Those most familiar with LA will know that there are few areas as affluent as Brentwood with it’s quaint shops and lush greenery, it’s no wonder it ranks as one of L.A.’s most idyllic neighborhoods. Amongst the perfectly tailored lawns and architectural masterpieces is a day full of art, culture, sites, and bites.
Take some time to step outside your neck of the woods…
In the morning hours…
Mornings are best spent starting off with a perfect caffe au lait, in Brentwood there is no shortage of options. Stop by Caffe Luxxe and get your morning pick-me up within the historic Brentwood Country Mart.
Caffe Luxxe
The eatery picks and roasts their own coffee giving new meaning to hand-crafted. Select from freshly baked delights courtesy of Red Rooster Bakery and be on your way.
After your AM charge, explore some of Brentwood’s architectural masterpieces for a light dose of dream home FOMO.
For afternoon reprieve…
George Sturges House
Between the Hunt, Sturges, and Nesbitt house, you’ll have quite the day exploring these post-war artfully designed properties. A Paul R. Williams design, the Hunt Residence was built in 1921 with elements of the Regency Revival style. The George Sturges house, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and built in 1939 features Wrights Usonian style.
The Getty Center
After geeking out on home design of the retro times, venture off to see a different style of art at the Getty Center. A wonder on the scale of both culture, art, and design, the 24-acre Richard Meier designed campus boasts panoramic city views and renowned collections. Once you reach your afternoon craving stop point then have a seat in their lush garden for a midday picnic. The Getty Center boast exceptional dining options and a plethora of seating choices.
Farmshop
If one prefers to head back into town for their afternoon meal, the Farmshop is the perfect destination. Founded by Chef Jeff Cerciello, the eatery is a staple of the Brentwood Country Mart. With imaginative recipes and locally sourced ingredients, its the best afternoon pick me-up.
Your evening adventure…
Skirball Cultural Center
Once, day turns to night, a show at the Skirball Cultural Center is almost a given. Just north of the Getty, the center explores heritage, culture and ideals through permanent collections, rotating exhibits, film screenings and live performances.
Tavern
Finally, we recommend for your evening conclusion to dine as locals do, at Suzanne Goin and Caroline Styne’s acclaimed Tavern. The destination restaurant features a tastefully prepared seasonal menu with a who’s who of patrons.
With as many restaurants as there are Bird scooters, we’ve decided to simplify your options of the week by dishing out the best places to grab a bite from power lunches to elegant fare. Read below for our nosh worthy eats throughout L.A.
“Breakfast is the most important deal of the day…”
Chef Mirko Paderno has a new gig at the fancy culinary edition to the BH dining scene. There’s only one hook: It’s not open to the public. Spring Place restaurant is part of a private co-working/art community of the same name (sort of like a Soho House) which recently debuted it’s west coast outpost in 90210. The cuisine will offer the same rustic Italian cuisine those familiar with Chef Paderno are used to(think Estrella). Still, the place is rather upscale with some 200 seats indoor and out, so apply for membership and call it your new business go-to.
Breezy Australian import Little Ruby has all the friendly vibes that makes it a morning meal go-to. Thankfully it serves “brekkie” daily, which means the restaurant’s airy ricotta hotcakes layered with honeycomb-inflected butter and fresh bananas can be had on the regular.
Destroyer, whose name references a comet, is a tiny, 16-seat breakfast and lunch space in the Hayden Tract, an industrial zone turned design district known mostly for its experimental architecture. The café is counter service only, with a menu that changes daily. For breakfast you might have a slice of Icelandic rye with cultured butter and preserves, or a bowl of oatmeal — which looks more like a Scandinavian snow globe than a bowl of porridge — studded with wild foraged currants and topped with a frozen disc of skyr.
This reasonably priced pasta destination in Santa Monica takes a lot of inspiration from Italy’s greatest restaurants and puts them in a casual, bar-like setting. Using pasta hand made by artisans in Italy then flown in weekly, Uovo serves tonnarelli al arrabiata, tortellini in brodo, and ragu around $16 to $18 a serving when they can go for nearly twice as much in other restaurants.
Sherman Oaks option Mizlala has taken the Valley lunch scene by storm. Owners Danny and Justine Elmaleh are turning out Middle Eastern fare that competes with the best that LA has to offer, and all from one very colorful space.
Right in the heart of Pico-Robertson’s predominantly Jewish neighborhood, the Lodge Bread team has opened up Hasiba, an Israeli cafe with hummus, pita sandwiches, and more, in a casual, reasonably priced storefront. Everything’s vegetarian too, with a few vegan options as well, which makes it a great pick for those avoiding meat.
