Picnicking under the stars at the Hollywood Bowl is a quintessential Los Angeles experience, but sometimes the logistics of packing a basket, chilling wine, and hauling it up the hill feel more stressful than romantic. Whether you are a local looking to streamline your evening or a visitor trying to soak in the atmosphere without the prep work, the neighborhood surrounding the venue has evolved into a surprisingly dynamic culinary scene. You no longer have to settle for a sad sandwich from a gas station or an overpriced tourist trap before the show.
The geography of the Bowl—nestled in the Hollywood Hills—means that parking is notoriously tight and traffic on Highland Avenue can be brutal. Because of this, the smartest strategy is usually to park once, eat within walking distance, and then stroll up to the gates. Fortunately, the area offers everything from quick counter-service tacos to sit-down Italian dinners and gourmet charcuterie boards. The key is knowing which spots offer the right balance of speed, quality, and proximity to ensure you do not miss the overture.
This guide focuses on practical dining solutions that cater to the pre-concert crowd. We have prioritized restaurants that understand the assignment: they move tables efficiently, offer food that travels well if you decide to take it to go, and are located close enough that you won’t break a sweat walking uphill. We have also considered the varying needs of concertgoers, whether you are on a first date looking for romance or with a group of friends needing a quick bite before a casual midweek show.
It is important to note that reservation policies change rapidly in Los Angeles, especially during the summer Bowl season. While we have highlighted spots known for accommodating walk-ins, we strongly recommend checking current hours and booking ahead whenever possible. The last thing you want is to be staring at a 45-minute waitlist while hearing the warm-up act start in the distance.
Below, you will find a curated list of the best places to eat before a Hollywood Bowl concert. These selections have been chosen based on their proximity, consistency, and ability to handle the unique rush of a show night.
Mel's Drive-In Hollywood
| Address | 1660 Highland Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90028 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM Thursday: 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM Friday: 7:00 AM – 12:00 AM Saturday: 7:00 AM – 12:00 AM Sunday: 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM |
| Phone | (323) 465-2111 |
Me and my husband were passing by and had to try. And it did not disappoint. Everything was great. Food was fresh, orange juice natural, and the place is very nice and well kept. If we were from California, we would definitely come back.
We stopped by Mel’s Diner before seeing a Jimmy Kimmel taping, mostly because of its iconic reputation. The ambiance definitely delivers classic décor and a fun, nostalgic vibe. As for the food, it’s solid but nothing out of the ordinary. The patty melt was the standout and genuinely delicious. My girlfriend’s BLT was a bit underwhelming, though still enjoyable.
Overall, Mel’s is worth a visit for the ambiance and the experience, but for the price point, there are definitely other spots we’d try before returning.
As someone who deeply values operational excellence and tangible value, my dinner at Mel’s Drive-In was a masterclass in how a classic American diner should be managed. Located right in the vibrant heart of Hollywood, this iconic spot is an immediate standout for its pristine upkeep. The chrome accents gleam, the classic booths are immaculate, and the entire retro space radiates a level of cleanliness that commands immediate respect.
The menu delivers on the promise of true homestyle food, executed with premium ingredients. The grass-fed beef burgers are expertly seared and remarkably juicy, while the hand-dipped milkshakes offer a rich, authentic depth of flavor that puts modern fast-casual competitors to shame. It is comfort food elevated by a clear commitment to quality control and culinary consistency.
What truly elevates Mel's from a nostalgic novelty into a premier dining destination, however, is the service. The staff operates with remarkable efficiency and sharp attentiveness. Orders are processed swiftly, refills materialize seamlessly, and the hospitality is genuinely warm without ever feeling forced. Mel’s Drive-In isn’t just trading on its mid-century heritage; it is actively earning its reputation with every single shift. Unreservedly recommended.
Mel’s Diner definitely delivers on atmosphere, with its classic décor and nostalgic Hollywood diner vibe. The food was decent, but nothing particularly memorable. I ordered Mel’s Burger, which was pretty average and didn’t really stand out, and the fries were just okay.
Overall, Mel’s is worth visiting for the ambiance and the experience, but for the price, there are plenty of other spots we’d try before returning.
Stopped by Mel’s Drive-In with the family and had a pretty good time. The food tasted good, the kids menu had solid options, and the whole place had that classic diner feel.
The banana shake was probably the best part. It was thick, creamy, and tasted like an actual old-school diner shake, not something rushed or watered down.
