Top Restaurants To Eat Near Westwood & UCLA
fundamental LA
1303 Westwood Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90024
(310) 444-7581
www.fundamental-la.com
Situated on Westwood Boulevard just south of Wilshire Blvd., fundamental LA offers seasonally-focused fresh and comforting lunch and dinner menus. Owners Jeffrey Faust and Woogene Lee opened the restaurant six years ago and it has since become a favorite among locals. For lunch, Chef Jeffrey Yuguchi offers an ingredient-driven menu of sandwiches such as the Green Goddess along with salads and sides, the most popular being the Tom Yom glazed brussel sprouts. On their dinner menu, try the pork chop blade and their sweet churros with butterscotch.
Diddy Riese
926 Broxton Avenue
Westwood, CA 90024
(310) 208-0448
www.diddyriese.com
The one thing all UCLA students can count on is that they will probably frequent Diddy Riese plenty of times throughout their time in the area. But, it's also great for those not in school. The delicious ice cream sandwiches are practically a right of passage. The store is smack dab in the middle of Westwood, and there is often a long line just to get inside. There are 10 classic cookies such as Sugar Cinnamon, Oatmeal Raisin Walnut and Chocolate Chip and 12 Dreyer's ice cream flavors. The best part is that you can snag a big ice cream sandwich for less than $2. It is hard to get a deal like that in this city, so why not get a few to share with friends too?
Simplethings Sandwich & Pie Shop
10874 Kinross Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90024
(310) 824-2000
www.simplethingsrestaurant.com
Situated in the heart of the Westwood Village on Kinross Ave, Simplethings started out as a sandwich and pie shop in West Hollywood but soon opened up this location. The shop is famous for serving comfort foods including fried chicken, turkey avocado, avocado melt and other tasty sandwiches. But, they also offer great salads, sides, and brunch items. Hungry for a little dessert? There is nothing like one of their small banana cream pies, or ones in other flavors.
Bella Pita
960 Gayley Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90024
(310) 209-1050
www.bellapita.com
Opened in 2007, Bella Pita brings fresh and healthy Mediterranean cuisine to the UCLA community. Known for their fresh baked pita breads, falafels, unique sauces, and the one-and-only Wowshis, customers can enjoy an array of healthy Mediterranean items using only the freshest ingredients. All of their items are made to order, like their popular Chicken Wowshi and one of their secret items, the Omelet Wowshi.
Skylight Gardens
1139 Glendon Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90024
(310) 824-1818
www.skylightgardens.com
If Italian cuisine is on your mind, look no further than Skylight Gardens. The chef driven seasonal fare served here is complimented by an array of craft cocktails. Situated on the corner of Glendon and Hilgard Ave, popular menu items here include their Gamberetti Salad as well as full selections featuring prime meat, fresh seafood, and farm fresh organic produce. Make sure to treat yourself to their beautifully presented Spa Day cocktail. On the weekends, enjoy brunch every Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Fat Sal's Deli
972 Gayley Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90024
(855) 682-4373
www.fatsalsdeli.com
This eatery may not be much to look at from the outside, but its a popular spot for students to grab creative wraps, burgers, hot dogs and sides in the heart of Westwood just steps from the UCLA campus. Making an array of sandwiches, Fat Sal's offers their Irresistible Italiano sandwich with ham, salami, pepperoni, provolone cheese, sweet or hot peppers, shredded lettuce, tomatoes and red wine vinaigrette on a hero. But, that's not all they offer. From Philly cheesecake sandwiches to fries, cheese fries, their "Fat Sal" sandwich, and so much more, its an inexpensive spot to grab some tasty bites.
SpireWorks
1061 Broxton Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90024
(424) 220-6299
www.spireworks.com
SpireWorks serves what they call "Döner American Style" food, creating a cultural melting pot of flavors where guests can either choose their 'Destination' or design their own dish with flavors from across the globe. Choose your base (bread, wild rice, or fresh greens), then an option of beef, chicken or veggie köfte, and finish by designing your dish with fresh toppings and sauces. One of their most popular items is their Istanbul Destination, which can be enjoyed with any base and spire.
