Restaurants in Hollywood serve up some of LA’s most diverse dining experiences, ranging from Michelin-starred excellence to beloved late-night local spots. Your options span from Providence’s $300 seafood tasting menu to authentic Southern Thai flavors at Luv2eat Thai Bistro. This iconic neighborhood caters to every palate and budget.
Hollywood’s culinary landscape tells a fascinating story. Musso & Frank Grill has maintained its classic continental cuisine since 1919, while newer additions like Mother Wolf bring fresh energy with their vibrant atmosphere and exceptional pasta dishes. The neighborhood’s famous restaurants showcase incredible variety. Gwen impresses diners with its house-made charcuterie, and Clark Street Diner draws crowds with classic American fare in a retro setting.
The neighborhood’s best eateries create their own unique experiences throughout the area. The Hollywood Roosevelt’s Shirley Brasserie delights with French-California fusion, while Sincerely Syria satisfies late-night cravings with perfect shawarma. This piece will direct you to the area’s most iconic dining spots.
Providence
Image Source: OpenTable
Providence, a culinary landmark with two Michelin stars, sits along Melrose Avenue and ranks among Hollywood’s finest restaurants.
Providence’s Fine Dining Experience
The dining room got a fresh look that captures an underwater theme with blue-green walls and silver-orbed chandeliers that look like air bubbles. The 2023 makeover brought in custom walnut tables and ocean-inspired carpeting. These elements create the perfect backdrop for their seafood-focused menu.
Providence’s Seafood Specialties
Chef Michael Cimarusti started his journey as a fisherman before stepping into the kitchen. His love for environmentally responsible seafood shines through every dish. The eight-course tasting menu costs $295 per person and features ingredients carefully sourced from American waters. The menu’s standout dishes include a soft-poached egg topped with Santa Barbara uni and Champagne sauce. The kitchen team tends to their rooftop garden where they grow herbs and keep beehives for pollination.
Providence’s Wine Program
Sommelier David Osenbach leads an impressive wine program that has more than 800 selections. Their collection focuses on regions that complement seafood perfectly, with extensive options of Champagne, Chablis, and German whites. Wine pairings come in two tiers – standard at $155 and premium at $325. The wine list earned Wine Spectator’s Best of Award of Excellence since 2016. Osenbach keeps the selection fresh by rotating vintages regularly.
The kitchen team practices new dishes hundreds of times before they reach your table. This steadfast dedication to excellence makes Providence one of Hollywood’s most coveted dining spots. You’ll need to plan ahead since reservations book up weeks or months in advance, which proves its place among Hollywood’s finest restaurants.
Musso & Frank Grill
Image Source: Wikipedia
Musso & Frank Grill stands proudly at 6667 Hollywood Boulevard. This iconic Hollywood restaurant has served guests without interruption since 1919.
Musso & Frank’s Classic Cocktails
The restaurant’s legendary martini program stands out above everything else. The bar served an impressive 55,272 martinis in 2018, and GQ named it America’s best spot for this classic cocktail. Their signature preparation is an art – stirring gently (never shaking) about 12 times, using filtered water ice, and serving in a 2½-ounce vessel. A sidecar refill nestles in crushed ice.
Musso & Frank’s Historic Menu
The menu tells a story of culinary excellence. Only three executive chefs have led the kitchen in its 100-year history. These signature dishes stand out:
- Fettuccine Alfredo – Mary Pickford and Douglas Fairbanks brought it to Hollywood after their Rome honeymoon
- Flannel Cakes – a unique French crepe-pancake hybrid they’ve made since the 1920s
- Thursday-exclusive chicken pot pie
The restaurant stays true to tradition with its menu, keeping many original recipes while adding subtle modern touches. They’ve switched to fresh ingredients instead of canned ones and updated cooking methods to boost flavors without losing the classic appeal.
