Cassia

Where Southeast Asian heritage meets French brasserie sophistication, Cassia Los Angeles transformed Santa Monica's dining landscape through Chef Bryant Ng's deeply personal culinary narrative that celebrated multicultural fusion with uncompromising technique and convivial spirit.

The story of Cassia began with Chef Bryant Ng's remarkable journey from his Chinese-Singaporean roots through Parisian culinary training to Los Angeles's dynamic restaurant scene. Alongside his wife and partner Kim Luu-Ng, whose Vietnamese heritage enriched their culinary vision, Ng created a restaurant that honored both family legacy and professional mastery. Following the closure of their acclaimed Little Tokyo establishment The Spice Table, the couple channeled their expertise into Cassia, which opened in 2015 and quickly earned national recognition. The restaurant garnered multiple James Beard nominations, including Outstanding Restaurant in 2023 and Best New Restaurant in 2016, while Chef Ng himself became a finalist for Best Chef – California in 2022. This critical acclaim reflected Cassia's unique position in Los Angeles fine dining as a bridge between cultures and culinary traditions.

Cassia's menu represented a sophisticated hybrid of Southeast Asian classics elevated through French technique and California's farm-to-table philosophy. Signature dishes like Singaporean white pepper crab, lemongrass chicken confit with Hainanese influences, and spicy dan dan noodles showcased Ng's ability to honor traditional flavors while introducing innovative preparations. The kitchen's mastery extended to show-stopping presentations like wok-fried lobster with rice noodles, grilled lamb steak accompanied by Sichuan-spiced fries, and aromatic coconut laksa that transported diners across continents. Every dish was designed for sharing, encouraging the family-style dining experience that defined Cassia's philosophy. The restaurant's commitment to sustainable sourcing meant ingredients came from organic farmers and responsible producers, ensuring each plate reflected both culinary excellence and environmental consciousness.

Housed within a stunning 1937 Art Deco Telephone Building designed by Montalba Architects, Cassia's atmosphere perfectly balanced industrial sophistication with warm hospitality. Soaring ceilings, Italian Calacatta marble tables, and bleached walnut furnishings created an elegant yet approachable setting, while the expansive patio offered al fresco dining beneath California skies. The prominent white marble bar served as a social focal point, featuring creative cocktails like cassia-infused Cardamaro with applewood smoke. Sommelier Marianna Caldwell curated an exceptional wine program emphasizing smaller, planet-friendly producers from around the world, creating perfect pairings for the restaurant's bold flavors.

Though Cassia permanently closed in early 2025, its legacy endures as a testament to Los Angeles's multicultural dining excellence. For those seeking similar experiences, the restaurant's influence on best restaurants Los Angeles continues through the broader Rustic Canyon Family group and the lasting impact of Chef Ng's innovative approach to Southeast Asian cuisine.