Exploring the area around the California Science Center offers more than just world-class exhibits and the Space Shuttle Endeavour. Located within Exposition Park, the center sits at the crossroads of culture, education, and some of the most dynamic culinary scenes in Los Angeles. Whether you are visiting with family, on a date, or taking a break from a conference, the surrounding neighborhoods provide a diverse range of dining options that cater to every palate and budget.
The immediate vicinity of the Science Center is uniquely positioned between the historic corridors of South Los Angeles, the vibrant energy of USC, and the bustling Downtown district. This geographic advantage means you do not have to travel far to find exceptional food. From authentic street-style tacos to refined sit-down dinners, the area is a melting pot of flavors reflecting the city’s diverse population.
Because the California Science Center is a massive campus that often requires a full day of walking and exploration, convenience is key for hungry visitors. While the on-site dining options are suitable for a quick snack, savvy travelers know that stepping just a few blocks away unlocks a world of higher quality and better value. Knowing where to go ahead of time saves you from the dreaded "hangry" search while standing in a parking lot.
This guide focuses on restaurants that are not only geographically close to the museum but also offer a distinct experience worth your time. We have prioritized spots that are accessible by a short drive, rideshare, or even a pleasant walk if you are up for it. The goal is to provide you with reliable choices that suit different tastes, whether you need a quick bite before the museum opens or a celebratory dinner after a long day.
In curating this list, we considered the quality of ingredients, consistency of service, and the overall atmosphere that complements a day of touring. We understand that visiting a museum is an experience, and your meal should be an extension of that enjoyment, not an afterthought. Every recommendation below has been selected to enhance your itinerary, ensuring your visit to Exposition Park is memorable from start to finish.
Below, you will find a curated list of the best dining establishments in the area, spanning various cuisines and price points to ensure you find exactly what you are craving.
Holbox
| Address | 3655 S Grand Ave c9, Los Angeles, CA 90007 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed 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 – 10:00 PM Saturday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM Sunday: 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Phone | (213) 986-9972 |
everything was good- nothing blew my mind 😩 i think a huge reason of that was because the staff didn’t tell us about their hot sauces they had in another area and we discovered them only whenever we had finished all of our food. this food was probably designed for a more delicate palate than mine- i missed the bold spicy flavors that the hot sauces would have provided for the food. everything was a little bland for me, even if the fish quality was excellent. could have used more limes for everything- so if you’re getting ceviche or any of the tostadas or the tacos, try asking for more limes, and UTILIZE THEIR HOT SAUCES!! tortillas are excellent. churros are also a must get. all in all, not a bad experience, just wish we had known about the hot sauces so we could have elevated our dining experience.
This was definitely an experience.
As someone not from the West Coast, driving into the area felt a little unexpected for a Michelin-recognized spot. It’s tucked inside a food hall with minimal signage, so just look for the line on the right when you walk in.
I went on a weekday about an hour before closing, so the wait was pretty minimal.
The menu is so good it’s hard to choose, so I didn’t. I ordered one of each type of dish. Tacos (the kanpachi taco was the standout), tuna tostada, scallop aguachile, yellowtail ceviche, coctel de camarón, and sea urchin. The uni wasn’t for me, and just a heads up, it’s served very fresh, like still moving when it hits the table.
Everything tasted incredibly fresh and well executed. It felt authentic without trying too hard, which I appreciated.
The staff was friendly and the whole process ran smoothly, even in a busy food hall setting.
★★★★☆
Holbox delivers exceptional seafood, and the food is unquestionably the reason to come. The grilled lobster was the highlight - incredibly fresh, tender, sweet, and perfectly cooked. Dipped in warm butter with grilled lemon, it was outstanding. The black beans, rice, avocado, and accompaniments complemented the seafood perfectly.
The quality and freshness of the ingredients really stand out. The preparation lets the seafood speak for itself without unnecessary sauces or overcomplication. Food is an easy 5/5.
Where the experience fell short was the service. At 3/5, it didn’t match the level of the food. The atmosphere is casual, lively, and unpretentious inside Mercado La Paloma. It’s enjoyable, but definitely more about the food than the overall dining environment.
