In honour of the Sign’s centennial anniversary in December, Los Angeles Tourism spotlights the evolution of Hollywood

LOS ANGELES (17 November, 2023) – As the 100^th anniversary of The Hollywood Sign approaches in December, Los Angeles Tourism is pleased to continue its year-long celebration by spotlighting the ever-changing culinary landscape of Hollywood. Over the last century, the Hollywood Sign has borne witness to the evolution of Hollywood, from the glamour of its golden age to its current standing as a world-renowned dining and drinking destination. As a global culinary capital, Los Angeles is known for a wide range of epicurean delights—from street food and budget-friendly eats to fine dining and Michelin-starred cuisine. Hollywood is a microcosm of what makes LA’s food scene exceptional, boasting every type of fare from historic old favourites like Musso & Frank Grill serving the classics, to hot new destination restaurants from celebrity chefs like Evan Funke’s Mother Wolf, to some of the most vibrant nightlife in LA.

 “Whether you are a first-time visitor or a lifelong Angeleno, there is a mythical appeal surrounding Hollywood – a place where dreams come true, and stories come to life,” said Adam Burke, President & CEO of the Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board. “Beyond the pioneering movie studios, iconic Academy Awards ceremonies and of course the historic Hollywood Sign that have cemented Tinseltown lore, Hollywood is a place where the story of Los Angeles is told not only on-screen but also on the plate. We invite visitors and locals alike to savour the flavours of Hollywood, both old and new, in celebration of a century of our most notable landmark.”

TINSELTOWN CLASSICS

• Musso & Frank Grill – As much of a Hollywood icon as the stars that line the boulevard, Musso & Frank Grill is a classic steakhouse that has been serving Angelenos since the heyday of silent films. Musso & Frank has long had a reputation as a haunt for stars of the silver screen and the creatives behind the movies, including Charlie Chaplin, Elizabeth Taylor, Raymond Chandler, Gary Cooper and William Faulkner.

• Pink's Famous Hot Dogs – Open since 1939, the legendary hot dog stand has sold its staple fare to generations of Angelenos. Among its many customers have been notable celebrities such as Orson Welles, Michael Jackson and Martha Stewart. There's a hot dog named after Stewart, topped with relish, onions, bacon, tomatoes, sauerkraut, and sour cream, as well as other celebrity-inspired eats include the Emeril Lagasse Bam Dog with jalapenos and bacon and the mozzarella-topped Giada de Laurentis Dog.

• Yamashiro – Translating as “Mountain Palace” in Japanese, Yamashiro, was constructed at the Los Angeles hilltop to house the Bernheimer brothers’ priceless collection of Asian treasures. Now over 100 years old and sitting at 250 feet above Hollywood Boulevard, the Asian fusion restaurant boasts spectacular city views and stunning architecture and gardens.

HOLLYWOOD HOTSPOTS, FROM MICHELIN STARS TO TOP CHEFS

• Gwen – From the creative mind of Australian Chef Curtis Stone, a fixture of the small screen from numerous reality TV competitions, the Michelin-starred Gwen Butcher Shop & Restaurant is a collaboration between Chef Stone and his brother Luke. The celebratory restaurant is very personal to the brothers, named for their maternal grandmother and reflecting the brothers' early years working in a butcher shop.

• Shirley Brasserie – Newly opened at The Hollywood Roosevelt, Shirley Brasserie is a vibrant new restaurant celebrating authentic French-Californian flavours. Helmed by Chef Craig Hopson, Shirley offers a comprehensive menu of classic hors d’oeuvres, raw bar selections, charcuterie boards, butcher cuts, and more, all complemented by a world-class wine and spirits program, focusing heavily on French influences.

• Mother Wolf – Mother Wolf is Chef and pasta master Evan Funke’s homage to the city of Rome, serving rich, soulful dishes as a mosaic of the ancient, pastoral and urban culinary heritage of la cucina Romana. The menu at Mother Wolf echoes themes of shepherds, popes, farmers and artisans through wafer-thin wood fired pizzas, hyper-seasonal antipasti and the traditional handmade pastas for which Funke is renowned.

