The Top Restaurants Near Los Angeles Museums

Renowned as one of the nation's premier centers of Mexican American culture, LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes celebrates the past and inspires the future by sharing untold stories about the history, cultures, values, and traditions of Mexican, Mexican Americans, and all Latinos in the founding and continuing evolution of Southern California, through compelling and culturally enriching exhibitions; educational programs and public events. Located near the site where Los Angeles was founded in 1781, LA Plaza's 2.2-acre campus includes two historic and renovated buildings (the Vickrey-Brunswig Building and Plaza House) surrounded by 30,000 square feet of public garden.

Walk through Los Angeles Plaza Park and you'll arrive at El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument, which is itself a living museum - it's the city's oldest district and the site where Los Angeles was founded on Sept. 4, 1781. One of LA's most popular tourist destinations, Olvera Street opened in 1930 and runs through the heart of the district. Olvera Street is home to dozens of shops, vendors and restaurants, and also hosts numerous traditional events throughout the year, including the Blessing of the Animals (Saturday before Easter), Cinco de Mayo, Fiestas Patrias (Mexican Independence Day), Dia de los Muertos, and Las Posadas.

Dining options include favorites like the landmark El Paseo Inn, which opened in 1930; and the famous taquitos with avocado salsa at Cielito Lindo.

Owned and operated by the Arellano family, Chiguacle Sabor Ancestral de Mexico showcases the Southern Mexican cuisine of chef-owner Elsa Arellano. The colorful oceanic decor will surely put you in the mood for one of the cantina's numerous ceviches, like Sea Bass with mango and corn; or the Especial with cooked and raw shrimp, octopus, scallops and fish. There's also Aguachile (available negros, verdes or rojos), Coctel de Camarones and Pescado Zarandeado - whole charbroiled robalo fish (available 1.5, 2, 2.5 and 3 lbs).

Signature dishes include Cochinita Pibil de Yucatan (Yucatan-style roasted pork), Carnitas de Cazo Michoacán (ancestrally-fried pork) and Mixiote de Borrego - lamb marinated in Yucatan (Mayan) spices and served with cilantro rice, black beans and handmade nopaltilla tortillas.

The Broad is a spectacular contemporary art museum built by philanthropists Eli and Edythe Broad. The museum is home to 2,000 works of art in the Broad collection, which is among the most prominent holdings of postwar and contemporary art in the world.

Located past a grove of 100-year-old olive trees adjacent to The Broad, Otium features Tim Hollingsworth's rustic wood-fired cuisine with sustainable ingredients grown in the garden on the restaurant’s mezzanine. When guests enter the sleek dining room, they're greeted by a double-height back bar and a wall-size mural of thick, snaking vines. The open kitchen serves up lunch, dinner and weekend brunch. Otium's Sunday Suppers feature prix fixe menus with monthly themes like Southern, Mediterranean and Classic Steakhouse.

Lunch sandwiches include Liberty Farms Duck Confit Banh Mi, Cubano, Buttermilk Fried Chicken, Veggie Sandwich and the Otium Burger, made with "Love Sauce #3," cheddar, crispy bacon, pickled peppers and Bibb lettuce.

For dinner, start with small plates like Ora King Salmon Tartare, TransparentSea Farms Soft-Shell Shrimp Tempura and Fermin Jamón ibérico. Mains feature Fatty Fish Collar, Liberty Farms Dry Aged Duck Breast, 8 oz Snake River Farms New York Strip and Peads & Barnetts Pork Coppa Steak with farmers market heirloom beans, spring onion and a pickled ramp chimichurri. Go all in with large formats, including Whole Grilled Branzino, 32 oz Tomahawk Steak and 49-Day Dry-Aged Gold Label Snake River Farms Ribeye with bone marrow emulsion.

Established in 1979, the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) is the only artist-founded museum in Los Angeles. MOCA houses one of the most compelling collections of contemporary art in the world, comprising roughly 7,500 objects, and has a diverse history of ground-breaking, historically-significant exhibitions.

Founded in 2008, LA-based Lemonade has expanded from its WeHo flagship to locations across the city and throughout SoCal and the Bay Area. An outlet of the healthy fast-casual chain is conveniently located in the MOCA courtyard.

In March 2022, acclaimed chef Ray Garcia opened Asterid at Walt Disney Concert Hall across the street from MOCA. Named after the largest group of flowering plants—ranging from colorful vegetables and fragrant herbs to radiant florals—Asterid features Garcia's seasonal Modern American menu, described as "authentically from and for Los Angeles."

Cross California Plaza and take the Angels Flight funicular down to the Hill Street entrance of the landmark Grand Central Market. This 30,000 square-foot food market has welcomed tourists and Angelenos alike since 1917. GCM institutions like Sarita’s Pupuseria (as seen in La La Land), China Café, Roast To Go, and Tacos Tumbras A Tomas are still going strong; newer favorites include The Donut Man, Eggslut, Knead, Sari Sari Store and Wexler's Deli. Get your seafood fix at The Oyster Gourmet and Broad Street Oyster Co; or satisfy your sweet tooth at McConnell's Fine Ice Creams and La Huerta Candy.

