Welcome to the glitz and glamour of Hollywood, Los Angeles! This neighborhood is a haven for foodies, entertainment enthusiasts, and avid shoppers. Get ready to indulge in a world of culinary delights, explore famous landmarks, and discover unique shopping destinations. We've curated a guide below to help you get started - let's dive into the best restaurants, attractions, and shopping spots in Hollywood and West Hollywood.
Eat & Drink
1. L'Antica Pizzeria da Michele: Step into this legendary Italian spot that traces its roots back to 1870 in Naples. If you’re looking for authentic Italian pizza, this is your spot – savor their most adored pies like the Spicy Diavola, Arugula and Prosciutto, and Truffle options, along with classics like their Marinara and Margherita. Don't miss out on their outstanding pasta dishes, shareables, and delectable desserts. Pair your meal with a selection of wines or craft cocktails.
2. Gigi's: Hollywood's culinary scene got a major boost with the arrival of Gigi's. This high-energy restaurant serves classic French cuisine and is known for hosting celebrity parties. From escargot to French onion soup, the menu is a gastronomic delight. Indulge in their raw bar, complete with a caviar service, or savor dishes like steak tartare and moules frites.
3. Mashti Malone's: Mashti Malone's is a hidden gem for Persian-style ice cream. With a fantastic array of unique flavors infused with rosewater, saffron, cardamom, and pistachio, this ice cream shop is a true delight. Owner Mashti Sirvani brings his passion for ice cream from his upbringing in Iran to create innovative and creative flavors that will brighten up even the gloomiest day.
4. Ka'Teen: Experience the culinary genius of Chef Wes Avila at Ka'Teen, a Yucatan-inflected restaurant in Hollywood. Chef Wes, known for his creative Chicano tacos, infuses fine dining techniques with LA's vibrant food culture. Tuck into dishes like the Pibil, a heritage pork rubbed with achiote and bitter orange, wrapped in banana leaves, and slow cooked to perfection. Vegetarian options, fish tacos, and aguachile are also available. Dine in a tropical inspired ambiance and sip on bright, citrus forward drinks.
5. Hui Tou Xiang Hollywood: Hui Tou Xiang is one of Hollywood dining’s newest additions. Renowned in the San Gabriel Valley, this dumpling star offers some of the best dumplings in town. Their Hui Tou dumplings and oblong pan-fried potstickers are a must-try. They also serve noodles, kimchi, and a boutique selection of beer, wine, and sake. Even better, you can enjoy the flavors of Chinese cuisine at Hui Tou Xiang without breaking the bank.
6. Magari: Discover the fusion of Tokyo and Italian cuisine at Magari, a stunning restaurant in the heart of Hollywood. The chefs at Magari skillfully blend the two cuisines to create an unparalleled dining experience. From miso Caesar on grilled asparagus to yuzu-infused tagliatelle, the menu is a celebration of flavor. Indulge in dishes like eggplant agnolotti in a broth of shio koji and parmesan. This is the type of place that may leave you with sauce stains on your shirt – and you won’t even be mad about it.
7. Lunch at Tocaya: For a late lunch, head to Tocaya, a modern organic café that elevates bold Mexican flavors. Enjoy a delicious meal with a Mexican twist and buen provecho!
For more dining suggestions, check out Thrillist's list of the best restaurants in Hollywood.
Play & Explore
1. Griffith Observatory: Enjoy breathtaking views of the city from Griffith Observatory. Marvel at the clean white walls and black domes as you explore exhibits about astronomy and space. Don't miss the chance to look through the Zeiss refracting telescope, arguably the showpiece of the observatory, and learn about the wonders of the universe.
2. Runyon Canyon Park: This popular hiking destination is located a quick 30-minute walk from Level Hollywood! It boasts beautiful trails and panoramic views of the city – the perfect spot for a breather from the buzz of the city with some movement in nature.
3. Hollywood Walk of Fame: Immerse yourself in Hollywood's entertainment history as you stroll along the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Discover the stars dedicated to the greats of the entertainment industry. To locate specific stars, refer to the Walk of Fame directory or use online resources like Google Maps.
4. Stroll along the storied Sunset Strip: Experience a myriad of venues and views along Sunset Boulevard. From legendary clubs to iconic billboards, the Sunset Strip is a bucket-lister. Explore the vibrant Sunset Plaza with its high-end restaurants and boutiques, where industry insiders and locals mingle.
5. Explore West Hollywood's Design District: Dive into the trends of art, beauty, fashion, and décor in West Hollywood's Design District. Peruse through art galleries, antique shops, fashion boutiques, and interior design stores. Explore more than 40 restaurants and browse popular destinations like Rag & Bone and Phyllis Morris for fashion-forward finds.
6. Hollywood Bowl: Attend a concert or event OUTDOORS at the Hollywood Bowl, a world-renowned outdoor amphitheater. It hosts a variety of performances, ranging from classical music to contemporary artists. Looking for last-minute tickets? We got you! Head over to ticket master to see what’s happening.
7. The Magic Castle: Big Magic fan? Try the Magic Castle, a private club that offers ‘magical’ dinner shows in an enchanting atmosphere.
8. Amoeba Music: Browse through an extensive collection of music, movies, and memorabilia at Amoeba Music. This iconic record store is a paradise for music enthusiasts. They often host live performances – keep an eye on their insta @amoebahollywood for fun upcoming events.
9. Hollywood Farmers Market: Pick from a colorful display of fresh produce, gourmet foods, artisanal crafts, and more at the Hollywood Farmers Market. It’s a popular Sunday hub for locals and visitors alike.
10. Museum of Death: For those intrigued by the macabre, the Museum of Death provides a unique experience with exhibits on various aspects of death, including crime scene photographs, serial killer artwork, and more.
11. The Hollywood Museum: Looking for memorabilia from the World Hub for film and television? Check out the Hollywood Museum, located in the historic Max Factor Building. It showcases a vast collection of props, costumes, and sets from famous movies and shows.
12. Last but not least, the Hollywood Sign: Get up close and personal with this world-famous sign. Take a hike or find a vantage point to admire the iconic Hollywood Sign and capture the perfect photo.
Shop
1. Melrose Avenue: Embark on a retail therapy adventure along Melrose Avenue, where you'll find a mix of apparel, design, and unexpected gifts. From funky gems like Japan LA and Joyrich for Tokyo-inspired streetwear to vintage finds at Scout, Melrose Avenue offers a diverse shopping experience. As you head west towards Melrose Place, you'll encounter high-end labels such as Chloe, rag & bone, Alice and Olivia, and A.P.C. Plus, there are plenty of trendy backdrops for impromptu photo opts – graffiti walls, eye-catching store fronts, and neon signs galore.
2. Pacific Design Center: Visit the massive three-building complex of the Pacific Design Center, located on the corner of Melrose and San Vicente Boulevard. While not all vendors in the center are open to the public, you'll find luxury establishments in the surrounding blocks. Explore RH West Hollywood, Blu Dot, Dao, and Christopher Guy for furniture and homewares.
3. Sunset Plaza: If people-watching is your thing, head to Sunset Plaza. This shopping area on the Sunset Strip offers a mix of colorful shops and vibrant characters. Take a break at Le Petit Four in the center of the plaza, where you can savor California-meets-French cuisine while enjoying the lively ambiance.
Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Hollywood and West Hollywood, where culinary delights, iconic landmarks, and unique shopping experiences await at every corner. Enjoy your adventure in this captivating neighborhood!