• Ka’teen – Located in the new tommie Hollywood, Ka’teen is a lush outdoor restaurant presented by star chef and icon of the Los Angeles food scene, Chef Wes Avila. Known for his nuanced blend of regional California and Mexican cuisine, Avila serves a menu of flavours from the Mayan Riviera and Yucatan Peninsula with elements including plants, palm fronds, tostadas, ceviches and tacos.

• Pizzeria Mozza – Nancy Silverton, an LA hometown hero and two James Beard Award-winning chef who rose to fame with her La Brea Bakery, is the brilliant mind behind the immense Pizzeria Mozza.

• Providence – With two Michelin stars and a newly awarded Green star for sustainability, Providence pushes the boundaries of sustainable seafood practices by committing to only use wild-caught, sustainable products, growing an on-site rooftop garden, and a zero-waste bean-to-dessert chocolate program.

NEW-ERA COCKTAIL BARS

• Grandmaster Recorders – In the heart of Hollywood’s Vinyl District, Grandmaster Recorders is in what was once an eponymous recording studio, hosting the likes of Stevie Wonder, David Bowie, and Foo Fighters. Inside is a stunning restaurant, lounge, and rooftop bar with some of the best views of the Hollywood Hills and Capitol Records Building. 71 Studio Bar is a dedicated cocktail lounge and live music venue, while the Rooftop’s cultured food and beverage program compliments views of the Hollywood Sign and Capitol Records Building.

• Desert 5 Spot – Perched on the rooftop of the tommie Hollywood, Desert 5 Spot is an ode to the vintage vibes of Palm Springs and Pioneertown. Inspired by desert hideouts, throwback roadside motels and cosmic Americana, Desert 5 Spot serves up famous margaritas and ice-cold beers for an upbeat night of live music, weekend DJs and old-fashioned jukeboxes playing a blend of country hits and classic rock.

• Bar Lis – High above the heart of Hollywood sits Bar Lis, the crown jewel of the Thompson Hollywood. This chic rooftop lounge captures the iconic spirit and style of the French Riviera and immerses patrons in a sophisticated mix of classic South of France culture and modern Southern California ease, serving up a selection of drinks, snacks and small plates.

• Mama Shelter – Few spots offer unobstructed view of the iconic Hollywood sign like rooftop Mama Shelter, serving up drinks and snacks in addition to its striking vista. Mama Shelter is known for its inventive cocktail menu, generous hospitality, and vibrant environment.

• Tramp Stamp Granny’s – The self-proclaimed spot for “drinks, dancing and upscale debauchery,” Tramp Stamp Granny’s is owned by Broadway and “Glee” star Darren Criss. This energetic retro piano bar is host to upbeat nights featuring a chic Art Deco interior mixed with funky vintage furniture, a thoughtful cocktail menu and live music.

• Hemingway’s Lounge – One of the most stylish lounges on Hollywood Boulevard, with chic décor, books floor to ceiling, and soft sofas, Hemingway’s Lounge provides the perfect atmosphere to sip cocktails named for literary classics, and dance while the DJ plays an eclectic mix of rock favourites.

First illuminated on December 8, 1923, the 45-foot-high white letters of the Hollywood Sign originally read “Hollywoodland” as they were introduced atop Mount Lee. Over the past century, the Hollywood Sign has stood tall above the city through its many eras and iterations, and through it all has remained a treasured landmark and a symbol of how dreams can become reality in LA.

Over the past year, Los Angeles has earned coveted culinary accolades, boasting 25 restaurants awarded one or more Michelin Stars and receiving the highest number of recognitions by the 2023 James Beard Awards. At the heart of LA’s flourishing culinary culture, Hollywood is undoubtedly one of the hottest dining and drinking destinations in the city.