6 CA Eateries Named Among 'Most Beautiful New Restaurants' In America

Several California eateries were named among the most beautiful restaurants that opened last year in the country.

The Robb Report recently released its list of most beautiful new restaurants in America for 2025, and six are in the Golden State.

The list spotlights 21 restaurants in Chicago, Los Angeles, New York City and other cities, including La Jolla-based Lucien, which was ranked No. 9 on the list.

"I'm very grateful for the recognition from Robb Report," Chef Elijah Arizmendi told Patch. "Lucien is deeply personal to me, and the space was designed as an extension of my philosophy — one centered on intention, hospitality and the joy of sharing something meaningful to others."

Here's a look at the California eateries that made the list:

Lilo, Carlsbad, No. 4

Lilo, which opened in April 2025, features a multi-course tasting menu served around a 24-seat chef's counter. The restaurant, co-owned by Chef Eric Bost and John Resnick, earned a Michelin star just months after opening its doors.

Here's what the Robb Report had to say about the space:

"It takes a lot to transform a boogie board factory into a stunning restaurant, but that’s exactly what L.A. interior-design studio Bells + Whistles did with Lilo. The Carlsbad tasting-menu spot encapsulates indoor-outdoor living, with diners walking through an intimate garden before stepping inside."

Lilo is located at 2571 Roosevelt St., Carlsbad.

Cento Raw Bar, Los Angeles, No. 5

Cento Raw Bar, which opened in May 2025, offers seafood and a seafood-inspired design. In fact, it seems as though guests are dining inside an oyster shell. The eatery is owned by Chef Avner Levi, who also owns adjacent Cento Pasta Bar.

Here's what the Robb Report had to say about the space:

"This whimsical spot may take the prize for the most playful entry on our list. Cento Raw Bar brings its seafood-focused fare off the plate and into its design, making it seem as though guests are dining inside an oyster shell."

Cento Raw Bar is located at 4919 W Adams Blvd., Los Angeles.

Lucien, La Jolla, No. 9

Lucien, which opened in July 2025, offers a chef's tasting menu, with more than a dozen courses. The 30-seat restaurant, is owned and helmed by Northern California native Chef Elijah Arizmendi, along with partners Brian Hung and Melissa Lang.

Here's what the Robb Report had to say about the space:

"Lucien, in San Diego, is home to two personalities. One is what you see right when you walk in, a bright, airy courtyard bar with wood and stone accents that’s inspired by the coast. Continue on, and you’ll discover a moody, dark dining room, taking its design cues from La Jolla’s sea caves."

Lucien is located at 7863 Girard Ave., Suite 308, La Jolla.

Bar Issi, Palm Springs, No. 19

Bar Issi was opened in June 2025 by restaurateurs Marissa and Matt Hermer. Located inside Thompson Palm Springs, the Italian restaurant brings 1970s Italian glamour to the forefront, according to the Robb Report.

Here's what the Robb Report had to say about the space:

"Colors and patterns collide at Bar Issi, a Palm Springs locale that brings 1970s Italian glamour to the forefront. That means dancing alligator–clad wallpaper, mismatched chairs done up in zigzagging patterns, and gold mohair fabric clinging to the ceiling, among other bright details, all dreamed up by the team at Fettle Design."

Bar Issi is located at 414 N Palm Canyon Drive, Suite F, Palm Springs.

Lucia, Los Angeles, No. 20

Lucia, which opened in May 2025, is an upscale Afro-Caribbean restaurant. It's the first restaurant that founder Sam Jordan has owned by himself.

Here's what the Robb Report had to say about the space:

"At Lucia, sculptures are the star. Alexis Readinger, of design firm Preen, Inc., turned the Los Angeles joint into a visually enticing locale that’s full of energy and fun. The white-terrazzo bar is topped with three 18-foot verdigris sculptural palms, while velvet booths are encased in their own domes, reminiscent of shells."

Lucia is located at 351 N Fairfax Ave., Los Angeles.

Via Aurelia, San Francisco, No. 21

Via Aurelia, which opened in Spetember 2025, is owned by Chef David Nayfeld and partner Matt Brewer. The Tuscan-inspired fine dining concept brings the coastal landscape and deep traditions of Tuscany to San Francisco's Mission Rock.

Here's what the Robb Report had to say about the space:

"All roads lead to Rome, and one of those very avenues inspired the details of this new San Fran Restaurant. Via Aurelia, named for the road leading from the Eternal City to Pisa, proudly shows off its Tuscan roots in the kitchen, with seafood, homemade pasta, and more on the menu."

Via Aurelia is located at 300 Toni Stone Xing, Suite A, San Francisco.

View the full report here.