Only real downside was the price. The food was good, but it was definitely more expensive than I expected for what it was. Overall I’d give it about a 7/10. Good stop with the family, just a little pricey.
Jemma Hollywood
| Address | 1717 Vine St, Los Angeles, CA 90028 |
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| 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 – 10:00 PM Saturday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM Sunday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Phone | (323) 645-7201 |
Beautiful spot. Sat at the bar, no wait, good drinks, great food, lovely vibes. Had the Spicy Rigatoni Alla Vodka and the meatballs, as well as the Perfect Old Fashioned and a normal old fashioned. Everything was excellent. Definitely recommend the spicy rigatoni. I’m from out of town but I’ll be back for sure.
3.5 stars
There's a lot to like about Jemma. I expected attitude but there really was none. Hostess was very nice, and server, Caroline, was an absolute gem!
It's dark and was bustling when we arrived, but conversation was easy. When the show at the Pantages started, more than half of the restaurant left. We were one of 2 tables by 830 pm on a Tuesday night.
Drinks were creative and good although, at $20+ per drink, IMO they're overpriced. Wife got a Diet Coke and it's the tiny bottles at $5 each.
The food was very good, overall. Starter, Emmy's Cheese Bread was delicious. Chicken Parm was excellent. Tagliatelle and Capellini were very good, and Orecchiette got mixed reviews. My wife originally ordered it and there was a black licorice taste that really put her off. Caroline was lovely and replaced it with the Capellini and meatballs which my wife enjoyed.
I have to say, while I was happy they don't follow the current trend of serving their pasta al dente, I thought it a tad bit overdone. Still, pretty tasty.
Finished with Canolli that was bomb!
They tack on a 4% Employee benefits fee that you can request be removed. Just so tacky, especially with the already high ticket items; pastas at $30-$50 a plate, Cheese Bread $20, cocktails $20+ per... It's just gross to tack on more, but whatever.
Excellent pre-show dining, and while not perfect, we'd return.
This italian restaurant was amazing from start to finish. Our waitress Sofia (if I remember correctly) was very busy but still managed to attend to everyone she was serving, including us. The food was amazing. Taste buds were in overdrive!! There was a small error with our food and that was quickly rectified which was appreciated. Zac the manager was also very helpful at the end of the night. Appreciate you guys. Thanks for a great experience whilst visiting from Aus 🇦🇺 We will definitely be back on our next trip.
The absolute BEST Italian restaurant in Hollywood!! A BIG Thank You to the Jemma team for making my daughter's birthday so special!! Everyone went above and beyond to treat our girl who also shares a special name with the restaurant. We will come back for sure!
I had my birthday dinner here in July along with 14 other guests and it was the best! Highly recommend coming here for celebrations and big parties. They were extremely understanding and accommodating of all our needs and various dietary restrictions. Our server, Emma, was super sweet too. Love the candle lit atmosphere and the food and drinks were delicious! They even gave me a birthday card, so sweet (:
The Backyard
| Address | 2301 Highland Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90068 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM, 6:00 – 8:00 PM Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM, 6:00 – 8:00 PM Thursday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM, 6:00 – 8:00 PM Friday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM, 6:00 – 8:00 PM Saturday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM, 6:00 – 8:00 PM Sunday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Phone | — |
I’m (almost) speechless. My daughter and I had a celebration of life trip at the Hollywood Bowl. She wanted to see a concert that her mother had promised to take her to. It became my promise to keep. When I saw the back yard restaurant listed at the venue, I knew I wanted to add that experience. They did not disappoint! The food was perfect and the service even better. They did something for us completely unexpected and it truly touched my heart. We traveled thousands of miles to get there, but I’m sure we will return. In the meantime, I encourage everyone to enjoy the backyard. Personally.., I want to express my sincere gratitude for a truly memorable evening. THANK YOU! 💜
Great food. Great service. Very enjoyable. Needs another bathroom during busy times
Great Staff, Incredible menu, solid drinks. What more could you want....ohh and rocking bands to boot. This is our must dine for every Bowl concert we attend..the Ribeye was topnotch!
Inviting Hostess, service was Excellent & Food was Delicious (I had the Seabass).
Loved the food, the wine and ambiance
La Popular Hollywood
| Address | 6801 Hollywood Blvd Ste 255, Los Angeles, CA 90028 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM Thursday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM Friday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM Saturday: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM Sunday: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM |
| Phone | (323) 552-7499 |
Had a wonderful lunch on the $25 pre fix with guac, the corn off the cob salad with chicken, Mexican candy shots, watermelon marg, and the birthday dessert for my friend. It was nice sitting outside with the view of the Hollywood sign. Service was quick and food tasted fresh. Special shout out to the chicken flavoring, guac, and tres leches.
