michelin-recognized chain that originated in Tokyo. The sleek dining space, with a cool patio, sets the stage for an memorable culinary experience. Beyond ramen, the menu boasts an array of Japanese dishes and expertly crafted cocktails, while the shaved ice dessert adds a refreshing touch to the meal, perfect for those warm LA evenings.
During our visit for DineLA, we indulged in a delightful four-course dinner that showcased the restaurant’s culinary prowess. Starting with grilled shishito peppers, perfectly spiced and addictive, paired with ice-cold beer, we were off to a fantastic start. The second course featured a vibrant Tebesaki dish that Erwin adored, while I enjoyed a flavorful vegan Tonchin salad. The highlight, however, was the third course: the spicy tantan ramen, which was bursting with rich flavors, while erwin savored the miso ginger ramen. We couldn’t resist ending our meal with the kakigori dessert, which is shaved ice. I had mango and Erwin tried the green tea. The flavors were a sweet conclusion to an exceptional dining experience. With expertly crafted drinks and an inviting atmosphere, Tonchin LA left us eager for our next visit.
The next stop for DineLA was Jaime Taqueria. Jaime serves tasty Mexican cuisine in El Segundo. We savored tacos while enjoying a stunning sunset. For starters, we had the chips and salsa with housemade salsa. For the main courses, we enjoyed spicy mushroom tacos.The non alcohol margarita was ice cold and really tasty.
At Jaime Taqueria One standout dish that has captured the attention of diners is the mushroom tacos — a delightful twist on a classic favorite. These tacos are packed with earthy, umami-rich mushrooms, expertly seasoned and served in warm, soft tortillas. Each bite is a blend of textures and flavors, making them a popular choice for both vegetarians and meat lovers alike.
Complementing the tacos was the non-alcoholic margarita, a refreshing beverage that perfectly balances the richness of the mushrooms. Made with fresh lime juice, agave syrup, and a hint of salt, it provides a zesty kick without the effects of alcohol, allowing everyone to enjoy a celebratory drink. The crispy chips and salsa add an extra layer of enjoyment to the meal, with the chips delivering the perfect crunch and the salsa offering a refreshing, tangy contrast that enhances the overall experience.
Dining at Jaime Taqueria is not just about the food; it’s about the atmosphere and the sense of community. The vibrant setting, coupled with the delicious offerings, makes it a fantastic spot for friends and family to gather. Whether you’re indulging in the mushroom tacos, sipping on a non-alcoholic margarita, or enjoying the delightful chips and salsa, the experience is one that leaves a lasting impression, inviting you to return for more.
DineLA 2026 has brought a ton of culinary experiences to everyone’s attention, showcasing the diverse flavors that Los Angeles has to offer. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, this event encourages everyone to explore the city’s vibrant food scene. With over 460 restaurants participating, there’s no shortage of delicious options to savor. As we wrapped up our culinary tour, we left each restaurant with full bellies and happy hearts, already dreaming of our next dining adventure.
In closing out our exploration of DineLA restaurants in 2026, a standout experience was our visit to Carasau Pasta Bar in Beverly Grove. This charming establishment offers a relaxed atmosphere that perfectly complements its focus on traditional Italian cuisine. From the moment we stepped in, the inviting ambiance set the stage for an enjoyable meal. I’ve heard people say Carasau Pasta Bar has the best Italian food in Los Angeles and I have to say I agree. Not only the pasta but the bread! Wow! There was a couple sitting next to us that were raving about having Carasau Pasta Bar in the area.
The culinary highlights were truly remarkable. The Rigatoni Siciliana, featuring baked rigatoni, eggplants, mozzarella, and a rich tomato sauce, was a testament to the restaurant’s commitment to authenticity. Each bite was a delightful blend of flavors that showcased the essence of Italian cooking. Great staff at Carasau Pasta Bar as well. Its. a very welcoming place.
The cannolis were nothing short of incredible, showcasing the perfect balance of sweetness and creaminess. Additionally, each pasta dish we sampled was delicious, reflecting a deep respect for classic recipes. Complementing these tasty offerings was the freshly baked bread, which added an extra layer of satisfaction to our meal.
We savored the Caesar salad, beautifully presented on traditional plates, underscoring the restaurant’s attention to detail. To top it all off, the wine selection was exceptional, enhancing the flavors of each dish and making the dining experience even more enjoyable. Carasau Pasta Bar truly encapsulates the essence of DineLA, offering a memorable culinary journey that celebrates the richness of Italian cuisine.
We had a great experience at DineLA 2026 and look forward to the next Restaurant Week!