Food: 5/5
Service: 3/5
Atmosphere: 4/5
Overall: 4/5
Holbox is absolutely worth visiting if you love fresh seafood. The kitchen is producing something special, and the lobster alone is worth the trip. With stronger service, this could easily have been a five-star overall experience.
TL;DR: Worth the hype, the line, and possibly a small emotional commitment.
We finally made it to Holbox this past weekend, and wow—consider us officially late to the party and very glad we showed up. We rolled up to Mercado La Paloma around 6:30 pm on a Friday, mentally preparing for a “stand here and question your life choices” kind of line… but plot twist: it moved fast! We were inside in about 15 minutes, which was just enough time to stare intensely at the menu and pretend we’re decisive people.
We went all in and ordered Scallop Aguachile, Bluefin Tuna Tostadas, Baja Fish Tacos, Grilled Branzino, and Grilled Octopus. Everything was fantastic. If I had to crown a winner (and I do), it’s the Grilled Octopus with Almond Pipian sauce. It was so good I briefly considered ordering a second one “for research.”
The market vibe is super chill—casual, lively, and just chaotic enough to be fun. The staff from all restaurants, not just Holbox, do a great job clearing tables, so finding a place to sit wasn’t an issue. We never had to awkwardly hover behind diners, making intense eye contact and willing them to leave.
Bonus perk of the food hall situation: snack diversification. We grabbed a couple of aguas frescas from Oaxacalifornia because hydration is important when you’re this committed to eating everything in sight.
Service was friendly and efficient, with staff constantly circulating, making it easy to ask questions and—most importantly—secure dessert. Speaking of which: chocolate and churros were ordered with zero hesitation, plus two more orders to go!
Final verdict: We will definitely be back to try more of Holbox’s menu!
All the seafood = super fresh. I don't even like mussels much but the ones they used in the seafood soup were great. We all loved the tacos, tostadas, and ceviche. The scallop aquachile was excellent as well. Would definitely come back again. I recommend you visit on a weekday rather than a weekend.
California Science Center
| Address | 700 Exposition Park Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90037 |
|---|---|
| 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 | (323) 724-3623 |
I recently visited the California Science Center and had a really great experience. It's amazing that admission is free (except for the IMAX and Space Shuttle Endeavour exhibit) for how much there is to see.
The highlights were definitely the Space Shuttle Endeavour, the ecosystems with the kelp forest, and all the hands-on exhibits for kids. Everything is very interactive, well maintained, and educational without being boring. Staff were friendly and helpful.
Overall, highly recommend, especially if you have kids. You can easily spend 3-4 hours here. We will definitely be back.
This place is absolutely amazing and perfect for a day out with the family!
Getting to see the actual Space Shuttle Endeavour up close is a mind-blowing experience and worth the visit all on its own. The permanent exhibits are completely free to enter, which is a fantastic bonus. They have tons of interactive, hands-on science displays for kids, plus a really cool aquarium section with a walk-through tunnel.
Everything is super clean, well organized, and the staff are incredibly friendly. Definitely budget a few hours to see everything. Highly recommend!
California Science Center is honestly one of the most interesting museums in Los Angeles, especially if you enjoy science, space, and interactive exhibits. There’s a huge variety of things to explore, from aerospace displays to hands-on exhibits that make the experience feel engaging instead of just walking past information boards.
The highlight for me was definitely seeing the Space Shuttle Space Shuttle Endeavour. Seeing it in person is genuinely impressive because you don’t realize how massive it is until you’re standing next to it.
I also liked that the museum feels enjoyable for both adults and kids. The space is large, well organized, and easy to spend several hours exploring without getting bored. Definitely one of the best educational attractions in LA
Took the girls today and it was great! We got to the mummy 3d movie which was amazing. It wasn’t packed at all. Everything was good. The girls liked everything. It’s also pretty clean. The staff was amazing in answering all the questions we had. Will be going back soon.
Awesome learning environment for all ages, great for family outings. I am local, and I never tire of visiting. The Science Center never runs out of interesting expos, and this time it was the Mummy Exhibit. Again, awesome learning experience for all. My only three observations: some of the exhibits need revamping, they seem to have run out of real estate so they can't expand their operations, and finally they close way too early. Otherwise, it is a great place to visit, the staff is very nice and accommodating.
