The Gold Award, created by beloved former L.A. Times restaurant critic Jonathan Gold, celebrates Southern California culinary excellence and innovation. The 2024 winner, Mariscos Jalisco, led by chef and owner Raul Ortega, exemplifies this with quintessentially-L.A. seafood tacos, ceviche and tostadas.
The L.A. Times Restaurant of the Year, selected by restaurant critic Bill Addison, recognizes the most innovative and exciting restaurant of the year. This Korean fine dining restaurant, helmed by co-owners Kwang Uh and Mina Park, is beloved for its innovative seven-course “cycle of life” tasting menu.