Lemon Grove
A show at The Hollywod Bowl always makes for a special live-music experience whether you are a first-time attendee or an LA Philharmonic season ticket holder. From the 100-years-plus history to its iconic bandshell architecture, the ampitheater draws Angelenos for nights of powerful symphonies, late-night rock shows, firework spectaculars and more. The next time you're headed here for a show, consider the below for your dinner plans.
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Just outside the Hollywood epicenter near the Highland and Melrose Avenues intersection, Michelin-starred chef Kevin Meehan presents seafood dishes showcasing vibrant flavors in a minimalistic, intimate space. After your dinner, you'll head to the Hollywood Bowl, full, but not stuffed—a testament to the freshness of Meehan and team's use of fresh ingredients. Consider the local bluefin tuna with crispy onions; sablefish in salt and vinegar; angel hair pasta with octopus and XO sauce and brown butter cake for a flavorsome dining experience. 6623 Melrose Ave 90038
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For Angelenos whose commute to the Hollywood Bowl includes a drive down the Sunset Strip, the night out makes for the perfect excuse to stop at Merois at Pendry West Hollywood. Head up to the stylish rooftop restaurant where diners marvel over city views and Wolfgang Puck’s fusion-Asian cuisine. The crispy rice crab salad is a must-order, while the stir-fried scallop pad thai makes dinner a dash more extravagant. For cocktails, consider keeping flavors refreshing with the food’s welcome richness. The Samurai Sword stirs Suntory Toki Whiskey with lemon, ginger, honey and Cointreau. 8430 W Sunset Blvd 90069
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If you opt for parking at Ovation Hollywood, nothing may sound more delightful than a smashburger before your walk up Highland to the venue. The simple menu delights many kinds of eaters, with burger variations that please vegetarians and meat lovers alike. The flat-topped patties are loaded up with American cheese, pickles and house sauce—a fitting morsel for a hand-spun shake pairing. 6801 Hollywood Blvd 90028
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About two miles from The Bowl, Cara Hotel’s upscale Californian restaurant gives Eastsiders an easy reason to make a pitstop while heading into Hollywood. Surrounded by olive trees and swaying palms, Cara Restaurant offers a distinctly Golden State dining experience elevated by produce-driven dishes like Peruvian scallops with yuzu, cilantro, radish and passion fruit; advocate, beet and grapefruit salad sprinkled with roasted hazelnuts and parmesan-crusted Kurobuta pork chop paired with creamy polenta and arugula and shaved asparagus salad. 1730 N Western Ave 90027
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Angelenos coming from Silver Lake, Atwater Village and beyond can make an easy stop at Little Dom’s, which sits approximately four miles from the venue. Classic Italian dishes like chicken parmesan and pizza margherita complement modern dishes, like the fried mushroom po boy and lion’s mane mushroom “crab” cakes. Desserts like the Meyer lemon icebox pie and warm brown sugar cake bring a homestyle feel to the meal. For Monday evening shows, try the $25 three-course supper, complete with a rotating set of dishes that are updated weekly. 2128 Hillhurst Ave 90027
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Brought to you by the same duo that created A.O.C. Wine Bar, Ann’s Wine Bar is a great spot to grab dinner before a show at the Hollywood Bowl. Located just by the arena, Ann’s Wine Bar offers a variety of new and old wines along with a selection of A.O.C. small plates. Charcuterie boards, flatbreads, lamb meatballs and more are all great appetizers to a night of entertainment at the Hollywood Bowl. But, as with all restaurants in the arena, space is limited, so we recommend making a reservation ahead of time! 2301 N Highland Ave 90068
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Another great place for a pre-show dinner and also right on the grounds of the Hollywood Bowl is The Backyard. Embodying its name, the backyard was designed to feel like a chic Hollywood Hills patio for a casual, yet sophisticated vibe. With two huge wood-burning grills, this farmers’ market-driven restaurant offers seafood, steaks, tasty sides and beer and wine. 2301 N Highland Ave 90068
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When Mexican food is the pre-show dinner plan, El Compadre should be a top contender. The Hollywood location is just under two miles from the venue, making it easy to have enough time to squeeze in one final post-dinner margarita. A meal here will leave you with a full belly and inspired spirit, the perfect mindset for heading into a concert. Consider ordering tamales, enchiladas or tacos alongside rounds of flaming margaritas. 7408 Sunset Blvd 90046
