From Super Bowl Casita to Expanded Dining: Fuegos LA Heats Up in Exposition Park
Los Angeles’ vibrant culinary scene continues to evolve, and one restaurant experiencing a significant surge in popularity is Fuegos LA, an Argentine eatery in Exposition Park. The restaurant, already known for its authentic empanadas and lively atmosphere, has recently expanded its footprint, tripling its seating capacity to 60 indoors. This growth comes on the heels of a high-profile project: co-owner Federico Laboureau designed the interior of Bad Bunny’s iconic “casita” featured during the Super Bowl LVIII halftime show, catapulting the restaurant into the national spotlight. The expansion, completed in November 2025, reflects a growing demand for Fuegos’ unique offerings and a commitment to fostering a strong sense of community.
Laboureau, a Buenos Aires native, and his partner, Maximillian Pizzi, bring a wealth of experience in production design to their culinary venture. Before opening Fuegos LA, the pair spent years working on television and movie sets, including projects like Yara Shahidi’s Day Off and the BET Hip-Hop Awards. This background proved invaluable when tasked with transforming the exterior shell of Bad Bunny’s casita into a warm and inviting interior, inspired by Laboureau’s own upbringing. The ability to rapidly construct and complete sets, honed through years in the entertainment industry, allowed them to efficiently manage the expansion of their restaurant space after securing the adjacent area.
A Pandemic Pivot Leads to a Culinary Destination
The story of Fuegos LA is one of adaptation and entrepreneurial spirit. Like many in the creative industries, Laboureau and Pizzi found themselves seeking new opportunities during the 2023 writers and actors strikes. Their foray into the food world began modestly, selling empanadas from their home kitchen in 2023. As demand grew, they transitioned to a commercial space, utilizing third-party delivery apps to reach a wider audience. Eventually, they secured a location on Western Avenue, north of Martin Luther King Boulevard, establishing a permanent home for their burgeoning business. The restaurant quickly gained a following for its authentic Argentine flavors and convivial atmosphere.
The menu at Fuegos LA centers around traditional South American cuisine, with a particular emphasis on Argentine specialties. While empanadas, a milanesa sandwich, potato tortillas, and choripan have been staples since the restaurant’s inception in 2024, the expanded space has allowed Laboureau and Pizzi to broaden their culinary offerings. New additions include entraña, a flavorful ribeye steak served with chimichurri and french fries, and Argentine-style pizzas, characterized by their puffy, focaccia-like crusts. Eater LA previously profiled a similar style of Argentine pizza at Guido’s Italian-Argentinian Restaurant and Deli in Rancho Cucamonga. Laboureau can often be found manning a converted Ford truck, now functioning as a dramatic grill, and the team has recently added a portable pizza oven to keep up with demand. Rounding out the menu are medialuna breakfast sandwiches and mate, a traditional South American caffeinated beverage.
Designing a Slice of Home for Bad Bunny
The opportunity to design the interior of Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl casita stemmed from a previous collaboration. Laboureau originally created the set for the artist’s 31-day residency in Puerto Rico. The Super Bowl performance provided a larger platform to showcase the design, and for the first time, audiences were able to observe the interior of the iconic structure. Laboureau drew inspiration from his grandmother’s house, aiming to create a space that felt authentic and relatable. “I was like, ‘This is amazing,’” Laboureau said, reflecting on the experience. The design intentionally evoked the feeling of a typical Latino family home, a sentiment that resonated deeply with viewers. The Los Angeles Times reported on Laboureau’s involvement in the project in February 2026.
The impact of the Super Bowl performance on Fuegos LA has been significant. According to Laboureau, the restaurant simply needed more space to accommodate the influx of customers. The timing of the expansion, coinciding with the heightened visibility from the halftime show, proved ideal for growth. The restaurant’s success is a testament to the power of authentic cuisine, community engagement, and a touch of star power.
More Than Just a Restaurant: A Hub for Community and Culture
Fuegos LA is quickly becoming known for more than just its food; it’s a vibrant hub for community and cultural events. The restaurant hosts a recurring Thursday tango night, providing a space for enthusiasts to practice and enjoy this passionate dance. Chess nights offer a more cerebral form of entertainment, while wine tastings introduce patrons to a variety of flavors. An upcoming special asado dinner promises a traditional Argentine barbecue experience, and a minor farmers’ market provides access to fresh, local produce. The restaurant as well hosts a monthly yoga class, complete with pink mats, adding a wellness component to its diverse offerings. These events are regularly promoted on the restaurant’s Instagram page.
Laboureau emphasizes the importance of connection and community. “We started doing this to pay the bills, but the empanadas are a connector,” he explained. “People keep coming here to connect. Latinos believe in community, celebration, music, food, and the party.” This philosophy is evident in the restaurant’s lively atmosphere and its commitment to creating a welcoming space for all.
Key Takeaways
- Fuegos LA, an Argentine restaurant in Exposition Park, has recently expanded its seating capacity to 60 indoors.
- Co-owner Federico Laboureau designed the interior of Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl casita, significantly raising the restaurant’s profile.
- The restaurant’s menu features traditional Argentine cuisine, including empanadas, milanesa sandwiches, and Argentine-style pizzas.
- Fuegos LA hosts a variety of community events, including tango nights, chess evenings, and yoga classes.
- The restaurant’s success is rooted in its commitment to authentic cuisine, community engagement, and a vibrant cultural atmosphere.
Fuegos LA continues to evolve, offering a unique dining experience that celebrates Argentine culture and fosters a strong sense of community. The restaurant’s Instagram page remains the best source for updates on upcoming events and menu specials. As the restaurant looks to the future, it remains committed to providing a welcoming space where people can connect, celebrate, and enjoy the flavors of South America.
Readers are encouraged to share their experiences at Fuegos LA and to engage in the conversation below.
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