Chef Miles Thompson is steering a pretty big boat these days with Michael’s in Santa Monica. The long-standing restaurant has been in the hit-making business for decades, helping to launch the career of countless well-known chefs, but it’s all now in the hands of the eager wunderkind who navigates between classic menu items like foie gras and all-new interpretations like hamachi collar with fish-sauce caramel. Add in the gorgeous leafy patio, the always eclectic crowd, and the fun-loving Michael McCarty himself working the room, and it’s smooth sailing at one of LA’s most iconic restaurants.
Niki Nakayama’s phenomenal California-Japanese kaiseki might possibly be the most impressive restaurant to visit in Los Angeles. If the Michelin Guide were still rating in LA, n/naka would be a strong contender for three stars. The hidden-in-plain-sight building in Palms hosts one of the warmest, loveliest dining rooms, with fantastic wine pairings and pristine seafood prepared with a master’s touch. Reservations required, often weeks in advance.
There are so many phenomenal restaurants in San Gabriel Valley, but this one has a great mix of hand pulled noodles, stir-fried specialties, and regional Shaanxi favorites with plenty of space to bring a crowd. Order the biang-biang noodles, lamb “burgers”, and more.
Over the hill and through the woods to Pacific Palisades we go! Heading down Sunset and past Brentwood, you’ll find this hillside-oceanview neighborhood abundant in luxury homes nestled perfectly into the bluffs. From stunning estates to the Getty Villa and Will Rogers State Park, why not make a day of it in L.A.’s westside escape.
In the morning hours
Getty Villa
What better way to start your morning then amongst the art found at Getty Villa. Based on the remains of Villa Dei Papiri in Herculaneum, the faux villa is the home of J. Paul Getty’s Mediterranean antiquities. Hours could pass as you tour through roughly 1,200 artifacts on display at any one time.
Eames House
If your historical interest is peaked then head to the next famed abode, Eames House. Designed by couple Charles and Ray Eames, it stands as one of Southern California’s most beloved examples of modernist design. The Pacific Palisades abode stuns with its Mondrian-style color-block exterior and environmentally-sensitive siting.
Will Rogers Historic State Park
If you’ve had your fill on architecture and art, fresh air should do the trick by making your way to Will Rogers State Historic Park. The grounds originally served as the former home of writer and first honorary mayor of Beverly Hills-Will Rogers. Maintained as it was in the 1930s, the 186-acre park is a destination spot for ocean views, polo matches, and horseback riding lessons if your feeling indulgent.
For a midday reprieve
Pacific Palisades
By the time the afternoon hits, famished is an understatement. Make your way to the new Pacific Palisades Village for a range of dining options to appease your midday cravings.
General Porpoise
General Porpoise is L.A.’s first concept from James Beard Award-winning chef Renee Erickson. The famed Seatle doughnut shop brings L.A. rows and rows of sugar-coated goodness freshly baked daily.
Hanks
Blue Ribbon’s first take on the sports bar fits cozily into one end of the Palisades Village complex at Hank’s. With the eatery brings flat-screen TVs, beers, cocktails and some serious burgers to the neighborhood.
Jennifer Meyer Jewelry
Before you leave be sure to check out the shops as the village also includes first time L.A. flagships from Rachel Zoe and Jennifer Meyer Jewelry.
Gladstones
If you prefer to grab a bite a bit closer to the cliffs then Gladstone’s will serve as your landmark destination. Situated where Sunset Boulevard meets the Pacific Coast Highway, it’s become a place of Southern California legend. Gladstones offers a menu plucked from the very ocean it overlooks, serving modern renditions of classic dishes.
Evening fete
Parfumerie at Theatre Palisades
With what is likely a day of bites, sites, shopping, and Palisades fun, your evening should be spent somewhat scaled down. On the weekend catch a stage performance at Theatre Palisades. While the 2018 season comes to a close with E.P. Dowdall’s Parfumerie holding the spotlight through December, the 2019 season is sure to wow.
Il Ristorante di Giorgio Baldi
If your looking for your nighttime feast, indulge at Il Ristorate di Giorgio Baldi. This Pacific Coast Highway-facing trattoria has welcomed everyone from Tom Hanks to Tom Cruise. Once you’ve sampled the kitchen’s fresh pastsa dishes like the agnolotti with corn and white truffle sauce, you’ll understand why.
