Best Restaurants for People Watching in Universal City

42 restaurants available nearby

1. Catch LA

4.7

Exceptional(10209)

Price: Expensive

• Seafood • West Hollywood

Booked 138 times today

Perched above the dynamic streets of the West Hollywood Design District on the corner of Melrose and San Vicente, Catch LA features modern renditions of classic dishes served in a streaming, shareable style of dining. The retractable rooftop haven marries simple yet elegant, seafood, sushi, and steak with excellent service and a lively atmosphere complete with a unique, open-air dining room and breathtaking views of Downtown Los Angeles and the Hollywood Hills. The menu features signature dishes including the Catch Roll, Truffle Sashimi, A5 Japanese Wagyu on a hot rock, Mushroom Spaghetti, and Cantonese Lobster.

2. The Tower Bar

4.7

Exceptional(1991)

Price: Very Expensive

• Californian • West Hollywood

Booked 53 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.

3. Saffy's

4.8

Exceptional(1200)

Price: Expensive

• Middle Eastern • East Hollywood

Booked 93 times today

A multi-regional Middle Eastern restaurant in East Hollywood, from Chefs Ori Menashe and Genevieve Gergis of Bestia and Bavel.

4. Craig's

4.7

Exceptional(1011)

Price: Very Expensive

• Californian • West Hollywood

Booked 55 times today

Reservations accepted two weeks in advance.Serving American fare from upscale comfort food to vegan specialities in the heart of the West Hollywood Design district. Craig's offers covered and heating patio seating, indoor and bar seating. Reservations are recommended, but walk-ins accepted and our bar features our full dinner menu.

A photo of Cecconi's West Hollywood restaurant

5. Cecconi's West Hollywood

4.7

Exceptional(4937)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • West Hollywood

Booked 106 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.

6. Catch Steak LA

4.5

Awesome(986)

Price: Expensive

• Steakhouse • West Hollywood

Booked 9 times today

At the iconic corner of La Cienega and Melrose Place, Catch Steak LA combines the authority of a classic steakhouse with the energetic vibe of a Catch Hospitality Group property. The warm, intimate restaurant with rich wood and garden-like spaces is spread throughout two levels and, soon, an outdoor patio with a retractable rooftop. The menu features a curated collection of the world's best cuts and Catch-style dishes for a more approachable steakhouse experience.

7. State Social House

4.7

Exceptional(166)

Price: Moderate

• Gastro Pub • West Hollywood

Booked 3 times today

We offer savory American Pub Bites with flavors from the farms of California to the Far East and Europe. At each of our four bars, we offer 20 beers on tap, an elegant selection of boutique wines and a unique seasonal cocktails menu. We offer The Tortugo Lounge next door where you can sit back and enjoy a fine cigar. We have TVs throughout the first floor and The Tortugo Lounge here you can watch all major sporting events. And for those who enjoy live music and a more intimate setting, we offer The Attic upstairs.

8. The Little Door

4.6

Exceptional(3040)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary French • West Hollywood

Booked 29 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.

9. Drake's Hollywood

4.4

Awesome(125)

Price: Very Expensive

• American • West Hollywood

Booked 19 times today

Drake's is a swanky, old Hollywood-inspired restaurant with sophisticated cocktails at a large, circular bar.We accept reservations 7 days in advance. Reservations open up at 9 am. For groups of 8 or more, please call the restaurant. Reservations are strongly encouraged as we have limited walk-in availability.Please provide at least 24 hours’ notice for any adjustments. No-show reservations will incur a fee of $50 per guest.We do not seat incomplete parties. To ensure that all parties are seated punctually and with ample time to enjoy their experience, a time limit is enforced: 1 hour 45 minutes for parties of 22 hours for parties of 3 to 4 2 hours 15 minutes for parties of 5 to 8Valet is available.A 5% surcharge will be added to each guest check. This charge is for the benefit of Drake’s employees. In support of this initiative, the entirety of this charge is retained by Drake’s.

10. Shirley Brasserie

4.4

Awesome(241)

Price: Expensive

• French American • Hollywood

Booked 14 times today

Step into Shirley, a lively local restaurant named after the legendary Shirley Temple, who once tap-danced her way into Hollywood history right here at The Hollywood Roosevelt. Nestled within this iconic hotel, Shirley blends timeless charm with modern flair, offering a dining experience that celebrates California’s finest flavors with a French twist. At the helm is renowned Chef Craig Hopson, whose culinary mastery elevates every dish. From the inviting hum of conversations to the celebratory pop of bottles and the captivating rhythm of our open-air kitchen, Shirley buzzes with energy. Join us in the heart of Hollywood, where every moment becomes a feast for the senses, and every bite tells a story—just like Shirley herself did on these very grounds.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

R
Robin
Los Angeles •5 reviews
5.0
Dined today
The food always delicious! The staff is lovely and very friendly.
More info
Craig'sPrice: Very Expensive• Californian• West Hollywood
•
4.7
I
IsabelVIP
Los Angeles •10 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Had a wonderful time at Saffy’s last night — I have high expectations for this restaurant “group” and y’all deliver great food and service every time. This was also the first time in a long while that I’ve received a bill and thought “this is less than what I was expecting,” a rare joy in these economic times. Happy holidays and thank you!
More info
Saffy'sPrice: Expensive• Middle Eastern• East Hollywood
•
4.8
M
meganVIP
Los Angeles •21 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
It’s like traveling back in time … to an era of glamour and sophistication … just divine all around
More info
The Tower BarPrice: Very Expensive• Californian• West Hollywood
•
4.7
M
MiuraVIP
Los Angeles •27 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Had a great office lunch here. The waiter Nico was fantastic. I had actually been here two days before, but decided to come back! The butter leaf lettuce, salad, mozzarella, pizza, and ricotta, honey starters were amazing. We all went with pasta so eggplant Parmesan and Bolognese are delicious. Love the ambience and both indoor and outdoor seating are beautiful Thank you.
More info
Cecconi's West HollywoodPrice: Moderate• Italian• West Hollywood
•
4.7
V
Vinod
Los Angeles •4 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
We celebrated a milestone anniversary with family and everyone enjoyed the food and service. Everyone from the doorman to the server and in between made us feel very special
More info
Catch LAPrice: Expensive• Seafood• West Hollywood
•
4.7

Explore OpenTable

Universal City

Best Restaurants for People Watching in Universal City

Price

Cuisine

Regions

Neighborhoods

Top Rated

Dining Options

Seating Options

Award-winning

Accessibility

42 restaurants available nearby

1. Catch LA

2. The Tower Bar

3. Saffy's

4. Craig's

5. Cecconi's West Hollywood

6. Catch Steak LA

7. State Social House

8. The Little Door

9. Drake's Hollywood

10. Shirley Brasserie

See what locals rave about

Explore OpenTable