TRIMANA MARKET
| Address | 700 State Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90037 |
|---|---|
| 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 | (213) 748-1226 |
I don't usually enjoy leaving negative reviews, but after the horrible experience I had here, I needed to.
I came here on 5/19 with a friend to celebrate his bday at the museum. After spending nearly $50 on two mediocre burgers (WITH tip!), fries and drinks, the woman handing off my order refused to give me an extra ranch unless I paid $1. I literally laughed. Are you kidding me?
I politely explained I paid for two meals to which she replied "it's ONE per order". Mind you, it wasn't even a fresh homemade ranch or anything, it was some pre-packaged ranch cup.
Not only that, but they don't even offer straws because "the science museum doesn't allow it". Yet they have PAPER cups and PLASTIC lids. Make that make sense.
Garbage service, garbage food and ridiculous prices that I refuse to pay ever again. I should have asked for the tip I paid back, but know better for next time to never come back to this dump again.
Located in the California Science Center. Many menu options and separate sections for the grill and market. The sandwiches and fries were unique, awesomely delicious, fresh and hot. The service was also fast and friendly. The condiments bar has hot sauces and oh definitely try to jalapeno ketchup, fantastic!
Update: 11 dollars for 3 chicken strips, fries, and juice for kids. Not bad for museum food!
Pretty good for museum food. Fried shrimp was on point! Prices are fair for museum food as well. Drink prices are outrageous! Four dollars for fountain drinks!!!
Food was decent for "museum" food. Prices are on the higher side, as you would expect, but the selection of food options was decent.
Overall, it is worth a meal if visiting the museums of exposition park and need a byte to eat.
This place is horrible in service , I asked for straw they don’t give one. Asked for an extra cup to share the juice and they don’t give either. Keep this in mind when you go to this place I would avoid next time.
Mercado La Paloma
| Address | 3655 S Grand Ave #280, Los Angeles, CA 90007 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM Thursday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM Friday: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM Saturday: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM Sunday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Phone | (213) 275-1403 |
Nice place. I watched the you tube video and me and a friend went to check it out.
It's across the 110 freeway from USC ...like right next to the freeway. Looks like there is a lot of parking but it's super busy here.
Atmosphere is very nice as there a few restaurants in here. It's like a little collective of restaurants.
Anyways I got the Shrimp ceviche...man it was super good. I love lemon but it didn't even need lemon. I also ordered the shrimp cocktail which was phenomenal.
When they brought my food out I felt like it was a work of art and didn't want to eat it....just admire it 🤣
They DO NOT sell any alcohol here.
I would definitely retern. Great place for a lunch date
Beautiful outdoor and indoor spaces to enjoy excellent food. There is Holbox of course which there is an hour plus line for. The food looks incredible but we didn't have the patience to wait so we sampled multiple fish tacos from two other restaurants which were all delicious out favorite being the blue corn tortilla fish tacos from al Pastor. There is also a Thai restaurant and a cute gift shop. There is plenty of seating. The staff of each restaurant have things down to a science. The atmosphere is vibrant and local.
What can I tell you about this gem in LA. Love the food and the atmosphere is like traveling to Mexico. The place got packed before we know it. Our friend who works for the organization who runs it shared the story of how it all started. This location is a must because of it's culture and great food. From I hear lots of artists and actors stop by and eat. Just saying.
My car guy sent me here to Chicken Itza. Place is super nice. Lots of areas to sit and the sushi place I walked by has monster tunas on the ready.
Great place to go check out. There are several food establishments in this small area, mainly Hispanic food. Parking is not the best, but it is worth giving these restaurants a try .
Shelby’s Rooftop
| Address | 250 4th St, San Francisco, CA 94103 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 6:30 AM – 1:45 PM, 3:00 PM – 12:00 AM Tuesday: 6:30 AM – 1:45 PM, 3:00 PM – 12:00 AM Wednesday: 6:30 AM – 1:45 PM, 3:00 PM – 12:00 AM Thursday: 6:30 AM – 1:45 PM, 3:00 PM – 12:00 AM Friday: 6:30 AM – 1:45 PM, 3:00 PM – 1:00 AM Saturday: 6:30 AM – 1:45 PM, 4:00 PM – 1:00 AM Sunday: 6:30 AM – 1:45 PM, 4:00 PM – 12:00 AM |
| Phone | (650) 643-5504 |
The view it’s very cool from the rooftop. A very “city” skyline with the MOMA as the star building.