Amazingggg restaurant!! And in the heart of Hollywood, beautiful very cool location
Spectacular food, the tacos are absolutely to die for! Even the rice and beans are heaven
Cocktails delicious
And the service is soo on point! Corrine my server (I’m so sorry if I misspelled that) is soo sweet, cute and just great and Mia my bartender is amazing as well!
Everyone has to try this restaurant if not once but daily!
They have amazing deals, happy hour 3-6 and late night happy hour 9- close everyday! Plus lunch deals and taco Tuesday
Definitely my favorite restaurant in Hollywood
A hidden gem at the back (north end) of Ovation (Hollywood & Highland). Food is terrific, prices reasonable and they have 2 happy hours for drinks. Love the patio seating with heat lamps when needed. Also a nice view of the Hollywood Sign. Large menu with vegetarian options (not vegan). Photos of chicken fajita plate and large salad with a dozen grilled shrimp.
Alana and Alex are so amazing! My partner and I stumbled on this place after the Michael movie and we are so glad we came!!! SPECTACULAR food and great cocktails! Alex is such a great host and Alana is a fabulous server. Definitely stop by and see why it’s so popular, lol!
Update: I’m going to be completely and brutally honest, it was not a 5/5 it was a 2/5. As a dark skinned Black woman, it is at times, literally impossible to have a good time or receive good customer service without some type of something. I was on a vacation and I just wanted to enjoy myself but this is still bothering me months later, because it was some BS. Alex was cool, Alanna was funny acting AF. It honestly felt like she did not want to serve my partner and I and y’all see the drink photo, do you think she wiped that up? No. She was a half assed server and there was more that was said and done but that was the cherry on top because that’s basic customer service as a server. When she brought it to the table, it spilled and she laughed about it. I will not be back because this type of service is becoming very prevalent with Trump in office so it’s one and done for me. Once the true colors are out they cannot be unseen.
La Popular recently opened their doors at Ovation in Hollywood and were able to check in out when we visited Los Angeles last month. The atmosphere does a good job transporting you to another place while the food we got was spot on! Consider getting the tacos and don’t forget the Churros! If you like patios this location has you covered!
The Hollywood Rooftop Restaurant & Bar by Madame Tussauds
| Address | 6933 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 12:00 – 8:00 PM Tuesday: Closed Wednesday: Closed Thursday: 12:00 – 8:00 PM Friday: 12:00 – 8:00 PM Saturday: 12:00 – 8:00 PM Sunday: 12:00 – 8:00 PM |
| Phone | (323) 798-1681 |
Starting off with the appetizer of the little grilled cheese and tomato bisque was phenomenal. The texture of the sandwiches was perfectly crisp on the outside and light and fluffy on the inside. The bisque was to die for and a perfect combination between the two. We ordered the fish platter was perfectly seasoned, cooked, and plated. Unfortunately, the side of Mac and cheese was gritty with an off taste but still edible. Overall, the food was pretty great though.
All of our food came out hot despite the colder atmosphere on the rooftop. A few disappointing notes were just having to ask for the heaters to be lit, food service was kind of cold, and we didn’t see our server very frequently despite how slow it was with customers.
The setting included additional wax figures throughout the restaurant, which was neat to see carried from the museum up to the dining room.
Worth the Stop. Worth Going Back.
After spending a surprisingly fun afternoon wandering through Madame Tussauds, the family found ourselves debating where to grab lunch. We were considering the Hard Rock Cafe and a couple of other nearby options when the Madame Tussauds Rooftop Bar & Restaurant appeared almost by accident.
Sometimes those spontaneous decisions end up being the best ones.
This was one of them.
The food was very good, and the menu offered several appetizers that were a little different from the usual tourist fare. Everything was well prepared, thoughtfully presented, and arrived exactly as it should.
The seating is worth mentioning because it gives you a good sense of what this venue is designed to be. It’s more lounge than traditional restaurant, making it ideal for couples, small groups, or an evening out. With a family and several kids, it wasn’t quite as comfortable as a conventional dining room would have been, but everyone still settled in just fine. My impression is that this space really comes alive later in the evening rather than during lunch.
One of my favorite touches was something completely unexpected.
Scattered throughout the rooftop were wax figures posed as though they were fellow patrons, relaxing with friends and enjoying the restaurant. More than once I caught myself doing a double take before realizing I was looking at another remarkably realistic figure. It fit perfectly with the museum downstairs and added a fun bit of personality to the experience.
