After a long day navigating the immersive worlds of Super Nintendo World, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, and the legendary Studio Tour, hunger is practically a guarantee. While the food inside the park is iconic—from giant donuts to Butterbeer—the prices can add up quickly, and the crowds don’t disappear just because your stomach is growling. Stepping outside the gates for a meal can offer a welcome reprieve, better value, and a taste of the local Los Angeles dining scene that tourists often miss.
The area surrounding Universal Studios Hollywood is far more culinarily diverse than you might expect. While the immediate vicinity of Universal CityWalk offers convenient chains and upscale dining, venturing just a few blocks down the hill into Studio City, Toluca Lake, and North Hollywood unlocks a treasure trove of hidden gems. Whether you are craving authentic sushi, wood-fired pizza, classic French bistro fare, or a massive pastrami sandwich, the neighborhoods hugging the 101 freeway have you covered.
Choosing where to eat can be overwhelming, especially when you are tired from walking miles through a theme park. To help you make the right decision, we have curated a list of the best options based on food quality, proximity to the park, atmosphere, and value for money. These are not just tourist traps; these are the places where locals who work on the studio lot actually go to eat.
Whether you are looking for a quick bite before heading into the park for Early Entry or a relaxed sit-down dinner after the Studio Tour, this guide has something for every craving and budget. From celebrity-frequented sushi bars to family-friendly Italian joints, these restaurants provide the perfect fuel for your Hollywood adventure.
Below is a comprehensive list of the 15 best restaurants near Universal Studios Hollywood, curated to ensure you spend less time driving and more time enjoying your vacation.
The Front Yard
| Address | 4222 Vineland Ave, North Hollywood, CA 91602 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 7:00 AM – 9:30 PM Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 9:30 PM Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 9:30 PM Thursday: 7:00 AM – 9:30 PM Friday: 7:00 AM – 10:30 PM Saturday: 7:00 AM – 10:30 PM Sunday: 7:00 AM – 9:30 PM |
| Phone | (818) 255-7290 |
What a pleasant surprise.. decided to meet a friend and coming from out of town, decided on this spot for the right location that works for both of us. Well, it ended up being perfect in all directions - food, ambiance, service, and the reviews about valet ($9) with validation from the restaurant for 3 hours was super helpful. The coffee was fresh and the fries were tasty too! If I’m in the area again, I’d come back for more of the goodness this Front Yard has to offer.
All of our family were quite pleased to have this restaurant right on the hotel premises. The decor is very welcoming with tropical groovy vibes. I recall that most of staff were extremely friendly.
The spot can get busy as one morning. We were turned away without a reservation over the next morning we were able to just cruise in. As a vegetarian, there’s not a whole lot to order, but I was able to find a few things. The kids absolutely loved their stuffed French toast. Prices are on par for a hotel.
I appreciated all the different dining spot we could have our meal- from indoors to outdoors all; quite nice.
We ate here a couple of times for both breakfast and dinner during our stay at The Garland, and had a lovely time! In the morning they have a fantastic breakfast buffet with eggs, fresh juice, fresh fruit, etc. We had the wild mushroom flatbread and the cheeseburger for dinner, as well as a delicious biscuit appetizer that was recommended to us. I was pleasantly surprised with a large portion and everything was great! It has a great atmosphere both for breakfast and dinner.
The Front Yard was alright, but nothing especially memorable. The setting is nice and the patio has a good vibe, but the food were just average for the price. It’s a decent spot if you’re already nearby, though I wouldn’t go out of my way for it.
Got a couple of dishes and all were just okay. Some needed seasoning. The crab salad tasted like canned crab they threw on a salad. Hummus tasted homeade but lacked seasoning and flavor.
Took my mom here for brunch and overall we had a really nice time. The space is beautiful — very Palm Springs energy with the greenery, open patio, and warm California light. It feels like a little escape in the middle of Studio City. My mom loved it, which automatically makes it a win.
We had a couple glasses of wine and the bill actually came out pretty reasonable, which was a pleasant surprise for a place that looks this polished.
A couple things that were slightly annoying: they make you wait at the bar if your table isn’t ready (which is fine), but then you have to close out your tab at the bar before going to your table. It just feels unnecessary and breaks the flow. Not the end of the world — just mildly irritating.
Food-wise, it’s solid but not mind-blowing. There aren’t a ton of brunch options. The burger was easily the best thing we had — definitely recommend that. The chicken sandwich was… fine. Not bad, just kind of mid.
Parking isn’t the best, and fair warning: if you’re not paying attention, you can easily miss the entrance and end up doing an awkward U-turn near the freeway.
All that said — beautiful vibes, good energy, great for taking your mom or meeting friends for a laid-back brunch. I’d go back, probably for the burger and the atmosphere alone.
The Three Broomsticks
| Address | 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, CA 91608 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM Thursday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM Friday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM Saturday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM Sunday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Phone | (800) 864-8377 |
We visited Three Broomsticks for the second time today and once again really enjoyed the experience.
A major highlight for our family is that they offer a separate gluten-free menu. This makes ordering much easier and gives families with celiac disease or gluten intolerance far more confidence. We chose the herb roast chicken with roasted potatoes and corn on the cob, and it was very tasty. Our child really enjoyed the meal and was very happy to have a proper gluten-free option in such a special setting.
We also tried the gluten-free chicken tenders with fries. Unfortunately, these were not nearly as good. The breading was extremely hard—almost rock-hard—and the tenders were difficult to eat. This is something that could definitely be improved.
The plastic cutlery also feels rather cheap and does not make the best impression, especially considering the otherwise excellent setting.
However, the atmosphere is absolutely fantastic. The restaurant genuinely feels like stepping into the Harry Potter films. The interior is incredibly detailed, the staff are very friendly, and some of them stay wonderfully in character, which makes the experience even more immersive.
Despite the criticism, having a dedicated gluten-free menu and being able to offer our child a safe and enjoyable meal means a great deal to us. For a theme park restaurant, this was an excellent overall experience and deserves five stars.