Opened in December 2008 to coincide with the 50th anniversary of the GRAMMY Awards, the GRAMMY Museum at L.A. LIVE is a 30,000 square-foot museum with interactive, permanent and traveling exhibits. Spanning four floors, more than two dozen exhibits explore the history of music, from rock and hip-hop to country, classical, Latin, R&B and jazz.

Vivian Ku opened Pine & Crane DTLA, the sequel to her Silver Lake fast-casual Taiwanese restaurant, in June 2022. Located a half-mile from the GRAMMY Museum, the newer location is more spacious and adds breakfast service with veg-friendly items like Daikon Rice Cakes, Chive & Egg Pockets and Thousand Layer Pancakes. Highlights include cold salads and Black Pepper Edamame to start; Beef Roll, Taiwanese Sausage, Beef Noodle Soup, Minced Pork on Rice and Three Cup Jidori Chicken. Additional plant-based dishes include Bok Choy Potstickers, Dan Dan Noodles, Wok-Tossed Basil Eggplant and Vegan Mapo Tofu, made with organic silken tofu and spicy doubanjiang (chili bean paste).

Other nearby dining options include Fixins Soul Kitchen at L.A. LIVE and the DTLA location of El Cholo, which is celebrating its centennial in 2023.

The Japanese American National Museum (JANM) is internationally recognized for its commitment to exploring America’s ethnic and cultural diversity by presenting and sharing the experience of Japanese Americans with exhibitions, public programs, an award-winning museum store and resource center.

Thanks to its location in the heart of Little Tokyo, JANM is walking distance to numerous dining options, from the perennially busy Daikokuya to Shabu Shabu House, Peking Tavern and local outposts of Prime Pizza and Dave's Hot Chicken.

For one of the best sushi deals in L.A., head to Sushi Gen, located in the Honda Plaza strip mall off 2nd Street. Just before 11am, eager diners queue up for the famed sashimi lunch special. Priced at $23, the special comes with miso soup, warm tofu dish, pickles, bowl of rice, and a large sashimi plate. Selection varies, but usually includes tuna, yellowtail, spicy tuna or toro, octopus and cooked fish. Note that the lunch special is only available at a table, not at the sushi bar.

Opened in 1976, Kouraku is renowned as the first ramen restaurant in the U.S. The late Hiroshi Yamauchi, who took over Kouraku in 1986, garnered a cult following with his affordable Japanese comfort food. Stop by for lunch and order favorites like the Kouraku Special Ramen and Katsudon from the adorable BellaBot. When the kitty robot delivers your order, she instructs you to be careful when you pick up the dishes from her trays. So kawaii and thoughtful!

The Chinese American Museum (CAM) is the first museum in Southern California dedicated to examining America’s cultural and ethnic diversity by sharing the Chinese American experience and history. Located near Chinatown at El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument, CAM is housed in the Garnier Building, the last surviving structure of L.A.’s original Chinatown.

The city's first Chinatown was razed in the early 1930s to build Union Station. In June 1938 a new Chinatown celebrated its grand opening as the first such neighborhood in the U.S. that was actually owned by Chinese residents.

Today the historic neighborhood is experiencing a dining and nightlife renaissance, with a mix of old school favorites like Phoenix Inn Chinese Cuisine and Philippe The Original on Ord Street; to modern hotspots Angry Egret Dinette, Howlin' Ray's, David Chang's Majordomo and Pearl River Deli, which is currently serving the signature Hainan Chicken on weekends at their new location in Central Plaza.

Founded as an agricultural park in 1872, Exposition Park is the home of world-class sports venues and cultural attractions, including the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, BMO Stadium, California African American Museum, California Science Center and the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County. Exposition Park is across the street from USC and easily accessed from the Metro E Line.

Located a half-mile from Exposition Park in the vibrant Figueroa Corridor of South LA, Mercado La Paloma is much more than one of LA's best food halls. Founded by the nonprofit Esperanza Community Housing Corporation, the community center provides affordable retail opportunities, start-up capital and support; Esperan Salud, a public health drop-by clinic; and cultural events like art exhibits, live performances, and film screenings that support and showcase local artists.

Renowned as one of the best Yucatan-style restaurants in the country, Chichen Itza was opened in 2001 by the Cetina family: Gilberto Sr., Blanca and Gilberto Jr., who continues the family legacy with his wife Marissa following his parents' retirement.

In 2017, Cetina opened Holbox, which features seafood from the coastal regions of Mexico that showcases SoCal and Baja California ingredients. Accolades for Holbox include multiple Michelin Bib Gourmand nods and being named the 2023 Restaurant of the Year by the LA Times. The Live Urchin & Scallop Ceviche and Smoked Kanpachi Tostada are musts. The Langosta al Carbon is a showstopper - Santa Barbara spiny lobster live from their tank, served with cilantro rice, black beans, avo, pico and handmade tortillas.

Holbox and Chichen Itza grab the critical and social media spotlight, but don't miss the Tacos al Pastor at Taqueria Vista Hermosa or the signature Torta Oaxaqueña at Oaxacalifornia. While you're at the Mercado, you can shop artisan products at Artesenias Oaxacenas and Sihsahil.

