Looks like the shutter of Shabu Shabu Ya opened the door for its trend-hopping owners to begin anew under another concept, this time taking advantage of what J Gold labeled our “bistro moment.” Thrillist reveals that concept to be a wine bar named Noir, which is not related to the one in Pasadena or nearby Cafe Noir, just as the previous restaurant had no connection to forthcoming Shabu-Ya. The look is contemporary bistro, decked out in exposed brick with a funky mosaic wall pattern, generous light, window and bar seating, and plush red leather booths. Noir has an obsession with Italian vino, though they don’t particularly discriminate and serve some sake too, probably as it was left over from Noir’s previous incarnation.The food, available at 50% off during daily happy hours, appears to maximize the flavors found in Asian cooking with a bar eats twist, meaning dishes like sesame seed-seasoned wings, chili shrimp, and braised short ribs.
Noir 801 S. LaBrea Ave. Mid-City 323-933-3229
Noir Wine Bar [Thrillist]
