5 New Restaurants To Visit in Hollywood 2017
Hollywood is an international landmark filled with lots of glamour and history. But with so much going on and new restaurants constantly popping up, it begs the question where should you go? Is it possible to do a worthwhile food haul somewhere known for being so touristy? Where should you go in the area when you’re in town to watch a show at the Pantages Theatre? In honor of Hamilton starting its run in Hollywood on August 11th, here are 5 new restaurants that you need to try in Hollywood!
1. Farida, the seventh venture of restaurateur George Abou-Daoud, serves modern Middle Eastern cuisine from the Mideast, North Africa, the Mediterranean, and beyond. The restaurant is homey, extremely well-themed, and decorated with some of the first feminist Middle Eastern magazines from the 1950s. Opened since January of 2017, the eatery is located near the famed intersection of Sunset and Vine in Hollywood. Farida’s lamb awarma is aged for 30 days and paired with cured eggplant, pita, and a perfectly cooked soft-boiled egg. Other favorites of mine include the Baby beets with labneh, Harissa fries with garlic dipping sauce, Hummus tahini with charred shishito peppers, and others. Each meal comes with a complementary vegan lentil soup. Drink recommendation: Byzantine Bourbon made with maker’s mark, fig syrup, honey, mint, ginger ale.
Farida is located at 6266 Sunset Blvd in Los Angeles, (323) 498-5100. Website: www.faridarestaurant.com
Filifera, is a new rooftop bar with a sweeping 360 degree view of the Hollywood Hills from the 23rd floor of the Hollywood Proper Residences. Opened just two months ago, Filifera is complete with a pool and cabanas for residents to enjoy, but also a bar with tasty bites for all guests to experience. Entering Filifera feels like going to a hotel party except it’s like an exclusive private party that nobody knows about. The patio area hosts movie screenings and other themed events and the drinks are done well. Filifera has a private, yet laid back vibe, good music, amazing views and strong cocktails. I recommend the Passionfruit Fizz made with Maker’s Mark Bourbon, Passion Fruit, Aqua Faba, Lemon, Pastis, Wild Fennel Flower Served Up with a Splash of Seltzer or the Hibiscus gin and tonic. The cheese plate and charcuterie boards are also worth your while.
Filifera is located at 1550 N El Centro Ave in Los Angeles, (323) 499-4009. Website:
http://www.livehollywoodproper.com/eat-and-drink/filifera
Previously known as Beso, which was famous for its celebrity owner Eva Longoria, Viva has since replaced the former Hollywood hot spot with a complete renovation from head to toe. Longoria is still involved in the restaurant, however the food and décor have been completely updated and now better than ever! The restaurant has a lounge vibe with live music and dancing available. Viva Hollywood’s menu includes a diverse menu of Latin inspired dishes, from short rib taquitos, churros, to chicken mole, along with an impressive specialty cocktail menu. Their plantain chips and guacamole make for a great snack. Viva is located just down the street from the Pantages Theater, Arclight Cinemas, and other venues, making it an ideal pre-show or post show stop.
Viva Hollywood is located at 6350 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, (323) 467-1350. Website: http://viva-hollywood.com
Beetle House is a new Tim Burton-themed pop-up turned permanent fixture in Hollywood. Inside you will find a bar, lounge area, and a waiting area just before you enter the restaurant area of the space. Beetle House is filled with Nightmare Before Christmas, Beetlejuice, and Edward Scissorhands (to name a few) artwork and creations. Even the drinks and food are themed after various Tim Burton characters and movies. There is a really great Willy Wonka and Edward Scissorhands impersonators that come by and talk to and entertain patrons. They do a great job of staying in character. For patrons who wish to sit in for dinner and watch a show, they are freak show performers that put on quite the performance. Diners order from the $40 or $45 prix fixe menu and must make reservations in advance if they wish to dine in. For those who only wish to just enjoy the bar and show, there is no additional charge. Beetle Bar’s theme is executed extremely well. It’s definitely a must visit on this list. You’ll likely be one of the first of your friends to try it out.
Beetle House LA is located at 6356 Hollywood Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90028. Website: http://www.beetlehousela.com
Good Greek Grill is your answer to authentic, delicious, and no-frills Greek food. Every single menu item and sauce is made in house and fresh. The spit-roasted gyro is delectable as is their freshly made tzatziki sauce, grape leaf domas,and eggplant dip, chicken kabobs, Greek salad, crispy garlic and thyme infused pita bread are to die for. Good Greek Grill puts a spin on the traditional baklava by using pastry puff skin. You’ll be hard pressed to find something that isn’t good at this eatery. They even have gluten free and vegan options available. If there's one must order item. it's the Spanakopita Bites that come out piping hot and are filled with spinach & feta cheese wrapped in a fried puff pastry. I'm drooling right now just thinking about them. You're welcome! Everything comes in to-go boxes, making it an easy place to eat at before or after a Pantages show or a late night of partying in Hollywood.
Good Greek Grill is located at 6363 Yucca St, Los Angeless, (323) 848-4643. Website: https://www.goodgreekgrill.com