Shore Bar
For after dinner drinks we recommend anchoring down at Shore Bar, a cape cod inspired craft cocktail favorite for Palisades locals. Swim through a sea of sophisticated cocktails, designed by Master Mixologist Vincenzo Marianella of Copa D’ Ora.
Whether you spent your day indulging in one destination or the other, there is no doubt that the Pacific Palisades serves as the perfect Oceanside spot to escape the city’s hustle and bustle.
Thanksgiving to-go? We aren’t talking about featured bites on Grub-Hub. This curated list of LA restaurants offering an entire feast to your door will save you time on learning how to bast a Turkey and more time avoiding awkward family questions. Hang up your apron and call ahead because these birds are flying fast(last corny joke of the year…maybe).
This fall, The Belvedere’s iconic Thanksgiving at Home is back by popular demand. Offering complete reprieve from the kitchen, the family-style feast will feature three hearty courses and a bottle of Nicolas Feuillatte Champagne. Created by Executive Chef David Codney, the plentiful spread combines Thanksgiving classics, such as a 12 lb. Roasted Free-Range Natural Turkey, with Belvedere favorites like the Charred Caesar Salad and a Whole Baked Pumpkin Pie with our House-made Vanilla Ice Cream.
This Studio City BBQ outpost is going full-on comfort food for this year’s Thanksgiving menu, offering the full spread à la carte and brimming with hearty classics. Opt for an entire smoked turkey, then fill your table with hoe-cake stuffing, green bean casserole, mac and cheese, candied sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes and more, for an indulgent and smoky Southern feast.
Price: whole turkey, $80; sides, $10-$45; whole pumpkin pie or apple crisp, $35 Order by: November 22 at noon Pick-up: November 23, noon-2pm
Leave it to a restaurant with its heart in the butcher shop to do Thanksgiving right. Belcampo’s Luxegiving is one of this year’s most decadent options, with a full spread for up to 14 people and a bottle of champagne. Begin with a Belcampo-made charcuterie board, then proceed to a menu of butternut squash soup; kale salad; a roasted 22-to-26-pound Belcampo Farms turkey; truffled mashed potatoes; mustard-and-whiskey-braised Brussels sprouts with guanciale; green bean casserole with a trumpet mushroom Béchamel; and both a pumpkin pie and caramel apple pie, among other dishes.
Price: $899 Order by: November 13 by 5pm Pick-up: November 23, by around noon, at Belcampo in either Santa Monica or Larkspur. DoorDash delivery is available in select zipcodes within 15 miles of either location.
Put an entirely kosher and dairy-free meal on the table with a little help from Fairfax’s Got Kosher? This Tunisian and Moroccan restaurant is preparing a prixe-fixe meal that includes salt-roasted turkey with rosemary pan gravy; cranberry sauce with orange, almonds and dates; spinach gratin; roasted vegetables; pretzel rolls; apple, pecan and cranberry cornbread stuffing; and three choices of dessert. There are even plant-based alternatives to the turkey, which makes this a killer vegan option, to boot.
Price: $40 per person Order by: November 20 at 5pm Pick-up: 10am-1pm
The Culver City BBQ restaurant will be offering whole wood-smoked, all-natural, free-range, antibiotic-free turkeys in three sizes, so you’re covered no matter your party size. And hey, if you order the largerst—a 17-to-18-pound bird—you’ll probably have some for Thanksgiving leftover sandwiches the next day. Score. Don’t neglect the bevy of sides. Think: cornbread-and-sausage stuffing; buttermilk biscuits with whipped honey butter; roasted root vegetables; braised greens; and of course the dessert, chocolate bread pudding.
Price: turkey, 12-14 pounds, $217; turkey, 15-16 pounds, $252; turkey, 17-18 pounds, $276; sides, $14.50-$90; dessert, $45-$90 Order by: November 15 Pick-up: November 23, noon-3pm
Wexler’s Deli usually serves hefty pastrami sandwiches and bagels with lox, be it in Grand Central Market, Santa Monica or Century City, but this Thanksgiving, they’re offering an entire 10-to-12-person dinner that includes an entire smoked turkey, challah stuffing, gravy, salad, squash soup and cheesy pull-apart rolls.