Musso & Frank’s Movie Appearances
This Hollywood gem has turned into a cultural landmark that shows up in countless films and TV shows. The restaurant made its first silver screen appearance in Buster Keaton’s 1922 film “Cops”. Quentin Tarantino featured it prominently in “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood,” with a memorable scene between Brad Pitt, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Al Pacino. You can spot it in “Ocean’s Eleven” (2001), “Mad Men” (2007-2015), and “The Kominsky Method” (2018-2021).
Mother Wolf
Image Source: Mother Wolf
Mother Wolf sits in Hollywood’s historic Citizen News Building, where Chef Evan Funke shows his steadfast dedication to authentic Roman cuisine. This 8,000-square-foot dining spot has become one of Hollywood’s best restaurants, drawing both celebrities and food lovers.
Mother Wolf’s Pasta Specialties
Chef Funke’s expertise shines through his handcrafted pasta. He has mastered 155 different shapes throughout his career. His signature dishes include the Rigatoncini alla Vaccinara with oxtail ragu and guanciale. His passion for authenticity runs deep. During his training in Italy, Funke ate cacio e pepe three times daily for 25 consecutive days to understand its true essence.
Mother Wolf’s Wine Selection
Italian wines dominate the wine program, with room only for select Champagnes. The collection started with small producers and now showcases wines from Piedmont, Tuscany, and Sardinia regions. Sommeliers serve rare Italian wines by the glass and focus on environmentally responsible practices.
Mother Wolf’s Design Elements
Martin Brudnizki Design Studio created a space with an open kitchen that spans 3,000 square feet. The dining room fits 150 seats among stunning design features:
- Deep red columns and plush rose pink chairs
- Italian ceramic and glass lighting fixtures
- Marble details and plaster relief work
- Custom fabric ceiling with Murano glass chandeliers
Servers in white jackets move gracefully between tables, creating an atmosphere that balances grandeur with warmth. The experience mirrors Rome’s finest establishments. The space comes alive throughout the evening, keeping its place among Hollywood’s most coveted restaurants.
Gwen
Image Source: Eater LA
Gwen combines European-style butchery with fine dining excellence as a Michelin-starred destination among the best restaurants in Hollywood.
Gwen’s Premium Cuts
The butcher shop stands at this famous Hollywood restaurant’s heart, with humanely raised meats from local partner farms. The selection has:
- Premium David Blackmore Wagyu from Australia
- Grass-Fed and Grain-Fed Beef
- House-made charcuterie and gourmet sausages
Gwen’s Dining Experience
Gwen breaks away from traditional fine dining by offering flexible options. Guests can choose between á la carte selections and a five-course tasting menu at $140 per person. HOME STUDIOS designed the dining room that showcases glass-enclosed dry-age rooms and a central fire pit for smoking, searing, and roasting. Rich leather banquettes, dramatic lighting, and touches of copper and pink marble enhance the space beautifully.
The Wine Room sits on the mezzanine level with 30 seats surrounded by custom-made art deco glass cabinets. Wine pairings enhance the tasting menu at $90 per person. The cocktail program creates innovative takes on classic drinks and often incorporates elements from the butcher program.
Gwen’s Chef’s Background
Chef Curtis Stone and his brother Luke turned their decade-long dream into reality with this restaurant. Both brothers started their careers in butcher shops before taking different paths. Curtis cooked in Michelin-starred restaurants while Luke built his business skills managing a corporate florist business in Australia. Their grandmother Gwen inspired it all. Her farm outside Melbourne first introduced them to livestock farming and taught them respect for raising animals for food.
Luv2eat Thai Bistro
Image Source: Eater LA
Luv2eat Thai Bistro sits quietly in a modest strip mall on Sunset Boulevard, bringing authentic Southern Thai flavors to Hollywood.