The three broomsticks is labeled as one of the best restaurants in all of Hollywood universal studios, and I didn't really see the hype. The service was really friendly and was very energetic/helpful. the atmosphere was almost perfect, nice, quiet, peaceful, and the decorations representing Harry Potter were quite amazing. I didn't find the food really good, just okay, but the butterbeer was really good! it didn't live up to all the hype I had seen about it but it was still enjoyable. would rather just get a coke tho. all in all the restraunt was so-so
We stopped by here in the morning for coffee and butter beer then we came back later and had lunch. Arrived around 11:30 for lunch so it thankfully wasn’t too busy yet! It was easy to find a good table, kinda away from everyone else. As we were sitting and eating, it got a lot more busy. The prices actually aren’t that bad, considering the large amount of food you get. My husband and I each got a meal and it filled us up. Both tasted fresh and delicious. I got the vegan shepherds pie. He got the chicken salad. I absolutely loooooved the vegan shepherds pie! I would definitely recommend trying it.
Food was surprisingly good!! Spareribs platter solid (7.6/10).Hot butterbeer delicous! like warm root beer (8/10) Pumpkin juice surprisingly refreshing! (8.2/10) Added to atmosphere, would come back again for sure!!
I came with my parents on a Wednesday at around 11:45am to not have to deal with the lunch hour rush. Service was mediocre: the cashier seemed to be in a massive rush to get rid of us even though it wasn't even lunch time and there was no one else ordering, lol. That aside, the ambiance is excellent; you do feel like you're immersed in a British tavern about to eat some good food. The food itself is also stellar, I think this is, bar none, the best food you can find while inside the park (that's not really saying much: Universal Studios Hollywood isn't precisely known for their many fine dining choices). My dad and I got two orders of Fish & Chips, my mom went with the Spare Ribs, and although the Fish & Chips were great in their own right, a side of me do wishes I would have gone with the Spare Ribs too, it was that good. The corn on the cob that comes as a side in the Spare Ribs is particularly sweet, juicy, easy to chew on and just overall delicious. The ribs themselves come off the bone so easily, they're tender and cooked to perfection. The Fish & Chips were like 3 pieces of battered, deep fried fish, alongside some french fries, they definitely were good too. All in all a great experience, but hopefully you have better luck with getting a nicer cashier, lol.
Buca di Beppo Italian Restaurant
| Address | 1000 Universal Studios Blvd, Universal City, CA 91608 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:00 AM – 9:30 PM Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 9:30 PM Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 9:30 PM Thursday: 11:00 AM – 9:30 PM Friday: 11:00 AM – 10:30 PM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 10:30 PM Sunday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Phone | (818) 509-9463 |
After a long day at Universal Studios, this was a good place to sit down and have dinner. The food was delicious and they had happy hour appetizers before 7pm on weekdays. Got the mozzarella sticks and brussel sprouts. Got the 2-3 person spicy sausage rigatoni and it was huge. Know that it is a family style restaurant. There are two sizes for the main dish to share. 2-3 people size or 4-5 sized portions. The food was good, but I cannot give 5 stars unless a Italian Restaurant makes their own pasta. For a chain restaurant, it was very good.
We had such a wonderful experience at Buca di Beppo last week! The food was delicious (especially chicken Marsala and apple, Gorgonzola salad), the portions were generous, and the service was friendly and attentive. Our family really enjoyed the atmosphere and had a great time together.
While we were there, we also purchased some family pictures but accidentally left them at the restaurant. We contacted Kate, the manager of the photo service, and she was incredibly kind and helpful. She mailed the physical photo directly to our home address and also sent us all of the digital pictures that were taken.
We truly appreciated the excellent customer service and the extra effort Kate made to help us. Great food, great service, and such a caring team. We will definitely be back!
First time believe it or not. It is a fun experience the music the atmosphere is so charming. The server Moisés was also charming. Good recommendations from him and he explained how things worked very well. The drinks were top notch delicious.
We had an absolutely wonderful experience thanks to our server, Moises! His service was outstanding from start to finish. He was incredibly attentive, friendly, and quick to take care of everything we needed. Our food and drinks came out fast, and he made sure to check on us throughout our visit without ever being overbearing.
Moises truly went above and beyond to make sure we had a great experience. His positive attitude and excellent customer service really stood out. We greatly appreciate all his hard work and will definitely be coming back. Thank you, Moises, for making our visit so enjoyable! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
We had a spontaneous trip my partner , my daughter and her friend to have dinner here and we were amazed at the service. Not only was the food delicious and fast but our server Alberto and bartender Moises gave us the best time ever. Both working together they were Super attentive, friendly, polite , nice and the most amazing drinks! Definitely coming back and asking for them! You wanna have an amazing time …ask for them!!!!
Universal CityWalk Hollywood
| Address | 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, CA 91608 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Thursday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Friday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM Sunday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Phone | (800) 864-8377 |
Universal CityWalk Hollywood is a fantastic destination, even if you're not visiting the theme park. The atmosphere is lively and full of energy, with a great mix of restaurants, shops, live entertainment, and attractions.
There are plenty of dining options for every taste, unique stores to explore, and it's a great place to spend an evening walking around, listening to music, and enjoying the vibrant Hollywood vibe. Everything is clean, well maintained, and easy to navigate.
Whether you're grabbing dinner, shopping, or just soaking in the atmosphere before or after Universal Studios, CityWalk is definitely worth a visit. It's a fun experience for families, couples, and anyone looking for a great night out in Los Angeles.
Universal CityWalk is such a fun area to walk around, especially if you’re visiting Universal but don’t necessarily want to buy a park ticket. It’s completely free to enter, which is awesome, and there are tons of shops and places to eat.
There’s a great variety of stores from fun souvenir spots to bigger retail stores and it’s a cool atmosphere overall with music playing and lots of energy. Even early in the morning there was a lot of foot traffic, so it definitely stays busy.
The only downside during our visit was that quite a few stores I wanted to go into were still closed since it was early. So if you’re hoping to shop, it’s probably better to go later in the day.
