In the land of “Hot & New” sometimes “Old & Faithful” is the way to go. In Los Angeles, check out these staple spots, where you can’t go wrong:
Miceli’s
This place was Los Angeles’ very first pizza house, and since its opening in 1949, everyone from JFK to the Beatles to Julia Roberts have feasted on Italian food here. Family-owned, there’s not many places left in town where you’re serenaded with Italian songs and show tunes. 1646 Las Palmas Ave., 323.644.3438
Musso & Frank’s
If the walls at this place could talk…Charlie Chaplin, Greta Garbo, Lauren Bacall, Humphrey Bogart, Marilyn Monroe, Joe DiMaggio, Elizabeth Taylor, Steve McQueen, Jimmy Stewart, Rita Hayworth, Groucho Marx, and John Barrymore all ate here. Many of the biggest cinematic deals were made and celebrated in its famous Back Room, and much of the original menu from 1919 remains available today. Head here for what GQ named the most perfect martini in America. 6667 Hollywood Blvd., 323.467.7788
The Polo Lounge
You’ve most likely seen tons of glamorous Beverly Hills Hotel poolside photos of this spot, but it’s the discretion of the inside famed spot at the Polo Lounge that has generations of celebs coming here. This place is perfect for spending a quiet romantic evening, power lunch, or Sunday brunch filled with jazz. 9641 Sunset Blvd., 310.887.2777
Yamashiro
This Japanese place has the best view that peers over the mountains. It’s been around for over 88 years with plenty of face lifts (who hasn’t in this town), but the architects thankfully have keep Yamashiro’s historic bones beautifully intact. 1999 N Sycamore Ave., 323.466.5125
The Palm
This legendary NYC hot spot didn’t open up in WeHo until ’75, but it has served up prime-aged steaks, chicken parmigian, and lobsters to so many A-listers that every tour bus in town swings by this spot. 9001 Santa Monica Blvd., 310.550.8811
Pacific Dining Car
This place is unique and that by itself makes it special. Although, the martinis and meat are unbeatable, too. The 1921 building was originally a railway train, and lines used to wrap around the block because reservations were impossible due to a lack of a telephone. It’s open 24 hours a day, and is still owned by the same family, now four generations deep. 1310 West 6th St., 213.483.6000
Philippe’s The Original
This place is not fancy, but it does have a famous French Dipped sandwich. Open since 1908, they only accept cash, your food comes on paper plates and the service is fast. 1001 N. Alameda St., 213.628.3781
The Smoke House
This Burbank eatery next to the Warner Brothers lot is one of the few restaurants of the WWII era whose doors are still open. Anyone filming nearby has eaten here for prime rib. In the ’60s, the lunchtime crowd would have costumed cowboy and Indian extras! 4420 West Lakeside Dr., 818.845.3731
The Dresden
Most known Swingers, this place is packed every night of the week. Oh, do you know Marty and Elaine? They are the singing duo that SNL has made famous. Yep, get the real deal here while you hang out at the bar. 1760 North Vermont Ave., 323.665.4294
Other Notables:
The Galley, 2442 Main St., 310.452.1934
Formosa Cafe, 7156 Santa Monica Blvd., 323.850.9050
Taix, 1911 W Sunset Blvd., 213.484.1265
Dan Tana’s, 9071 Santa Monica Blvd., 310.275.9444
