Area Recommendations

If you are staying in the Studio City/Sherman Oaks/Universal City/Burbank area, here are some of our recommendations:

Things to do

Dodgers Stadium - The Chicago Cubs are playing at Dodger Stadium the weekend of the wedding! Click here for tickets for Friday, May 26 at 7:10pm, and click here for tickets for Saturday, May 27 at 4:15pm. Parking can also be purchased ahead of time to save money (for general parking, it is only $10 in advance or $20 at the gate; I discourage using lots 13/14 as the hills are no joke). They also have paid tours for the stadium, tickets and info can be found here (do note that all tours are subject to cancellation but will be fully refunded).

Universal Studios - Get your tickets online to save a few dollars off ticket counter prices. (location: Universal City)

Universal City Walk - Shops and restaurants aplenty. (location: Universal City)

Warner Brothers Studio Tour - Get to go on actual working sets. (location: Burbank)

Westfield Fashion Square Mall - Get your shopping on. (location: Sherman Oaks)

The Getty Center - Free museum with a beautiful garden and great views of LA. $15 parking/car. (location: Brentwood in West LA)

Hiking - A few good hiking trails in the area with great views of LA/The Valley:
* Wilacre Park (Studio City)
* Fryman Canyon (Studio City)
* Cahuenga Peak (Hollywood Hills)
* Coldwater Canyon Park (Sherman Oaks)
* Runyon Canyon Park - Great for people watching & celebrity sighting (Hollywood)

Studio City Farmers Market - Weekly Sunday Farmers Market (location: Studio City)

Stahl House -  Modernist-styled house designed by architect Pierre Koenig with a great view of LA. See website for tour information & cost (including evening/sunset tour).

Hollywood Attractions - Lots to see including Hollywood Walk of Fame, Chinese Theatre, Hollywood Sign. (location: Hollywood)


Sit down Restaurants

Nata's Pastries - Portuguese food, favourites include Feijoada (meat stew), Polvo a Lagareiro (octopus), Shrimp Mozambique, Chopped Salad, and not forgetting the Natas (Portuguese egg tart).  (location: Sherman Oaks)

Granville - American food with a wide menu - there's something for everyone. (location: Studio City)

Jinya Ramen - A less traditional but still delicious Ramen place. (locations: Studio City & Burbank)

Burgers - Lots of good burger joints in the area:
* Stout (Studio City)
* Umami Burger (Studio City & Burbank)
* Laurel Tavern (Studio City)
* The Counter (Studio City)
* Blue Dog Tavern (Sherman Oaks)

The Front Yard - American food with a really cute patio. Also, $12 bottomless Mimomas at weekend brunch! (location: Studio City)

Blu Jam Cafe - Brunch spot, order the Crunchy French Toast and Brunch Carbonara. (location: Sherman Oaks)

Sugarfish - A Omakase (Chef's choice) style sushi restaurant. The most popular is the "Trust Me" set meal. (location: Studio City)

Le Pain Quotidien - French style cafe. (location: Studio City)

Bea Bea's - Breakfast place. (location: Burbank)


Order at the Counter Restaurants

In N Out - This doesn't need an introduction. Click here for the secret menu. (location: Sherman Oaks & Studio City)

Mendocino Farms - Sandwiches, salads, and great healthy sides. (location: Sherman Oaks)

Take a Bao - Asian fusion, Baos, small plates and rice dishes. (location: Studio City)

Porto's Bakery - This Cuban bakery has sandwiches, cakes, pastries and fresh squeezed orange juice. Lines are long but don't be intimidated, they move pretty fast. Must order are the Cheese Rolls, Guava Cheese Rolls & Potato Balls (filled with meat) (location: Burbank)

Spitz - Mediterranean food with a twist. (location: Studio City)

Aroma Cafe - This cafe has a really big menu with endless options of breakfast, salad, sandwiches, coffee, drinks, and a display case full of large portion desserts. (location: Studio City)

Poke - Hawaiian Style Sashimi Rice Bowls:
* All About Poke (Studio City & Burbank)
* 8 oz Poke (Sherman Oaks)

Joan's On Third - Sandwiches, salads, and much more. (location: Studio City)

Lemonade - American style upscale, with everything from salads, mac n cheese, sandwiches, fish, carved meat, dessert, and of course, Lemonade. (location: Studio City & Toluca Lake/Burbank)

Pizza Rev - Made to order pizzas with customized toppings. (location: Studio City)

Zankou Chicken - Mediterranean Rotisserie Chicken. (location: Sherman Oaks & Toluca Lake/North Hollywood)


Desserts

Ice cream - Two of my favourite ice cream places are now open in Studio City!
* McConnell's - From Santa Barbara
* Salt & Straw - From Portland

Other -
* Republic of Pie (North Hollywood)
* Aroma Cafe (Studio City)
* Lemonade (Studio City & Toluca Lake/Burbank)
* Joan's On Third (Studio City)
* Porto's Bakery (Burbank)