Brian Nagele
When you think of Hollywood, food probably is not one of the first things that come to mind, but rather entertainment, celebrities, and deep roots of cinema history. Whether you’re walking down the Hollywood Walk of Fame, sight-seeing in Little Armenia and East Hollywood, or checking out the TCL Chinese Theatre, there’s never a shortage of things to do.
Hollywood is not only about the lights, cameras, and action life though. The neighborhood is home to several excellent restaurants that you owe it to yourself to try, regardless of whether you’re a resident of the area or a tourist who is just passing through.
Providence
5955 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90038
Phone: 323-460-4170
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Located just north of the Los Angeles Tennis Park and northeast of Hancock Park Terrace Condo, Providence has become known for offering a one-of-a-kind dining experience for over a decade. Led by Chef Michael Cimarusti, you’ll enjoy mouth-watering seafood of all kinds while also having an elegant décor that is simply stunning.
The Chef’s Tasting Menu features oyster, black cod, Alaskan king salmon, and several other more unique options, like the house-made Hawaiian chocolate.
Musso & Frank Grill
6667 Hollywood Blvd, Hollywood, CA 90028
Phone: 323-467-7788
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Musso & Frank Grill sits near the corner of N Cherokee Ave. and Hollywood Blvd. This restaurant remains under the sharp eyes and care of the third and fourth generations of the John Musso family, and it features a retro American menu and atmosphere that brings out the long history of the location. Eating here will make you feel like royalty yourself.
The menu features classics like filet mignon, broiled lobster tail, and chicken parmigiana. You can also get daily features, like the homemade chicken pot pie that’s available only on Thursdays.
Petit Trois
718 N Highland Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90038
Phone: 323-468-8916
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Located five blocks west of Hancock Park Terrace Condo, Petit Trois is a great spot if you are looking for a high-quality French dining experience. The restaurant’s interior features a classic design with a black and white checkered floor and a beautiful bar setup that will wow you visually.
The menu has a wide array of options ranging from the Omelette Petit Trois to the Trout Alodine, the latter being one of my favorites. And if you’re looking to add in some desert, the Fromage Blanc Cheesecake is the perfect choice for something a little sweet.
Gwen
6600 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028
Phone: 323-946-7500
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Gwen is right on the corner of Sunset Blvd and Seward St. It brings an interesting combination of elegant upscale dining and an old-world European style butcher shop feel that works incredibly well. Curtis Stone and his brother Luke Stone lead the restaurant as a duo, and both pride themselves on serving customers the most exceptional meals in all of Los Angeles, let alone Hollywood.
Gwen’s menu features Culatello, grilled octopus, and lamb ribs that come with a honey sumac yogurt that has a one-of-a-kind flavor. You’ll also find several different cuts of steak that are all sliced and served to perfection.
Luv2eat Thai Bistro
6660 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028
Phone: 323-498-5835
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You can find Luv2eat Thai Bistro south of Crossroads of the World, right on the other side of Sunset Blvd. The restaurant is co-led by Chef Fern and Chef Pla, who both have years of culinary experience and are passionate about introducing the art of Thai cooking to every one of their customers.
I recommend trying any of the curry and soup options for something spicy. The pan-fried noodles here are also excellently made, whether you get them with chicken, pork, tofu, or mixed vegetables.
Banh Oui.
1552 N Cahuenga Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028
Phone: 323-645-7944
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Banh Oui sits on the corner of Cahuenga Blvd and Selma Ave. Chef Casey Felton and her core team of cooks run the restaurant as a team, and they all have been working in the culinary industry for several years. It’s in a bit of an out-of-the-way pot, but don’t let that fool you because this restaurant is home to some of the best banh mi style sandwiches you will ever experience.
The steak and chicken katsu are two of my favorites, along with the shrimp and pork meatball sandwich. If you’re looking to try something besides the sandwiches, you cannot go wrong with the lemon pepper wings or the oui burger.
Beauty & Essex
1615 Cahuenga Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028
Phone: 323-676-8880
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Beauty & Essex also sits near the corner of Cahuenga Blvd and Selma Ave, and it is one of the premier dining locations in the neighborhood. When it comes to an atmosphere that will genuinely make you feel as though you are eating in a modernized yet classic restaurant, Beauty & Essex succeeds with flying colors.
The dishes at this restaurant come to your table throughout a meal, so you don’t order individual entrees. Try the half-roasted chicken that comes with spiced carrot purée and crispy kale for a safe choice. And if you’re feeling more adventurous, consider going for the Tuna Poke Wonton Tacos.
Stout Burgers & Beers
1544 N Cahuenga Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028
Phone: 323-469-3801
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Stout Burgers & Beers is the third restaurant that sits on the corner of Cahuenga Blvd and Selma Ave, and as the name implies, it’s all about the burgers and beers. The owner Charles Lew and executive chef Alexandros Kagianaris set out to bring forward their vision of the new local pub, and they have done so amazingly.
Stout Burgers & Beers currently holds the crown of the best burger joint in Hollywood thanks to unique offerings, like The Morning After burger and the Mr. America burger. In addition to their classic burgers, you can also get chicken sandwiches and veggie burgers with your choice of salad or sides.
Jitlada
5233 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90027
Phone: 323-667-9809
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Jitlada is the second Thai restaurant on this list, and you can find it a few blocks west of the Barnsdall Art Park. Owners Sarintip Singsanong and her brother Suthiporn Sungkamee took ownership of the restaurant in 2006 and made upgrades to the overall quality of the food that has brought it to its current level of popularity.
