Best Neighborhood Gem Restaurants in Universal City

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodFrenchIndian

Regions

DowntownHollywoodPasadenaSan Fernando ValleySouth LAWest Hollywood / Beverly Hills / Mid-Wilshire

Neighborhoods

Bel-AirBeverly / Fairfax / La Brea / Third St.Beverly HillsBrentwoodBurbankCentury City

Top Rated

CharmingDog-friendlyFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasions

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Award-winning

MICHELIN

Accessibility

Gender-neutral restroomWheelchair access

123 restaurants available nearby

1. Gwen

4.7

Exceptional(1534)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Contemporary American • Hollywood

Booked 30 times today

Gwen Butcher Shop & Restaurant is the second restaurant from fine dining chef Curtis Stone (of Maude) and the first he’s opened with his brother Luke Stone. Gwen is both a European-style, chef-driven butcher shop and a restaurant that is redefining dining in LA, with a menu that calls on fire-based cooking techniques. Whether you’re picking up house-made charcuterie, prime and rare breed meats from the retail store, enjoying a feast in the dining room or relaxing with a bite and cocktail at the bar, Gwen delivers the highest standards of quality, taste and service.On Wednesdays-Sundays, we offer Chef's Carte Blanche 5-course tasting menu for $140 per person (limited quantities available). The whole party must enjoy the tasting menu and wine pairings are available for $90 per person. If you have any questions, please feel free to call the restaurant at 323-946-7500.

A photo of TAO Asian Bistro - Los Angeles restaurant

2. TAO Asian Bistro - Los Angeles

4.7

Exceptional(4257)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Asian • Hollywood

Booked 102 times today

TAO Los Angeles is a dynamic two-level space, complete with two private dining rooms, outdoor patio, lounge with large bar. and main dining room anchored by our 16 foot Quan Yin statue.

3. The Front Yard

4.7

Exceptional(5607)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Californian • Studio City

Booked 130 times today

The Front Yard at The Garland in North Hollywood fully encapsulates guests in an authentic Southern California dining experience. Our thoughtfully crafted menu celebrates the Los Angeles food scene. Upscale décor, stunning outdoor patio, hip bar serving “modern classic” cocktails, and a lively ambiance combined with the genuine warmth of dining at a close friend’s home creates a social atmosphere.

4. The Tower Bar

4.7

Exceptional(2021)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Californian • West Hollywood

Booked 75 times today

The Terrace at the famous Sunset Tower Hotel debuted a new look in May of 2018, featuring a refreshed outdoor dining experience with updated furnishings and an elegant new bar. The Tower Bar Restaurant has split views of the city from either side of the lobby. It offers a swank lounge, bar and an al fresco dining experience. Custom made banquettes line the windows that showcase an unparalleled view of the Los Angeles skyline. Art deco design influences include walnut with gold inlay trim in a subtle, muted color scheme. The delectable menu features California Bistro with Italian fare. A dress code is enforced, please call for information.We are now open daily for breakfast and lunch. Dinner is offered six nights a week, Monday-Saturday. We are unable to guarantee a seating preference of indoors or outdoors. We recommend a sweater or light coat during the evenings.Shorts, baseball caps, sweats, sandals, tank tops, phone calls, computers and photos are not permitted.

5. La Boheme

4.7

Exceptional(4725)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • West Hollywood

Booked 71 times today

Located in the heart of West Hollywood, La Boheme is arguably one of the most romantic spots in L.A., surrounded by stunning views of crystal chandeliers and a glowing fireplace indoors, then travel outdoors for an enchanting atmosphere with colorful, velvet couches, antique oil paintings and magical string lights...a definite al fresco paradise. Expect a warm welcome, impeccable service, unparalleled cuisine, and chic crowd at this prime destination. Prepare to stimulate all of your senses at La Boheme. Mon-Thurs: 5pm-10pm (Food Served Till 10pm)Fri: 5pm-midnight (Food Served Till 11pm) Sat: 11am-midnight (Food Served Till 11pm) Sun: 11am-10pm (Food Served Till 10pm) Brunch (Sat & Sun) - 11am-3:45pmThe menu is unique, multifaceted, consisting of New American Cuisine with French Influence.

