Renowned chef Adrian Forte has officially opened Lucia, Los Angeles’ first fine dining Afro-Caribbean restaurant, adding a bold new chapter to the city’s diverse culinary scene. Located in the heart of West Hollywood, Lucia represents a fusion of traditional Caribbean flavors with modern techniques and presentation—an idea that Forte has been cultivating for years.
Lucia: A New Era for Afro-Caribbean Cuisine in LA
Chef Adrian Forte is no stranger to the spotlight. Known for his creative and contemporary take on Caribbean cuisine, Forte has been featured on several popular food programs and has released a best-selling cookbook, Yawd: Modern Afro-Caribbean Recipes. Now, with Lucia, he brings that same innovative energy to Los Angeles, a city known for embracing global flavors.
Lucia stands out not just for its food, but also for its mission. It aims to spotlight Afro-Caribbean culture through a luxury dining experience, something rarely seen in LA’s high-end food circles.
Read more about Adrian Forte’s journey and cookbook
A Look Inside Lucia’s Vibrant Menu
Lucia’s menu is both daring and respectful of its roots. Guests can expect traditional Caribbean staples such as jerk chicken, plantains, and callaloo, all reimagined with fine-dining flair. For instance, Forte’s signature Oxtail Gnocchi blends rich, slow-braised oxtail with hand-rolled gnocchi, offering a comforting yet elevated dish that’s already drawing rave reviews.
Other highlights include:
- Scotch Bonnet Lobster Bisque
- Jamaican Escovitch Snapper with Pickled Vegetables
- Cassava Bread with Tamarind Butter
The cocktail program is equally ambitious, featuring rum-based drinks with ingredients like sorrel, tamarind, and lemongrass. Each drink is crafted to complement the dishes and tell a story of Caribbean tradition.
The Inspiration Behind the Name “Lucia”
The name Lucia pays tribute to Forte’s grandmother, who first introduced him to Caribbean cooking in their family kitchen. It also nods to Saint Lucia, the Caribbean island known for its lush beauty and culinary depth.
An Immersive Cultural Experience
Beyond the menu, Lucia offers an immersive cultural experience. The décor combines modern design with Afro-Caribbean aesthetics: textured walls inspired by island architecture, handwoven light fixtures from local Caribbean artisans, and vibrant paintings by Black artists from across the diaspora.
Music also plays a key role. The soundscape features a curated blend of reggae, calypso, Afrobeat, and soulful jazz—setting a rhythmic, welcoming tone from the moment you step inside.
Los Angeles Welcomes Culinary Diversity
Lucia’s opening aligns with a broader movement across Los Angeles to spotlight underrepresented cuisines in high-end dining. From upscale Mexican tasting menus to Korean fusion food trucks going brick-and-mortar, LA continues to push the boundaries of what fine dining means.
Forte’s restaurant is part of a growing list of chef-driven establishments redefining what belongs on a white-tablecloth menu. With Lucia, Caribbean food now has its seat at the table.
Explore LA’s evolving culinary scene
The Team Behind the Vision
Lucia’s launch is the result of collaboration between Forte and a team of seasoned professionals. The head of operations, Malik Johnson, is a hospitality expert who previously worked with top-tier hotels in Miami and Dubai. Pastry chef Naomi Carter brings a background in Caribbean desserts and French patisserie, offering creations like guava soufflé and rum cake mille-feuille.
The front-of-house team has been trained to guide guests through the unique menu while offering insight into the culture and ingredients behind each dish.
Community Impact and Representation
Forte also intends Lucia to be a platform for cultural education and empowerment. A percentage of the restaurant’s profits will go toward culinary scholarships for young Black chefs and Caribbean immigrants pursuing careers in the U.S. food industry.
“Representation matters,” Forte says. “We’re not just cooking food—we’re rewriting the narrative.”
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Early Reviews and What’s Next
While Lucia just opened its doors, the early feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Food bloggers, influencers, and critics are praising Forte’s ability to bring together flavor, story, and style in a way that feels fresh yet deeply familiar.
Reservations are filling up fast, and there are already plans for pop-up tasting events and seasonal menu changes. Forte hinted at future collaborations with other Black chefs from around the world, further expanding Lucia’s culinary reach.
Final Thoughts
Lucia is more than just a restaurant—it’s a movement. It breaks barriers, honors legacy, and introduces a bold new vision of Afro-Caribbean cuisine to one of the world’s most diverse food capitals.
With Adrian Forte at the helm, Lucia isn’t just making noise—it’s making history.
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