The food was great. The signature La Bomba drink was very good. I don’t like cocktails but this was next level, salty-sweet-spicy. I just find the price of the drinks too expensive even for San Francisco.
Shelby's Rooftop is a great spot for dinner, drinks, and a fun atmosphere. The rooftop setting is beautiful, the service was friendly, and the food was well prepared and nicely presented. The bone marrow and braised short rib were standouts, and the salmon was cooked perfectly. I'd definitely come back for the ambiance, cocktails, and another relaxing evening with friends.
While I enjoyed the overall ambiance, it's food is just average. I'm sure it'd taste better after a few shots.
The location is slightly tricky–it's upstairs from another restaurant.
The view is nice. I was there alone, but I missed breakfast, so they forced lunch. They offer no brunch menu.
The service was great. They were attentive and pretty flexible.
I was late to my reservation by almost an hour however Mark and staff took great care of me and my spouse. The kitchen was closed but the chef was still around and they accommodated us and let us have the last order of the night. Mind you, they did not know it was for our anniversary! Made it so much more special. Vibes were immaculate, food was great. 10/10! Stop by and see for yourself. Thank you guys!!
San Francisco is home to many exceptional dining establishments, and this was an outstanding last-minute discovery. My wife and I were in town for a conference, traveling with our 20-month-old daughter. After a three-hour drive, we arrived feeling quite fatigued. Upon checking into our hotel, we consulted the concierge for a dinner recommendation. She was gracious and efficient, securing us a reservation promptly.
From the moment we were seated, the service was attentive and welcoming. Beverages were served promptly, and the staff handled our specific requests for our daughter with genuine care and without hesitation—an accommodation we greatly appreciated.
The cuisine was equally impressive. The risotto and cauliflower were beautifully seasoned, striking a thoughtful balance of flavor. The salmon was expertly prepared—moist and perfectly cooked—complemented by a well-executed Cajun jambalaya rice. Our server’s cocktail recommendations paired seamlessly with our selections, enhancing the overall dining experience.
In sum, what began as a spontaneous, last-minute plan became a truly delightful and memorable evening.
The Lab Gastropub
| Address | 3500 S Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90007 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: 3:00 – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 3:00 – 10:00 PM Thursday: 3:00 – 10:00 PM Friday: 3:00 – 10:00 PM Saturday: 3:00 – 10:00 PM Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | (213) 740-5956 |
This was such a cool spot after walking around the museum. I stopped in for a drink and a bite to eat. I had a couple Palomas which were very refreshing and at a good ratio with the tequila and grapefruit juice. I snapped on some wings and tried the guacamole fries. Everything was great and I would definitely stop by again for a drink and bite to eat.
This place is cool AF. I’ve been here two or three times, but this is the first time I review it. I was here for the Rams v. Saints game and I had a great time.
The ambience is nice, and even though it’s a college hangout spot, it still keeps a cool level of sophistication. The “bar food” is elevated and prices are reasonable.
As far as the food goes, we ordered (see pictures) the spinach dip and that was amazing. The little croutons they give you to dip with are out of this world highly recommend it. We also tried the nachos with steak and that was just as good. It’s rare that you find such good food from a college bar, but the steak was perfectly cooked and the whole thing was seasoned as if it belonged in a high end Mexican restaurant.
The wings were not far behind, we had the Thai chicken wings. the only problem with those was that we wanted more but we had to leave to go to the game.
We washed it all down with a bucket of beers and a few cocktails. The beer was fine, just bottled Modelo, and the cocktails were good by all accounts.
Whenever we’re in the area, we’ll come back to this spot. It’s legit. The food is top notch, the cocktails are good and the beer doesn’t cost you an arm an a leg. Definitely give it a try!
