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Redbird LA: A Culinary Masterpiece in a Historic Setting

Want some of the best food in Los Angeles? In the heart of downtown Los Angeles, a culinary revival is taking place within walls that whisper tales of the city's past. Redbird, the flagship restaurant of Chef Neal Fraser, is not just a place to eat; it's an immersive experience. Housed in the former rectory building of the historic Vibiana cathedral, the restaurant presents a stunning dialogue between past and present. This is where Modern American cuisine finds its most vibrant expression, drawing from the rich, multi-cultural tapestry of Los Angeles itself.


Under the guidance of Chef Fraser, a Top Chef Masters alumnus, Redbird has become a beacon of culinary excellence. The kitchen, managed by Chef de Cuisine Jason Bowlin and Executive Sous Chef John Gronkiewicz, orchestrates a menu that is both refined and approachable. The experience is completed by an award-winning bar program from Director Tobin Shea. Even the sweet finish is thoughtfully crafted by Pastry Chef Ligia Rossi. It’s a team effort that has earned Redbird recognition from the Michelin Guide and a place on the 50 Best Discovery list.



The setting, designed by Robert Weimer, is a masterpiece of adaptive reuse, earning the Los Angeles Conservancy’s 2019 Chair’s Award. It complements a menu that is equally thoughtful, where every ingredient tells a story. We explored a selection of dishes that showcase the depth and creativity of the Redbird kitchen.


Exploring the Redbird Menu



The menu is a journey through flavor and technique. Each dish is a self-contained narrative, a reflection of the city's diverse palate, executed with precision and a touch of playful genius.


Shishito Peppers


This is not your average plate of blistered peppers. Redbird elevates this familiar appetizer into something truly memorable. The peppers, charred just enough to coax out their smoky sweetness and occasional flash of heat, are tossed with crispy quinoa. This adds a delightful, nutty crunch that contrasts perfectly with the peppers' soft skins. The masterstroke is the addition of bottarga, the cured fish roe. Shaved over the top, it dissolves on the tongue, imparting a briny, umami-rich saltiness that ties the entire dish together in a sophisticated yet wonderfully simple starter.


Avocado Salad


A salad that defies expectations and celebrates California's favorite fruit. This dish is a study in texture and bold flavors. Creamy wedges of ripe avocado are paired with crisp, vibrant little gem lettuce. The smoky, salty crunch of perfectly rendered bacon weaves its way through the greens, providing a savory counterpoint. Tying it all together is a buttermilk blue cheese vinaigrette. It's tangy, funky, and utterly decadent, coating every leaf and lending a luxurious richness that makes this salad feel both comforting and complex.


Kombu-Cured Hamachi


A delicate and nuanced crudo that showcases the kitchen's respect for pristine ingredients. Silky slices of hamachi are first cured with kombu, a type of seaweed that imparts a subtle, oceanic umami and firms the fish's texture. The hamachi is then arranged with segments of sweet and floral Cara Cara orange, which brings a bright, clean acidity. Salty capers, sharp shallots, and a hint of chili provide layers of flavor, while thin slivers of kohlrabi add a fresh, vegetal crunch. A drizzle of Verni’s olive oil finishes the dish, adding a peppery, fruity note that makes each bite sing.


Beef Tartare


Redbird's take on this classic dish is a masterclass in richness and depth. The foundation is, of course, impeccably hand-chopped beef. But it’s the accompaniments that elevate it to new heights. A dollop of caramelized onion crema offers a deep, sweet, and savory flavor, while a luxurious egg jam provides a silky, confit-like richness. Pickled pearl onions cut through the opulence with a sharp, vinegary tang. The final flourish is shaved marrow, which melts into the tartare, adding an unparalleled level of decadent, beefy flavor. It’s served with toasted house sourdough, the perfect vessel for this indulgent creation.