6. Catch LA

4.6

Exceptional(10268)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Seafood • West Hollywood

Booked 166 times today

Catch LA combines its iconic seafood and sushi program, flown in from Tokyo's Toyosu Market, with Catch Steak's renowned steak program. The menu, served in a streaming, shareable style, features signature dishes like the Catch Roll, Truffle Sashimi, Spicy Gigli, and Cantonese Lobster alongside a curated collection of the world's best steak cuts and Japanese Wagyu cooked tableside on a hot rock. Perched above the dynamic streets of the West Hollywood Design District on the corner of Melrose and San Vicente, the retractable rooftop haven offers a lively atmosphere, excellent service, and a unique, open-air dining room with breathtaking views of downtown Los Angeles and the Hollywood Hills.

A photo of Firefly - Studio City restaurant

7. Firefly - Studio City

4.7

Exceptional(4193)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Contemporary American • Studio City

Booked 59 times today

An enchanting and romantic covered outdoor patio that offers a unique dining experience, complete with outdoor fireplaces and hillside views in the heart of Studio City. We offer small and large plates featuring Modern American and Mediterranean influenced dishes by Chef Viet Pham. We offer handcrafted cocktails, delicious wines, and hand selected beers. We have two beautiful outdoor patios, a library lounge and bar area.

8. Saffy's

4.8

Exceptional(1258)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Middle Eastern • East Hollywood

Booked 76 times today

Saffy's is a true neighborhood gem, praised by locals for its exceptional Middle Eastern cuisine. As one reviewer said, 'Nobody cooks middle eastern food like my partner’s mom, except maybe for Saffy’s.' The ambiance is cozy and inviting, with a family-style dining experience that fosters sharing and socializing. The staff is polite, knowledgeable and attentive, adding to the overall positive dining experience. The food is consistently described as 'outstanding', 'delicious', and 'spectacular'. Whether you're looking for a casual night out with friends or a special occasion, Saffy's is a must-visit.

A photo of Cecconi's West Hollywood restaurant

9. Cecconi's West Hollywood

4.7

Exceptional(4982)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • West Hollywood

Booked 109 times today

Cecconi’s is a modern day classic Italian restaurant open for brunch, and dinner, seven days a week. Brunch is served on Saturday and Sunday. Cecconi’s serves hand-made pasta, seafood and dishes from Italy using the finest ingredients. In addition to the flagship restaurant in Mayfair, London, Cecconi’s has outposts in Los Angeles, Miami, Istanbul, Berlin, Barcelona and Brooklyn.As a courtesy to other guests, we do not accept any animals.Except for any ADA approved animal that is individually trained to do or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability.

10. The Little Door

4.7

Exceptional(3054)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Contemporary French • West Hollywood

Booked 50 times today

Two simple wooden doors open up to quite a buzz in an otherwise romantic courtyard, where a colorful crowd hangs at the bar and lingers at coveted patio tables. Inside, seats spread throughout the candlelit house-turned-restaurant with intimate furniture. Organic seasonal ingredients, creatively prepared and impeccably presented, characterize our unique menu. If you do not see a reservation time for the time you would like please also check on Tock at exploretock.com/thelittledoorFor reservations on Holidays, please call the restaurant.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

L
Linda
Phoenix / Arizona •2 reviews
5.0
Dined today
Food & service is top notch! Ryan was a great waiter-definitely going back!
More info
The Front YardPrice: Moderate• Californian• Studio City
•
4.7
J
JudyVIP
Los Angeles •1 review
5.0
Dined today
Had a lovely evening and the service was perfect!
More info
The Tower BarPrice: Very Expensive• Californian• West Hollywood
•
4.7
M
MarcoVIP
Washington, D.C. Area •111 reviews
4.0
Dined 3 days ago
Always a pleasure to dine in such beautiful setting.
More info
La BohemePrice: Moderate• American• West Hollywood
•
4.7
OT
OpenTable Diner
Los Angeles •5 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Great food and great service! The chicken fried rice is my fave
More info
TAO Asian Bistro - Los AngelesPrice: Expensive• Asian• Hollywood
•
4.7
R
RolandoVIP
Las Vegas •21 reviews
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
The service was really good, the servers were friendly and very knowledgeable. The food was very good as well, they have a sommelier who can recommend wine pairing with the food you ordered.
More info
GwenPrice: Very Expensive• Contemporary American• Hollywood
•
4.7