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Simone
Burrata with plum confit from Simone
Rob Stark

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Simone’s Striking Modern Art Deco Dining Room, Revealed

Jessica Largey’s stunning new restaurant debuts September 20

This is Jessica Largey’s moment. The James Beard Foundation Award-winner (and former chef de cuisine of three-Michelin starred Bay Area restaurant Manresa) is about the turn the key on her standalone restaurant Simone, opening September 20 in Downtown LA’s Arts District. Los Angeles is dominating the national dining conversation, and now it’s Largey’s turn to talk with one of the most anticipated restaurants of the past five years.

Simone encapsulates many things, from Largey’s produce-forward California backbone to her elevated training in some of America’s best kitchens. It also calls to a previous era of particular Hollywood decadence, with Art Deco touches, stunning colors, and well-lit flourishes throughout. Designer Deirdre Doherty has painstakingly reconfigured the 1921-era Arts District building to glow with warmth and vitality, playing hard brick against plush banquettes, and soft gold against heavy marble.

As the restaurant space continues to unfold, so too does the vision from Largey, managing partner Bruno Bagbeni, and partner Joe Russo. Duello is name of the 25-seat cocktail bar up front (with Iain McPherson running the show), followed by a six-seat walnut chef’s table looking right into the kitchen. The full dining room unfolds from there, with bending light fixtures sweeping from above and lots of comfortable nooks and crannies for small groups or big dates.

Simone
Sunflower panna cotta
Rob Stark

Each space within the restaurant feels like its own moment, but is tied together by Largey’s focus in the kitchen. There’s a big spotlight on produce, though large-format eaters can still find pork collar and a ribeye steak to share. The chef’s table, once operational, will function as a full tasting menu counter, while beverage director Jordan Egan (NoMad, Boka Group) flits through the rooms pouring wine.

Reservations for Simone are available on Resy now, with an eye towards opening night on September 20. Hours for Simone will be 5:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Sunday and Tuesday through Thursday, with an extension to 11:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday night. Up front, the bar Duello opens at 4 p.m. nightly (closed Mondays).

Simone. 449 S. Hewitt St., Los Angeles, CA.

Simone
Charred squash
Rob Stark
Simone
Farro and turmeric pickled ginger
Rob Stark
Simone
Black cod
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Simone
Pole beans
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Simone
Chocolate ganache
Rob Stark
Simone, now duello, bar inside at night, lights
The front bar
Simone
Simone
Simone
Full bar
Simone
Heading towards the back dining area
Simone
Kitchen views
Simone
Simone
Simone
Gorgeous fixtures
The now closed Simone shows off its fancy booths and lighting.
Room to relax
Simone
Pops of color
Simone
Design details
Simone
Simone
Simone

Good for groups

Simone
Semi-private dining
Simone
The front door
Simone
Proper signage
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