Black Truffle Gnocchi


This dish is pure, unadulterated comfort, elevated to the highest level of culinary art. The gnocchi themselves are impossibly light, like delicate potato pillows that seem to melt in your mouth. They serve as the perfect canvas for a generous showering of black truffle, whose earthy, intoxicating aroma perfumes the air before the plate even reaches the table. The gnocchi are nestled in a creamy Reggiano crema, a sauce so rich and savory it feels like a warm embrace. Sautéed chanterelle mushrooms add a woodsy, meaty texture, while a sprinkle of fresh chives provides a final, bright note.


Cavatelli


A rustic pasta dish with profound, soulful flavors. The cavatelli, with its signature shape perfect for capturing sauce, is tossed with guanciale, the cured pork jowl that renders into crispy, salty jewels of flavor. Earthy black trumpet mushrooms lend a deep, woodsy note that complements the pork beautifully. Braised Swiss chard is woven throughout, providing a slightly bitter, mineral counterpoint that balances the richness of the other ingredients. The entire dish is finished with shavings of Garrotxa, a semi-firm goat cheese from Catalonia, which adds a mild tang and a creamy finish.


Whole Crispy Branzino


A true showstopper. A whole branzino is fried to crispy perfection, its skin shattering with an audible crunch while the flesh inside remains impossibly moist and flaky. The fish is presented dramatically, swimming in a fragrant Thai-inspired broth. The broth is a symphony of flavors—lemongrass provides a bright, citrusy aroma, while black lime adds a unique, funky tartness. It's a dish that is at once visually stunning and deeply flavorful, a perfect representation of Los Angeles's fusion of culinary cultures.


Heritage Pork Chop


This is a pork chop for those who think they know pork chops. A thick-cut, heritage-breed chop is cooked with expert precision, resulting in a juicy, tender interior and a beautifully caramelized crust. It sits atop a bed of creamy, comforting polenta that has been cooked to perfection. A side of braised collard greens adds a soulful, slightly bitter element. The dish is brought to life by a pear mostarda, a sweet and tangy fruit condiment with a surprising kick of mustard seed, and a scattering of toasted hazelnuts for a final, nutty crunch. End pieces are a wave of crispy fatty deliciousness.


Redbird isn’t just another Downtown LA dining destination — it’s an experience that captures the soul of the city through bold flavors, elevated hospitality, and an unforgettable setting. From Chef Neal Fraser’s seasonal cuisine to Ligia Rossi’s standout desserts, every detail feels intentional, inviting, and worthy of celebration. Whether you’re planning a special night out or simply exploring the best of LA’s culinary scene, Redbird belongs at the very top of your bucket list — a restaurant that reminds you why dining can be so much more than a meal.


Peppermint Mocha Tart


A decadent peppermint mocha tart arrives as the grand finale, a true celebration of the holiday season. The dessert features a velvety coffee crémeux at its core, delivering a rich and smooth espresso flavor. It is complemented by a swirl of peppermint crème, which adds a refreshing minty brightness to balance the richness. The tart rests on a crisp chocolate sablé base, providing a delightful contrast of texture. Each bite is a harmonious blend of indulgent flavors, perfect for savoring with a warm cup of coffee.


Honey Panna Cotta with Blood Orange Gelée, Calamansi Granita, and Mandarins


A light and elegant dessert, the honey panna cotta offers a delicate sweetness and a silky, creamy texture. It is layered with a vibrant blood orange gelée, which introduces a tangy and slightly bittersweet contrast to the dish. The calamansi granita provides a zesty, icy burst of flavor, enhancing the complex citrus profile. To complete the presentation, fresh mandarins are artfully arranged, adding a bright and juicy freshness to the dessert. This refined treat is a perfect balance of sweet, tart, and refreshing elements, making it an exquisite choice for ending any special meal.


Redbird is definitely putting out some of the Best Food In Los Angeles!



I hope your hungry!!


Matthew Tropp | Food Journal Magazine

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