Price: Smoked bird Thanksgiving Dinner, $350; whole-pie add-on, $40 Order by: November 19, call 424-744-8671, ext. 1 Pick-up: Available for delivery or Santa Monica pick-up on November 23
Marcel Vigneron’s thoughtful and hyper-seasonal dishes are getting ready to land on your home table. Choose the more traditional brined-and-spatchcocked turkey with mashed potatoes and gravy, or swim upstream and opt for the salmon with cauliflower cream and romanesco. Either way, you’ll also enjoy kale salad, squash soup, cranberry sauce, chestnut stuffing and roasted root vegetables, and to top it all off, a pumpkin-and-banana bundt cake.
Price: dinner for 2, $250; dinner for 4, $300; dinner for 6, $450 Order by: November 19 by 9pm Pick-up: November 22, noon-5pm or November 23, noon-3pm
This year, why limit yourself to turkey? Prime-rib and spice institution Lawry’s is giving you the best of both worlds with full Thanksgiving feasts that have a little something for all. Opt for turkey or prime rib, whether you’re buying your mains à la carte or as part of a family-style meal. Then add your sides, including the options of Yorkshire pudding batter, extra jus, creamed spinach, mashed potatoes, whipped horseradish, creamed corn, cranberry sauce and cornbread stuffing.
Price: Family-style turkey dinner, 10-12, $255; family-style prime-rib dinner, six-eight, $300; family-style prime-rib dinner, 12-15, $495; sides $3-$20; whole pie, $25 Order by: November 21 at noon Pick-up: November 23, 11am-4pm
Alright, so your no Curtis Stone in the kitchen and thats ok. With Thanksgiving creeping up sooner than Holiday songs on the radio, we’ve rounded up your go-to “go out” options to spare you the culinary turmoil. So put the deep fryer back in storage and ditch your Mom’s famous stuffing recipe for Thanksgiving the L.A. way.
Akasha
Akasha
Culver City
This Thanksgiving-Akaska in Culver City is dishing out their take on modern California inspired fair. The menu is pre-fixe and full of items like the persimmon-and-pomegranate salad, gluten-free cornbread and herb-roasted organic turkey. In the mood for dessert, enjoy an entire “pie buffet”. Need we say more?Reservations are from 1-8pm and prices are listed as $80 for Adults; $35 for Children (10 and under).
Polo Lounge
Polo Lounge
Beverly Hills
Nothing is more quintessential Beverly Hills then the Polo Lounge and Thanksgiving in the Pink Palace is nothing short of luxury. Also offering a pre-fixe menu selection(like most restaurants in L.A. on a holiday), the pairings do not disappointment. Opt for the traditional Turkey-organic of course-or take a chance with something outside the box, there menu always pleases. And be sure to save room for dessert as the Sweets buffet will be serving a range of customer confectionaries courtesy of their in-house pastry team. Their Brunch will be hosted 11am-3pm with dinner commencing at 5pm-8pm, with the fixed menu priced at $175 per Adult, $60 per Child.
Tom Colicchio’s acclaimed restaurant rings in the day of thanks with family-style starters like their pork belly with butternut squash and sage, and entrees like braised lamb, fish and pasta. Share a range of family-style sides such as sausage-and-raisen stuffing and Brussels sprouts. Lastly is of course a premium selection of Fall-inspired desserts, artfully whipped up by pastry chef Shannon Swindle.Reservations are available 1-8pm with menu pricing offered Ala Carte.
Crossroads Kitchen
Crossroads Kitchen
Melrose
For the none Turkey-Eaters (and just non-meat eaters in general), Crossroads is a perfect plant based option. While the idea of such may seem oft for this particular Holiday, Crossroads is a cut above the rest in offering dishes that beguile its patrons as to wether or not its just plants. This year’s menu is four courses of autumn-appropriate dishes like butternut squash bisque with nutmeg creme fraiche; spiced chickpea cake with cranberry cabernet sauce, and mashed potatoes with porcini gravy. Stimulate your dessert senses with delights like their pumpkin mousse verrine. Hours for the evening are noon-5pm with the menu priced at $75 pp.
Gwen Butcher Shop & Restaurant
Gwen LA
Hollywood
You didn’t think we’d mention the famed chef with out spotlighting his holiday menu? Chef Curtis Stone’s Hollywood outpost-Gwen already amazes with decadent classic fare every day of the week and the Thanksgiving Menu holds to that tradition. Dishes like the white onion veloute pair perfectly with traditional heritage turkey and his green bean casserole. Finish off the evening with a selection of perfectly prepared pies and your absolutely acceptable 4th glass of wine.This festive fete is offered 2-6pm at $75 pp.