Our server, Jasmine, was outstanding. Friendly, attentive, and professional throughout the meal.
Just as impressive was the floor manager, whose name I unfortunately didn’t catch. She was constantly moving through the restaurant, quietly checking on guests and stepping in whenever needed to keep service flowing smoothly. Most diners probably never noticed everything she was doing, which is often the mark of someone who is exceptionally good at hospitality.
Good food, excellent service, a unique atmosphere, and a fun extension of the Madame Tussauds experience made this an easy recommendation.
If you’re already visiting the museum, don’t overlook what’s upstairs.
Worth the Stop. Worth Going Back.
Everything was amazing! Great atmosphere, delicious food, excellent service, and beautiful presentation. Staff was very friendly and attentive, especially Mickey.
We had a wonderful dining experience and will definitely come back again. Highly recommend!
💛💙🇺🇲
We came for brunch and had a wonderful time! Mikey took the best care of us. The drinks and food were both very good! We were impressed! My bf and I each got the Morning Star to drink and loved it!
To eat, my bf got the shakshuka, and I got the açaí bowl. And we’re both very happy. We’d love to come back. Thank you!
"We came here for Mother’s Day after visiting the museum nearby. For being right in the heart of Hollywood, the prices were fair—not exactly cheap, but definitely not overpriced for the area.
The food was a bit of a mixed bag. My older son wasn't a fan of the pasta dish, but the burgers were the stars of the show. My wife loved the Burger she ordered, and the BBQ Burger was a huge hit with everyone. I ordered the Steak Flatbread, which felt and tasted more like a pizza, but it was honestly delicious.
This place has so much potential to be a major, 'big-time' restaurant, even if it hasn't quite reached that level yet. It was a solid spot for a holiday meal, and we'd likely come back for those burgers!"
Beachwood Cafe Hollywood
| Address | 2695 Beachwood Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90068 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM Thursday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM Friday: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM Saturday: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM Sunday: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Phone | (323) 871-1717 |
The food was really good and everyone was friendly! I had the Chipotle Steak Wrap and my husband had a cheeseburger with bacon.
We waited about 40 minutes for our table, but we passed the time with a walk around the neighborhood before sitting in their back waiting area. Once we were seated, our server was prompt and our order was out quickly!
The food is always great here. My chillaquiles went perfectly with their red ale. We also had their burger, French toast, steak wrap, matcha, and Bellini. We also love the old Hollywood hills location. Great service, just be patient with parking.
The food was excellent! The service and quality were a 9/10. The restaurant has a warm, cozy, and beautiful atmosphere. I highly recommend it for a delicious brunch or breakfast. The wait time was about 30 minutes on a Sunday morning, and it was definitely worth it. ** The only thing missing was free refills on the regular coffee.***
I’ve lived in the area for 29 years and had never heard of this café, even is close to the Hollywood sign.
My waitress was kind, but the service was extremely slow. It was so slow that I ordered a coffee, finished my entire breakfast, and still had to cancel it because it never arrived.
At one point I was choking and got up to ask for a glass of water. I asked another server, and he looked at me with an attitude and asked, “Are you eating here?” That didn’t feel right. I ended up going back to my waitress to ask for water. After that, I could see staff looking over at me and talking, which made me uncomfortable.
The food was okay. I ordered a dish with beans and it was flavorful. However, the waffles were terrible burnt, hard, and tasteless.
Also, I don’t understand why there’s an expectation of a 22% or higher tip for a simple breakfast, especially with this level of service.
First time trying this place. Everything was really good. Ordered a matcha raspberry my favorite thing for ever matcha, scrambled eggs with carnitas,lemon ricotta pancakes and chilaquiles with carnitas. Definitely coming back again.
Hard Rock Cafe
| Address | 6801 Hollywood Blvd Ste 105, Los Angeles, CA 90028 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM Thursday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM Friday: 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM Saturday: 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM Sunday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Phone | (323) 464-7625 |
My husband and I had a great lunch here. We sat at the bar and Bill took care of us. I had a cucumber lime press drink which was very refreshing. The brussels sprouts were fenomenal and the salad very tasty. It definitely reminded me of the Mediteranean cuisine. We had a great chat with Bill, who was warm and friendly. The service was very fast. We’ll definitely come back when we return to LA.