Located on the campus of East LA College, the Vincent Price Art Museum (VPAM) was established in 1957 with the donation of 90 pieces from the personal collection of Vincent Price, the legendary actor and noted art collector. The wide-ranging collection has since grown to more than 9,000 objects and is a reflection of Price's interest in world art - African, Mesoamerican, Native American and European artworks have all been exhibited at VPAM.

The museum is conveniently near some of the best Chinese restaurants in Monterey Park, like Mama Lu's Dumpling House, Duck House and NBC Seafood, located a couple of miles north on Atlantic Boulevard. Queue up for dim sum served in old school rolling carts and Cantonese seafood in a cavernous dining room.

Opened in September 2021, the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures houses more than 13 million objects in a 300,000 square-foot campus designed by Pritzker Prize winning architect Renzo Piano.

The museum's on-site Fanny's Restaurant & Cafe stars in dual roles: casual breakfast and lunch spot during the day; and lively full-service dining destination when the curtain rises in the evening. Fanny's is named for Fanny Brice - the legendary movie, vaudeville, theater, and radio star was portrayed by Barbra Streisand in her Oscar-winning role in Funny Girl (1968). Designed by the late Osvaldo Maiozzi (Bestia, Otium, Redbird, République et al), the striking double-height dining room features red mohair booths and a wraparound mural by LA-based artist Konstantin Kakanias.

Fanny's hosts a weekly Sunday Supper featuring dishes inspired by The  Godfather in conjunction with the museum's The Art of Moviemaking: The Godfather exhibit. The family-style menu includes rotating specials like  Connie's Crispy Calamari, A Pasta You Can't Refuse, and Sonny's "Bada-Bing!" Ribs, plus a selection of Italian wines and cinema-inspired cocktails.

Patina Restaurant Group and architect Renzo Piano took the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) hurtling forward with Ray’s and Stark Bar, which opened across the courtyard from Chris Burden’s Urban Light installation. Ray’s pays tribute to producer Ray Stark, who brought us films like Funny Girl and Steel Magnolias. The restaurant has an open-air bar and sprawling red lounge seating that’s popular during happy hour. Helmed by Executive Chef Ferndando Darin (previously chef de cuisine at the Hollywood Bowl), the seasonal fare showcases Neapolitan-style pizza, housemade pastas, salads made with the freshest ingredients from the restaurant's own garden, and small plates to share.

Located at one of the world’s most famous fossil sites, the La Brea Tar Pits Museum houses a collection of five million Ice Age fossils that spans 55,000 years of history. Across Wilshire Boulevard, Craft Contemporary focuses on contemporary art made from craft media and processes - the museum's exhibitions feature established and emerging artists and designers who are often underrepresented in larger art institutions.

The Miracle Mile location of The Counter is located next door to the Tar Pits, serving up favorites like the namesake Counter Burger - an all-natural 1/3 lb angus beef patty is topped with provolone, tomatoes, lettuce blend, fried onion strings, sautéed mushrooms and garlic aioli on a brioche bun. Other signatures include the Juicy Lucy (patty cooked with melted cheese, topped with caramelized onions, pickles, tangy "Lucy" sauce), Bison is Gouda (organic bison, smoked gouda, bacon onion jam, sunny side egg, baby spinach, scallions, house-made Thousand Island) and plant-based options like the Sprouted Veggie and an Impossible Burger. Guests can also build their own burger from a clipboard menu with more than 80 ingredients.

Founded in 1961, the Holocaust Museum in Pan Pacific Park is the first and oldest Survivor-founded Holocaust museum in the United States. The museum continues its mission to commemorate those who perished, honor those who survived, educate about the Holocaust and inspire a more dignified and humane world.

Before or after your experience, take a short walk to The Original Farmers Market, which has welcomed generations of visitors and locals alike to "Meet Me at 3rd & Fairfax" since 1934. One of LA's most popular attractions, the landmark open-air marketplace has hosted everyone from President Eisenhower to The Beatles, Frank Sinatra and Marilyn Monroe. Stroll the market and explore more than 100 produce stands, specialty foods and retail shops. Many of these merchants have been family-owned and operated at The Original Farmers Market for decades.

The food options range from the famous pancakes at Du-Par's or Bob's Coffee & Doughnuts to start the day; to global vendors like the first U.S. location of South Korea's BHC Chicken; Moishe's, Pampas Grill, Singapore's Banana Leaf, Trejo's Tacos, and Monsieur Marcel Bistro for a Parisian-style cafe experience.

Opened in March 2023, Friends & Family Pizza Co. is located adjacent to Du-Par's and across the West Patio from The Gumbo Pot. The pizza counter is the brainchild of chefs Roxana Jullapat and Daniel Mattern, co-owners of Thai Town's Friends & Family bakery/cafe. Available by the slice or whole 18" pie, the naturally leavened sourdough pizzas include the classic Tony Pepperoni, Rapini & Sausage, Piña (pineapple, smoked ham, jalapeño), Roasted Tomato & Pesto, Potato Taleggio, and Mushroom with sautéed mushrooms, fontina and parmesan, topped with fresh arugula.

