The ambiance at Kali is minimalist yet warm, designed to enhance the focus on Meehan’s carefully crafted dishes. With its dark stone floor, walnut tables, soft lighting, and pared-down aesthetic, the interior reflects Meehan’s philosophy of simplicity and natural beauty. The dining area offers an intimate, comfortable setting for guests, while the open layout allows diners a glimpse into the kitchen as Meehan and his team work.
Kali’s atmosphere strikes a balance between casual comfort and elevated dining, making it accessible to a diverse clientele. The restaurant’s design reflects Meehan’s commitment to hospitality, providing a dining experience that feels personal and unpretentious. Service is attentive yet relaxed, enhancing the restaurant’s focus on genuine, uncomplicated enjoyment of fine cuisine.
A native of Long Island, Meehan began his culinary journey on the East Coast. He moved to LA in 2000, working in a series of renowned kitchens, including L’Orangerie and Bastide. These formative experiences ingrained in him a respect for quality and precision, which he brings to every aspect of Kali. Meehan’s cooking style focuses on simplicity, elevating seasonal ingredients and local produce to craft dishes that are both innovative and approachable. After years in fine dining, Meehan developed Kali as a personal project with Langley, intending to create a dining space that showcases California’s bounty in an unpretentious setting.
Meehan’s philosophy extends to sustainability, with a menu that prioritizes ingredients from local farms and his own garden. Signature dishes, like black barley risotto with charred onions and egg yolk pasta, showcase his focus on using a few high-quality ingredients to create bold, balanced flavors. His approach to Californian cuisine has earned Kali a Michelin star and praise from critics across LA and beyond, cementing Meehan’s status as a respected figure in the city's culinary scene. A series of TV appearances on cooking shows, first as a competitor and more recently as a judge, have helped make his a familiar face among food lovers.
Since opening in 2016, Kali has quickly gained recognition as a must-visit LA dining destination. The restaurant was awarded its first Michelin star in 2019, a testament to Meehan’s dedication to quality and innovation. Kali has also been featured in the Los Angeles Times by renowned late critic Jonathan Gold, who praised the restaurant’s creative yet approachable menu, and in Los Angeles Magazine, which recognized Kali for its unique take on modern Californian cuisine. These accolades reflect the restaurant’s commitment to excellence and sustainability without pretension, making it a beloved spot for both locals and visitors seeking a high-end but accessible dining experience in LA.