Overall, it’s a fun place to hang out, grab food, and explore — especially if you’re in the area but not going into the park. Today a high school band was playing live on the stage from Illinois.
Universal CityWalk Hollywood is honestly one of the best places to hang out at night in Los Angeles.
4
This was one of the highlights of my LA trip. The whole area is packed with energy — bright lights, music, restaurants, bars, and people everywhere. It feels like a mix of a theme park and a nightlife street.
What I liked the most is that you don’t need a ticket to enjoy this place. You can just walk around, grab food, have drinks, and enjoy the vibe without entering Universal Studios.
There are plenty of options — from casual food to restaurants and bars — so it’s a perfect spot to chill after a long day or before heading into the park.
✔ Free entry (no ticket needed)
✔ Great night atmosphere
✔ Lots of food, bars, and shops
✔ Perfect pre/post Universal Studios stop
If you’re in LA, especially near Universal Studios, this place is definitely worth checking out at night.
👉 Check my profile for more real travel tips and hidden spots.
A great mix of dining and shopping. Everyone enters through security and there are security officers all around making it feel very safe even in a crowd. We loved live music each evening and trying new places to eat. The sushi place IS open their phone is just down.
Universal City Walk is AMAZING! It is a vibrant shopping and dining area in Hollywood. The entire city walk was beautiful, clean, and safe. They have a tremendous selection of iconic eateries and shopping opportunities. Everything feels larger than life.... like you stepped into a motion picture. It is adjacent to Universal Studios as well as the Universal Theme Park, as well as close to other entertainment venues. Self-parking fees are very reasonable for the city. If dining out, shopping, and the hustle and bustle of the city is your thing.... I highly recommend you take a stroll through Universal City Walk.
MERiNE
| Address | 555 Universal Hollywood Dr, Los Angeles, CA 91608 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: Closed Wednesday: Closed Thursday: Closed Friday: Closed Saturday: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM, 5:00 – 10:00 PM Sunday: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM |
| Phone | (818) 509-2030 |
Came here for Sunday brunch to celebrate my wife’s birthday, and we had a wonderful time! Sierra Cafe at the Hilton Universal City is definitely one of the top buffet spots in LA, though personally, I think dinner is even better.
At $90 per person, the selection and quality make it a great celebratory spot:
Seafood & Sushi: Solid raw bar and seafood spread featuring lobster, snow crab, raw oysters, and tender scallops. The made-to-order hand roll sushi was fresh and delicious.
Dessert Spread: Easily one of the best parts of the meal. The new Dubai chocolate cup was amazing—rich, decadent, and loaded with crunchy pistachios. They also had a full chocolate fountain with strawberries and marshmallows, mini cakes, ice cream with toppings, and even iced boba milk tea.
Drinks & Perks: Soft drinks are included in the price, which is always appreciated.
Service was attentive, friendly, and kept our table clear throughout our celebration. Parking was straightforward at $16 with restaurant validation. A fantastic choice for a birthday meal or special weekend brunch!
We took mother to celebrate her 90th birthday, and she had a wonderful time. Our server and the live entertainment teamed up to make her feel special. Pavel Roberts at the carving station arranged for someone in the kitchen to take us on a tour of the entire buffet to accommodate her food allergies and Pavel generally hosted our experience at the food stations. The overall experience was worth the price, and Mom looks forward to coming back.
Their seafood selection was great Crabs, shrimps, Clams, Scallops, and oysters were great except the lobster. It was very tough.
Lamb chops were Divine.
Dessert selection was amazing. It is time to change chairs and carpet, they are old and outdated.
Excellent AYCE seafood. Very expensive but its Hollywood. Dessert station is excellent. Welcoming staff. Lobster was cooked to perfection. I was surprised by the meat station including prime rib, pork, and the duck!!!
Rating: 4.5/5 Stars
My partner and I visited for date night on Friday (Feb 13th), arriving around 5:45 PM—just ahead of our reservation. We were drawn by the reputation of Cafe Sierra inside the Hilton Universal City as the "best and most expensive seafood buffet in LA.”
I like to do my research on the history of new places, and I learned this spot has built its reputation over 30 years since opening in 1992. The kitchen has a long history of 'Pacific Rim' fusion (popularized by former Chef George Sit), which explains why non-seafood options like the Roast Duck were so strong.
We specifically went for the Seafood & Prime Rib Dinner Buffet ($139/person). While the price tag is steep, it is worth noting that this is a 'No Tipping' establishment (they add a 15% fair wage fee instead), so the price you see is much closer to the final bill than at other high-end spots. I would give Cafe Sierra 5 stars if the cost was a bit more affordable or if the atmosphere was a bit more upscale, but that’s not necessarily a reason to pass it up if you can.
The Food:
We took full advantage of the All-You-Can-Eat format. My partner’s strategy was simple: King Crab. He easily ate his weight in massive crab legs to justify the cost.
I took a broader approach to explore the variety.
The standouts for me were:
* Ingredient Quality: It's not just hype. The quality of the proteins was distinct across the board—sea, land, and sky. The oysters and King Crab were standouts, and as a Washington native, I appreciated that they tasted fresh from the source. The King Crab stood on its own and didn’t require any sauces or seasonings (unless you prefer them).
* Made-to-Order Sushi: A surprise favorite. The hand rolls highlighted fresh tuna and crab that felt restaurant-grade, not just "buffet grade."
* Seafood Selection: Beyond the crab, seeing Whole Maine Lobsters available is a rarity that sets this place apart; most places only serve the tail, but this was the whole lobster, and easy to pull apart if you are like me and don’t have the technical skills of crab-deconstruction that my partner showcases.
* Non-Seafood Surprises: I tried Roast Duck for the first time here, and it was delicious. I also had the Branzino, which had an unexpected but enjoyable chicken-like flavor and texture.
* Dessert: We tried the crème brûlée, macarons, and crepes. They were a nice finish, but definitely not the main event compared to the seafood. There is also a chocolate fondue station, though it’s fun rather than a destination-worthy highlight.