23.5% serice charge added, taps were broken, closed at 6pm on a saturday for some reason, staff was very eager to get us out of there. Menu was only like 9 things, dont get duped by the menu pix that are 6 years old.
Spinach artichoke dip is A LOT and comes with donut-like bread (not very crispy). It’s like dipping a plain donut into butter... kale salad on the other hand was refreshing and nice. Good location, service, and atmosphere otherwise but overall food wasn’t spectacular.
Limited vegan options but good nonetheless. The edamame was superb! I couldn't stop eating it! Servers are friendly. Music can get a little loud, making it tough to have conversations without raising your voice or straining to listen to others that aren't right in front of you.
NHM Grill
| Address | 900 Exposition Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90007 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM Tuesday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM Wednesday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM Thursday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM Friday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM Saturday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM Sunday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Phone | (213) 763-3466 |
Would have never guessed a simple hamburger 🍔 in a Museum restaurant could taste so good. If you're visiting the place and still haven't made your mind which restaurant choose, this is the one, no doubt.
There was a long line but all in all it didn't take that much time, additionally, once your order is taken the delivery time is quite short.
😋
This is a scam, we paid $80 for 2 burgers with fries and 2 kids combo!!!
The food had disgusting taste.
Turkey burger was oversalted because meat was not fresh. Horrible experience.
Chicken nuggets was fried in super old oil.
Cornflower nuggets was just burned and over oiled. DO NOT RECOMMEND!
Food was mediocre, service was incredibly slow. From walking in it took nearly 40 minutes to order and get served. Order came out missing the fruit that was supposed to come with it, but due to the long wait we barely had time to eat in order to make the show we had scheduled in the museum theater.
I don’t know why this place has bad reviews. I understand the price because it’s inside the museum. They don’t have it on menu but they have the best veggie burger I ever had with crunchy fries.
Food is awful! The chicken nuggets were overcooked and weird wax looking meat, fries were mushy, the peanut butter and jelly sandwich so dry my kid wouldn't eat it. Honestly a school cafeteria has much better food. This kitchen/eating area (inside) needs a serious upgrade. This is such a wonderful museum in every other way. The staff in the grill was very kind and they seemed to be working quickly. Just could not believe how bad all our food was.
Skywalker Grill
| Address | One Lucas Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90037 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | — |
| Phone | — |
Service and atmosphere were exceptional. You can’t beat the view and the architecture!
The food overall was good. In particular, the chicken and mushroom crepe was truly delicious. The “pigs in a blanket” were also a fun, elevated take on a childhood favorite and a great starter.
While we enjoyed the wagyu burger, the fries were a bit flat / uninspired (they need more seasoning to be branded as “herbed”).
Overall a positive experience.
We were so excited to try this restaurant but were so incredibly underwhelmed. While the dishes were all interesting, nearly all of them were sorely under seasoned, The pigs in a blanket and vegan pasta were the best dishes, the burger and crabcake lacked flavor
The vibes are great, the drinks are fantastic, the food not so much. I’d recommended the bar for quick seating and drinks for a mid day museum break.
The servers were so kind and the views everywhere made everything taste that much better.
The chicken Milanese was quite good, but the other foods did not warrant a picture. Come for the drinks and the vibes! So fun.
Had an incredible first time at the Lucas Museum's new, hot restaurant on Saturday. Enjoyed the very crowded museum then headed up to the sanctuary that is Skywalker Grill. Perched on top of this amazing architectural masterpiece is an equally beautiful and well thought out restaurant. The pigs in a blanket with Kobe beef and citrus sundae were definite, surprising standouts and we cannot wait to go back! Especially to the patio when the weather is nicer. Customer service, especially at check in, could use some help. But they're new and I have high hopes they'll iron out lapses in great service.
I scored a last-minute reservation on Sunday, 10/11, after spending all day at the Lucas Museum. I went home and looked at the reservations at 7pm, saw an opening for 7:30pm and 7:45pm, and immediately reserved a table for 7:45pm. I ordered four sides and a bottle of Perrier water. There were a few vegan options, but mostly vegetarian.