Cecconi’s
Cecconi’s
Melrose
Your possibly thinking, Italian for dinner how strange? While the famed West Hollywood eatery dishes out the best southern Italian fare in the L.A. area, their thanksgiving feast is every bit as traditional as you would hope and savor over. Served family style, the courses provide the same familiar heartiness found in their comfort dishes mixed into America’s favorite cuisine. Indulge on porcini corn bread stuffing, squash tortellini and truffle mashed potatoes, as well as a selection of seasonal sweets including apple-pecan crostata. Thanksgiving with an Italian touch is served at $95 pp from noon-10pm.
Cafe Pinot
Cafe Pinot
DTLA
This California-French restaurant with a gorgeous, tree-dotted patio will be serving your choice of a three- or four-course prix-fixe dinner with both traditional fare and a few brow-raising dishes, to boot. Find sliced turkey breast with heirloom cauliflower and mole; sunchoke soup with a red wine and shallot jam; and filet mignon au poivre. Finish with pumpkin mousse or an apple crumble to really get into the fall spirit. Dinner is served 2-8pm, with a $70 per three-course meal, $90 per four-course meal; and $29 per child 10 and under.
Playa Provisions
Playa del Rey
Take Turkey to the beach atPlaya Provisions, which is offering a downright steal of a meal: just $38 to feast on roast turkey or honey mustard ham, plus a variety of sides, including chicory salad, roasted acorn squash and cranberry sauce. Finish with a selection of seasonal desserts including but not limited to pumpkin pie and cran-apple pie. This is a highly kid-friendly option, but if you’re looking for something a bit more adult, round the corner to Playa Provisions’ whiskey bar, Grain, which will be offering à la carte holiday specials in liquid form. Satisfy your turkey cravings from3-8pm at $38 per adult, $20 per child.
Saddle Peak Lodge
Saddle Peak Lodge
Calabasas
Head to this rustic mountain lodge for a four-course meal that lets you choose from hearty dishes like buffalo tartare, seared elk tenderloin with a foie gras and mushroom sauce, roast turkey with sausage-and-apple stuffing, and grilled quail with spiced cherries. Pro tip: Don’t leave before the pumpkin pie or banana-huckleberry bread pudding. Start off the day from noon-8pm, with the menu priced at $105 per adult, $65 per child 12 and under.
Tavern
Tavern
Brentwood
Suzanne Goin, Caroline Styne and chef de cuisine Joel Walsh are bringing a little something for everyone to their Thanksgiving table, with options for omnivores, vegetarians and vegans alike. Settle in for a three-course meal that offers herb-roasted organic turkey breast and stuffed leg with mashed potatoes, gravy, Brussels sprouts with pancetta and thyme, cranberry sauce with mint and orange, sweet potatoes with sherry, and sourdough stuffing with turkey sausage. There’s even the “vegan thanksgiving extravaganza” option, which offers sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, fingerling potatoes, Italian broccoli and Suzanne’s stuffing and wild-mushroom persillade. Your day at the Tavern starts serving 1-8pm, with pre-fixe at $95 per adult; $45 per child 10 and under; free for children four and under.
Catch
Catch Santa Monica
Santa Monica
Enjoy your Turkey Day seaside at Catch in the Hotel del Mar, because chef Gemma Grayis whipping up all the classics and even a few contemporary plates right at the beach. Look for a prix-fixe involving slow-roasted organic turkey with apple and chestnut stuffing, as well as roasted cauliflower pie with wild mushrooms, and Japanese snapper crudo with pumpkin vinaigrette. Spend the day seaside from 11am-10pm at $110 pp.
We know what your thinking, East L.A. edition? Isn’t that a bit broad. And where is East L.A.? Isn’t everything past WEHO just L.A? This edition is for the locals, your where’s where of places to dine, shop, and see as a true Angeleno would care to do.
On the list of up-and-coming neighborhoods you can relocate to, we share with you East L.A.’s most noteworthy stops to the best restaurants in Los Feliz. You’ll wonder why you don’t step outside your zip code more often.
Morning
Skylight Books
Swing by the airy Skylight Books and peruse the independent shop’s well-curated staff picks for some morning reading material, then take your paperback of choice up the street to the small patio at caffeine-fix mainstay Bru Coffeebar. If you’re after a decadent breakfast, claim a booth and order up something from the griddle at 24/7 throwback diner Fred 62. Wait out your inevitable food coma with a $6.50 early matinee in the plush, Egyptian-style Vista Theatre.