Luv2eat’s Regional Specialties
Chefs Noree Pla and Fern Kaewtathip celebrate their Phuket roots by serving dishes rarely found on American menus. Their signature Phuket-style crab curry shines with a bright lemon-colored base that’s rich with lemongrass, galangal, and Makrut lime zest. The massaman curry recipe comes from Chef Kaewtathip’s grandmother and features a unique blend of cardamom, tamarind, palm sugar, and fish sauce that creates extra depth.
Luv2eat’s Spice Levels
The restaurant lets you pick your heat level on a scale from 1-10 based on your spice priorities. The staff helpfully warns guests about heat intensity before they order spicy dishes. These chefs use spice like salt and acidity to create complex flavors, which shows beautifully in their signature massaman curry.
Luv2eat’s Best Sellers
The most popular dishes at this Hollywood gem include:
- Hat Yai-style fried chicken – dredged in rice flour and fried twice for ultimate crispiness, served with vinegary sweet chile sauce and fried shallots
- Zeed noodle soup – features a pho-like clear broth with three types of pork
- Jade noodles – topped with BBQ pork, crispy pork, and roast duck
You’ll get generous portions here, making it one of Hollywood’s best values for your money.
Horses
Image Source: Eater LA
The striking Yves Klein blue facade of Horses stands out on Sunset Boulevard. This Hollywood hotspot has become so popular that a typical Thursday sees 1,784 names on the waiting list.
Horses’ Seasonal Menu
The Continental-Californian menu reflects the combined talents of four head chefs. Their signature dishes shine through:
- Endive Caesar Salad – A unique take with Mimolette cheese and breadcrumbs
- Butcher’s Steak – Grilled over vine cuttings with celeriac dauphinoise
- The Herman – An off-menu vodka pasta topped with sausage crumbles
- Sheep’s Milk Cheesecake – Served with seasonal accompaniments
Horses’ Bar Program
Steve LaFountain’s beverage program lifts classic cocktails with subtle twists. The Vesper shines with fig leaf-infused gin, while the Black Manhattan gains depth from Cynar. Terence Leavey, who previously worked at Spago and Vespertine, curates a wine list that perfectly balances natural and biodynamic options with Old World bottles.
Horses’ Dining Room Atmosphere
Each room in the space tells its own story. The main dining room welcomes guests with wooden bars and cozy red booths. A-list celebrities often gather in the back room, which features dreamlike horse paintings by Kacper Abolik. The yellow-boothed dining area comes alive with energy from the open kitchen, making Horses one of Hollywood’s finest spots for both atmosphere and food.
Mr. T
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Mr. T brings the elegance of Parisian street food to Sycamore Avenue and stands out as one of Hollywood’s most innovative restaurants. French restaurateur Guillaume Guedj and Chef Tsuyoshi Miyazaki have created a culinary destination that naturally combines global flavors with French techniques.
Mr. T’s Global Influences
The restaurant takes street food to new heights with a contemporary French twist. Executive Chef Alisa Vannah leads the kitchen and turns global street food classics into refined dishes. Her training at the original Mr. T in Paris, combined with experience from République and Chi Spacca, helps her create dishes that show both French precision and international flair.
Mr. T’s Signature Dishes
Mr. T’s menu features several standout items that have earned its place among Hollywood’s best restaurants:
- Vermilion Rock Cod – Served with vadouvan crust and miso sabayon sauce
- Thai Scallop Crudo – A seasonal specialty highlighting fresh seafood
- Uni Rice – Boosted with confit egg yolk and sea urchin crème
- Chicken Tsukune – A Japanese-inspired mille-feuille preparation
Mr. T’s Entertainment
The restaurant pairs exceptional cuisine with a lively atmosphere and carefully chosen entertainment. A 50-seat dining room surrounds an open kitchen, with a 12-seat bar adding to the space. The outdoor patio welcomes an additional 40 guests. Old-school hip-hop music fills the air, while special events feature live jazz performances and DJ sets. These elements make Mr. T one of Hollywood’s most exciting restaurants.