For even more dining options, head next door to The Grove: two floors of authentic Mexican cuisine at Alma; Bar Verde at Nordstrom, the first California location of Blue Ribbon Sushi; Edo Bites and La Piazza.

Opened in June 1994, the Petersen Automotive Museum spans 100,000 square feet of exhibits, 25 galleries, and hundreds of vehicles in its world-famous collection. For car buffs, The Vault at the Petersen is a bucket list experience - an extraordinary collection of 250 iconic and rare cars from around the world exhibited in a renovated 60,000 square-foot underground space. The Vault houses numerous celebrity-owned cars, including Elvis's Pantera, Steve McQueen's 1956 Jaguar XKSS, and Clark Gable's 1941 Cadillac Series 62 Coupe.

Named for the original fiberglass dune buggy, the on-site Meyers Manx Cafe is open for breakfast, lunch and a new brunch that launched in August 2023. Inspired by SoCal's outdoor lifestyle, the decor includes surfboards mounted on the walls; a Meyers Manx dune buggy exhibited on the patio; and vintage photos that include a still from The Thomas Crown Affair (1968) - Steve McQueen famously drove a custom Meyers Manx at high speed on a Massachusetts beach with Faye Dunaway riding shotgun.

Highlights include the customer fave Breakfast Burrito, Crispy King Trumpet Mushrooms to share, California Cobb Salad (grilled chicken, crispy bacon, crumbled bleu cheese, cherry tomatoes, avocado, hard boiled eggs, ranch dressing), Baja Fish Tacos, Stone Oven Pizzas and the Manx Burger - house ground short rib, chuck and brisket; sharp cheddar cheese, "shredduce," onion, tomato and "turbo" sauce on a toasted brioche bun.

A trio of dining options are located a couple of blocks west of the Petersen on the ground floor of the Vision on Wilshire apartment complex: UOVO, HiHo Cheeseburger and KazuNori.

Dedicated to the history and heritage of Hollywood and the entertainment industry, the Hollywood Museum houses 10,000 show business treasures from over 100 years of Hollywood history - it’s one of the most extensive collections of Hollywood memorabilia in the world. The museum includes Max Factor’s world-famous make-up rooms, where Marilyn Monroe became a blonde and Lucille Ball became a redhead. The museum’s incomparable Marilyn Monroe collection includes everything from personal items and wardrobe to her limousine.

Sharing space with the Hollywood Museum in the historic Max Factor building, Mel's Drive-In has been serving classic diner-style comfort food since 2001. Unique to the Hollywood Mel's, the Celebrity Bar is an intimate, banquette-filled bar with a glass ceiling and vintage Hollywood photos lining the brick walls. Stop by after your museum visit and unwind with a Spiked Shake.

Located in Griffith Park, the Autry Museum of the American West is dedicated to exploring and sharing the stories, experiences, and perceptions of the diverse peoples of the American West. The Autry’s collection of more than 500,000 pieces of art and artifacts - including the collection of the Southwest Museum of the American Indian - is one of the largest and most significant in the United States.

Golden Road Brewing's Atwater Village Brewpub is located across the L.A. River a stone's throw from Griffith Park. Rotating taps line the indoor bar and along the newly renovated side lawn bar. The large, dog-friendly front patio is filled with yard games and often hosts live music. The beer-friendly menu features shareable starters like a giant Bavarian-style Pub Pretzel, Birria Fries, Popcorn Chicken and veg-friendly items, including Avocado Tacos, Ceviche and Coconut Calamari. There's also several 12" pizzas, burgers (classic and plant-based), salads and a Doggy Patty for your fur baby!

The Valley Relics Museum is centrally located in Lake Balboa inside two airplane hangars at Van Nuys Airport. Take a fun, family-friendly journey through the history of the San Fernando Valley and surrounding areas. The massive collection ncludes neon signs, classic cars, rare documents, yearbooks, restaurant menus, art, western clothing, vintage BMX bicycles, a playable retro arcade and much more.

Located 10 minutes from the museum, Galpin Motors is the first and only car dealership in the country to feature a full-service restaurant. Opened in 1966, the Horseless Carriage is a 100-seat diner that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. The restaurant punches above its weight thanks to executive chef Geovanni Euceda, formerly of the Beverly Hills Hotel, who has helmed the kitchen since 2002.

Euceda serves breakfast classics along with elevated dishes like Angus Top Sirloin Steak & Eggs, Lobster & Eggs, and a Carne Asada Skillet Special. A dedicated bakery on the second floor of the showroom produces more than 80 pies every day.

Burgers include the Horseless Carriage Cheeseburger, Galpinized Burger (Angus beef, marmalade onions, field greens, tomatoes, cheese, pesto spread) and "Star B" Bison Burger. The extensive sandwich list includes a Triple Decker Club, Albacore Melt, Reuben Special and Vegetarian Panini.

Pastas feature Spaghetti Bolognese, Shrimp Scampi, Vegetarian Linguine and Euceda's signature Fettuccine Pollo Champagne - chicken breast sautéed in olive oil, fresh basil, tomatoes, garlic and a light champagne sauce, topped with parmesan cheese.

