Studio City’s newest culinary destination is redefining fast-casual dining with a chef-driven collective that’s pure LA magic
When Local Kitchens, “a culinary collective with five chefs, five cuisines, and endless discovery” opened its doors in Studio City on 7/2, I knew I had to experience this innovative dining concept firsthand.
A Revolutionary Dining Concept
Welcome to Local Kitchens, the innovative fast-casual restaurant brand that collaborates with acclaimed chefs to create unique, regionally inspired menus. Founded in 2020 by former DoorDash executives, Local Kitchens transcends the typical food hall experience by allowing guests to mix and match dishes from multiple celebrity chef menus in a single order and payment, all enjoyed in one relaxed, casual environment. And their newest location is now open in Studio City.
The Studio City location features an impressive lineup of chef partners who bring their unique culinary perspectives to the table. James Beard Cookbook Award-winning author Rick Martínez offers Sonoran-style tacos and burritos inspired by his cookbook Salsa Daddy. Award-winning chef and burger aficionado Alvin Cailan (of Eggslut fame) serves up his signature Oklahoma Onion Burgers. Social media sensation and “Forbes 30 Under 30” honoree Chef Tuệ Nguyễn (aka TwayDaBae) highlights Vietnamese street food staples, while Food Network Chopped champion Chef Einat Admony brings Mediterranean flavors with her Tel Aviv-inspired Pitas & Plates menu. Finally, Ari Feingold, the culinary mastermind behind the Bay Area’s beloved Proposition Chicken, rounds out the roster with his California-style fried chicken. All enjoyed in one space, it’s like having five different restaurants at your fingertips, each helmed by acclaimed culinary talent.
The thoughtfully designed Studio City location immediately captivates. Local LA artist Eric Junker’s vibrant murals adorn the walls, while cozy banquettes invite guests to settle in and savor their meals. Café-style workspaces equipped with outlets seamlessly blend functionality with comfort, and curated displays of chef partners’ cookbooks and culinary artifacts transform the space into a celebration of culinary storytelling and craftsmanship. Simply put, it’s a vibe.
The Dining Experience: My Personal Favorites
And now for the food. First I would like to preface that I’m a pescatarian, and eat fish, but no other meat. For my meal, I decided to embrace the mix-and-match concept fully. The Black Garlic Cauliflower was an absolute revelation—so incredibly flavorful and perfectly executed that it immediately became a must-order item. The umami depth from the black garlic elevated this vegetable dish to something truly special.
Chef Einat Admony’s Green Falafel Hummus Plate was another standout—bright, fresh, and authentically delicious. The falafel had that perfect crispy exterior giving way to a fluffy, herb-laden interior that paired beautifully with the smooth and creamy hummus.
From Chef Tuệ Nguyễn’s Vietnamese offerings, the Vietnamese Egg Rolls were exceptional—crispy, fresh, and bursting with authentic flavors that transported me straight to the streets of Saigon. And Rick Martínez’s Vegetable Adobada Taco showcased his mastery of Mexican flavors, with perfectly seasoned vegetables that proved plant-based options can be just as satisfying as their meat counterparts.
Meat eaters pay attention. The menu also includes Chef Alvin’s famous Oklahoma Onion Burgers and Chef Ari’s California-Style Fried Chicken. I couldn’t help but notice the table next to me diving into both the burger and fried chicken. Their expressions of pure foodie bliss told me everything I needed to know about these popular menu items.
And make sure to pair your meal with one of their handcrafted beverages—the drink program is just as thoughtfully curated as the food offerings. The Persian Cucumber Mint Lemonade is an absolute must-order, delivering a refreshing blend that perfectly complements the diverse flavors from the celebrity chef menus!
The Verdict
Local Kitchens Studio City represents something genuinely exciting in LA’s dining landscape. Whether you’re a Studio City local looking for your new go-to spot, or a food enthusiast willing to make the trip for innovative dining, Local Kitchens offers something for everyone. The ability to sample multiple renowned chefs’ creations in one visit makes it perfect for indecisive diners, groups with varying tastes, or anyone who simply wants to maximize their culinary adventure.
With dine-in, to-go, and delivery options available through their platform as well as Uber Eats, DoorDash, and GrubHub, Local Kitchens has made great food accessible on your terms. In a city that thrives on diversity, creativity, and culinary curiosity, this chef-driven collective feels like exactly what LA needed.
Local Kitchens Studio City ($12+) is located at 3960 Laurel Canyon Blvd., Studio City, CA 91604; 650.680.6741. Follow them on social media for updates on special events, pop-ups, and new chef partnerships.