Raw stone, white quartz, and concrete elements create an industrial-style interior with neutral tones. Custom lighting fixtures, created through collaboration with architect Richard Altuna, light up the space. This design perfectly matches both the food and entertainment experience.
Hui Tou Xiang
Image Source: www.huitouxiang.com
Hui Tou Xiang has become a standout among Hollywood’s best restaurants. Their rectangular-shaped dumplings have created a loyal fan base in both San Gabriel Valley and Hollywood.
Hui Tou’s Dumpling Varieties
The signature hui tou dumplings are the star of the show with their juicy pork or beef fillings wrapped in crispy pan-fried casings. The menu features many dumpling options including:
- Potstickers stuffed with pork, chicken, or fish
- Steamed pork shumai
- Xiao Long Bao (soup dumplings)
- Vegetarian dumplings with napa cabbage, carrots, and mushrooms
Hui Tou’s Authentic Experience
The restaurant keeps things simple with a focus on fresh, quality ingredients. The kitchen team uses fewer ingredients to create maximum flavor. You’ll get your food quickly as dishes come out in the order they’re prepared.
Hui Tou’s Popular Orders
Customer ratings show clear favorites on the menu. The Pork Xiao Long Bao has earned a 94% satisfaction rate thanks to its rich, flavorful broth. The signature Pork Hui Tou boasts a 98% approval rating, and the Vegetarian Leek Pancakes have a perfect 100% satisfaction score.
A family of four can enjoy a full meal here for less than $50. The Spicy Pork Wontons cost $14, and you can add refreshing sides like cucumber salad and wood ear mushroom dish that bring clean, subtle flavors. The mix of quality, authenticity, and value makes Hui Tou Xiang one of Hollywood’s best dining spots.
Sincerely Syria
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This 3-year old Syrian street food spot near Hollywood Boulevard’s heart has become one of Hollywood’s best places to eat with its perfectly prepared shawarma.
Sincerely Syria’s Middle Eastern Flavors
The restaurant shines with two amazing shawarma varieties. The lahme (lamb and beef mix) comes with a classic Syrian baharat spice blend that combines cumin, cardamom, coriander, cinnamon, and black pepper. The djej (chicken) tastes bright and zesty with lemon, garlic, and chile flakes. Each meat gets its own special sauce – tarator (tahini-based) pairs with the lamb and beef, while toum (whipped garlic sauce) complements the chicken perfectly.
Sincerely Syria’s Fresh Ingredients
The restaurant’s steadfast dedication to quality shows in their meat cones that look like oversized pine cones in two distinct woodsy shades. The staff shaves meat from inverted cones on spinning spits and quickly grills it on a flattop. Fresh onions, parsley, pickles, and pickled peppers add the perfect crunch to every wrap.
Sincerely Syria’s Quick Service
The restaurant serves customers from lunch until midnight with two wrap sizes – a 6-inch option at $9.99 and a 12-inch version at $13.99-14.99. The core team maintains quality consistently whether the chef is there or not. Customers can customize their orders with extra sauce, more pickles, or fries inside their chicken shawarma – a popular Lebanese twist.
Ka’Teen
Image Source: www.kateenla.com
Ka’Teen brings the vibrant spirit of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula to Hollywood’s bustling heart. The restaurant’s name “Ka’teen,” which means “afresh” in Mayan, reflects Chef Wes Avila’s modern take on ancient cuisine.
Ka’Teen’s Yucatan Inspiration
Chef Avila’s menu celebrates the Mayan Riviera’s rich culinary heritage. His creative vision combines coastal Mexican flavors with Los Angeles’s unique style. Signature dishes like cochinita pibil and lamb neck barbacoa showcase this fusion perfectly. The kitchen sources fresh ingredients from local purveyors and farmers to preserve authentic Yucatan flavors.