What I ordered:
Brussels Sprouts $13 4/5
Mushrooms $13 4/5
Mac and Cheese $13 4/5
French Fries 3/5 (I told one of the servers they were cold so they brought out a new batch. The new batch was not cold, but also not hot.)
Perrier Bottle 3/5 cuz it was $11!!! That’s insane!
You are paying for the beautiful ambience.
The host, servers, and manager were all really friendly. The host sat me inside, but I asked to move to an outside table, and they accommodated my request. I had the best view!
I was one of the last guests to leave so I got some really beautiful pics and videos.
Il Giardino Ristorante
| Address | 3201 S Hoover St #1850, Los Angeles, CA 90089 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 10:45 AM – 9:00 PM Tuesday: 10:45 AM – 9:00 PM Wednesday: 10:45 AM – 9:00 PM Thursday: 10:45 AM – 9:00 PM Friday: 10:45 AM – 9:00 PM Saturday: 10:45 AM – 9:00 PM Sunday: 10:45 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Phone | (213) 536-5773 |
The pasta was AMAZING. I got gluten free penne with pesto, and as a gluten free person I was happily surprised at how perfectly the pasta was cooked! Finding good gluten free pasta in restaurants is a rarity and I can’t thank Giardino enough for that. I highly recommend getting the good pasta served with chicken, because the one flaw is that it is VERY buttery, and having chicken or a side bread is good for soaking some of that up.
It should also be noted how efficient the staff were- our pastas were ready within ten minutes and all of the workers had a smile on their face. Overall, I’m highly impressed!
the food was super yummy!!!! the pesto gnocchi could do with more seasoning though.
Delicious! The restaurant is decorative open Modern fashion. The owners are delightful. They recommended dishes to me and informed me that that I could order, pretty much to my liking, anything from the menu and modify it.
I got 2 pasta dishes to go the total is 17.xx. What a great deal for any Italian restaurant, let alone one of this quality. It is a steal. Pasta dishes come with two pieces of focaccia bread.
The kitchen is open to watch the chef's create Masterpiece after masterpiece. I ordered fresh tagliatelle and I saw that fresh tubes of rigatoni we're being worked on at the counter. My meals were already under 6 minutes, as the pasta is fresh.
Damn that pasta is delicious. Al Dente to perfection. Bolognese sauce was Perfection, the tomato taste to it was delicious. Comes with a side of parmesean cheese. There's absolutely no need to season it with salt or pepper. It is that good. The portions are generous. 2 meals for me.
I can't wait come back and try another dish. I definitely recommend this place for a fresh, authentic, budget friendly italian meal.
low quality food. It’s no good at all! Had a pasta al salmon plus additional shrimps for $19.66 total. So the price pretty much as in any real cafe, but the taste is so poor you wouldn’t even believe it. Shrimps have taste like garbage. Salmon is smoked like hundred times and the taste is just smoke.
We were recommended this lovely restaurant, and it did not disappoint! We were greeted warmly by the owners, who made sure we were comfortably seated on a cool evening—near heaters to keep us cozy.
Dinner was outstanding. The calamari in its rich tomato sauce was absolutely delicious, and the sea bass was cooked to perfection. Truly one of the best meals we've had in Palm Springs.
A special shoutout to our waiter, who was both incredibly personable and wonderfully professional. The whole experience was memorable, and we’ll definitely be back!
La Chuperia The Miche Spot
| Address | 3742 Flower St, Los Angeles, CA 90007 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: Closed Wednesday: 4:00 PM – 12:00 AM Thursday: 4:00 PM – 12:00 AM Friday: 4:00 PM – 12:00 AM Saturday: 3:00 PM – 12:00 AM Sunday: 3:00 PM – 12:00 AM |
| Phone | (213) 677-2388 |
My wife recommended me this place and I finally had the chance to check it out. I had the classic torta de asada and oh man was it filling and delicious! I partnered it up with my favorite Happy Dad flavors prepped the way I like them, with a chamoy rim! Definitely coming back!
