The new venue is the latest project from Rusk & Rusk, the husband and wife team who run Hutchesons City Grill, The Butchershop Bar & Grill and The Spanish Butcher.
Open from 11am to midnight, 1am at the weekend, So L.A. is a 150 cover bar and restaurant. Downstairs from the dining room is a private events space called The White Box.
The 5pm Dining blog was invited along for a sneak preview of the £1 million venue last night.
Hip hangout
It is a hip joint with flatteringly low light and a mix of leather booths, banquettes and a striking 25-foot fluted teak, concrete-topped bar.
Along with concrete wall tiles and an open kitchen, there are lots of plants and antique mirrors. It is a bold look which combines industrial themes with more natural, softer touches. Pumped up by a cool soundtrack, So L.A. is a high energy place.
Louise Rusk, co-owner, had this to say, 'We are incredibly excited to open the doors to So L.A. and cannot wait to welcome the first of our guests over the coming days. At RUSK & RUSK, we are deeply committed to bringing the best, progressive cuisine and cutting-edge spaces to Scotland – and we believe, So L.A. delivers on both of these things in a big way.'
James Rusk added, 'California has always been a real pioneer when it comes to the culinary arts— from its extraordinary use of fresh produce to its rich and moody neon-lined interiors. So L.A. is a new concept that channels all of this and pushes the boundaries of our current offering, and we’re incredibly excited that it’s finally here.'
Designed to appeal to meat-lovers, vegetarians and vegans alike, the eclectic food menu draws inspiration from around the Pacific Rim.
Signature dishes including the tuna tataki, sautéed chickpea panisse, street corn and miso-glazed beef fillet.
The drinks list comprises LA-inspired liquid mixers or cocktails and a wide-ranging wine list which is split between red and white wines from the Old and New World plus a separate Californian wine cellar selection.
In addition, there is a great choice of tequilas and mezcals plus bourbons, whisky, Tennessee whiskey, gin and other spirits.
We wish So L.A. every success!