Available after 5pm, the Prime Rib Special includes a choice of soup or salad, baked potato or garlic mashed potatoes, stir-fried veggies and a slice of pie for just $29.99. Other entrees include Teriyaki Chicken Breast, Fresh Grilled Salmon and Surf & Turf (grilled filet mignon and shrimp).

Situated on a 110-acre hilltop above Brentwood, the Getty Center is world-renowned for its collection of European and American art from medieval times to the present. The museum was designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Richard Meier, who created a campus with Modern design, open spaces and spectacular views. The 134,000 square-foot Central Garden, created by artist Robert Irwin, is located at the heart of the Getty Center.

Dining options at the Getty include Coffee Carts in the Museum Courtyard and Plaza level; the self-service Cafe; and Garden Terrace Cafe with views of the Central Garden. The full-service Restaurant boasts indoor-outdoor seating with views of the Santa Monica Mountains. The seasonal menu features Pan Seared Brown Butter Scallops to start; Balsamic Portobello Mushroom Salad, Griddled Jidori Chicken Paillard, Pan Seared Pacific Halibut, Lemon Chile Fettuccine and Vegan Mochi (coconut or lychee sorbet mochi, fresh mango and vegan chocolate fleur de sel cookies).

In June 2021, the James Beard Award winning duo of Suzanne Goin and Caroline Styne opened the second location of their pioneering wine bar, a.o.c. in a stylish three-room space that previously housed their Tavern restaurant. Starters include a.o.c. favorites like Bacon-Wrapped Dates stuffed with parmesan; Charcuterie Board and the Farmer's Plate - roasted seasonal vegetables, muhammara & chickpea purée, burrata and grilled toast. Other a.o.c. signatures include Spanish Fried Chicken with romesco aioli and chili-cumin butter; and the Roasted Chicken “Ode to Zuni” (available half or whole) with panzanella, fennel and green olives. Mains feature Country-Style Pork Chop, Liberty Duck Breast and Lobster Gnocchi.

Open to the public since 1996, the Skirball Cultural Center is widely regarded as one of the world's most dynamic Jewish cultural institutions and among the leading cultural venues in Los Angeles.

The Skirball offers two on-site dining options: sit-down dining at Zeidler’s Café, which serves a Mediterranean-inspired menu, including veg-friendly and gluten-free options; and the grab-and-go Judy's Counter.

Located a few minutes "over the hill" in Sherman Oaks, Mizlala serves up house-made falafel, shawarma, kefta (grilled lamb & beef) and fish kebab on a choice of pita, salad, or plate accompanied by a selection of fresh pickles and sauces. Salads come with gem lettuce, kale, tomato, cucumber, golden beets, red onion, radish, chickpeas, feta, kalamata olives, oregano, herbs and lemon vinaigrette. Plates include hummus, pita, and choice of Jerusalem salad, mejadra rice, or harira lentil soup.

The Fowler Museum at UCLA explores global arts and cultures with an emphasis on works from Asia, the Pacific, Africa, and the Indigenous Americas—past and present. Located just south of the campus, Westwood Village offers numerous dining options.

Acclaimed sushi chef Kazunori Nozawa (co-founder of Sugarfish) opened the first KazuNori location in Downtown LA in 2014. With its unique focus on hand rolls, the casual eatery was a huge success and led to a 1,300 square-foot sequel in Westwood, which opened on Gayley Avenue in June 2016. Guests queue up for a spot at the 24-seat counter (first come, first-served) and choose from set menus of three to six hand rolls. The iconic Blue Crab Hand Roll is featured in all four menus - depending on your selection, hand roll options can include Salmon, Bay Scallop, Toro, Yellowtail and Lobster. A la carte hand rolls and sashimi are also available.

Victor Delgado and Jorge “Joy” Alvarez started Tacos 1986 as a Hollywood street cart in 2018, and have since expanded to brick-and-mortars across the city. The Westwood Village location opened on Kinross Avenue in February 2020, serving Tijuana-style street tacos, quesadillas, mulitas, and vampiros. Popular tacos include the Adobada, Mushroom, and the off-menu Carne Asada Perrón with crispy cheese, onions, guac, salsa and a sprinkling of beans.

Opened in March 2020, Violet is a charming Cal-French bistro with a romantic brick courtyard, rooftop terrace and cooking school. Dinner favorites include Baguette with salted butter, crème fraîche and olive oil; French Onion Soup, Truffle Frites, Quiche Piperade, Trout Amandine and Bistro Steak - pasture-raised prime hanger, choice of frites or simple salad, topped with provençal vinaigrette, truffle butter or sauce au poivre.

Widely regarded as one of the world’s leading cultural venues for emerging artists, the Hammer Museum in Westwood was founded in 1990 by Armand Hammer as a venue to exhibit his extensive art collection. The Hammer houses a permanent collection with masterpieces by Rembrandt, Van Gogh and Sargent, as well as one of the finest collections of works on paper.

Opened at the Hammer Museum in November 2021, Lulu reunites two culinary legends: Alice Waters, the world-renowned chef/owner of Chez Panisse, pioneer of the farm-to-table movement, and longtime food activist; and David Tanis, the executive chef at Chez Panisse for 25 years, cookbook author, and writer of the New York Times monthly Food column, City Kitchen.