Vista Theatre
Afternoon
Soap Planet Wacko
Work your way down Vermont Avenue and its collection of shops, from radical decor courtesy of queer feminist-owned Otherwild to an indescribable assortment of pop culture at Soap Plant Wacko. Then cross over Hollywood Boulevard and climb up to Barnsdall Art Park for a tour of Frank Lloyd Wright’s landmark, the temple-like Hollyhock House.
Hollyhock House
Make your way back to the other side of town and into Griffith Park for a sandwich and slice of pie from the Trails Cafe, which overlooks the lovely Fern Dell, a shaded, rustic oasis equally stocked with relaxing strolls and hiking trailheads.
Evening
Feeling intrepid? Hike the two-mile trail up to Griffith Observatory. Otherwise, drive up and settle in for a sunset with shimmery city views from the Art Deco hilltop observatory.
Alcove Cafe
Trek back down for dinner on one of L.A.’s most idyllic patios at Alcove Cafe and Bakery, which serves up large, unfussy plates in its twinkle-lit courtyard, with top-notch whimsical cocktails at the adjoining Big Bar. Afterward, make sure to visit lounge legends Marty and Elayne at the Dresden before swinging by House of Pies for a midnight slice of banana cream pie.
Offering a spot where games and drinks mix isn’t a particularly new idea. Chains like Dave & Buster’s have been doing it for a long time, and there are even a fair amount of local bars such as the The One Up in Sherman Oaks or EightyOne in the Arts District that offer cabinet games to pair with their libations. However, Two Bit Circus, which saw its doors open to the public in Downtown earlier this month, takes things to an entirely new level.
Billing itself as a “Micro Amusement Park,” the renovated 50,000-square-foot warehouse in the Arts District has a wide range of gaming activities to check out, including VR experiences, classic arcade games, and Story Rooms, which take guests into a themed-location where they must interact with their surroundings and their team in order to solve puzzles or unfold a narrative.
Virtual reality stations are abundant, offering the chance to immerse yourself in a world where you can fight dragons, drive tanks, explore crafted sci-fi terrain, and much more. One experience, called ‘The Raft’, has you defend a swamp against an infestation of supernatural creeps. Other offerings range from pinball to four-player air hockey to arcade staples like Street Fighter II, to more immersive experiences like Two Bit’s ‘Story Rooms’, which create what are essentially mini escape rooms that require a group to play through. There are even ‘VR Cabanas’, karaoke-style rooms that can be rented on an hourly basis and allow you and up to five friends to play a variety of Virtual Reality games together.
Food and drink wise, a circular bar dominates the center of the space while a concession window off to one side offers a moderate range of bar food (fries, corn dogs, sliders, tots, etc…) at somewhat immoderate prices ($15-ish per dish). But let’s be real, you’re coming here for the gaming.
In order to play the arcade games you can pre-load a card you swipe at the various consoles (no quarters, yay!) and the Story Rooms and VR experiences require reservations, with costs typically ranging from $15 to $35. Experiences generally run from 15 to 30 minutes, though at least one will push an hour (The Lost City).
Two Bit Circus is located at 634 Mateo St. Los Angeles, CA 90021. Operating hours are Monday to Thursday: from 4 to 11 p.m., Friday from 4 p.m. to 1 a.m., Saturday from 11 to 1 a.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Admission is free, and games are purchase on a per-play basis. Occasionally the park will be closed for a private event, so calling ahead is always recommended. Parking is limited, so street parking is likely.
People usually don’t make the trek to Westwood solely for the purpose of enjoying a great meal — but they should. The area is firmly Bruin territory, so of course you’ll find lots of on-the-go, affordable eats catering to UCLA frat types and Anderson grads. That said, you’ll also discover second-to-none Persian food (the neighborhood occasionally goes by the nickname “Tehrangeles”) and plenty of creative kitchens putting their own spin on culinary concepts. Here are 20 restaurants and eateries to try in Westwood.
1073 Broxton Avenue
If you scoff at the idea of yet another build-your-own sandwich/bowl/salad spot, you haven’t tried Cava. First of all, the offerings lean Mediterranean, so you get to choose from saffron basmati rice or black lentils, spicy lamb meatballs or falafel, lemon herb tahini or Sriracha Greek yogurt, and the list goes on. Secondly, the ingredients taste unbelievably fresh — and you’re allowed to choose as many dressings and toppings (like cauliflower quinoa tabbouleh, pickled onions, and crumbled feta) as you wish.
