Rebecca Merhej, chef de cuisine and pastry chef at the upcoming Love & Salt restaurant in Manhattan Beach, was named one of Zagat's "30 Under 30" stars of the Los Angeles restaurant scene.

Merhej, 26, who is known for her work at Terranea's renowned mar'sel restaurant, told Zagat, "I want to make desserts that make you feel good when you eat them. I want them to remind you of something your grandma or mom would make."

Love & Salt will be opening this fall at 317 Manhattan Beach Blvd. in the space formerly occupied by Café Pierre. The Italian-inspired concept brings together Merhej and Chef/Partner Michael Fiorelli with industry veterans and father and daughter team, Guy & Sylvie Gabriele (Zazou, Farm Stand).

Zagat says of its list of 30 "rock stars": "These gastronomic game changers are redefining the way we eat, drink and interact with food and beverages across the U.S. – all before their 30th birthdays...[T]hese visionaries need to be on your must-watch list."