People Watching Restaurants

Inspired by the hospitable aspects of traditional Italian dining, Nonna of Italy offers a variety of delicious pastas, salads, soups, and deserts for both lunch and dinner. Enjoy Chef Kieth Silverton's innovative take on classic Italian dishes. The restaurant allows for people watching from the patio in the historic Sunset Strip area of West Hollywood. From the wood-fired pizzas, fine seafood, and crispy calamari, to the Apple Tarte Tatin, Chocolate Fondant and the other ever-popular desserts, Nonna of Italy prides itself on its traditional hospitality and traditional Hollywood style.

Fig & Olive on Melrose Place in West Hollywood has a menu created around carefully selected ingredients from farmers offering the finest produce in order to present patrons Mediterranean influenced dishes. A passion for extra virgin olive oil prevails in the kitchen at Fig & Olive; each dish is prepared with olive oil in place of butter. The beginning of each meal sees a variety of extra virgin olive oil offered to guests to sample. Lunch, served during the week, offers a la carte entrees like Mediterranean Branzino and Rosemary Lamb Chops as well as soups, salads, sandwiches, and pasta …

The Farm of Beverly Hills offers a California spin on classic down home cooking. Taking an innovative approach to everyday American comfort foods, The Farm of Beverly Hills’ breakfast favorites include the Farmer’s Benedict and Huevos Rancheros. Lunch sees staples such as The Farm Classic Cheeseburger, Meatloaf Sandwich, and Maple Baked Salmon Salad. Dinner features the renown Dill Pickle Fried Chicken and Farm Chicken Pot Pie. The Famous Farm Brownie will satiate any chocoholic’s sweet tooth. An array of options is available for every meal, and each menu throughout the day features the freshest ingredients available. For food that satisfies …

Just North of the University of Southern California on South Union Avenue, Bacaro LA Wine Bar serves California Fusion cuisine and fine wine. A nice selection of European and domestic wines as well as imported and craft beers are available. Plates are served tapas style and include customer favorites such as Bacon & Brie Pizza, Lamb Stuffed Eggplant, The Bacaro Burger, and Nutella Panini. Happy Hour between 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday is a crowd favorite and features all plates for only $5! The place is popular with the local students, so a quiet evening may be …

Open since 1983, Diddy Riese, located in Westwood, CA has been serving some of the Los Angeles’ tastiest cold treats. For only $1.50, you can choose your cookies and ice cream and create your perfect ice cream sandwich. Their cookies are baked fresh daily and are available for purchase to have in your own home. This landmark establishment is situated on Broxton Avenue, one of the main streets in the area where the college crowd hangs out. You are sure to find a line out the door, however, not to worry, Diddy Riese stays open late and the line moves …

Located in the heart of Sherman Oaks, Pita Kitchen is the Middle Eastern restaurant that will appeal to both the healthy and the food connoisseur. All dishes are available in choices of lamb, beef/or chicken, and served with yogurt-based dressings such as tahini and tzatziki sauces. With hearty and hefty portions, diners looking for healthier changes in their diet will find the Pita Kitchen an apt choice. The restaurant can accommodate around 30-35 people including outdoor seating. But with the hustle and bustle of the popular eatery and the warm-friendly banter from the servers, makes this rather small setting all …

Elysee Bakery & Café was founded in Westwood, Los Angeles, in 1979. Ever since then, they have been creating magnificent pastries, breads, and cakes from scratch. Using only high quality ingredients for their macchiatos and hot chocolates to their thick sandwiches with lots of add-ons and pastas, Elysee Bakery and Café opens at lunch so you can come by and get a very decent meal here. The bright yellow walls will help stimulate your mind and appetite for freshly made coffee and richly prepared sandwiches. So come by to the Elysee Bakery & Café for a meal to remember!

Rod Rotondi, founder and Executive Chef of Leaf Organics, is a culinary expert whose tireless crusade to bring organic foods into the mainstream has reached some of SoCal’s main retailers like Mother’s Markets, Rainbow Acres, Erewhon, and Whole Foods Markets. Rod’s dream was to create an eatery where diners can make healthy and positive changes in their lives. His dream came true and Leaf Organics is now the place to go to when you want to eat from a unique and organic menu. Creative and original items include salads, veggie burgers, rice and noodle bowls, pizza, vegan desserts, chai with …

Talk about a breakfast menu, The Griddle Café on Sunset Blvd. in Los Angeles is home to one of the most extensive in the city. This café boasts more than 10 different kinds of pancakes, a ton of egg dishes, and all your morning favorites. In addition, they even have a lunch menu and serve the entire menu all day! Come out to this fun eatery in Los Angeles and indulge in all your favorite breakfast goodies. Whether you’re in the mood for a burger or something hot off the griddle, The Griddle Café is sure to be a crowd …

Chicago-native Brian McKeaney and Emmy-award winning writer, Tom Patchett hashave brought Chicago’s Rush Street to Culver City. The restaurant, under the same name as the infamous avenue in Chicago, is known for their innovative menu and ambiance that encourages social interaction. Their modern atmosphere with a kind of low-lit ambiance is both comfortable and stylish. Boosting a large sidewalk patio facing Washington Blvd., a rooftop patio, and one of the largest bars in Culver, the layout of the restaurant incorporates a seamless openness from within the establishment and with out .