Taking over the former Audrey courtyard space, Lulu was conceived by Waters in collaboration with museum director Ann Philbin. The kitchen is helmed by Tanis, who showcases local farms that practice regenerative organic agriculture. The hyper-seasonal menu changes daily and features three-course prix fixe menus at lunch and dinner, along with rotating a la carte selections.

A recent lunch menu offered Gazpacho Andaluz, Baja Striped Bass and Fig Leaf Ice Cream. A la carte selections include focaccia sandwiches: Mozzarella, Prosciutto & Arugula; Smoked Salmon and Spicy Eggplant Banh Mi. Entrees include Tunisian Meatballs (spiced tomato broth with saffron couscous and chermoula) and Chicken Milanese with mozzarella, tapenade, pesto, arugula and Meyer lemon.

Recipient of the Global Peace and Tolerance Award from the Friends of the United Nations, the Museum of Tolerance (MOT) is a human rights laboratory and educational center dedicated to challenging visitors to understand the Holocaust in both historic and contemporary contexts and confront all forms of prejudice and discrimination in our world today.

Chefs Walter and Margarita Manzke deliver a one-two culinary punch with Bicyclette and Manzke, located a few blocks east of MOT. The République power couple opened Bicyclette in June 2021, followed by the eponymous Manzke in March 2022.

Descend a few steps, enter Bicyclette and suddenly you've been transported to a bistro in Paris. The dimly-lit dining room features wood paneling, armoires, vintage light fixtures and European art posters. A warm baguette is a must - paired toppings include Rodolphe Le Meunier Normandy Butter, Edwards Smokehouse Ham & Saucisson Sec, Vintage 2016 Sardines and Duck Liver Mousse. Starters feature classics like Onion Soup Gratinée, Mediterranean Black Mussels a la Mariniere, and Instagram darlings Caramelized Onion Tarte Tatin with Drake Family Farm Goat Cheese; Soft Egg in the Shell (smoked sturgeon, Kaluga caviar), and Burgundy Escargots En Croute. The bistro hits keep coming with a hearty Bouillabaisse, Roasted Vegetable Cassoulet, Liberty Farms Duck Leg Confit, and Beef Short Rib a la Bourguignon. Be sure to save room for Margarita's seasonal tarts, ice creams and sorbets.

Upstairs from Bicyclette, the eponymous Manzke is a tasting menu concept inspired by the cuisines of Latin America, Asia and Europe. In December 2022, Manzke was awarded a Michelin Star the same year that it opened.

Along with its Michelin Star, Manzke's beverage director Shawn Lickliter - who also helms the bars at Bicyclette, République and Petty Cash - received the Michelin Guide California Exceptional Cocktails award. Your Manzke experience can start with a high-end cocktail like the Old Fashioned with République Rare Character Single Barrel Rye; or vintage cocktails like a Negroni with 1970s Beefeater Gin or Manhattan with '70s Ten High Bourbon.

Highlights from a recent tasting menu at Manzke include: Bluefin Tuna Tostada, Japanese Hamachi with Weiser Farms melon and strawberry nuoc cham; Laminated Brioche with Rodolphe Le Meunier Normandy Butter; Norwegian King Crab and Smoked Trout Roe; Kaluga Queen Caviar, Dungeness Crab and Hokkaido Uni Chawanmushi; Santa Barbara Spot Prawn, Japanese Kinmedai with spring onion and smoked beurre blanc; Australian Black Truffles with cauliflower agnolotti and Maine lobster; Liberty Farms Sonoma Duck with morel mushroom farci and Brooks cherries; Miyazaki A5 Wagyu Striploin, and baked-for-the-table Madeleine cookies and house-made hazelnut hot chocolate with cognac.

Perched on a hillside in the Pacific Palisades, the Getty Villa houses a collection of 44,000 Greek, Roman, and Etruscan antiquities that span 7,000 years of history, from the end of the Stone Age to the fall of the Roman Empire. The Villa is modeled after a first-century Roman country house, the Villa dei Papiri in Herculaneum, Italy.

For an upscale dinner or weekend brunch with stunning coastal views, head a few miles up Pacific Coast Highway to Mastro’s Ocean Club. Start with a Seafood Tower of chilled shellfish or classics like Shrimp Cocktail, Bering Sea Red King Crab Claws and Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes. Developed exclusively for Mastro’s by chef Angel Carbajal of Nick-San Cabo San Lucas, sushi selections include Hamachi with crispy onions, Bigeye Tuna Tostada and Clear Lobster Roll. Seafood features Norwegian Cold Water Salmon, Chilean Sea Bass, Herb Roasted Branzino and Live Maine Lobster (2-6 lb).

For the carnivores, there are numerous steaks and chops, such as a Double Cut Pork Chop, 12 oz Filet and 22 oz Bone-In Ribeye. Level up with Japanese A5 Wagyu from Miyazaki Prefecture, available in 8 and 10 oz New York; and Snake River Farms American Wagyu (32 and 40 oz Tomahawk Chop).

One of LA's most unique cultural attractions, the Museum of Jurassic Technology is home to hundreds of fantastical and fascinating artifacts - some real, some invented. They're interspersed with no distinction between fact and fantasy. Packed with odd items - portraits of canine cosmonauts, bats that can fly through walls, sculptures on the head of a needle - the museum is a true cabinet of curiosities.

