You don’t need a time machine to step back into the Golden Age of Hollywood. These Los Angeles restaurants are rich in history and delicious food. You’ll feel glamorous and seen just like a movie star from the moment you step inside. If you’re a lover of old Hollywood charm plus a Hollywood history lesson, these LA restaurants are a must-try. Keep scrolling for a list of LA’s Most Historical Restaurants and learn a little something about the city we call home.
1. The Polo Lounge at The Beverly Hills Hotel
Location: 9641 Sunset Blvd, Beverly Hills
The Polo Lounge at The Beverly Hills Hotel, is the “epicenter of LA power dining,” well…according to its website. We can’t argue with that. The restaurant has served classic stars like Charlie Chaplin and Fred Astaire, and current celebs like Taylor Swift, Kim Kardashian, and Leonardo DiCaprio – to name a few. And in case you needed more proof that the walls of the Polo Lounge are rich in history, the restaurant is a historical landmark. Even the menu items have a significant place in culture. The Polo Lounge is the home of the iconic McCarthy Salad, named after a polo-playing millionaire who had the chef create the delicious entree for him. Try it if you want to feel fancy for the day.
2. El Coyote Cafe
Location: 7312 Beverly Blvd, West Hollywood
El Coyote originally opened in 1931 and moved to the current Beverly Blvd location 20 years later. If those walls could talk, they’d have a lot to say. Autographed pics of beloved stars line the walls like Loretta Young and John Wayne to name a couple. But El Coyote Cafe is perhaps most famous for being the final dining spot of the late actress Sharon Tate. You can still dine in that booth today and it was featured in Tarantino’s Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. Come for the history, but stay for the fun decor, friendly staff, and generous portions of delicious Mexican food and epic margaritas.
3. Musso and Frank
Location: 6667 Hollywood Blvd, Hollywood
The Musso and Frank Grill has been serving customers for over 100 years. The restaurant’s authentic 1930’s furniture and decor will transport you to Hollywood’s Golden Age upon walking in. Tons of stars have dined here over the years like Ernest Hemingway and George Clooney. The restaurant’s menu is also reminiscent of older times, with dishes like Lobster Thermidor, Grenadine of Beef, and the original Fettucine Alfredo. Don’t forget to wash it all down with one of their famous Martinis too.
4. The Formosa Cafe
Location: 7156 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood
The Formosa Cafe boasts an impressive list of famous clientele visitors. The classic Chinese restaurant has served names like Frank Sinatra, James Dean, Elvis Presley, among others. You’ll fall in love with the restaurant’s original Hollywood memorabilia, as well as the homage it pays to the history of Chinese Americans in Hollywood. The Formosa was named Best Restaurant in West Hollywood and with that accolade, any dish you order is guaranteed to be a “winner, winner chicken dinner.” Go for a classy lunch or dinner, or spice things up at brunch on Sunday Funday.
5. Casa Vega
Location: 13301 Ventura Blvd, Sherman Oaks
Casa Vega was also featured in Once Upon a Time In Hollywood, but the restaurant’s claim to fame doesn’t stop there. It’s famous patrons include The Kardashians, Dr. Dre, Megan Fox, and more. But, Casa Vega takes pride in one of its first customers: actor Rock Hudson, known for Giant (1956), A Farewell to Arms (1957), and many more. Table 1 was dubbed The Rock Hudson booth in his honor. You’ll find plenty of beloved Vega Family recipes on the menu, since the restaurant has been family owned and operated since 1956. Casa Vega is as filled with as much heart and soul, as it with history.
Don’t forget to save room for dessert at visit LA’s tastiest ice cream shops!
Feature image from @bevhillshotel
