2 restaurants serving Calamansi Pie
Los Angeles, CA
“Sampa represents the evolution of Filipino-American cuisine in Los Angeles, bringing contemporary fine dining sophistication to the Arts District while honoring Filipino culinary traditions. Named after the sampaguita, the Philippines' national flower, this restaurant is the passion project of Chef Josh Espinosa and entrepreneur Jenny Valles, who transformed their pandemic-era pop-up into a full-service destination showcasing "Filipino cuisine reimagined." Chef Espinosa trained under legendary restaurateur Helene An and applies global culinary techniques to Filipino flavors, creating dishes that surprise and delight while maintaining authentic connections to the homeland. The menu features innovative interpretations like Kare-Kare Tamales with braised oxtail and peanut butter velout topped with bagoong dust, Crispy Duck Pancit combining crispy confit duck with spinach tagliatelle, and Octopus Adobo featuring Spanish octopus with crispy confit potatoes. Their Lamb Shank Kaldereta and Crab Fat Fried Rice demonstrate Chef Espinosa's ability to elevate traditional Filipino recipes into refined culinary experiences. The cocktail menu equally impresses with creative drinks like the Ube Sour and Strawberry Coconut Negroni that incorporate Filipino ingredients into sophisticated libations. Sampa's intimate, dimly-lit atmosphere creates the perfect setting for their shared plates approach, encouraging the communal dining style inherent to Filipino culture. The restaurant aspires toward Michelin recognition, representing a movement to position Filipino cuisine alongside other celebrated Asian culinary traditions. For Filipino-Americans, Sampa offers familiar flavors presented with artistic flair, while for adventurous diners, it provides an accessible introduction to the complexity and richness of Filipino gastronomy through the lens of modern culinary innovation.”
“Kuya Lord is Chef Lord Maynard Llera's elevated fast-casual restaurant featuring regional Filipino dishes from Lucena City, Quezon Province, reimagined through classical French techniques he honed working at acclaimed LA kitchens like BESTIA. Born from a pandemic garage pop-up that gained a cult following, this James Beard Award-winning chef now operates from a 28-seat East Hollywood space, showcasing dishes like his signature 4-day Lucenachon (Filipino-style porchetta) and authentic Pancit Chami with over 20 ingredients. The restaurant has earned recognition in LA Times' 101 Best Restaurants for three consecutive years and uses premium ingredients sourced from local California farmers and specialty purveyors worldwide.”