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A quick drive from the venue is L’Antica Pizzeria Da Michele, a beloved L.A. institution serving classic Italian dishes in a modern and welcoming environment. With numerous pizza variations, including vegan and vegetarian options, and a wide variety of starters and pasta dishes, L'Antica Pizzeria has everything you need to fill up before a night at the Hollywood Bowl. 1534 N McCadden Pl 90028
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Lucques at the Circle is the third restaurant located within the Hollywood Bowl and is reserved for subscribers of the Pool Circle—the best seats in the arena. With an upscale and exclusive vibe, Lucques at the Circle offers a seasonal made-to-order three course pre-fixe menu and an impressive wine list. Be sure to check out their fried ice cream pie for dessert. 2301 N Highland Ave 90068
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In business for over a century, Musso and Frank Grill is a legendary restaurant in Hollywood and is only a short, five-minute drive (without traffic) from the Hollywood Bowl. Maintaining essentially the same design and menu since its opening in 1919, Musso and Frank Grill is the perfect place to go if you’re in the mood for an old-school, classic vibe. Serving numerous steak cuts, a wide variety of seafood and more, this restaurant will not disappoint. If you end up going, be sure to order their celebrated martini. 6667 Hollywood Blvd 90028
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With multiple locations throughout the L.A. area, Katsuya Hollywood is just five minutes away from the Hollywood Bowl making it another great option to grab a bite before a show. Known for its signature crispy rice with spicy tuna, Katsuya also offers a number of fresh sushi options, steak, fried rice, specialty cocktails and more. 6300 Hollywood Blvd 90028
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We know traffic starts clogging up the closer to the Bowl you get as you inch up Highland, so why not avoid it altogether? You can do so by segueing to The Hollywood Roosevelt, where its French restaurant, Shirley Brasserie, offers a pre-show, pre-fixe dinner that also includes two-hour complimentary valet parking. Menu highlights include fresh beet salad with green apple, candied walnuts and Humboldt fog goat cheese and steak frites with a ribeye cap, hand-cut fries and green peppercorn sauce. Don’t miss out on ordering the excellent espresso martini for an extra pre-concert kick. 7000 Hollywood Blvd 90028
Following the opening of its location at the Natural History Museum, South LA Café also has a new outpost right on the grounds of the Hollywood Bowl. The Black and woman-owned cafe offers specialty sandwiches, salads, desserts, coffee and more. It is a great, quick place to grab food on the way inside. 2301 N Highland Ave 90068
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Eliminate the hassle by eating right in the venue. No stops necessary between leaving home and kicking back in your seats. Called Supper In Your Box Seats, ticket holders in garden and terrace boxes can order the day before their show and their dinner will be delivered to their seats. Ordering from Suzanne Goin’s summer supper menus and Caroline Styne’s extensive wine list, you’re guaranteed a decadent meal by the James Beard Award winners. 2301 N Highland Ave 90068
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Website/ 442 Lakeside Drive 91505
Just under a 10-minute drive to the Hollywood Bowl (assuming traffic hasn’t yet backed up Cahuenga Boulevard), Smoke House is the right choice when in need of a pre-show steak meal. The Warner Bros. Studio neighbor was established in 1946 and still has the ambiance of a past age. Get ready to chow down on delicious garlic bread and steak, which is cut daily from its own butcher shop.
Just up the street from the 101 Freeway, Lemon Grove is a newer rooftop restaurant, bar and garden with exquisite views of the Hollywood Hills. Its curated menu comes from chef Marcel Vigneron and features everything from pasta to steak to salmon. It also offers excellent specialty cocktails, like the Thousand Dollar Kiss made of reposado tequila, sherry, watermelon and habañero, as well as the Shiso Colada, which is a concoction of aged rum, coconut, yuzu, orgeat and yellow curry. 1717 Vine Street 90028
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Hailing from Boston, Saltie Girl is a Sunset Strip hotspot known for its pristine and sustainable seafood. The menu varies from scallops to lobster rolls to an extensive lineup of tinned fish. They also have items on their menu for people who are not in the mood for seafood with choices like salads, burgers and sirloin steaks. 8615 W Sunset Blvd 90069
When it comes to a long night of dancing to your favorite songs, it’s important to boost your energy with a tasty meal, so check out these spots the next time you find yourself at the Hollywood Bowl.
See also: Every Michelin-Star Restaurant In Los Angeles
Photography by: Courtesy The Aster
