Redbird

The story

Redbird, Los Angeles – Modern American Cuisine in a Historic Downtown Landmark

A Space Carved from History

Redbird is not just a restaurant; it is a piece of Los Angeles’ architectural heritage. Chef Neal Fraser’s flagship occupies the former rectory building of the old Cathedral of St. Vibiana, a nineteenth-century landmark completed in 1876. After the 1994 Northridge earthquake, the cathedral was decommissioned, but developers Tom Gilmore and Jerri Perrone purchased it in 1999, eventually transforming the cathedral into the event venue Vibiana and the rectory into Redbird, which opened in 2015. Designer Robert Weimer inserted simple modern forms that complement the existing timeless architecture, creating a warm and comfortable dining room. The late Jonathan Gold described the feeling: “You feel as if you are part of something bigger than yourself, a hungry, chattering component of a grand pleasure machine.”

Modern American with a Los Angeles Soul

Fraser’s cooking is Modern American – refined yet approachable, drawing deeply from the multi-cultural influences of his native city. The menu is seasonal, with “kickshaws” (small snacks) and larger plates meant for sharing. Starters like the Everything Parker Rolls with fennel pollen and date butter, or the Hamachi Collar with miso, yuzu, and kimchi furikake, set the tone. Pastas, such as the Black Truffle Gnocchi with foraged mushrooms and the Doppio Ravioli with chicken liver and apple, reveal a deft hand. Entrees range from the Whole Crispy Branzino in a Thai broth to a Bone-In Ribeye for two. The cocktail program, led by Tobin Shea, has earned its own following, offering well-balanced bespoke classics.

Recognition and Awards

Redbird’s thoughtful food and setting have earned it a spot in the Michelin Guide California (Recommended) and a place on the 50 Best Discovery list. The broader Redbird | Vibiana project also received the Los Angeles Conservancy’s 2019 Preservation Award Chair’s Award, the highest recognition for adaptive reuse. With private dining available and weekend brunch service, Redbird offers a distinctly Californian contemporary experience in a space that feels both historic and alive.