It’s a family tradition to visit Hard rock where ever we are, in whatever country we are in. As a franchise they should all be the same but they definitely are not. This one was head and shoulders above the rest. The server ( Tekla ) was outstanding, very attentive, friendly and genuine.
The food looked incredible like it had been prepared with care, not just thrown together. The brownie sundae was amazing and 100% shareable! You must absolutely try this Hard rock if you are visiting.
Live music was a nice touch, great atmosphere and decorative memorabilia.
This place was amazing! They had so much to offer and learn in terms of musicians that it was like we were eating at the museum! We literally walked around and checked everything out. Our food was decent but honestly not the best, especially for the high price. I will say that the brownie sundae dessert however made it all so worth it! We didnt expect it to be so huge so we both ordered our own and it was soooo perfect! The staff was the absolute best, most friendly and helpful people ever too! Loved the place! We enjoyed it thoroughly!! Definitely a must go to if youre in the area and its located off the tourist strip!
LOVED! The service was so prompt being that we had a tour in an hour. The server, David, was so cool and did everything possible to get us out on time. The food was amazing, bathrooms clean, the decor was so cool and there was a stage there for a live band. David told us we could take photos there. I didnt know what to expect, I reserved in advanced, never heard back but when we got there, they accomodated our party of 17. This was cool! I would definitely come back and bring another group!
The restaurant is accessible through a public parking/shopping mall. Also, along Hollywood walk of fame. As soon as we entered we were welcomed and taken to our seat. Lou was our assigned server and did a fantastic job looking after us. Our orders were taken and served promptly. The restaurant manager visited and offered assistance. We ordered chicken wings, ribs with mac n cheese & one night in bangkok shrimp on the side. We had sodas for drink and ended it brownie topped with ice cream. The portions were more than sufficient for 2 on sharing. I like that the mac n cheese was really flavorful (unlike usual side dishes). Though the shrimp didn't actually meet my expectation (a bit soggy batter). The ribs was cooked and seasoned well. It would have been nice if there was a band playing (just like other Hard Rock we visited). Overall experience is great. Great Service. Good Food.
Yamashiro Hollywood
| Address | 1999 N Sycamore Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90068 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 5:00 – 11:00 PM Tuesday: 5:00 – 11:00 PM Wednesday: 5:00 – 11:00 PM Thursday: 5:00 – 11:00 PM Friday: 5:00 – 11:00 PM Saturday: 5:00 – 11:00 PM Sunday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM |
| Phone | (323) 466-5125 |
Seen this all over social media and finally got around to trying it out. To start off, this is Valet only. When I went it was $20, so just know this before going. The atmosphere and aesthetic to the location is really nice. You can sit indoor or outside. The inside has cushion chairs which were really close to each other with very limited space to get in or out without bumping into the person behind you.
Now for the food review. We got the crispy spicy tuna, garlic noodles with steak (medium rare), baked lobster roll, oysters and the ribeye. The garlic noodles were very dry, lacking a lot of flavor, the steak carried this dish. The oysters were good, would recommend the half dozen. The baked lobster roll was delicious, definitely my favorite, the dynamite sauce added a great flavor to the lobster. The crispy spicy tuna was also very delicious, it does pack a bit of heat, such a delicious wow factor. The steak was on the weak side. The sauce it was smothered on didnt really help it, but it made the carrots it paired with delicious. I wish they offered more sides as the mashed potatoes were also not that great. Overall the quality of food is quite average for the amount of options available in LA. If this restaurant was somewhere other than LA I would understand why the cost is so high, feels like you're been more so sold on the aesthetic,view, and history of the building more than the quality of food.
Yamashiro is definitely worth visiting at least once for the atmosphere. The location is beautiful, with stunning views over Hollywood and a unique setting that makes for a great evening.
The cocktails were really good and probably one of the highlights of the experience. The food was decent, but it didn’t quite live up to the restaurant’s reputation. The service was friendly, although it could have been a bit more attentive, especially considering the price point.
It can also get quite noisy, so it may not be the best choice if you’re looking for a quiet dinner.
Overall, it’s a fun place with an amazing ambiance and great drinks. I would recommend it for the experience and the views rather than for the food alone.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Such a beautiful evening at Yamashiro! The views and atmosphere are absolutely gorgeous, especially at sunset. 😍 But what really made our dinner special was our server, Kaitlyn. She was so sweet, attentive, and genuinely made us feel taken care of from the moment we sat down. Amazing service, beautiful ambiance, and a perfect evening. Thank you, Kaitlyn, for making our experience extra special! ❤️ We will definitely be back!
