KazuNori is an L.A. staple, which is why The Valley rejoiced when it got its very own location. Hurry up and get in line for your chance at chef Kazunori Nozawa’s infamous hand rolls made of the freshest fish around, specially harvested seaweed, housemade sauces and signature warm rice.
There’s a good reason film and television love to showcase this legendary Sherman Oaks Mexican restaurant. Casa Vega has been serving the San Fernando Valley for more than 65 years (and a few stars, too, like Marlon Brando and Dave Grohl). Come hungry for big plates of enchiladas, refried beans and more savory delights— then wash it down with a margarita.
The Michelin star-awarded comes from the esteemed Scratch | Restaurant group that lives up to its mission to always create and prepare “from scratch” cooking. At Pasta | Bar, enjoy California flavors by way of Italian culinary techniques for a worldwide dinner adventure.
Self-described as “L.A.’s favorite open-air restaurant,” Firefly’s space is as gorgeous as its food. Make a reservation for when you’re on a special night out. The upmarket American cuisine is elevated by the romantic patio, librarylike foyer and buzzy bar.
A stone’s throw from Universal Studios (but still far away from the chaos), the Garland allows visitors to feel at home in The Valley. Its welcoming, warm, retro energy and design make it a proper California dream come true. Guests can opt for deluxe rooms furnished with a king bed, two queen beds or a pool view. What’s more, it has an excellent bar and restaurant, The Frontyard, that is perfect for an intimate evening of drinks or a lively dinner. The North Hollywood establishment has a 50-year history that first began when actress Beverly Garland found the seven-acre property with her husband, Fillmore Crank and, with the help of a hotel impresario, developed it into a hideaway for friends, family and guests.
Promising to be a home away from home, Sweet Dreams B&B in Sherman Oaks is adjacent to the metro, which offers guests access to attractions and beaches all across the city. What’s more, guests are treated to complimentary breakfast and wifi, and you might just get a chance to see the owners’ furry friends who live on the property.
Offering a sanctuary right along Ventura Boulevard, the growingly popular Now Massage wants you to unplug. Come in to try one of the three Swedish-inspired services: The Now (the signature option), The Stretch (for athletes) and The Healer (a mind and body balancing service). Other services include enhancements like deep tissue, herbal heat therapy, scalp renewal and more.
Esthetician Anastasia Talan’s holistic facial studio’s top priority is to focus on the massage. No matter the treatment you choose, you’ll also leave with improved skin suppleness as a result of the massage’s reduction and release of muscle tension in the face and jaw.
This retail and entertainment complex has attracted pickings of celebrities, including Calabasas Royal Family, The Kardashians. But more importantly, it’s a lavish space to shop and dine. Highlights include Lululemon, Paper Source, Crossroads Kitchen Calabasas, Sephora, Williams Sonoma Home, Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams, Sugarfish and more.
Ventura Boulevard is 18 miles long. So yes, shopping is to be found, but be sure to set your sights on the Studio City strip between Laurel Canyon and Whitsett Avenue. Here you’ll find local favorites like Crossroads Trading, a Barnes & Noble inside an old theater, Wasteland, Urban Outfitters, Doc Martens and more. When you’re done, take the time to grab an ice cream a Salt & Straw.
Burbank may be most famous for its title as the Media Capital of the World, but it is so much more than all its film studios. It also has an excellent lineup of antique and vintage shops you can find all in one place on Magnolia Boulevard. Whether you’re looking for old-school ensembles or unique home decor, you’ll find it here at places like Playclothes Vintage, Audrey K boutique, Bearded Lady Vintage & Oddities, Junk for Joy, Slone Vintage, It’s a Wrap and Antiques on Magnolia.
If you’re missing the music shopping experience you used to regularly have before the days of streaming, head to this Sherman Oaks shop. Freakbeat Records is serious about its rock selection, but also offers plenty of jazz soul, disco, soul, funk and more. Take some time to go through new and used vinyl, CDs, posters, books and magazines.
Little sister to Vintage Wine Bar + Eats, Buvette is all about the bubbles. This sparkling wine bar is the perfect place to make a toast for a night out kickoff with its menu of bar bites, natural and off-the-beaten path sparkling wines, sparkling roses and champagnes.
Don’t let the name fool you. This West Hills establishment is not beachside, but finds serenity in the secluded nature of its location, an abundance of trees and vast skies overhead. Share a bottle of wine with friends or a date just as the sun sets.
Also tucked away in a restaurant, you’ll find this exclusive speakeasy behind the historic Italian restaurant Vitello’s. Come dressed to impress and ready for an elevated, intimate evening over top-tier cocktails.
Burbank restaurant Castaway is tucked away at the edge of the Verdugo Mountains, making the hilltop restaurant feel like an inherent oasis for dining. Owner Specialty Restaurants takes the magic a step further with a hidden cocktail lounge inside the restaurant: The Green Room. With just as stunning views, The Green Room is inspired by the green rooms in theaters and studios where performers retreat when not performing. Guests here are treated just like the stars and have the chance to try some of the most exciting cocktails in the city. Pro tip: order the Three Wishes, a 2-person drink order that pays tribute to Genie from Aladdin.
Universal Studios is the ultimate tourist attraction in the best way possible. It coalesces two forces that make Southern California so special: theme parks and the entertainment industry. Here you’ll be immersed in pop culture’s biggest franchises like Harry Potter, The Simpsons, Jurassic Park, Despicable Me and Fast & Furious. If you’re a first-timer, count the studio tour as a top priority. Across 400-plus acres, you’ll witness the largest set construction in studio history, which was built with creative consultation by renowned director Steven Spielberg.
Explore nearly 100 years of cinematic history in just a few short hours. No matter the type of tour you pick, you’ll be left bewildered by the magic of beloved film and television across time. Highlights include Central Perk set from Friends, the Big Bang Theory sets and a special red carpet moment.
In the ‘70s, Licorice Pizza record stores used to saturate Los Angeles, but the chain went defunct as the ‘80s rounded out. But now it's back. Originally opened as a pop-up tied to the Paul Thomas Anderson movie, the Ventura Boulevard haunt with a great selection of vinyl, Licorice Pizza merchandise and other music memorabilia.
Southern California knows it’s beautiful, so it’s always a good reason to make use of the plentiful viewpoints across the region. The Valley’s most special overlook puts you right above Universal Studios so you can see the bustling park, minion billboards and vast San Fernando Valley all from one place. Sunset is a great time to go, but there’s also nothing a like a drive down Mulholland when the sun is shining and the poppies are in bloom.
Porto’s Bakery is not a secret. Perhaps it’s the constant line around the block that keeps it from adhering to the real definition of a “hidden gem,” but if you’re a visitor to The Valley, we wanted to be sure you knew this a must-stop place. Order favorites like the guava and cheese strudel, the chicken empanada or tres leches cake loaf.
For exploring other parts of Los Angeles, check out our guides to Pasadena, Silver Lake, downtown, Malibu, Hollywood and Beverly Hills.
Photography by: Photo by P_Wei for Getty Images; Stephanie Valencia/Unsplash; Photo by Peter Vitale for the Four Seasons Hotel; Photo by Barbara Kraft for the Four Seasons Hotel; blocks/Unsplash; Ash Edmonds/Unsplash; Marti Sotto/Unsplash; Courtesy The Green Room