Treating diners to panoramic views of the ocean and located on the Pacific Coast Highway, Gladstones Malibu is one of the most popular restaurants on the Southern California coast. Known for oversized portions, regulars swear by the famous Mile-high Chocolate Cake, huge bowls of crab chowders, and giant lobsters weighing in at up to 6 pounds. The restaurant is also known for their iconic mojitos, including flavors like watermelon, pineapple, and dragonberry; and the restaurant has been voted the best place to watch Monday Night Football on the Westside. So if you’re looking for a memorable meal, head to Gladstones …

Aroma Coffee and Tea offers diners an alternative from the ordinary chain coffee shop. Serving meals for any time of day, this Studio City locale remains a local favorite. The welcoming restaurant boasts multiple seating options, allowing guests to cozy up inside the renovated house, or enjoy the California sun on its expansive, plant filled outdoor patio. The menu selection offers breakfast specialties like Eggs Benedict, or the luscious Smoked Salmon Plate with Smoked Salmon, Cream Cheese, Tomatoes, Sliced Red Onions, Lemon and Capers on a bagel, among other favorites. For lunch, the Grilled Turkey Hummus Melt, with Sliced Turkey, …

Located on Los Angeles’ famous Sunset Strip and derived from the Latin word for ‘fragrance‘ is Aroma Bakery and Café. Whether you’re looking for a quick shot of espresso, a fresh mug of mint tea, a full 3-course meal, or just some dessert, Aroma café offers a little bit of the Mediterranean in the heart of Los Angeles. The café’s authentic and flavorful dishes, drinks, and atmosphere transport each diner to the European coast for a one-of-a-kind dining experience. The focus is great service and delectable food. Their menu showcases everything from breakfast to dinner, and the daily specials are …

Situated at the cross roads of Beverly Hills and West Hollywood, is a quaint corner eatery called Toast Bakery & Café. This Los Angeles hotspot, often frequented by celebrities, offers a wide variety of menu options. Open from early in the morning to relatively late at night, this café provides a hearty breakfast, a relaxing get away from work for lunch break, or for simply a light cup of coffee when a pick me up is needed. Toast is a phenomenal venue for a Sunday brunch as well as a date. Their menu showcases pastries, eggs, salads, soups, sandwiches, and …

Ready for a bit of old world European charm? Look no further than Il Tramezzino. The quaint Italian café is a genuine place of culinary mastery and excellence. The restaurant distinguished itself amongst its Beverly Hills neighbors on “Restaurant Row” by preparing custom baked goods and traditional Italian cuisine. They have an extensive menu that is every bit as creative as it is delicious. Il Tramezzino invites guests to enjoy a temporary European vacation as they dine in a familial, laid back atmosphere with superb service. The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, delivers and caters. Head out to one …

Vegetarians unite! The Veggie Grill has an entire menu built just for you. The restaurant serves up a variety of veggie protein that is seasoned so well, the flavors blend and your taste buds are taken on an exquisite ride. The Veggie Grill has an extensive menu of delicious options. Whether you choose a salad, soup, combo, starter or burger, you are sure to experience bliss as you indulge in this healthy meal. The Veggie Grill’s ambiance is comfortable, casual, and friendly as is their staff. Their food is natural, savory, wholesome, and satisfying. Come enjoy this vegetarian hideaway in …

Situated at the corner of Laurel Canyon and Ventura Boulevard in Studio City, is one of the most delectable frozen yogurt venues in Los Angeles, Studio Yogurt. Their flavors are rich and creamy and many are non fat! Studio Yogurt serves up delicious frozen treats 7 days a week and has been doing so since 1997. They also tend to stay open until around 11pm in case you need that late night fro yo fix. Studio Yogurt has a few staple flavors such as Chocolate, Vanilla and Peanut Butter; however the rest of the board tends to rotate every few …

Situated on Ventura Boulevard in Sherman Oaks, is Marmalade Café, a quaint European bistro. Marmalade’s ambiance is homey and relaxed and the restaurant prides itself on delicious food, spectacular service, and being an escape from the busy LA city life. Whether you’re looking to have a business lunch or just brunch with friends, Marmalade Café is the place to choose. Their extensive menu includes everything from frittatas, omelets, and benedicts to pancakes, salads, waffles, and soups. They even have a full espresso bar, take out, and are available to rent out for banquets and events. For a delightful meal stop …

Dino’s Chicken & Burgers may have a full menu featuring breakfast items (served until 11:00 a.m.), sandwiches, burritos, tacos, and burgers, but what makes this Los Angeles restaurant a local fast food institution is the famous charbroiled chicken. The Chicken Dinner is ½ a Chicken, French Fries, Homemade Coleslaw, and Tortillas and diners come back time and again to get their hands stained red with Dino’s famous marinade. The chicken is served on top of the fries, and it is one of the rare instances where soggy fries are an added treat. For an affordable meal in South Los Angeles, …

Since its opening in 1975, More Than Waffles has been serving some of Los Angeles’ most delicious breakfast items. This family owned and operated restaurant continues to carry on the tradition of high quality home-style cooking that is a main source of the restaurant’s popularity. It’s décor is that of a personal dining room or kitchen with wooden tables and chairs inside and umbrella covered tables and patio furniture outside on the restaurant’s front deck. Located inside the Encino Town center, at the corner of Ventura Blvd. and Louise Avenue, More Than Waffles has expanded their original menu which consisted …