Ka’Teen’s Atmosphere
A stunning 5,000 square feet of outdoor dining space transports guests to Mexico’s Riviera Maya region. Guests enter through a reeded tunnel that reveals a lush tropical paradise. The space features:
- Leather-and-wood barrel chairs
- Dozens of rattan-covered lights suspended overhead
- Deep greenery and rough-hewn wood throughout
- Candlelit tables for intimate dining
Ka’Teen’s Signature Dishes
Coastal Mexican specialties with distinct Yucatán influences dominate the menu. Big eye tuna aguachilie and scallop ceviche tostadas lead the impressive lineup. The whole grilled pescado zarandeado stands out among main courses. Guests can pair their meals with craft Mexican beers or signature cocktails. The gypsy fever, which blends Ilegal Mezcal, passionfruit, lime, guava, and agave, has become a local favorite.
The restaurant welcomes groups of all sizes, from couples seeking intimate dinners to larger parties gathering at candlelit communal tables. This flexibility has made Ka’Teen a 2-year old Hollywood hotspot for both casual meals and special celebrations.
Superba Food + Bread
Image Source: Superba
Superba Food + Bread combines bakery excellence with café culture to bring artisanal baking and all-day dining to Sunset Boulevard.
Superba’s All-Day Menu
Fresh, seasonal ingredients shape the kitchen’s diverse menu selections. Guests can enjoy everything from breakfast to dinner here. The cypress grove cheese omelet costs $20, while the angel hair pomodoro runs $23. Health-conscious diners will appreciate specialties like the grain bowl that comes with sprouted brown rice and baby kale.
Superba’s Bakery Items
Venice Bakehouse creates fresh-baked goods daily with remarkable variety:
- 10 artisanal bread varieties
- 30 handcrafted pastries
- 10 unique croissant variations
The bakery team starts work before dawn to prepare deliveries. Santa Monica Farmer’s Market supplies the seasonal ingredients that go into the pastries, which ensures every bite bursts with peak flavor and freshness.
Superba’s Patio Setting
This space seamlessly blends a bakery, café, and urban park into one. The welcoming atmosphere suits both quick coffee runs and leisurely meals. Weekday hours run from 11 AM to 10 PM, while weekend service starts earlier at 9 AM. Shade trees dot the patio that glows under beautiful lighting to create a cozy yet luxurious dining spot.
Clark Street Diner
Image Source: Discover Los Angeles
Clark Street Diner brings fresh energy to a historic 1960s space that was once home to the iconic 101 Coffee Shop.
Clark Street’s Classic Diner Fare
The menu celebrates timeless breakfast classics. Their signature Challah French Toast comes with thick-cut bread and sage breakfast sausage patties that shows the kitchen’s dedication to quality. The eggs Florentine hits all the right notes with perfectly cooked yolks and balanced hollandaise sauce. The hash browns have earned their spot as some of the best in Los Angeles.
Clark Street’s Modern Updates
The diner’s progress is evident in its new offerings. A beautiful pastry case welcomes guests at the entrance with an array of fresh-baked treats:
- Savory and sweet croissants
- Knotted cardamom buns
- Cheddar-chive scones
- Rye-flour brownies
The kitchen sources organic ingredients from local providers and uses flour from Tehachapi grain and Weiser Farms.
Clark Street’s Neighborhood Vibe
The space remains a pristine 1960s time capsule that has survived ownership changes. Quilted brown vinyl booths, vintage light fixtures, and stone walls create a retro atmosphere that takes diners back in time. The diner has become a Hollywood star in its own right, appearing in Swingers, Entourage, and a recent Megan Thee Stallion music video. It welcomes guests from 7 AM to 3 PM daily, making it a top Hollywood spot for breakfast and lunch lovers.
Jones
Image Source: The Infatuation
Jones brings rock ‘n’ roll spirit to Italian dining just steps from the heart of Sunset Boulevard. The restaurant welcomes guests nightly from 7 PM to 2 AM.