Very beautiful and unique Japanese restaurant in the Hollywood hills with a Panasonic view of LA where you can see downtown all the way to century city. We arrived a day earlier than our reservation but the outside hostess Emma was so nice that was able to find us a table. We made a mistake and didn’t say outside to enjoy the view but sat in the inside courtyard which apparently is a set of a few movies including Kill Bill. The courtyard is very unique and cute. Our server TJ was amazing. He was very attentive and helpful. I have the double happiness cocktail that was very unique but to sweet for my taste. We ordered and appetizer and a mix of sushi and the steak noodles. The noodles was meh and the weird part was that it was served with Parmesan cheese on the side. Most of the sushi were ok but had too much sauce and mayo on them. I would rate the food at 3, ambiance at 5 and service at 5 but not sure if we would be back. If we do, we will likely sit outside have a few cocktails and enjoy the view.
This place offers a great view of the city. Since we were visiting the city and didn’t have a car, we had to walk up the hill to get there, which was quite tiring.
The service was excellent, and my server was particularly amazing.
However, the food was average and not worth the price. The portions were also quite small. We were also disappointed with the long wait for our California roll, considering the restaurant has multiple kitchens. We had to take it out since we had to go.
I highly recommend the avocado crispy rice. It’s very good and has a delicious taste.
Running Goose
| Address | 1620 N Cahuenga Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 8:30 PM Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 8:30 PM Thursday: 11:00 AM – 8:30 PM Friday: 11:00 AM – 9:30 PM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 9:30 PM Sunday: 11:00 AM – 7:30 PM |
| Phone | (323) 469-1080 |
The outside appearance will fool you, but the outside dining area is very cozy, chill, and romantic. The chicken tortilla soup was pretty good. It’s more like a bisque (if that’s what you like). Wish there was a bit more chicken but overall it was fine. The lamb was bomb 💣 Highly recommend, can’t miss with this one. Also had a mimosa which was good, solid quality on both the juice and champagne used. The also have bottomless mimosas for 30$ which seems solid. If you came here on a night out on the weekend this would make a cool starter place. The staff was nice and very attentive. I got the lamb via my waitress’s recommendation. Sorry I forgot her name. Would come back👍🏾
My first time dining at Running Goose, and I was genuinely impressed!
The food was absolutely delicious. You can really tell they focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients and healthier preparation without sacrificing flavor. Every dish tasted thoughtfully crafted rather than just being another typical restaurant meal.
I tried the Lamb Tagine, Duck, Baked Brie, and for the dessert the Horchata Creme Brule and Pavlova, and every single one was outstanding. The flavors were rich, well-balanced, and memorable. You can taste the quality in every bite.
The restaurant itself has a cozy atmosphere, and while the portions are on the smaller side, the quality of the food makes it worth every penny. I'd much rather have exceptional food than oversized portions.
Overall, I highly recommend Running Goose if you're in Los Angeles. If you appreciate creative, flavorful, and quality food made with care, this is definitely a place you should try!
Paid Parking Available.
I consider this establishment a remarkable discovery. The cuisine was truly delightful, with each dish exhibiting exceptional flavor. Our meal comprised a selection of tostadas and starters, complemented by a superb white sangria pitcher. The service provided was outstanding and genuinely hospitable. Furthermore, the ambiance was incredibly inviting and comfortable. 🌮🍹✨
My grandson and I stopped in for a late lunch on a Friday afternoon. What a wonderful gem of a restaurant! We sat outside under a pergola surrounded by plants and trees. I had the lamb chops with yogurt, olive tapenade and caramelized onions/peppers along with a salad of romaine, arugula, pear, apple and cheese with a fabulous dressing. My grandson had a burger that was amazing along with homemade pommes frites. We love this place!
Everything was perfect! We had the al pastor sandwich, lamb chops, and beet quesadillas for lunch - all delicious. The service was nice and the restaurant was very beautiful
For the Win - Hollywood
| Address | 6221 Franklin Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90028 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM Thursday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM Friday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM Sunday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Phone | (213) 297-7892 |
Without question, one of the best burgers I've had in my life and maybe top three. I've eaten great burgers in over forty U.S. states and different countries around the world.
Whatever they do to the onions really adds the unique and amazing flavor. The crispy edges, the texture of it, is about perfect for the style of burger.
This is one I could eat every day and never get tired of it.
And I don't mean to be too critical of this, because I don't really care, because it's about the burger first and foremost, but the atmosphere feels a little too chain-like. It would be cool if there were something a little more unique about the interior, but again, if they changed nothing about it, I would still come here over and over. And I love that they have counter seating for one.