The Service (The Real Highlight):
The service was where this place truly shined. On my second round, I met Chef Pavel at the carving station. He wasn't just serving food; he was genuinely asking for feedback with warmth and great eye contact, and was distinctly knowledgeable about the curated offerings.
When I asked about the Hawaiian leaf-wrapped dumpling (a take on Lau Lau), he shared some cool facts about the dish and mentioned his wife is Hawaiian. While the traditional glutinous texture wasn't my personal favorite, I deeply appreciated the gesture and the storytelling. It added a personal touch you rarely get at a massive buffet.
Atmosphere & Details:
* Vibe: It’s a busy spot inside the hotel, so expect a mix of dates, families, and large groups (we saw one table with a mountain of lobster and crab shells!). There was a live musician playing in the center, which was a nice touch.
* Dietary Friendliness: If you have allergies or dietary restrictions (like vegetarianism), this place is surprisingly easy to navigate with clear allergy cards stationed around the buffet.
* Reservations: Recommended. We arrived at 5:45 PM (15 minutes early) and sat immediately in a half-full room, but by the time we left around 7:00 PM, most tables were occupied.
Verdict:
If you are looking for ultra-fancy ambiance, this might feel a bit "hotel casual" for the price. But if you are looking for high-quality fresh seafood, attentive service, and a chef team that cares, Cafe Sierra delivers.
Hollywood & Dine
| Address | 4461 Main Way Universal, North Hollywood, CA 91602 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM Thursday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM Friday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM Sunday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
| Phone | — |
Yum yum yum - highly recommend. The seating area could definitely be larger but I was able to find a spot after waiting just a few minutes. The corn dog was very good, except they forgot the cilantro and it wasn’t as crispy as other corn dogs I’ve had but it was still very good. The burgers were very good as well.
Tried the new elote corn hot dog. I never had that much salt in my life. It looked good though and the fast and furious theme was cool. The food would not recommend
Three years ago, on my birthday, I went to Universal Studios. Right after entering the park, we found this restaurant and decided to try it. It was pretty good.
Food was mediocre, reminds me of fast panda Express but with the price tag of eating sushi. Rice was watery, shrimp fried rice was an absolute disappointment since it tasted like sweet and sour sauce. No heart and no compassion for good food for it's price. Drinks were subpar at best.
Would not recommend unless you want the "commodity" of One Piece
The Baseline: For a sit down Dining experience establishment the food flavors must represent the theme of the environment, there must be unique offerings to the restaurant based on the theme, and the experience must be immersive to the theme park experience.
Food: It was mediocre to bad the night we were here for Hollywood Horror Nights. I was excited that there was a Fallout Theme to this food and I left very disappointed in the food. Item 1: Iguana on a Stick (Cheese incased corn dog) was so bad it we returned it. Undercooked, no crispy outside, and not appealing to look at. Item 2: Rad Roach legs and fries (chicken wings) - Better cook but rubbery skin and the sauce was okay at best. Item 3 - Cram Fries (Spam Fries) - underwhelming and spam pieces were not fried with a crispy skin. The sauce was off putting. Item 4 - Rad Away drink- Tasty drink and a great souvenir with the Rad-away pack. Item 5- Nuclear Punch - alcoholic drink was pretty decent.
Service- Good service from Universal Staff.
Ambiance- The Fallout theme on the Hollywood and Dime restaurant was excellent and well done for a quick overlay. I liked the different artwork and the outside theme.
Krusty Burger
| Address | 49 Production Plaza, North Hollywood, CA 91602 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM Thursday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM Friday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM Saturday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM Sunday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Phone | — |
Stopped in for lunch at Krusty Burger in Universal Studios and had a solid experience. We ordered at the counter, gave our name, and waited about 20 minutes for our food—which wasn’t bad considering how busy it was.
We headed upstairs where there was extra seating, which worked out perfectly for our group of seven. Everyone was able to sit comfortably and enjoy their meal together.
The food was pretty good, portions were satisfying, and overall it was a nice break during a busy park day. Definitely a convenient spot to grab a bite when you’re at Universal!
Excellent burger. I got the Clogger (Double cheeseburger) without bacon. Prices are very reasonable for being in an amusement park. The atmosphere is fun with The Simpsons "food scenes" playing on the screens.
We can all understand that it’s a busy venue, but that does not justify the terrible service and attitude of the staff, especially those dispatching the food. Terrible. On top of that, the food was served cold. We waited 15 minutes for two hot dogs, one milkshake, and one beer. We went there to celebrate my daughter’s 11th birthday. We enjoyed the park, but definitely not the food or the service. Please avoid this place.
The burgers are good but it’s very very busy! Its very hard to get a table
4⭐️
Not a bad burger at all! Definitely recommend!
However… I do NOT recommend the donut bottle unless you’re just getting it to have, and not to use. Cute bottle but just doesn’t make sense to use it.
The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen
| Address | Universal Studios Hollywood, 26 Universal City Plaza, North Hollywood, CA 91602 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Thursday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Friday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM Sunday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Phone | (818) 622-2222 |
This place was extremely cool. Decor was steampunk and it was pretty empty when we went so that worked for us. I ordered a hot honey pineapple flatbread.. it had way too much hot honey. It was dripping and it should not have had that much in my opinion. A little drizzle would have sufficed. My friend got a burger which wad decent sized and cooked to order. The best part was the chocolate bread before our main meal. Sweet but not too sweet. Luis.. i believe was our server, really great service. I would go back just because of him.
I had not been to this location since it was the Hard Rock Cafe. Still a very beautiful and interesting building. I heard that at one point they had a little chocolate shop set up in one of the side corners but it didn't do so well, so it changed to be a milkshake bar.
This place did feel like a theme park styled restaurant, which it is, being in City Walk
Walk. So it did have theme park prices, but it was still decent.
We went here for a friend's birthday and everyone had a good time! We shared a few appetizers and most people got a burger as their main meal. They had some unique sweet/chocolate themed foods, but we only tried the chocolate bread, which was a great choice!
Service was friendly, though they felt a little understaffed since it was not a very busy night, but our meals got messed up twice and the staff seemed a little rushed.