10740 Wilshire Boulevard
By day, Hotel Palomar’s Double Take is a solid spot for breakfast or brunch where you can fuel up on fluffy coconut pancakes and sourdough waffles. By night, though, this restaurant/bar/lounge serves up a BLT wedge salad, a beet Reuben sandwich made with Emmental cheese, and grilled flatiron steak with chimichurri. After you scarf it all down, grab a craft cocktail (often made with fresh herbs and produce sourced from local farmers markets) and head to the interconnected game room that has Skee-Ball, shuffleboard, and pool. Date night accomplished.
Best meal you can have without a reservation: KazuNori
1110 Gayley Avenue
KazuNori doesn’t take reservations, so there’s bound to be a bit of a wait, but few other places offer food of this caliber in such a quick, casual setting. The restaurant’s hand roll concept comes from the folks behind Sugarfish, so you can expect the same signature warm rice and super-fresh fish all wrapped up in a crisp nori sheet.
1388 Westwood Boulevard
You’ll never suffer from sad-desk-lunch syndrome again after ordering a legendary tongue sandwich at this Tehrangeles eatery. What you’ll find is chunks of tender beef tongue piled into fresh, crusty bread (think of a banh mi loaf and you’ll get the picture), complemented by just the right amount of pickles, lettuce, and tomato.
11043 Santa Monica Boulevard
Some of LA’s best sushi restaurants, like Hamasaku, are hidden away in strip malls. This nondescript spot — which is surprisingly spacious inside — has a solid sashimi selection, in addition to several non-traditional rolls and shareable starters. Look out for seasonal specials like this summer’s cold noodle dish: a cluster of pork chashu, scallions, and key lime slices sitting in a refreshing scallop clam broth.
Best healthy food that doesn’t taste healthy: Necco
1929 Westwood Boulevard
“Necco” means “root” in Japanese, and that’s exactly what this restaurant specializes in. While it’s easy to knock a menu peppered with stuff like daikon, ginger, or burdock, Necco’s actually preparing these healthy ingredients in an innovative way. Lotus root is lightly fried in panko, yielding a soft-yet-crunchy texture that’s surprisingly delicious, while daikon and yam are sliced into crisp “chips” as an appetizer. The menu’s got plenty of non-root-related bites too, like miso-marinated salmon belly and tasty wagyu beef; for lunch, definitely get one of the beautifully presented bento boxes, which gives you a taste of everything.
10916 Lindbrook Drive
Veggie Grill’s where you go when you feel like having a burrito or burger or hot dog… but you’re meeting your vegetarian or vegan friend for dinner. That’s because VG’s spicy Sicilian sausage sandwich comes with a juicy link from Beyond Meat (for the uninitiated, that’s a company making plant-based meats that taste like the real thing) and Pomodoro sauce, and their all-day breakfast burrito is stuffed with soy chorizo, vegan cheese, fire-roasted salsa, beans, and Just Egg (for the uninitiated, that’s a plant-based egg made from mung bean that scrambles like the real thing). You’ll hardly be able to tell the difference, so even the carnivores will be happy.
1945 1/2 Westwood Boulevard
No more chasing down your favorite taco truck after a night out; this colorful takeout window is tiny, but stays put. Plus, it specializes in unique taco offerings (like Korean barbecue, cactus, and fried chicken), breakfast burritos, and mouthwatering red velvet churros.
10889 Lindbrook Drive
Don’t expect sturdy pies that hold up perfectly while you eat them at this build-your-own-pizza spot. 800 Degrees is known for slippery, piping-hot, fresh Neapolitan-style pizza submerged in sauce and quality toppings — the mess, in other words, is a part of the fun. Keep it basic with a pepperoni or sausage and peppers pie, or go wild with a genre-topping custom masterpiece.
Best fancy restaurant for when you’re not paying: STK
930 Hilgard Avenue
Though their porterhouse steak and lobster ravioli are revelatory, half the reason you’re going to this restaurant in the W Hotel is its sleek, stylish vibe, designed to make you feel like Vegas has come to Westwood (there’s a lounge area with a DJ, if you feel like making a night of it). Though you’ll be paying a pretty penny for succulent wagyu and Alaskan red king crab, STK’s also got a weekday social hour from 4-6:30pm where drinks are half-off, oysters go for $2 a pop, and jalapeno Cheddar grits croquettes and tuna tartare tacos are just $8. For a slightly different vibe, reserve a table at The Hideout — STK’s newer poolside dining area at the W — where you can enjoy oysters, lobster BLTs, and craft cocktails by night or truffle-Cheddar grits, short rib hash, and croque madames for brunch by day.