The godfather of gastropubs, chef Sang Yoon garnered national acclaim with his infamous Office Burger, which he introduced at the original Father's Office when he took over in 2000. The polarizing burger is made with dry-aged beef, caramelized onions, applewood smoked bacon compote, Gruyere, Maytag Blue cheese and arugula on a baguette. Yoon became as well-known for his strict "no ketchup, no substitutions" policy as his groundbreaking creation. Yoon expanded to a more spacious second location at Culver City's Helms Bakery in April 2008. The sleek, elevated space features a full bar with mirror image craft beer and wine taps - 36 per side. The Helms Bakery location was recognized as a Michelin Bib Gourmand: "...the elevated wares found in this kitchen are treasured as one of the country’s first (and perhaps finest) craft burgers."

Founded by Justinian Jampol, an LA native and scholar of modern European history, the Wende Museum of the Cold War houses a collection of more than 100,000 artifacts, archives and personal histories that is recognized as an unparalleled resource for insight into the Eastern perspective of the Cold War.

A favorite of Ol' Blue Eyes and Jamie Lee Curtis, the landmark Dear John's is currently the home of a retro pop-up by acclaimed LA chefs Hans Röckenwagner and Josiah Citrin. Starters include classics like Caesar Salad for Two, Oysters Rockefeller and Wagyu Beef Pigs in a Blanket; and JLC's Bougie Tots with caviar, tater tots, salmon roe, crème fraîche and chives. Entrees feature more old school favorites, such as Frank's Spaghetti & Clams, Chicken Parm, Sand Dabs and Lobster Thermidor.

The Flight Path Museum & Learning Center is located in the LAX Imperial Terminal, on the south side of the airport. The facility opened in 2003 to coincide with the 75th anniversary of LAX and the 100th anniversary of the first powered flight by the Wright Brothers. The museum features a restored DC-3 that you can board, a huge collection of model airplanes, vintage airline uniforms, Howard Hughes memorabilia and a model of his famous Spruce Goose.

Boasting panoramic views of LAX’s approach runways, The Proud Bird features a Food Bazaar with the famed Bludso's BBQ and global culinary options including American, Asian and Italian cuisines. The Mile-High Club Bar & Lounge offers aviation-themed cocktails on tap and the ReLAX Happy Hour for travelers - just show your boarding pass and enjoy drink specials all day.

The Proud Bird was originally opened in 1967 by David Tallichet, a World War II bomber pilot who founded Specialty Restaurants Corporation, which operates Castaway in Burbank, Odyssey in Granada Hills, Whiskey Red's in Marina del Rey and more.

Known as the "Battleship of Presidents," the famed Battleship IOWA was ordered on July 1, 1939; commissioned on Feb. 22, 1943; and served our country for almost 50 years. She was designated the "World's Greatest Naval Ship" because of her big guns, heavy armor, fast speed, longevity and modernization flexibility, which allowed her to keep pace with technology.

Located on the fantail of the Battleship IOWA, Vicky’s Doghouse Cafe is a gourmet hot dog kitchen serving a variety of hot dogs, sides, salads, beers and wines. Vicky's is named for the IOWA's famed mascot, Victory, who belonged to the battleship's first commanding officer, Captain John L. McCrea. Vicky was aboard the IOWA during the ship's entire WWII service - he was beloved by the crew and kept morale up during the hard times of war. Vicky even kept FDR company on his journey to the Tehran Conference.

Founded in 1919, The Huntington Library, Art Collections and Botanical Gardens is world-renowned as a cultural, research and educational center. The Botanical Gardens at The Huntington feature more than a dozen specialized gardens spanning 120 acres, including the iconic Japanese Garden, Garden of Flowing Fragrance, California Garden, Children's Garden, Desert Garden and Rose Garden.

Following a three-year, $11-million renovation, the famed Rose Garden Tea Room reopened in May 2023. The Tea Room is beloved for its elegant tea service with a selection of teas, house-made scones, and a variety of savory and sweet offerings, including smoked salmon with dill cream cheese and caviar; banoffee tart with dulce de leche, banana jam, and caramel crunch; and buckwheat financier with lemon pistachio glaze. The high-end Huntington Tea adds a glass of bubbly, Lobster Salad in Phyllo with Maldon Sea Salt, and Huntington Bonbon. Vegan, gluten-free, and children's menus are also available.

Other dining options include the indoor-outdoor 1919 Cafe, which serves grilled items, house-made soups, hand-crafted sandwiches, salads, tacos, tostada bowls and house-made salsas.

Located in the Chinese Garden, the Freshwater Pavilion serves milk tea (with optional boba) and iced teas; pastries including macarons, croissants, and whoopie pies; assorted snacks, and grab-and-go fare like Korean noodle salad.

The new Jade Court Cafe features Pork & Chive Potstickers, Dan Dan Noodles, spicy-sweet Ginger Crème Brûlée and more Asian-inspired favorites.