Overall a decent place, with lots of interesting decorations to look at. Expect to spend a little money if you come with a group or family. Lots of fun options, especially if you have a sweet tooth!
Went here twice during our stay at Hollywood Universal and thoroughly enjoyed it both times! We had burgers and the veggie stir fry + drinks. The veggie burger there was easily one of the best I’ve had and the veggie stir fry was fantastic as well. We tried the whiskey flight featuring some of their chocolate/sweet themed spirits, and I would highly recommend the caramel apple cocktail they have! We didn’t get a chance to try any of their signature milkshakes, but they looked incredible. The steampunk aesthetic they have is super fun and the waitstaff were great.
Skip food and get drinks. The food was average and overpriced. It took a long time for it to come out and the fries were cold. The highlight was the bread appetizer. The hamburger was ok, Ceasar salad was small for the price. The pasta lacked flavor. The desserts were ok. Chocolate bacon was decent. The drink menu was unique and lots of options. Service was training and she messed up a few items but was friendly. It had a cool vibe but wouldn't return for the food.
Overall, an edible meal. Glad I went on a weekday. Not very busy, so no wait for seating. Customer service was excellent. The interior is nice and gives the restuarant a nice vibe. Ordered the chocolate bread, which was more like a chocolate crossiant, and the Tour de France. Food was good and edible. Prices are high but that's expected at Citywalk.
Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.
| Address | 1000 Universal Studios Blvd Ste 114, Universal City, CA 91608 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Thursday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Friday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM Saturday: 10:30 AM – 10:00 PM Sunday: 10:30 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Phone | (818) 753-4867 |
Amazing service. The staff are all friendly and inviting. We accidentally left our power bank there and came back 7 hours later, and they still had it for us and the guy even joked with us about it too. The food was also amazing, can’t miss with the gumbo and clam chowder. Overall 5/5 experience.
First timer to celebrate our friend birthday 🎂🎉 Ordered ceviche and a seafood platter that included fish and chips 😋 All delicious!!! Ordered the Tennessee inspired cocktail 👌🏽Looks like everyone in my party enjoyed everything. We had the correct responses for the Forest Gump trivia 😁 Look around as if you're a FG fan it will be a great experience.
Big fan of Bubba Gump and this one delivers as well as the others.
This is a big spot with a lot of indoor and outdoor seating. Was fairly quiet when I went, seated quickly and some great service from my server.
Good vibe, was nice and chilled but with the sounds of the hustle of city walk just a few feet away.
Great food, the garlic shrimp is amazing! served quickly and well looked after on my visit. Give them a visit if you’re in town.
The seafood was over cooked and so dry.. service well came once and that about it.. waited a min for some to come get our money. We had this in Florida and food and service was better in Florida
Absolutely loved it!
Went for lunch in a weekday and there was plenty of seating available.
The staff was very attentive and friendly.
I had the “I’m Stuffed!” shrimp, and wow—just incredible. The rice had this subtle buttery flavor, and the shrimp were honestly heaven.
To drink, I had the Lava Flow (Don Q coconut rum, cream of coconut, pineapple, strawberry purée)—super fresh, sweet, and refreshing. Such a fun and satisfying meal!
Toadstool Cafe
| Address | 127 James Stewart Ave, North Hollywood, CA 91602 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Thursday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Phone | (929) 556-2746 |
Toadstool Café is one of the most popular places to eat inside Super Nintendo World, so making a reservation ahead of time is a must. Slots fill up fast, and walk‑ins are almost impossible during busy hours.
Once you check in, you order and pay at the counter before being seated. After that, you’re given a table number and the staff bring your food directly to you. The system is organized and keeps the dining area from feeling crowded.
The food itself was just okay — nothing particularly memorable in terms of flavor. But the presentation is absolutely adorable. Everything is themed perfectly, from the character‑shaped items to the colorful plating. It’s definitely Instagram‑worthy and fun to look at, even if the taste doesn’t fully match the visuals.
The dining area is clean, the staff are friendly, and the whole experience fits the playful vibe of Super Nintendo World. It’s worth trying at least once for the atmosphere and presentation alone.
Bon Appétit 😋
Let’s-A-Go!
Look, you are going to see some reviews that dog on the food, but let me tell you something. The food at Toad Stool Cafe is decent for what it is - and that is theme park fare. In fact, we were more than happy with our lunch!
Here’s the skinny on this cute little restaurant:
The cafe requires a reservation to dine. We set ours to 11:45am (on a Monday in August), got there right on time, walked in, and waited less than 10 minutes to order our food. Some reviews complain about the wait time. You are at a theme park with thousands of people; be expected to wait for pretty much everything. We did our research prior to our reservation, so we expected a small wait time even after our reservation.
Our boy is a fettuccini Alfredo aficionado and got Yoshi’s Fettuccini Alfredo, and he said it was amazing. The Super Mario Burger and grilled chicken salad were also very good! We also ordered garlic bread knots (in the shape of mushrooms, obvi) and a Princess Peach cupcake split 3 ways. Of all the things we ordered, we were the least impressed with the cupcake, as it had a diabolical amount of frosting on it, most of which was scraped off.
The environment was adorable, and the “event” that occurs every so often is a sweet touch! The price was good (again, for where we were!), and the service was great!
If you are looking for a super star power-up to get you through Bowser's castle, this is the place!
Toadstool Cafe feels like one of those levels where the journey takes way longer than beating the boss.
This place is seriously overhyped. Reservations are required, and you’re definitely here more for the themed experience than the food. Even with a reservation, the wait times are brutal.
First, you wait in line to order.
Then, you wait in line to be seated.
Then, once you’re finally seated, expect to wait another 30 minutes to an hour for your food, depending on what you ordered.
At one point I wasn’t sure if Chef Toad had gone on break or if Bowser had locked everyone out of the kitchen, because the food took forever to come out.
Unfortunately, the food didn’t justify the wait. The Cheesy Garlic Knots weren’t garlicky at all—they tasted like plain bread with a light dusting of powdered Parmesan. The Truffle Fries had little to no truffle flavor, and the cheese on the burgers wasn’t even melted.