The whole setup of Jitlada’s interior will make you feel like you’re getting an authentic Thai restaurant experience, and this goes for the menu as well, which takes cues from the southern roots of Thailand. Because of this, I highly recommend trying the Southern Spicy Beef if you want the ultimate flavor experience.
El Compadre
7408 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90046
Phone: 323-874-7924
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El Compadre sits along Sunset Blvd. between N Gardner St. and N Vista St. You’ll get a very down-to-earth dining experience at this restaurant. The walls feature decorations with Mexican arts and crafts that bring out a lively setting that appeals to every individual looking to have a good time.
The lively mood does not end with the décor either. Every dish is sprawling with vibrant color that will get your mouth watering the moment you lay eyes on it, and you can expect the taste to live up to the looks, if not outshine them. I recommend trying either the chicken or beef Two Tamale & Chile Relleno.
25 Degrees
7000 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028
Phone: 323-856-1970
Located just on the other side of Hollywood Blvd from the TCL Chinese Theatre, 25 Degrees is a great spot to get burgers, and its placement is as convenient as it gets if you are staying at The Hollywood Roosevelt hotel.
The prices here are also a bit higher than most places because it is in the Roosevelt, but also, you’re in LA and everything costs more in LA, right? 25 Degrees has a bit of a mix between a club and a diner feel. You’ll also see that in its menu, which has breakfast classics like pancakes and French toast and numerous brunch options.
If you’re going for dinner, I recommend The Classic Burger, or you can go for the craft your own burger option.
Gigi’s
904 N Sycamore Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90038
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Gigi’s is a few blocks east of the Poinsettia Recreation Center, and its clean, sleek interior is both very simple and effective. If you go in the evening or at night, you’ll experience the intricate lighting that really brings out the full look of the restaurant’s design. There is also a nice patio seating area that diners can now enjoy.
The menu at Gigi’s features a nice variety of options that will appeal to most customers with at least one of its options. Be it the cheeseburger, roasted chicken, halibut, Parisian gnocchi, whole roasted branzino, or one of the other choices, you’ll certainly find something that tickles your taste buds!
Los Balcones
1360 Vine St, Los Angeles, CA 90028
Phone: 323-871-9600
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You’ll find Los Balcones on the corner of Vine St. and De Longpre Ave. Owned and run by brothers Jorge, Eduardo, and Walter Rodriguez, Los Balcones is an extension of their roots back in Ica, Peru, that features some new takes on classic dishes and family favorites that they wish to share with their customers.
These dishes include the Arroz Con Mariscos, Lomo Saltodo, and Secco De Carne. You can’t go wrong with any of them, but my favorite is the Arroz Con Mariscos. Also, consider trying the Tiradito if you’re in the mood for seafood and want some sashimi.
Phenakite
1370 N St Andrews Pl, Los Angeles, CA 90028
Phone: 323-380-8573
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Located on the corner of St. Andrews Pl. and De Longpre Ave, Phenakite is all about the fine dining experience, so if that is right up your alley, you’ll want to check this spot out. Customers rave about the excellent service that Phenakite prides itself on, and that level of elegance and formality shows not only in its service but in every aspect of the dining experience.
The menu features savory options, including crab cakes, smoked abalone, pork belly, ribs, tempura, and several others. I recommend trying the porridge if you are trying to keep things nice and simplistic, and the granita is also an excellent choice if you’re looking for some dessert.
ixlb Dimsum Eats
5900 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028
Phone: 323-848-4766
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Ixlb Dimsum Eats sits on the corner of Sunset Blvd and N Bronson Ave. It has one of the most trendy looks of any restaurant on this list, and if you saw it while walking by, you would likely do a double-take to make sure it was a restaurant.
Ixlb Dimsum Eats serves several steamed and baked goods, sweets, and specials like Taiwanese shaved ice. I recommend the shrimp wonton with chili oil for the steamed options, though if you want something that’s not super spicy, the roast pork fried rice is a safe choice.
L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele
1534 N McCadden Pl, Los Angeles, CA 90028
Phone: 323-366-2408
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L’Atica Pizzeria da Michele is an Italian restaurant that sits two blocks southeast of the TLC Chinese Theatre. Run by owner and designer Francesco Simone alongside chef Michele Rubini, this restaurant has an inviting design that will make you feel like you’re eating over at the house of a good friend. It features indoor and outdoor seating and table and bar seating.
The menu features no shortage of pizzas and pasta. You will probably find it challenging to settle on any one option because there are so many options and all of them are appetizing, but I recommend the Margherita Sbagliata for pizza and the Fettuccine Bolognese for pasta.
Tartine Sycamore
911 N Sycamore Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90038
Phone: 323-552-6054
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Located on N Sycamore Ave between Willoughby Ave and Romaine St, Tartine is a bakery that prides itself on bringing top-of-the-line bread and pastries to its customers. Between a burning fireplace and display full of tasty treats, the interior of Tartine is one where you will feel right at home.
Despite the focus on bread and pastries, you can get both breakfast and lunch dishes at Tartine. For breakfast, I suggest trying out the French toast or Tartine Breakfast, and for lunch, the egg sandwich, spicy chicken sandwich, and grilled cheese are all great choices.
