What To Expect From Michelin-Starred Chef Michael Mina's Orla Santa Monica

James Beard Award-winning and Michelin-starred chef Michael Mina's The Mina Group operates over 30 restaurants around the world — including Bourbon Steak SoCal outposts in Los Angeles and Orange County.

The health food pioneer gave Angelenos a good reason to work out — or just frequent Heimat Fitness Club — as the opening and now-former chef of Mother Tongue.

Next up, he'll be debuting a new restaurant in Santa Monica this summer inside the upcoming Regent Santa Monica Beach — a $150-million project. The new oceanfront property from IHG Hotels & Resorts will feature over 175 rooms and suites, a beachfront pool deck, a 10,000-square-foot wellness spa, Ayesha Curry's lifestyle brand Sweet July and the signature restaurant Orla, a new Mediterranean concept from Mina.

"Orla is an incredibly personal concept for me, taking inspiration from my childhood,” said Mina, who was born in Egypt. 

“The earthiness of za’atar, the tang of citrus and the intricate layers of a perfectly cooked piece of fish or charcoal-grilled meat all take me back to the captivating flavors I grew up with and enjoyed around the table with my family," he added. "With oceanfront views and the vibrant energy of the restaurant, guests will instantly be transported to the Mediterranean.” 

Here, chef Mina shares the dishes in L.A. he likes to eat.

Stone Pot Rice
PARKS BBQ
» “Jenee is the owner and an amazingly talented chef. Stone Pot Rice satisfies the soul with the textures. They’re notable for the high-quality beef that they use and their delicious kimchi.”
$19, 955 S. Vermont Ave., Koreatown, parksbbq.com

Brioche French Toast With Vermont Maple Syrup
RÉPUBLIQUE
» “The Brioche French Toast with Vermont maple syrup on house-made brioche is crispy, buttery, custardy. The best in L.A. hands down.”
$21, 624 S. La Brea Ave., Fairfax, republiquela.com

Warm Blue Crab Hand Roll
KAZUNORI: THE ORIGINAL HAND ROLL BAR
» “I could eat a dozen of these. Fresh sweet crab, warm sushi rice, crispy nori. The textures and temperature contrast are outstanding.”
$6, multiple locations, handrollbar.com