The bright spots? The Super Star Lemon Squash was easily the best thing I ordered, and the pesto dipping sauce served with the fries was surprisingly delicious.
Overall, Toadstool Cafe is worth visiting once if you’re a Mario fan and want the experience, but if you’re expecting food worthy of a Power Star, you may leave feeling like you got hit by a Blue Shell instead.
We visited the Toadstool Cafe at Universal Studios, and while the atmosphere is absolutely amazing, the reservation system feels like a marketing trick at the expense of the guests' time.
We made a reservation for 2:30 PM. Usually, you'd expect to be seated at your reservation time, look at a menu, and order. That is not how it works here. The "reservation" time simply allows you to pass the first checkpoint so you can join a line. From there, we waited in line for about 30 minutes just to reach the cash registers to place our order. After paying, you get a number and join another line for about 10 minutes to be seated, because the restaurant is completely packed. Once we were finally seated, it took another 20 minutes for the food to arrive.
Bottom line: it took a full hour from our scheduled reservation time until we actually got our food. When you are spending a day at a theme park, losing that much time is just unreasonable. The system seems designed to keep the restaurant operating at maximum capacity, but it completely disrespects the visitors' time.
As for the rest: The atmosphere is stunning and incredibly cute—they really nailed the theme. The waitstaff is friendly and nice. The food itself is just okay; nothing special, not terrible, but definitely very expensive for what you get. Also, keep in mind that drinking water is not served to the table (not even in a pitcher); it's self-service and you have to get up to fetch water cups yourself.
To sum up: Go for the amazing visual experience, but be fully prepared to waste a lot of your park time standing in multiple lines, and don't expect the food to justify the high prices.
We made our reservation two days in advance on the Universal app. Since we had early park entry, we spent two hours exploring Super Nintendo World before our reservation, which turned out to be the perfect amount of time!
The food was impressive for a theme park. The Luigi Chicken and Pesto Burger was delicious and highly recommended, while the spaghetti and chicken salad were both very good. The garlic knots were my kid’s favorite. For drinks and dessert, the hot chocolate was creamy and rich, and the Peachy Lemon Drink was a refreshing standout, packed with peach flavor, mango jelly, and boba. The Princess Peach cupcake was equally delicious, and the tiramisu was a solid sweet finish.
The restaurant itself is exceptionally clean, has great service, and is incredibly well-coordinated for managing large crowds. Restrooms are conveniently located just outside. Prices are standard for an amusement park, but the great experience makes it worth it!
Smoke House Restaurant
| Address | 4420 Lakeside Dr, Burbank, CA 91505 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:30 AM – 10:30 PM Tuesday: 11:30 AM – 10:30 PM Wednesday: 11:30 AM – 10:30 PM Thursday: 11:30 AM – 10:30 PM Friday: 11:30 AM – 11:00 PM Saturday: 11:30 AM – 11:00 PM Sunday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Phone | (818) 845-3731 |
A true Hollywood classic. My friends were visiting for a few days, so I wanted to take them somewhere iconic, and Smoke House was the perfect choice.
The food was outstanding. The Prime Rib was absolutely delicious and the highlight of the meal. The bread was warm and fresh, and the Filet Mignon was cooked perfectly.
If you want to experience old Hollywood with great food, this place is a must-visit. Definitely 5 stars.
Came to celebrate a friend's birthday. We left completely stuffed and satisfied. The vibe was chill. No rush! We talked for a long time and slowly enjoyed each course. Will definitely return! Valet is $10 and worth it
We shared the Tomahawk steak and the stuffed salmon. The cheesy bread, somw French onion soup. Creme brule and lava cake 🤤
This place is an iconic los angeles destination in close, proximity to other historical Los Angeles landmarks. I would recommend making a reservation well in advance.Because this restaurant is highly sought after. We did not have a reservation. However they we're so accommodating. We were able to sit at their full service bar where the bartenders and servers were incredibly hospitable.Knowledgeable and provided excellent timely service. I will definitely be back with a reservation to sit in the main dining hall!! I want to get a closer look at all the Hollywood memorabilia and stars that they have decorating their walls!
Great place to get away from universal studios. We made reservation. The food was reasonably priced. Old Hollywood steak house. We started with the garlic bread and it was soft and good. The prime rib was great, variety of drink menus, the fettuccine was a very large portion. The valet is $10 but we parked for free because of handicap. It was very busy. The hamburger was excellent with sweet potato fries. A variety of side choices.
My husband and I had an amazing dinner at the historic Smoke House. The ambience is old school Hollywood which is not only beautiful but warm and cozy. The steak and everything else that we ordered was beyond amazing! The drinks were delicious. The wait staff was super attentive. We will definitely be back again!
Jurassic Cafe
| Address | 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, CA 91608 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM Thursday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM Friday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM Sunday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Phone | (800) 864-8377 |
Even though the ride was down for maintenance, we still needed a bite to eat and decided to stop into Jurassic Cafe. There weren’t a ton of menu options, and the setup honestly reminded me of a ski lodge or school cafeteria very grab-your-tray, move down the line style.
My partner and I split the chicken strips and fries. Just a heads up ranch costs extra at the register, but barbecue sauce was available at the end of the counter before paying. After you check out, there’s a station with straws, ketchup, mustard, etc.
It was actually pretty chilly inside from the air conditioning, so we chose to sit outside instead and enjoyed the sunshine and nice weather, which made the experience better. The portion size was perfect and the chicken strips were good. The fries weren’t my favorite but only cause I personally love really crispy fries and these were a bit softer/soggier than I prefer but they were still decent.
Overall, it did the job for a quick theme park meal and gave us a nice break while we waited things out.
The lines were a little long so I mobile ordered. I enjoyed the burger although the lettuce looked a little old. The fries were perfect! Nice, hot and fresh. It took them awhile to hand me my order but the food was still delicious.
I had the canivor burger and fries and it was fantastic! Friendly staff. Plus everyone enjoys the Ride right next to the cafe.