Food was delicious and drinks were so good. Went to pregame before event at the coliseum and although it was busy the service was very good. Security guard at the door is a nice man. Let me know the asada tacos were good and he was right. Walking distance from The coliseum. Can’t wait to come back
I came here to watch the Garcia boxing fight. They charged $50 at the entrance. I paid them through zelle. The inside reminded me of a large garage lol decorated in a Mexican theme. They had the lotería cards displayed on the walls and even on the tables. They have plenty of tv's and plenty of space between tables. The nachos were super tasty. (large quantity)I got half asada and half pastor. The miches are so good! The waitress was attentive and efficient. I appreciated that. Once the fight started they dimmed the lights. I also appreciated that. It got intense! I noticed they darkened their windows so it felt very private in there. All in all, I had a great experience.
Service is not good. On a busy night, after an LAFC game no servers came to us at all (after 15 minutes). The drinks are tiny … expensive …. Not good. They need to do better. They charge for you to change the music LOL.
Ate here with some friends before going to a concert at BMO Stadium
While a tad pricey it wasn't anything I wasn't expecting to pay and the food was actually pretty good. Satisfying and filling.
The drinks were delicious and our server was the best. She was attentive and patient even after we were a few drinks in.
Moreton Fig
| Address | 3607 Trousdale Pkwy, Los Angeles, CA 90089 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:00 AM – 2:30 PM, 3:30 – 7:30 PM Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 2:30 PM, 3:30 – 7:30 PM Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 2:30 PM, 3:30 – 7:30 PM Thursday: 11:00 AM – 2:30 PM, 3:30 – 7:30 PM Friday: 11:00 AM – 2:30 PM, 3:30 – 7:30 PM Saturday: Closed Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | (213) 821-3441 |
Really enjoy the bread here! And fish stuff like salmon and the other one forget the name but u can check it in my photos. Panna cotta is too much sweet and dense. Not for me!
The food is great, the experience isn’t.
The place is understaffed. They only had two servers working at 4-5 tables each. This meant that we were waiting for 15-30 minutes at a time. This wouldn’t have been a big deal except that they messed up our orders. We didn’t make drastic adjustments to the items we ordered either. Also, the entrees didn’t come out at once, one member of our party was delivered her meal 25 minutes after everyone else. She had ordered the same entree as two others in our party.
You’d think that the extremely limited number of menu items available would mean the kitchen wouldn’t have a hard time. They had three entrees on the menu and one wasn’t available. They had 8 appetizers on the menu and the first two we requested were not available.
We were not in a rush at all and we communicated that to our server. He complained that they were understaffed and claimed that “nobody wants yo work anymore”. This is obviously a sentiment being communicated to staff from an inept management team. There are plenty of restaurants in the area that have adequate staff. Just look at the much higher volume restaurants in the very busy USC Village just a few blocks away.
This is one of the most expensive restaurants on campus and there is no excuse for the limited menu and poor service we experienced. I don’t blame the servers. They were nice and obviously frustrated at a bad situation they didn’t create.
The food overall was good if overpriced, but I’m not inclined to visit again.
This is a nice upscale place for those in the surrounding area of USC. It's nicely decorated with light wood, attentive and an open design that has a nice hum of conversation. We had a business meeting and all ordered burgers (beef for me/coworker and veggie for the other person).
It's fairly pricey but it's not a 'student' restaurant but geared towards managers and the service reflects that as well as presentation. It's a great place for a meal or drinks if you want a place on campus that's more upscale or 'fancy' as I like to say.
I liked the burger it's pretty good could have used more seasonings since the sauce wasn't enough taste for me. The fries were fine but not my favorite and for almost $20 I thought it would be better but it's still pretty good.
I came here with a friend, and it was quite fun! The new Skulls exhibit was really interesting, probably my favorite exhibit to visit 🙂 The rainforest and aquarium were really cool to see too. I also visited the earthquake "ride" and it was really good experience to learn about how earthquakes feel (at least to people that have never experienced one before). The planetarium show we had was really relaxing and the guy narrating it was funny 🙂 I just wished it was longer... It was so cool!! Just make sure you don't fall asleep.
The food is ok at best. The bread was honestly the best thing I had when I was here and I ordered the steak sandwich which definitely was not worth the price. You really can't beat sitting outside and having a mojito on the patio though. The drinks are great so if you come here make sure to order some.