Jones’ Comfort Food Menu
The menu celebrates Italian comfort food with modern California influences. Wood-fired pizzas and handmade pasta dishes showcase the kitchen’s expertise. The desserts are show-stoppers here. Their Famous Apple Pie arrives sizzling on a platter with brown sugar sauce and vanilla bean ice cream at $12.50. The rich chocolate walnut brownie and traditional tiramisu at $10.50 each help make this the best restaurant in Hollywood.
Jones’ Bar Scene
Creative mixology shines through the bar’s signature cocktails. The standout drinks include:
- The Dirty Sue ($16.50) – featuring Ketel One Vodka or Tanqueray Ten gin
- Cigarettes and Alcohol ($16.50) – a signature Old Fashioned with Jack Daniels Single Barrel Select
- Chelsea 100 ($16.50) – their take on a Manhattan with Old Overholt Rye
Rock music from a coveted jukebox appeals to guests with tracks from The White Stripes, Led Zeppelin, and Jimi Hendrix. The space keeps an intellectual vibe with no TVs and encourages genuine conversation.
Jones’ Restaurant Week Specials
Red-and-white-checkered tablecloths and noteworthy bathroom art fill the 8,000-square-foot space. The restaurant ended up creating a versatile venue for both intimate dinners and larger gatherings, with stylish Italian touches throughout. The dining room delivers one of the most authentic experiences among famous restaurants in Hollywood.
El Compadre
Image Source: Tripadvisor
El Compadre, a 48-year old Mexican restaurant, brings authentic dining to Hollywood’s heart. David Castro and Mario Jimenez founded this family-owned establishment and named it after their roles as godfathers to each other’s children.
El Compadre’s Mexican Classics
Family recipes passed down through generations shape the kitchen’s core offerings. The skilled chefs craft select cuts of meat and choice seafood with seasonal fresh vegetables. The El Padrino combination plate, without doubt one of their finest offerings, features thinly sliced grilled steak, beef taco, and cheese enchilada that represents the restaurant’s traditional flavors.
El Compadre’s Flaming Margaritas
Their signature flaming margarita stands as a theatrical masterpiece with these variations:
- Classic Gold Tequila version
- Peach and coconut variations
- Banana-infused option
- Spicy jalapeño twist
Guests can choose either a salted or Tajin-seasoned rim before the dramatic flame presentation enhances their margarita experience.
El Compadre’s Entertainment
Hand-painted walls, arts and crafts, and hand-carved woods adorn the dimly lit interior. Rustic tiled roofs support wrought iron chandeliers that create an upscale old-world hacienda atmosphere. A talented trio performs traditional Mexican classics that add to the romantic ambiance. The Hollywood location’s sultry lighting and nightly live music tradition sets it apart from other famous Hollywood restaurants.
Conclusion
Hollywood’s remarkable culinary scene shines through these 15 iconic restaurants. Providence and Gwen offer exceptional fine dining experiences with their Michelin stars. Clark Street Diner and Sincerely Syria serve delicious casual fare that locals love.
Mother Wolf and Horses have become celebrity magnets. Their innovative menus and sophisticated atmosphere draw A-list diners regularly. Musso & Frank Grill stands as a symbol of classic Hollywood glamor and serves traditional favorites with their perfectly crafted martinis.
Food lovers can find authentic international flavors at Luv2eat Thai Bistro, Ka’Teen, and El Compadre. On top of that, trendy spots like Mr. T and Superba Food + Bread bring fresh energy to the neighborhood.
Hollywood Bus Tours operates from The Hollywood Visitor Center (7046 Hollywood Boulevard). They help visitors find these culinary spots quickly. The perfect Hollywood dining experience awaits just steps from our central location – whether you want a $300 tasting menu or late-night shawarma.
These restaurants showcase Hollywood’s rise from a movie industry hub to a world-class dining destination. Each spot adds its unique flavor to the neighborhood’s mixture of cuisines. Hollywood has become an essential stop for any food lover exploring Los Angeles.
