Even though it’s warm and sunny pretty much year-round in Los Angeles, summertime is when events around town really heat up. Whether you’re seeing a show at one of the city’s iconic music venues, catching a game at Dodger Stadium, or spending a family-friendly day at Disneyland, you should make your excursion a lot more delicious with one of these great meals nearby.
That could mean post-concert Italian bites on a chic Hollywood rooftop, a Mexican feast after the Magic Kingdom, or an elegant Spanish dinner from one of the country’s top chefs before seeing the city’s best classical music. Here’s where to eat before or after all of your LA summer plans.
Concerts at the Hollywood Bowl, Pantages Theatre, Palladium, or movies at Hollywood Forever Cemetery (Hollywood)
Hollywood is chock-full of iconic venues. From outdoor concerts in the bandshell at the Hollywood Bowl to al fresco classic flicks at Hollywood Forever Cemetery, there’s so much to do in the neighborhood come summertime.
Grandmaster Recorders
Slick, sexy, and smack-dab in the middle of all of the Hollywood action, Grandmaster Recorders is where you’ll want to grab a late-night bite. Head up to the rooftop for sweeping views with a side of modern Italian food like arancini with mushrooms and pork-and-veal meatballs with marinara sauce. Recount all the best moments of the show you just saw with negronis and slushies on tap.
Saffy’s
For a more casual bite before you take in some culture, head to Saffy’s for masterful Middle Eastern fare served in a stunning space. We’re talking lobster skewers, green falafel, and spiced short ribs cooked for 18 hours. And if you’re planning a movie night at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery, swing by at midday to pick up a few pita sandwiches, like one stuffed with beef and lamb brisket, to bring as savory picnic treats.
Concerts at The Greek (Los Feliz)
Located in the middle of Griffith Park, The Greek is known for its incredible sound and amphitheater-style seating. Anyone who’s anyone has played here.
Messhall Kitchen
Messhall Kitchen has been a Los Feliz favorite for more than a decade. Known for its all-American classics like barbecue and burgers like the Mess Burger stacked with caramelized onions and cheddar, it’s just the place for a laidback meal. Plenty of beers on tap will get you concert-ready.
Momed
Savor an al fresco dinner of modern Mediterranean fare on the patio of Atwater Village’s Momed before you take in an outdoor performance. Housemade sourdough pita is perfect for sopping up dips like avocado hummus and whipped feta, while mains like whole-roasted duck will be music to your ears (and stomach). Creative signature cocktails like an anchovy martini go well with the whole experience.
Dodgers games (Echo Park)
Before you cheer on the boys in blue, pre-game your Dodger dog with a bite nearby.
All Day Baby
Lien Ta’s modern American restaurant is where you’ll want to fuel up on a few late-afternoon happy hour snacks. Dunk hot fish nuggets into aioli and slather pimento cheese dip on to crackers before you zoom down Sunset Boulevard to the game. Loosen up with one of the bar’s cocktails like the All the Joy Can Bring made with beet-infused vodka. They’re heads and tails above anything you’ll drink at the stadium.
Mazal
Head to Mazal for a pre-game vegan Israeli feast. Vegetable dishes are the stars here like cumin-spiced beets and bright fennel salad with pickled lemon. You’ll be cheering for mains like cilantro and turmeric roasted cauliflower with labneh for dipping that are as hearty as they are flavorful.
Disneyland (Anaheim)
After a day spent traipsing around the happiest place on earth—probably in the blazing summer sun—refreshment will be in order.
THE RANCH
When you’re done with the Magic Kingdom, experience some meaty magic at this sweeping, award-winning steakhouse. Start with a chilled shrimp cocktail before moving on to the big cuts of beef like a 58-ounce ribeye for two. Sides like creamed spinach and lobster mac and cheese and a renowned wine list help take the edge off after a long day at the park.
Puesto
Puesto has something for the whole family: guacamole and tacos for the kids and an impressive selection of margaritas—including honeydew, coconut, and guava—for the adults. Take off your mouse ears and dig into chicken flautas, short-rib enchiladas, and shrimp a la plancha. And the restaurant’s modern, airy dining room will help to calm your nerves post-roller coasters and the like.
Walt Disney Concert Hall (Downtown)
A show at one of the most elegant and architecturally stunning music venues in town—designed by Frank Gehry and home to the LA Phil—calls for an equally elegant dinner in the neighborhood.
San Laurel
Located right across from the concert hall in an equally eye-catching Frank Gehry-designed building, acclaimed chef José Andrés’s San Laurel serves up Spain-meets-California cuisine with a side of Downtown views. Cool off with chilled almond-and-garlic soup before moving on to outstanding local vegetables served with Spanish flair, like shaved raw asparagus with romesco. Toast your evening in DTLA with a refreshing gin and tonic or a glass of sparkling wine.
Santa Monica Beaches (Santa Monica)
Soaking up the LA rays and frolicking in the Pacific will leave any beachgoer ready for a bite to recharge.
Blue Plate Oysterette
Nothing says summer by the sea like a huge platter from the raw bar—and the ones at Blue Plate Oysterette won’t disappoint. Enjoy shellfish towers brimming over with oysters, Maine lobster, crab dip, Peruvian scallops, and jumbo prawns. Keep the summertime vibes going with a lobster roll served with Old Bay-seasoned fries while you raise a glass of Chablis to a great beach day.
Élephante
One of the most stylish Italian spots in town is also a great place to see and be seen. Show off your sun-kissed glow as you take in ocean views from the restaurant’s balcony. Dig into pastas like garlicky spaghetti alle vongole or slices of cacio e pepe pizza topped with taleggio and lots of black pepper. No meal here is complete without a spritz on tap—there’s no better way to cool off after a day on the sand.
Karen Palmer is a pizza- and pasta-obsessed food writer based in Los Angeles. She is the former editorial director of Tasting Table, and her work has appeared in Eater, Food & Wine, Travel + Leisure, and many other publications. Follow her on Instagram at @karenlpalmer.
