Los Angeles’ dining scene is known for attracting a celebrity clientele, but one new restaurant is gaining buzz not for its star-studded atmosphere, but for its authentic and elevated Caribbean cuisine. Lucia, which opened in 2025, has quickly become a favorite among A-listers like Usher and Saweetie, who are drawn to the restaurant’s commitment to showcasing the flavors of the African diaspora.
Walking into Lucia, the first thing guests notice is the thoughtfully designed space, featuring a curved, backlit bar and comfortable banquet seating. But beyond the ambiance, it’s the food that truly sets Lucia apart. Owner Sam Jordan envisioned a restaurant that would fill a gap in the Los Angeles culinary landscape, offering high-end Caribbean dishes that were previously unavailable.
“For LA to be such a diverse city, I didn’t have a lot of high-end cuisine serving dishes from the African diaspora,” Jordan shared. He aims to elevate Caribbean cuisine and highlight its rich history and cultural significance, while too paying homage to the many family-owned restaurants that have long served the community. Lucia represents a step towards breaking down barriers and offering a different perspective on a cuisine often overlooked.
Lucia Bar. Image: Brandon Barré
Jordan’s passion for food and entrepreneurship stems from his childhood travels. “Throughout all my travels, I’d fallen in love with different restaurants and different cuisines,” he explained. He translated that love into a brick-and-mortar establishment, determined to create a dining experience that was both authentic and refined.
A Flavor-First Approach in the Kitchen
The success of Lucia hinges on the culinary expertise of Chef Cleophus “Ophus” Hethington, a craftsman dedicated to bringing Caribbean soul to fine dining. Hethington’s approach is simple: utilize authentic ingredients, experiment with unexpected flavor profiles, and present each dish with visual appeal. His menu features dishes like NY strip with fufu, and a callaloo dish incorporating spinach, collard greens, butternut squash, and okra.
But it’s the plantains that truly capture Hethington’s creativity. “I love plantains and here, it’s my plantains served in three different ways,” he proudly stated, referring to his Plantain Expressions – served as maduros and chips with BBQ sauce. Other highlights include the Chayote and Guava Chow, a vibrant mix of starfruit, gooseberries, plantain, and Marcona almonds.
Lucia’s Plantain Expressions. Image: Khai Nguyen
Celebrating Caribbean Heritage
Beyond the exceptional food, Lucia is driven by a desire to celebrate the cultural heritage of the Caribbean and the often-overlooked contributions of African innovation to American cuisine. “Black American cuisine is kind of lost on like the general population—not just Black people, but America in general,” Jordan stated. “We don’t necessarily draw those connections when actually there are a lot of connections through African cuisine and the Caribbean. You have similar techniques and ingredients and styles that have been passed down through generations, through travel, through colonization, through enslavement, and all these aspects of shared history make it to the plate.”
Lucia isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a culinary journey that honors the past while offering a fresh and exciting dining experience. The restaurant’s commitment to authentic flavors, combined with its sophisticated ambiance, has quickly established it as a must-visit destination for both celebrities and discerning food lovers alike.
As Lucia continues to gain recognition, it’s poised to play a significant role in elevating Caribbean cuisine and fostering a greater appreciation for its rich cultural heritage. The restaurant’s success demonstrates a growing demand for diverse and authentic dining experiences, and signals a promising future for Caribbean-inspired culinary innovation in Los Angeles and beyond.
What are your thoughts on the growing popularity of Caribbean cuisine? Share your experiences and favorite dishes in the comments below!