We had a great meal at Jurassic Café inside Universal Studios Hollywood. The burger was juicy and flavorful, and the salad was enormous and well-prepared. The ambiance, themed around the Jurassic Park franchise, added to the dining experience, making it a fun and satisfying stop during our visit to the park. Highly recommend for a quick and tasty bite!
The queue was super long between 2 and 3pm. Spent close to an hour waiting. The menu was limited in size, and it was a kind of chaotic experience. There was probably a hundred people in line or eating. I got the Apex Predator (smoked turkey leg with fries) and it was ok. The fries were boring and dry. When you take the price into account, it wasn't worth it. The napkins were horrible quality and kept sticking to my fingers because of the turkey leg grease, and you didn't get a proper plate because there are so many customers, so it was prone to go flying at any gust of wind.
Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville
| Address | Universal City, CA 91608 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Thursday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Friday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM Sunday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Phone | (818) 622-7833 |
Why have I not heard of this place sooner!?!? This place is fabulous!!! It’s greatly constructed to make you feel like you’re really on a cruise. They even have a tiny stage for bands to play! How cool is that?!? I loved it here. The food is top notch and the drinks are very delicious. We had the jambalaya, which was incredible and the Beach Club Sandwich. Highly recommended spot. If you’re a fan of fried pickles I highly suggest you try 🤤
One of the nicer restaurants at Universal City Walk. They just came out with several new menu items including the double patty smasburger and the tuna poke bowl.
The decor is beautiful and the restaurant is spacious and the staff was really attentive and helpful. We plan to come back very soon.
Make sure to get your parking ticket validated.
Stopped by here during our Universal trip and had a nice time! They have a large selection of drinks and it certainly fits the theme of Margaritaville inside. We missed the music, but it looks like they also play live music during certain times.
This is not Jimmy Buffets Margaritaville.... this is just a franchise created by Universal that's different. The drinks were really good and Will, our server, made the whole experience very fun, but unfortunately I was not impressed with the food and wouldn't want to go back. The fish was extra salty and ALL the food we had really lacked flavor. It's absolutely not worth the money and doesn't have the same menu as all other locations. If we had realized that this one was different we wouldn't have driven way out of the way to it, it was definitely a let down. But all the service staff was very nice and we really appreciated that aspect of our experience.
Had the worst experience tonight. The waiter Ryan was not attentive at all. The food was terrible. Fries were soggy, the bread for the club wasn't toasted at all. We would of said something if he would of come back to ask.... frustrating for a $110 bill
Bob's Big Boy
| Address | 4211 W Riverside Dr, Burbank, CA 91505 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 6:00 AM – 12:00 AM Tuesday: 6:00 AM – 12:00 AM Wednesday: 6:00 AM – 12:00 AM Thursday: 6:00 AM – 12:00 AM Friday: 6:00 AM – 3:00 AM Saturday: 6:00 AM – 3:00 AM Sunday: 6:00 AM – 12:00 AM |
| Phone | (818) 843-9334 |
The year was 1936 when a young man named Bob Wian founded his innovative hamburger restaurant. Designed to serve as a meat up and a meeting place. The meat up concept inspired the first double decker hamburger. Extra bun pun intended for the 2 pattie burger made with 3 slices of bread.
A franchise that expanded the image of a proud standing boy in overalls as a legacy in American pop culture. An image you will encounter along any road trip today. Whether it be a restaurant. A shop of nostalgic toys and tee shirts. A postcard inside a travel center gas station. A poster board of fun facts, within a place of Oddities. Even on a American antique roadshow event.
There is a special type of connection about finding Bob. In all the right places in time.
Walking into Bob’s Big Boy feels like stepping into a classic American diner that instantly makes you feel at home. The warm, nostalgic atmosphere is full of character, with cozy booths, vintage décor, and the comforting sounds of burgers sizzling on the grill, friendly conversations, and attentive staff. There’s an authentic neighborhood charm that’s hard to find these days, making it the perfect place to slow down, enjoy a great meal, and spend time with family or friends.
The burgers were the real highlight—thick, incredibly juicy, and packed with flavor without being greasy. That’s not an easy balance to achieve, but Bob’s Burgers nailed it. Every bite tasted fresh, from the perfectly seasoned beef to the crisp lettuce, ripe tomatoes, and soft, toasted bun. The fries arrived hot, crispy, and perfectly seasoned, making the meal even better.
The service matched the quality of the food. Everyone was welcoming, friendly, and genuinely happy to make sure we had a great experience. You can tell this is a place that takes pride not only in the food they serve but also in making every guest feel like a regular.
In a world filled with trendy burger spots, Bob’s Burgers proves that you don’t need gimmicks when you focus on quality, consistency, and genuine hospitality. If you’re looking for a delicious, juicy burger that’s satisfying without leaving you feeling weighed down, along with a true diner atmosphere that brings back a sense of nostalgia, Bob’s Burgers is an absolute must-visit. We can’t wait to come back.
One of the highlights of our California visit this year was our pilgrimage to one of me and my wife’s favorite restaurants in the whole world, Bob’s Big Boy!
For whose who don’t know, Bob’s Big Boy was a chain of restaurants that began 89 years ago in 1936. Their claim to fame was the Big Boy hamburger, the original double decker with 3 bun slices and 2 patties. In the 60’s they were sold to Marriott corporation, then changed hands several times over the decades. Sadly they all eventually shut down due to a combination of failure to modernize, bankruptcies, and eventually the pandemic. From their peak of 240 stores in 1989, only 4 remain - all in SoCal.
This branch is the oldest remaining store, which was built in 1949. Built in the style of “Googie Architecture” - which was influenced by car culture, jets and the Atomic/Space age, it was designated as a California Point of Historical Interest in 1993. A litany of notable celebrities including Bob Hope and the Beatles have dined here, so it’s a true pop culture icon.
