Restaurants We Know You Want to Put on Your Radar: Onda

When it gets cold at Leisurely headquarters here in New York City, we think about southern California. A lot. You should too. And when you visit, you might want to check out the brand new restaurant Onda from chefs Jessica Koslow and Gabriela Cámara. The duo is mixing up regional Californian and Mexican fare with innovative dishes like the inside out turkey pastor quesadilla and koji-marinated satsuma sweet potato.

Inside Out Turkey Quesadilla

Chips here come with fermented chile guacamole, while a smoked pork jowl is served with habanero hot sauce and burnt pickles because why not? Koslow rose to fame at Sqirl, where she reminded us about the simple pleasure of jam on toast, so we’re banking that once Onda offers breakfast and lunch, that will be pretty delicious too. Cámara’s hits include Cala in San Francisco and Contramar in Mexico City, and when two awesome chefs team up like this good things happen. Onda means wave in Spanish and these chefs are poised to ride the restaurant to success. For drinks, the bar is focused on agave based spirits like tequila and mezcal. Since it’s LA, expect lots of great local beer and wine too. Since food like everyone else in that city needs to look pretty, take a look at some of the gorgeous photos below.

Smoked Trout Tostada: trout sauerkraut, castelvetranos, carrots, braised Thao tomatoes, avocado

Cucumber raspado with figs & a mahleb cremeux. It’s a dessert.

Fish Hiding in Kelp: masa-battered kelp, anchovies, and puffed meyer lemon fritto misto w/ salsa verde

Yogurt Parfait with preserved lemon, pine nuts, grape sorbet