Neighborhood Grill by Post & Beam
| Address | 900 Exposition Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90007 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | — |
| Phone | — |
Not a good experience at all. Long lines and an even longer wait to get the food. The kids’ burger is a total rip-off—check the picture, even the tangerine is bigger than the cheeseburger. Also, aside from water, there are no drink options without sugar.
I came here to get something to eat for our kids. We came in and sat down and all. A women came up to me and talked to me in a very rude and unprofessional manner basicly saying they where closed. I checked the time and it was 4:23pm. I checked their restaurant hours and it says they close at 5pm? I was confused because when I came in everyone was just standing around and talking. Honestly you are better off just eating out side. All you get served here is just an attitude.
Wow! A lot of haters. I thought the food spectacular for museum food. It's pricey but it's museum food! The chicken tenders were hot and sweet potato fries were great as well. Very nice staff. Gave me extra ranch bc my boy was next to me. Great stuff!
Surprised and happily satisfied — highly recommended!
We were at the museum for Mother’s Day and were just looking for a quick bite, but it ended up being a full lunch. Great location for kids too. We sat outside, and the staff was incredibly friendly. The person in charge of cleaning the tables was especially kind, checking to make sure ours was clean and even wishing us a happy Mother’s Day — such a thoughtful gesture.
The whole team was warm and welcoming. The food was genuinely good, and for fast food, it really exceeded our expectations. The burger, chicken, and fries were all excellent. The pizza was good too, though we preferred the rest. Everything was tasty, quick, and nicely presented. If only all museum food were like this!
My burger was pretty good! The patty was perfect and the veggie was fresh. The waiting can be long on the weekend but it’s inevitable given the sheer number of orders during the lunchtime they get. The staff work diligently to make it smooth!
Tips for Dining Near the California Science Center
Dining near a major tourist attraction requires a bit of strategy to avoid long waits and disappointing meals. While the area is rich with options, understanding the local flow of traffic and timing can significantly improve your experience. Here are some essential tips to help you navigate the culinary landscape around Exposition Park like a local.
Plan around USC events and game days.
The University of Southern California (USC) campus sits directly adjacent to the Science Center. On football game days or during graduation ceremonies, the surrounding restaurants are packed, and traffic is notoriously heavy. Always check the USC events calendar before heading out; if there is a major event, consider eating earlier or venturing slightly further toward Downtown LA or Culver City to avoid the rush.
Utilize the Metro E Line.
Driving and parking can be the most stressful part of eating near the museum. The Expo Park/USC station on the Metro E Line is a short walk from the Science Center. If you are willing to ride one or two stops, you can easily access the culinary hubs of Downtown LA or Santa Monica without ever moving your car. This is often faster than sitting in Figueroa Street traffic during peak hours.
Check for museum café closures.
The California Science Center often closes its internal food options early, especially on weekdays or during special events. If you are planning to stay until closing time, do not assume you can grab a meal on the way out. Having a shortlist of nearby restaurants ensures you are not left scrambling when the on-site grill shuts down.
Look for happy hour specials.
Many of the sit-down restaurants and gastropubs in the nearby South Park and Downtown areas offer aggressive happy hour pricing to attract the after-work crowd. If your museum visit ends around 4:00 PM or 5:00 PM, you can capitalize on discounted appetizers and drinks. This is an excellent way to experience higher-end cuisine near the Science Center without the premium dinner price tag.
Embrace the diversity of street food.
While this guide lists established restaurants, the streets surrounding Exposition Park often feature excellent taco stands and food trucks, particularly in the evenings. If you are looking for an authentic, budget-friendly Los Angeles experience, keep an eye out for vendors setting up near the perimeter of the park. They often serve some of the most flavorful food in the city, rivaling the brick-and-mortar establishments.
Exploring the food scene near the California Science Center is an adventure in itself. Whether you opt for a quick, casual bite or a leisurely multi-course meal, the diversity of the neighborhood ensures that your culinary experience will be just as enriching as the exhibits you came to see.
By planning your meal times strategically and choosing a venue that matches your group’s energy level, you can transform a simple day at the museum into a full-day cultural excursion. Enjoy the science, the sights, and most importantly, the incredible food that defines Los Angeles.