Our favorite aspect of the brand is the iconic Big Boy logo, a cheerful chubby boy in red and white checkered overalls holding their famed double decker burger. It was designed by Looney Tunes animator Bennie Washam on a napkin, who also frequented the restaurant. Some may recognize it as part of the intro on the “Fresh Prince of Bel Air”!
Service was great though we had to wait for 20 minutes for a table, and it was 10pm on a Sunday evening. Of course we opted for the Big Boy burger as well as the Pappy Parker’s Fried chicken which was divine with its dense, crunchy crust. We asked for a recommendation and we were told the Chili Spaghetti was popular - and we could see why as it was delicious. We wrapped up our evening with a strawberry pie which was chock full of lush strawberries and not too sweet which was perfect.
An absolutely wonderful evening at a historic venue!
Iconic place from the 40th, every Friday evening you have a classic car meeting since morr than half-century.
The recipes and the decor haven't changed in 50 years — it might seem a bit dated to some, but for true connoisseurs, it's nostalgic and authentic! Everyone in LA knows Bob's — it's a landmark of car culture that you have to do.
I always love Bob's Big Boy, ever since I was a kid! The Burbank location has great atmosphere and great pictures on the walls, VERY cool merchandise you can get at the front counter as well. First time i went to this location we were seated at the Beatles Booth, and it was my birthday!!! Just went recently on a Monday night and the server was amazing, I wish I had caught her name, but she wears a very unique Bob's tee shirt that she was the only one of the employees to receive 😀 she was on top of everything, spot on, and very friendly, kudos to her! I love the music they play as well, hit after hit after hit. The food was delicious as always! If you're in the area or planning a trip to Burbank / Los Angeles, get on over to Bob's Big Boy, you'll love it!!! The Bob's Original Big Boy combo is my favorite and my go- to, every time! LOVE this place!! Thank you to the kind gentleman at the front merchandise counter as well! And don't forget to have your picture taken out front with Bob!!
Miceli's
| Address | 3655 Cahuenga Blvd W, Los Angeles, CA 90068 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM Tuesday: 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM Wednesday: 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM Thursday: 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM Friday: 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM Saturday: 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM Sunday: 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Phone | (323) 851-3344 |
So much fun with Tiffany as our waitress!! The atmosphere is like you walked into a restaurant in Venice! Live piano music playing and the a couple of fun songs by Tiffany and another waiter! The food was just as amazing!!
Love this place! Staff is so incredibly kind, helpful, accomodating, and fun, not to mention they can all sing beautifully! Food is so delicious and the atmosphere is so cozy especially with the live piano player. They really make you feel welcome and do their best to assist. Huge menu to choose from and yummy drinks too! Small parking lot but lots of street parking. Will be back again and again!
I ordered food for pickup. I went to pick up the food and the place was popping. It was such a great energy. The space is wonderful. The food was out of this world. The pizza was so delicious. The Caesar salad was perfect and the lasagna was to die for! I haven’t had lasagna that good and I don’t know how long ! the lady that helped me was so sweet and the manager or owner ? I’m not sure he was very kind and said goodbye. Great eye contact. Great customer service great energy. I highly recommend this place.
Great location, just 7 minutes from Universal Studios. The atmosphere and service are excellent, and it’s very entertaining to see your server occasionally sing and engage with guests. Unfortunately, the food is a whole different story. I was expecting something a bit more authentic. I could say a lot about the food, but I’d rather not. But honestly, in 2026 and after so many years of experience, serving pasta like this… no comment (the first it’s fettuccine carbonara )
We walked in for an early dinner on New Year’s Eve and didn’t have to wait long for a table even though they were quite busy. The food was ok. Our cheesy garlic bread appetizer was the best part (of the food). What made this a great experience was learning that our waiter and all the servers take turns singing. They are all VERY talented and it was such a memorable evening.
Tips for Dining Near Universal Studios Hollywood
Navigating the food scene around a major theme park requires a bit of strategy. While the area is packed with options, not all of them are created equal, and timing can significantly impact your experience. To ensure you get the best table, the freshest food, and the most value for your money, it is wise to plan your meals with the same attention you give to your ride wait times. Here are a few expert tips to help you eat like a local during your visit.
Beat the Rush Hour: The restaurants in Studio City and Toluca Lake are heavily patronized by local studio employees. If you are eating dinner between 6:00 PM and 8:00 PM on a weekday, expect a wait. Try to eat a late lunch around 2:00 PM or a late dinner after 8:30 PM to avoid the industry crowd.
Park Once, Walk Twice: If you are staying at a hotel near the park or parking in the official Universal garage, consider leaving your car where it is. Many of the best restaurants are a short, inexpensive rideshare away. However, if you drive down Ventura Boulevard, utilize valet parking where available, as street parking can be notoriously difficult in the evening.
Check for Corkage and Happy Hours: Many of the higher-end spots on this list offer incredible happy hour deals on appetizers and drinks between 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM. This is a fantastic way to experience a "fancy" restaurant near the park without paying full dinner prices.
Don’t Sleep on the Sushi: The San Fernando Valley, particularly Studio City, is famous for its "sushi row" along Ventura Boulevard. Because of the proximity to the studios, the fish is incredibly fresh and often flown in daily. Even if you are from a coastal city, trying a no-frills sushi bar here is a quintessential LA experience.
Make Reservations for Large Parties: If you are traveling with a group of six or more, do not attempt to walk in. The dining rooms near the park are often small and intimate. A quick call or an online reservation via an app will save you from standing on a sidewalk with tired, hungry kids.
The area surrounding Universal Studios Hollywood is a dynamic food hub that reflects the diversity and creativity of Los Angeles itself. By stepping just outside the park boundaries, you not only save money but also gain a richer, more authentic taste of the city. From the old-school Hollywood glamour of Toluca Lake to the trendy sidewalk patios of Studio City, there is a perfect meal waiting for you just minutes from the tram ride.
Whether you choose a quick taco stop or a luxurious steak dinner, planning your meals ahead of time allows you to maximize your energy for the attractions. So, after you have conquered the rides and met your favorite characters, reward yourself with a memorable meal that proves the magic of Universal extends far beyond its front gates.
