I have wanted to check out RYLA in Hermosa Beach since it opened in 2022. This restaurant is the culinary brainchild of husband-and-wife duo Chef Ray Hayashi and Chef Cynthia Hetlinger, and it has even earned a spot in the Michelin Guide California selection.

RYLA masterfully blends coastal California cuisine with Japanese flavors, reflecting the diverse backgrounds of its chefs.

Chef Ray Hayashi, a Japanese-American native of Southern California, honed his skills over nearly a decade working alongside Chef David LeFevre, the renowned chef behind MB Post and Fishing with Dynamite.

Chef Cynthia Hetlinger, born and raised in Taipei, refined her culinary expertise at Providence, one of Los Angeles’ most critically acclaimed restaurants.

Together, they have created a dining experience that seamlessly fuses Japanese and Taiwanese influences with the vibrant essence of Southern California.

During the recent Dine LA event, which supported wildfire relief efforts, I had the pleasure of experiencing RYLA’s special brunch menu for $35. The meal was thoughtfully curated into two courses, and my friend and I decided to try a little bit of everything.

First Courses:

Japanese Egg Salad Avocado Toast

A delightful starter featuring creamy egg salad atop Tommy and Atticus sourdough, enhanced with dill, cumin, golden sesame, and puffed wild rice for a unique crunch. I loved the combination of flavors and textures!

Japanese Pancake

This fluffy creation was served with blueberry compote, salted butter, and maple syrup, striking a perfect balance between sweet and savory.

Second Courses:

Shoyu Ramen

A comforting bowl of soy-flavored pork broth, tender pork belly, a perfectly cooked egg, mizuna greens, and a drizzle of black garlic oil. This dish beautifully captured the essence of traditional Japanese ramen while feeling fresh and innovative.

Pork Belly Eggs Benedict

A creative twist on a classic, featuring poached eggs atop house-made English muffins, complemented by wild arugula and a zesty yuzu hollandaise sauce. This was rich, flavorful, and a definite highlight of the meal!

To accompany our meal, we enjoyed a cup of Lavazza coffee, which was smooth, bold, and the perfect way to round out our brunch.

The ambiance at RYLA is inviting, contemporary, and effortlessly cool, perfectly reflecting the coastal charm of Hermosa Beach. The warm hospitality and meticulous presentation of each dish made for an unforgettable dining experience.

I’m already looking forward to my next visit!

For more smiles, please check out my Yelp Review on RYLA Hermosa Beach.