Founded in 1979 by members of the Caltech community and the Pasadena Junior League, the Kidspace Children's Museum nurtures the potential of all children through kid-driven experiences, inspiring them to become joyful, active learners.

Husband-wife chefs Vanessa and Thomas Tilaka Kalb opened Agnes Restaurant & Cheesery in June 2021. Named for Thomas's grandmother Mary Agnes, the 3,600 square-foot restaurant is housed in a 1922 horse stable that's been repurposed by LA-based ORA (Brouwerij West, Eat Drink Americano, Esters Wine Shop, Liberation Coffee House).

LA native Vanessa oversees the Cheesery, which is showcased in starters like Sesame Grissini Breadsticks with pimento cheese dip; and the Cheese Board with three cheeses, crackers, corn nuts and preserves.

Inspired by his Iowa roots, Thomas serves a menu of elevated Midwestern comfort food with a wry SoCal twist. "Snackadoos" feature Cornbread Eclair with chicken liver mousse, chives and Luxardo Maraschino Cherries; Fried Pickles & Cheese Curds, and Pineapple Glazed Pork Meatballs.

Pastas include Radiators in Red Sauce, Loaded Potato Dumplings and the new Reuben Ravioli - toasted rye pasta dough filled with house-made corned beef (Stemple Creek Ranch 100% grass fed beef), Old Witch cheese and sauerkraut soubise smothered in a tangy-rich mustard cream sauce and topped with cornichons and parsley.

For entree, there's Grilled Mary's Organic Half Chicken, West Coast Salmon, Grilled Pork Chop, and the Pachamama Picnic Platter (grilled pork belly, jalapeño cheddarwurst, mojo pulled pork with cornbread muffins; bacon-pimento mac, marinated pea salad).

Vanessa's Dessert Cheeses are listed by Soft & Creamy, Bold & Funky, Sweet & Salty and Lovely Blues.

A longtime neighborhood favorite, La Grande Orange Cafe is housed in the historic Santa Fe Depot building, which now fronts the Metro A Line Del Mar Station. Once the stepping-off point for Golden Age Hollywood stars like Clark Gable, Mae West and Will Rogers, the triple-threat campus includes the LGO Cafe, Luggage Room Pizzeria and the Otis Bar. LGO's regional take on California classics includes fresh produce from local farmers markets and LGO Reserve Beef - one of the only restaurant brands to receive its own private label USDA certification.

Named for the billionaire industrialist and philanthropist, the Norton Simon Museum houses a collection of 12,000 objects that includes the only painting by Raphael on the West Coast, three portraits by Rembrandt, six paintings by Van Gogh, and over one hundred works by Degas. The museum's world-renowned collection of art from South and Southeast Asia includes examples of the rich sculptural and painting traditions that developed in that region for more than 2,000 years.

One of the few U.S. institutions dedicated to the arts and culture of Asia and the Pacific Islands, the USC Pacific Asia Museum has a collection of more than 15,000 objects, spanning more than 4,000 years of the region from Persia to the Pacific Islands. The museum exhibits classic and contemporary art in the Grace Nicholson building, a registered California State Historic Landmark.

Pasadena is synonymous with Craftsman architecture, and Marston’s is no exception, serving breakfast and lunch favorites in a charming 1927 home. Corn flake French toast became a popular order on dining cars, and Marston's continues the tradition with their "Fantastic" French Toast - four thick slices of sourdough are dipped in egg batter and rolled in corn flakes; top with fresh berries and bananas, add a side of applewood bacon or andouille sausage and you're good to go. Along with breakfast Benedicts and omelettes, lunchtime offerings include a variety of sandwiches, salads, burgers and specials like House-Made Texas Chili, Fish Tacos and Tempura Salmon Fish & Chips with ginger slaw, sweet potato fries and tartar sauce.

Tartine opened its Pasadena location on the ground floor of a mixed-use apartment building a block south of Colorado Boulevard. The small cafe is focused on Tartine's signature breads and pastries, with select offerings like an Egg Sandwich, Vegetable and Meat Quiche Slices, Tartines and Pressed Sandwiches.

Founded in 1996, the Museum of Latin American Art (MOLAA) is the only museum in the United States dedicated to modern and contemporary Latin American art. Since its inception, MOLAA has doubled its size, added a 15,000 square foot sculpture garden and grown its permanent collection to more than 1,300 works of art.

Chef-owner Dima Habibeh originally opened Ammatolí in 2018, and recently expanded to take over an entire block of Downtown Long Beach. The extensive menus showcase the rich history of Levantine cuisine with a modern twist for lunch, dinner and brunch.

Start your dinner with freshly-baked, house-made pitas and a selection of Three- or Six-Way Mezza. Entrees include a choice of two sides - Grilled Kebab Plate (chicken or kafta), Shawarma Plate, Gyro Plate and Grilled Atlantic Salmon Plate. Large formats feature Ouzi Lamb Chops, Palestinian Musakhan (half rotisserie chicken, caramelized onions, extra virgin olive oil, sumac, taboon bread, toasted almonds, cucumber and yogurt salad) and the family-style Mashawi Feast, which serves 4-5 guests - six kebabs and grilled veggies, served with vermicelli rice, two sides, and one large salad (fattoush, Greek, tabbouleh).