And cheers to the owner for being so talented and taking the time to make such an amazing burger and contributing to the history of the burger mecca, which is Los Angeles.
Located in a strip mall, this place is a true hole-in-the-wall — and it absolutely delivers. I’ve been eyeing For The Win for the past year, and it did not disappoint. Voted by many as the best burger in LA, I honestly agree.
I ordered the double cheeseburger with their house sauce, cheese, and onions. Simple, classic smash-burger perfection. The patties were incredible, and everything came together exactly how a great burger should.
There’s literally just a kitchen and about 10 tables inside, which adds to the experience. Highly, highly recommended. You won’t regret it.
I was really craving a burger at night, but the In N Out line was way too long. I treated myself post half marathon to a veggie burger, loaded fries and a cheeseburger. The loaded fries are so much better than In N Out animal style fries. I like that their onions are not so finely diced, they had more flavor and a better bite. I surprisingly liked the veggie burger more than the cheese burger. It had a good mix of veggies and a touch of spice (probably a jalapeno?) in the patty. The cheeseburger was a bit dry and underwhelming. But honestly, I'd still eat here over In N out with that line and they have parking here! And BBQ sauce ! And a veggie burger! Also the music was banging in here. Definitely a fun vibe. I think I would still eat at Win~Dow if it was open, over FTW. The food is better, the vegetarian options and on top of it, the price is way more affordable. But this is a solid option in Hollywood with parking
Great place to come and eat with your family or on a date. They serve smash style burgers and they are bomb! We got the Double Cheeseburgers with some sweet potato fries. The fries are perfect with the sauces they give you
I guess this was my first proper smash burger and now I'm not sure I'll be able to go somewhere else.
Everything was good, the fries too and the portion was very nice!
It definitely is one of these hidden gems you wouldn't come as a tourist, but it's a must try on Hollywood!
Miceli's Italian Restaurant
| Address | 1646 N Las Palmas Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90028 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:30 AM – 9:30 PM Tuesday: 11:30 AM – 9:30 PM Wednesday: 11:30 AM – 9:30 PM Thursday: 11:30 AM – 9:30 PM Friday: 11:30 AM – 9:30 PM Saturday: 11:30 AM – 9:30 PM Sunday: 11:30 AM – 9:30 PM |
| Phone | (323) 466-3438 |
Came here for the first time ever. I can say I was shocked how amazing it looked inside. Very classic Italian restaurant. I was a bit concerned about not able to take pictures due to signs on the outside stating no cellphones. Everyone seemed to be on their phones so I felt a bit at ease bit still confused. Ordered a Pizza of course and it was phenomenal. The sauce is perfect, veggies were freshly cooked and the dough was cooked perfect, a bit of a crunch and that was great of course. Also had the zucchini aswell. Everything was so delicious. Can't wait to return next weekend to try out more on the menu.
The last day of our vacation couldn’t have been more surprising and absolutely wonderful when our walking Hollywood Blvd had us spot this wonderful eatery. From the decor to the greeting to the seating we were entranced
But wait there’s more
We had live piano music! It was awesome. Then various waitstaff joined in with unbelievable voices to song.
Thank you, Aunt Angie, for your delicious lasagna. My husband enjoyed his delicious chicken parm.
If we happen back this way, we will definitely return for an amazing meal!
We made reservations more then a week in advance for our anniversary asking for a seat by the piano seating area. We were seated in the top level way above where our request. We ask for the seating where our reservations were made and Stephanie the host told us there was no seating. We were seated on the 3rd level, I was not happy! Food was okay server was okay. I have been coming here for years and there service has gone down.
The food, atmosphere, service, and decoration made this a 5 star resturante. What was even better is after our waitress took our order, she went up and sang beautifully with the piano guy! OMG the bruchetta was basic but the best I've ever had. We were on vacation and I randomly chose this place but I'll be back again for sure we are in the area every year around June! Love this place
Definitely go if you come to Hollywood!! Has the BEST decorations I’ve seen. It was such an experience to sit in this restaurant!! An amazing date spot. Food is great (not the best seafood linguine). But TRY THEIR CALAMARI!! It was amazing. The service is great. The waitress were so so respectful!