1387 Westwood Boulevard
At this Persian ice cream joint, there’s almost always a line of people (though it moves quickly) — all waiting for a scoop of irresistible ice cream that owes its thick, gooey consistency to organic whole milk and ground orchid root (called salep). Newcomers should definitely pick up a quart of faloodeh (squiggly rice noodles in mouthwatering ice cream) golo bol bol (the shop’s namesake pistachio-studded saffron and rose, which, thankfully, don’t taste anything like perfume), and other delightful flavors like cucumber or orange blossom (designed to make you rethink every other ice cream you’ve ever encountered).
1116 Westwood Boulevard
The explosive flavors here — Mexican-Asian fusion with a distinct Cali twist — are all over the place, in the best way possible. Exhibit A: orange chicken tacos. This hodgepodge of taste and texture, which is new to the menu, consists of fried chicken covered in orange sauce and tossed with juicy mandarin slices, wontons, and a crunchy Asian slaw. Don’t leave without also gorging on braised pork belly nachos, cotija cheese-topped carnitas fries, and ahi tuna tacos with chipotle-honey slaw.
1151 Westwood Boulevard
Ike’s, a Bay Area fixture, boasts a massive number of sandwich options at its LA location. Whatever you order — whether it’s the Menage A Trois (BBQ halal chicken, Swiss, and honey mustard) or the Kenny Washington (wild salmon with havarti) — definitely request it with Dutch crunch bread. It’s a dense, chewy loaf with a crisped-up top (that’s the “crunch”) and is arguably one of the best parts about eating an Ike’s sandwich.
Best meal when you’re sick of college student food: Ramayani
1777 Westwood Boulevard
This authentic Indonesian gem gives you a tasty respite from the area’s chain restaurants. Adventurous palates will enjoy the soto madura (traditional soup with beef tripe and coconut milk) and ikan balado (fried-to-a-crisp whole fish smothered in a kicky sauce).
1303 Westwood Boulevard
Fundamental’s sandwich-heavy lunch menu is definitely among the neighborhood’s best. The go-to move here is the longstanding $14 power lunch special, which includes a sandwich or salad with a side AND a cookie (not one that’s an afterthought, mind you, but a marriage of perfectly crisp and chewy textures in one baked treat). If you’re in the area for dinner, the evening menu of locally sourced, artistically plated dishes is a must-try too.
922 Gayley Avenue
There aren’t many In-N-Outs on the Westside, so this outpost — serving up the chain’s tasty double-doubles and animal-style fries — is the area’s fast-food unicorn. Pull up the not-so-secret menu, and drench those not-so-great fries in secret sauce.
1712 Westwood Boulevard
South Westwood Boulevard is often referred to as Little Tehran, so most of the Persian restaurants along the street know how to whip up a mean kabob. Shamshiri’s ground lamb koobideh skewers, though, are particularly juicy, tender, and flavor-packed — the perfect complement to dishes like shirin polo (fragrant basmati rice speckled with saffron, orange peels, pistachios, and almonds), or tahdig, which is basically the crispy, crackly layer of rice at the bottom of the pot topped with stew.
960 Gayley Avenue
Night owls in Westwood have their pick of burgers, pizzas, tacos, and other greasy late-night eats around here, but Bella Pita’s probably the only spot that serves a satisfying, falafel-loaded pita covered in veggies, hummus, and tzatziki sauce — until 3am daily. The dough for their pitas and famous “wowshis” (think of a Mediterranean-inspired Hot Pocket, where warm, melty fillings are baked inside) is made in house, oftentimes right in front of you.
1776 Westwood Boulevard
Fantastic Middle Eastern restaurants abound in Westwood — too many to even include in this guide — but if you’re not familiar with the cuisine, beloved Sunnin’s Lebanese specialties are a good place to try a little of everything. Start with lemony baba ghanouj, tangy labneh cheese, and fatayer (a flavorful hand pie glutted with spinach and onion), then move onto falafel with a soft center and crisp exterior, juicy chicken shawarma, or kibbeh bil sanieh (minced beef and pine nuts layered between ground beef).
926 Broxton Avenue
Even if some say Diddy Riese’s famous stuffed ice cream cookie sandwiches don’t count as “real” eats (we’d beg to differ though), at $2.50 a pop, they certainly qualify as cheap. Customize your own from a dozen ice cream flavors (strawberry cheesecake chunk, cookie dough, espresso chip, the list goes on) and 10 different cookie varieties (ranging from decadent candy chocolate chip to the simple pleasures of sugar cinnamon), all made from scratch and baked fresh daily.