Pitfire Pizza
2018 Westwood Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90025
(310) 481-9860
www.pitfirepizza.com
Since it's opening, Pitfire Pizza has become one of the hottest pizzeria's in the city. Offering guests a wide selection of pizza options including vegan cheese and gluten free crust options, this Westwood hot spot also features tasty small plates, salads, sandwiches, pastas, dessert, beer/wine and a kids menu. The artisanal pizza shop, with seven locations across the greater Los Angeles Area, features unique pies like their popular Hail Kale! Pizza. Make sure to save some room for dessert and their Smothered Cookie. This delicious cookie is smothered in ice cream and caramel sauce and is a must order.
Sweetfin Poke
1146 Westwood Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90024
(310) 231-0190
www.sweetfinpoke.com
Poke has been all the rage as of late. At Westwood's Sweetfin Poke, the restaurant reimagines Hawaii's traditional "soul food" with its delicious, healthful poke bowls. With five locations across Los Angeles and more upcoming, the fast-casual restaurant serves customizable and signature bowls from a menu created by chef Dakota Weiss. Their most popular dish is the Spicy Tuna over bamboo rice or spicy yuzu salmon, which can be placed on top of a vitamin B infused bamboo rice, a kelp noodle slaw, or a raw kale and bamboo salad. Make sure to try one of their infused teas which change daily.
Westwood – STK Los Angeles
W Los Angeles - West Beverly Hills
930 Hilgard Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90024
(310) 659-3535
www.togrp.com
STK artfully blends the modern steakhouse and chic lounge into one offering a dynamic, fine dining experience with the superior quality of a traditional steakhouse. Located at the W Hotel West Beverly Hills, STK boasts a menu of 12 steak options and craft cocktails. Pair their popular Dry Aged Delmonico steak, topped with king crab with the cucumber stiletto and enjoy a getaway from the everyday hustle and bustle of the city.
CAVA
1073 Broxton Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90024
(310) 860-6288
www.cava.com
CAVA is a growing fast-casual restaurant featuring modern Mediterranean cuisine, characterized by its highly-customizable grain bowls, salads, and fresh pitas, with ingredients prepared from scratch in-house every day. Along with four other locations in the greater Los Angeles area, chef and founder Dimitri Moshovitis blends flavors from his family recipes into the menu. Try one of their signature bowls, which include seasonal toppings and get their spicy and smooth Crazy Feta as a topper to any dish.
Soleil Westwood
1386 Westwood Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90024
(310) 441-5384
www.soleilwestwood.com
Soleil Westwood along with its sister next door, P'tit Soleil, have been fixtures in Westwood for over 15 years. Soleil, which specializes in French food in a casual, traditional Bistro setting, serves lunch, dinner and brunch on the weekends. French specialties are plentiful on the menu, including favorites like the Glenn & Cathy, the Soleil interpretation of Pasta Primavera. Next door, P'tit Soleil is a neighborhood pub with a focus on small plates, featuring house-made traditional Canadian delicacies and desserts. Make sure to try one of their poutines as well. The brunch at Soleil is simply delicious too.
Napa Valley Grille
1100 Glendon Ave #100
Los Angeles, CA 90024
(310) 824-3322
www.napavalleygrille.com
Napa Valley Grille combines local, seasonal ingredients, artisan products and an expansive selection of regional wine, which can be enjoyed in their dining room or outdoor patio. The California cuisine menu is driven by Executive Chef Kenny Spost and features seasonal ingredients inspired by the bounty of West Coast wine country. The restaurant continually releases seasonal menus, so make sure to stop by often to sample from their new menu additions.
Tuck Room Tavern
10850 Wilshire Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90024
(310) 307-7004
www.thetuckroom.com
The Tuck Room Tavern features whimsical decor and delectable dishes from James Beard Award winner, Chef Sherry Yard. To complement their menu, which is comprised of twists on craveable American cuisine, they offer signature cocktails and desserts like the Strawberries & Cream. Those looking for something a bit more special can take a seat at their U-shaped bar and order their off-menu pork belly "Candy" which is made with pork belly, Nuoc Cham caramel and topped with Brunoise cilantro.