TGI Fridays (Hollywood)
| Address | 2005 Highland Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90068 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM Tuesday: 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM Wednesday: 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM Thursday: 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM Friday: 6:00 AM – 12:00 AM Saturday: 6:00 AM – 12:00 AM Sunday: 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM |
| Phone | (213) 921-3760 |
Closest stop to and from the Hollywood Bowl. We were staying at Hilton Garden, which is where this is located. Can't recommend it enough. Angie and Roger just hooked us up the entire week. It's my new Cheers bar. Happy hour is incredible and they even do poolside food and drink service. Love this place.
Came in last minute because our son graduated from Venice high school. We tried going to Cheesecake Factory but after an unsuccessful wait we decided to come over since it’s closer to home and we are so grateful we did! The bartender, Roger is amazing. Not only did he make sure all our drinks were refilled at all times but he made our son felt very special for his graduation day. At the end of our meal Roger surprised our grad with some delicious ice cream to celebrate and honestly that was very sweet. Roger made our visit extremely memorable for our special day. Thank you!
The waitstaff were attentive, friendly, and professional, which was the only positive aspect of our visit.
Unfortunately, the rest of our experience was very disappointing. A person who appeared to be giving tours repeatedly came into the restaurant to charge a speaker. Each time he entered, his dog came in as well. The dog was off-leash and ran underneath tables while customers were eating, apparently looking for food. My husband and I had also observed the same dog scratching itself on the floor mat outside the restaurant.
Not only was this disruptive during our meal, but it also seemed unsanitary to have a dog freely roaming under tables where people were dining. It made me question the cleanliness of the dining environment and the food being served.
My Caesar salad was disgusting and completely unappetizing. I was extremely disappointed with the overall experience and feel that we deserved a refund. While the waitstaff were excellent, everything else about our visit was unacceptable!
Food was great. Service was even better! Roger went above and beyond and made my birthday special tonight. He even brought me a sweet treat to celebrate. Thank you Roger! Will be back soon for another tasty delicious cocktail 😛😛
Came to have some drinks at the bar! The service was great! Roger was our bartender and he was great. He kept our drinks full all night! Definitely recommend if you want to have a drink or two with your honey!
Essential Tips for Dining Before the Show
While choosing the right restaurant is half the battle, how you approach the meal is just as important. The Hollywood Bowl has a unique set of logistical challenges that differ from a standard dinner out. From timing your arrival to navigating the walk, a little bit of forethought can drastically improve your evening. Here are some expert tips to ensure your pre-concert meal enhances, rather than hinders, your experience.
Make a Reservation (Even for Casual Spots): On concert nights, the entire neighborhood is operating at peak capacity. Even places that normally have no wait will be slammed starting around 5:30 PM. If the restaurant accepts reservations, book them. If they do not, try to arrive before the standard dinner rush or be prepared to put your name in and grab a drink at the bar while you wait.
Factor in the "Bowl Walk": The Hollywood Bowl is located up a significant hill. Depending on where you park or eat, you could be looking at a 15-to-20-minute walk, some of which is uphill. Wear comfortable shoes and do not underestimate the time it takes to get from the restaurant door to your actual seat. If you are running late, rideshares can drop you closer to the entrance, but traffic will be heavy.
Consider the "Stacked Parking" Dilemma: If you park in the official Bowl lots, you are often parked "stacked," meaning you cannot leave until the cars in front of you move. This makes dining after the show a hassle. Therefore, eating before is definitely the right call. However, it also means you should not leave leftovers in the car that you want to eat later, as you might be waiting an hour to get out of the lot.
Leverage the "To-Go" Option: Many of the high-quality restaurants near the venue allow you to order takeout. The Hollywood Bowl has famously relaxed rules regarding bringing your own food into the venue for most events (excluding lease events). If you are worried about time, order ahead online, pick up your food, and eat it at your seat while watching the sun set over the hills. It is the best of both worlds.
Check the Event Type: Not every show at the Bowl is a standard "Philharmonic" night. Some are "Lease Events" (often pop concerts or movie premieres) which may have different security protocols and sometimes restrict outside food. Before you plan to bring a to-go box into the venue, quickly check the specific event page for the night you are attending.
The perfect pre-Bowl meal is about more than just calories; it is about setting the tone for the evening. Whether you opt for a quick taco al pastor eaten standing up or a leisurely glass of wine on a patio, the goal is to transition from the chaos of Hollywood traffic into the relaxed, festive mood of the amphitheater. By planning ahead and choosing a spot that matches your vibe, you can turn a simple dinner into an integral part of the concert experience.
As the sun begins to dip behind the Hollywood sign and the house lights dim, you will be grateful you took the time to fuel up properly. Enjoy the show.
