Inside the Success of Molino and Mexican Restaurant Komal - LAmag
By Haley Bosselman
Published on March 20, 2026.
Fátima Juárez, chef-owner of Komal at Mercado La Paloma in Historic South-Central, opened the restaurant in 2024 with a modest goal of covering payroll. The first year of service proved to be too low, with Komal earning "best new restaurant" status from national publications such as Bon Appétit, Eater and Esquire. Juarez is also a 2026 James Beard Award Semifinalist in the Emerging Chef category. Komal's menu includes tacos, quesadillas, mole, and tlacoyos. The restaurant also offers heirloom corn varieties sourced from Mexican families.
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