5 New Restaurants To Visit In Hollywood

Hollywood is an international landmark filled with glamour and history. But with so much going on and new restaurants constantly popping up, it can be hard to choose which one to visit. Is it possible to do a worthwhile food haul somewhere known for being so touristy? Where should you go in the area when you're in town to watch a show at the Pantages Theatre? Here are five new restaurants that you need to try in Hollywood that are bound to impress locals and tourists alike!

VIVA Hollywood

Previously known as Beso, which was famous for its celebrity owner Eva Longoria, Viva has since replaced the Hollywood hot spot with a complete renovation from head to toe. Longoria is still involved in the restaurant, but the food and décor have been completely updated and are now better than ever. The restaurant has a lounge vibe with live music and room for dancing. Viva Hollywood's menu includes a diverse menu of Latin-inspired dishes, from short rib taquitos and churros to chicken mole, along with an impressive specialty cocktail menu. The plantain chips and guacamole make for a great snack. Viva is located just down the street from the Pantages Theater, Arclight Cinemas, and other venues, making it an ideal pre- or post-show stop.

Viva Hollywood is located at 6350 Hollywood Blvd. in Los Angeles, (323) 467-1350.

Farida

The seventh venture of restaurateur George Abou-Daoud serves modern Middle Eastern cuisine with influences from the Middle East, North Africa, the Mediterranean, and beyond. The restaurant is homey, extremely well themed, and decorated with 1950s feminist Middle Eastern magazines. Open since January 2017, the eatery is located near the famed intersection of Sunset and Vine in Hollywood.

Farida's lamb awarma is aged for 30 days and paired with cured eggplant, pita, and a perfectly cooked soft-boiled egg. Some other favorites include the baby beets with labneh, harissa fries with garlic dipping sauce, and hummus tahini with charred shishito peppers. Each meal comes with a complementary vegan lentil soup. Drink recommendation: Byzantine Bourbon made with Maker's Mark, fig syrup, honey, mint, and ginger ale.

Farida is located at 6266 Sunset Blvd. in Los Angeles, (323) 498-5100.

Good Greek Grill

Every single menu item and sauce is made in house and fresh, making this spot your go-to for authentic, delicious, and no-frills Greek food. The spit-roasted gyro is delectable as is the freshly made tzatziki sauce, grape leaf domas, and eggplant dip; the chicken kabobs, Greek salad, crispy garlic-and-thyme-infused pita bread are to die for. Good Greek Grill puts a spin on the traditional baklava by using puff pastry skin. You'll be hard pressed to find something that isn't good at this eatery. Gluten-free and vegan options are also available. Everything comes in to-go boxes, making it an easy place to eat at before or after a Pantages show or a late night of partying in Hollywood.

Good Greek Grill is located at 6363 Yucca St. in Los Angeles, (323) 848-4643.

Filifera

This new rooftop bar with a sweeping 360-degree view of the Hollywood Hills is on the 22nd floor of the Hollywood Proper Residences. Opened just two months ago, Filifera has a pool and cabanas for residents to enjoy, but also a bar with tasty bites for all guests to experience. Entering Filifera feels like going to an exclusive hotel party nobody knows about. The patio area hosts movie screenings and other themed events. Filifera has a private yet laid-back vibe, good music, amazing views and strong cocktails. The drinks are done well, and I recommend the Passionfruit Fizz made with Maker's Mark bourbon, passion fruit, aqua faba, lemon, Pastis, wild fennel flower served up with a splash of seltzer, and the hibiscus gin and tonic. The cheese plate and charcuterie boards are also worth your while.

Filifera is located at 1550 N. El Centro Ave. in Los Angeles, (323) 499-4009.

Beetle House LA

This new Tim Burton-themed pop-up turned permanent fixture features a bar, lounge area, and a waiting area just before you enter the restaurant area of the space. Beetle House is filled with Nightmare Before Christmas, Beetlejuice, and Edward Scissorhands (to name a few) artwork and creations. Even the drinks and food are themed after various Tim Burton characters and movies. Willy Wonka and Edward Scissorhands impersonators circulate, talking to and entertaining patrons while staying in character. For patrons who wish to sit in for dinner and watch a show, freak show performers put on quite the performance. Definitely make reservations to dine on the $40 or $45 prix-fixe menus. (For those who only wish to just enjoy the bar and show, there is no additional charge.) Beetle Bar's theme is executed extremely well. It's definitely a must-visit on this list.

Beetle House LA is located at 6356 Hollywood Blvd. in Los Angeles, (929) 291-0337