When my friend Susan Sheridan wanted to follow me around for the day with her camera, I immediately thought of the perfect idea: A Studio City Food Crawl! Not only could I eat & showcase some of my favorite spots, but it would give the excuse to make a Studio city guide for all of you.
Studio City holds a special place in my heart because it is where I grew up! It is the foundation of me becoming a foodie. Venturing on my own to lunch during free blocks of high school, and having the independence of a driver’s license, I explored places I wanted to try. It is also where I learned to eat quality food on a budget.
Now it’s become a place people are purposely venturing to. My crawl had me going back to my roots of where it all began, while seeing that not much has changed of what attracted me to The Valley in the first place. I always make fun of my parents for not leaving their 818 bubble, but with places like these, I don’t blame them.
And now… My Studio City Guide!
KIWAMI: Ventura Blvd. is DOMINATED with SUSHI spots, but Kiwami is my favorite! It’s part of the Katsu-Ya family, but feels like the Goldilocks of the bunch. Not too relaxed & rushed like the original, and not too clubby like the newer franchises. This one is just right! Order the “Kiwami Tray” (which is basically the best of the best from the menu!) Seared Albacore with Crispy Onion, Yellowtail Sashimi with Jalapeno, Spicy Tuna on Crispy Rice, Salmon Sashimi with Chopped Avocado & Onion on top, & finally the Baked Crab Roll! Plus at $22 you can’t go wrong!
Other sushi spots to try:
Iroha Sushi (Get the lunch box! Only $20! Clearly I have a thing for lunch specials…)
Teru Sushi: A Ventura Blvd. staple. Fish is fresh, and they have great Happy Hour deals!
Shiki Sushi: Have I mentioned how much I love lunch specials!?! They have a fun choice of at a great price.
Katsu-Ya: While I prefer Kiwami for ambiance & not feeling to rushed, this is where it ALL began! Specials written on a dry erase board, but it’s always all about the Crispy Rice with Spicy Tuna, Seared Albacore with Crispy Onion, & the Baked Crab Hand Roll (which you can get on the Kiwami Tray mentioned above.) But this place will forever hold my heart since I saw Justin Timberlake here back in 2004!
Henry’s Tacos There is nothing more Studio City than Henry’s Tacos. Although it has moved to a new stand, the popular valley taco of my childhood remains the same: A yellow paper wrapper containing a crunchy shell with crumbled taco meat, shredded lettuce, a slice of tomato, orange cheese, with spicy sauce on the side.
Joan’s On Third Joan’s started its fame in West Hollywood, but fits perfectly in the Valley! (The closer location also makes my lunch choice easier without a drive over the hill.) It’s the perfect spot for my favorite Chinese Chicken salad, daily specials from the marketplace, entertainment meetings for coffee, or just a quick stop to buy a special gift to bring to your dinner party so you aren’t empty handed.
Other lunch spots to try for lunch/dinner:
Il Tramezzino: Chicken special! (Sun dried tomato, avocado, Provolone cheese and basil garlic sauce, but tip is to order it on flatbread) My order for the past 15 years. And although The Kardashians give this spot some buzz, it still remains an approachable lunch to grab a panini.
Artisan Cheese & Wine: Perfect for grabbing a cheese board for The Hollywood Bowl (or for an afternoon wine moment,) or meeting a friend for lunch. I love both the sandwiches & salads that incorporate fresh cheeses from the store.
Black Market: Amazing crafted cocktails, fun small plates to share, or a perfect Sunday Brunch. I always enjoy the tastes, sips, & company here!
Laurel Tavern: A great bar, too many first dates were had here, too many memories were made here, they’ve changed chefs so many times who knows what my favorite grilled artichoke tastes like, but yet I still love it!
Aroma: The spot that gives you the excuse to spend a couple of hours on Tujunga Blvd, while grabbing a quick lunch on the garden patio catching up with a friend.
Studio City Farmer’s Market: The perfect Sunday morning outing to grab fresh seasonal produce. Warning: You will ALWAYS run into someone you know.
You can’t end a meal (or a food guide) without desert!
McConnell’s: After obsessing over this ice cream spot for years, it finally found an additional home on Ventura Place. I love Banana & Salted Caramel… and Whiskey & Pecan Pralines… and Churros Con Leche.. let’s be honest I love ALL of them!
It can be argued that the other choice for ice cream in Studio City is Salt & Straw, but I am here to state that it is not! In my opinion, my other favorite ice cream is from THRIFTY (now sold at Rite Aid.) Favorite Flavor: Chocolate Malted Crunch!
So any favorites on this list? Did I miss something? Let me know in the comments because I love sharing favorite places!
***Let it be noted I literally did a list ONLY for Studio City. I have so many favorite places in Sherman Oaks, Valley Village, Toluca Lake, all around the valley, but I made this specific to Studio City. But who knows, maybe those lists will come another time!
Thank you Susan Sheridan for the photos!
