New American Restaurants near Universal City, CA

“The Buffet on Saturday and Sunday never fails to impress!! Everything is delicious and fresh. Jovita was our server and her attention and suggestions made the experience delightful. If you haven’t tried it yet, it is worth the money 🤩💫“

“Highly recommend the burgers and of course the drinks especially the MOJITO! Appetizers weren't impressive...dont recommend the fried pickles or the chips and Guacamole since they really weren't worth the price. The kids meal was moderate but the burgers is what will bring me back!“

“love the Quality of Food😍😍😍“

“I really want to give it five stars and I may come again in the future. The food is great, to be honest, the pork shoulder and mushroom rice is enough.“

“Really nice place in Santa Monica. The duck breast, roasted cauliflower and yellowtail crudo were excellent. Gracious table staff provided outstanding service. The hostess even chased us down and ran across the street to hand my wife the purse she forgot at our table.“

“Stopped by for dinner to check out the place. We are having an event there in a few weeks. AWESOME EXPERIENCE. Food was wonderful, service was perfect, management went out of their way to be gracious and welcoming. Can't wait to return in a few weeks.“

“Great atmosphere friendly staff and amazing food 😎“

“The tasting menu is full of unique seafood dishes, and the portions are generous.“

“For it being u first timing dining out for Thanksgiving I was worried that the nostalgic feeling of a family gathering would be missing but I was definitely wrong. Everyone in the restaurant was having a great time and you could feel all the love and energy in the air. Started with some sourdough and truffle butter and some mezcal cocktails. Both were amazing. Dinner consisted of a 3 course menu and between our party, we were able to cover all items offered. The appetizers were a choice of scallops, crab cake, or pumpkin ravioli. All 3 were so delicious that we wish we don't want to share haha. The main courses were turkey, osso-bucco, or aJohn Dory fish plate. Again, all 3 were so delectable but the turkey and osso bucco were stars because they came with heaping sides. We paired our dinner with a couple bottles of Pinot noir from France. Dessert had a pumpkin pie, French applie pie, or a dark chocolate ganache tart. The pumpkin pie was probably the best I've had. The apple pie was also very good. The ganache tart was decent but very strong chocolate and orange flavors which I wasn't quite ready for. Service was excellent from all staff members and the decor gave you this feeling like you were at home. I will definitely be coming back to have a regular dinner because everything was on point.“

“What a wonderful discovery. The dining room is spacious yet creates a sense of intimacy. The food is delicious and interesting. The service is exceptional. This was my third visit and each time has been better than the last. Thanks to Billy and Laurissa for their special attention. “We see you and we care” was evident the entire evening.“

“The food was delicious and a great place to dine. Next time bring some friends and enjoy the food“

“Great food and wine with a view“

“The little plates are yummy. I love the pita bread that came with the hummus (Salatim plate). The other plates were good also. I loved the bread pudding (I think it's better than the best cake). What I like the most about Bacari, besides the beautiful ambiance, is the friendliest staff.“

“What a wonderful experience! We tried the tasting menu, and everything—from the food and ambience to the professionalism of the staff—was exceptional. The tasting menu paired with the juices was a true adventure for the palate. The entire process, from booking and confirmation to the actual dining experience, was smooth and seamless. Highly recommended!“

“Delicious cocktails !! Thank you Avalon hotel“

“Went for special holiday meal. Food was delicious. Probably the tastiest chopped chicken liver I've ever tasted. Fabulous brisket, potato pancakes, noodle kugel. Service was extremely good. The server helped make the evening fun. Terrific cocktails helped too. Will eagerly come back to the restaurant for brunch and dinner.“

“The chef's restaurant is upscale but cozy, with only 5 tables, all across from the open air kitchen. The chef and waiter collaborate to serve you each dish, telling you the ingredients that go into each dish... like little stories. Such a special experience!“

“I love this place! They have the best “French dip” ever.“

“No matter how many times we go to LuLu, we always leave feeling the same way - absolutely delighted. By the warm welcome, the atmosphere, the servers, the beautifully flavored food, the entire experience. Thank you for always treating us like royalty!“

“Fantastic good and cute patio. BLT incredible.“

“Great service. steak was good. A but spendy. Enjoyed the atmosphere.“

“The food is phenomenal!! Everything is amazing“

“My wife and I had a wonderful experience here last month . The service was impeccable and every dish we tried was great . The waiter we had that night made great food and wine recommendations and was incredibly accommodating. We can’t wait to go back for another date night“

“Had a lovely dinner and our server Jade was excellent! The shrimp cocktail was delicious and the hot fried catfish and fried hen sublime! A wonderful experience!“

“Great food and lovely owners - would recommend“

“The ambiance, food and service is great! Will be back definitely 💯!“

“Such Wonderful atmosphere, food and coffee! 💖🎉🥳 They also have a super sweet display of gourmet treats!!! 🤩“

“Had the Thai bowl... YUM!“

“Great ambiance and server Jake was amazing.“

“Great service, tasty food, and amazing views. Good brunch spot.“

“It’s tradition now — every time Adobe MAX is in town, I make it a point to stop by Yard House at L.A. Live! The team is always so welcoming, attentive, and genuinely courteous — they make every visit feel like coming home.

The truffle fries and tacos are always on deck, and they never disappoint! Perfectly crispy, flavorful, and just the right portion. And of course, I was so happy to see they still have my favorite Woodchuck Pineapple Cider — that’s my go-to every single time.

The soundtrack always hits just right, and the overall atmosphere is unbeatable — lively, stylish, and fun without being overwhelming.

Every year, this spot reminds me why it’s part of my Adobe MAX tradition — great food, great service, and great vibes all around.“

“Fast, friendly service. Fresh, delicious dishes. What’s not to love?“

“I love the vibe in this restaurant! Very surfer chic. I ended up coming here two days in a row for brunch. I had the breakfast sandwich and the breakfast burrito. Both was solid. I would be interested in coming back to check out their dinner or happy hour menu“

“Fast friendly professional service and hot delicious food! I’ll definitely return 🥰“

“Excellent food & location. Very clean. The mimosas are delicious with fresh squeezed orange juice. Staff is very friendly. I will definitely be back!“

“This restaurant was absolutely perfect! Loved the outdoor dining and how you could see the kitchen. My friend got their wine flight which apparently was good, and they have nonalcoholic wine! The food was delicious, we got 5 plates and dessert for 4 people. The strawberry apricot meringue tart was insane. Thank you!!!“

“Great Food and Parings. Service was great. wonderful ambiance & spectacular views!!“

“Great restaurant for a semi casual date, a night out with buddies or for any other casual outing. Perfect if you're visiting alone as they have plenty of seats at the bar with access to a full menu and enjoy a live sports game. Their service is excellent! Very efficient. I enjoy eating here and their beer selection is absolutely fantastic! Completely recommended Yard House.“

“Love the vibes here, you can come for a casual date, dinner with family or friends. I’ve had lunch and dinner here and I’m always pleased. My dad can’t get enough of the nachos. Sitting at the bar for just drinks is always fun too. Staff is very friendly and never really have to wait for a table.“

“Great atmosphere, food and drinks!“

“My cousin and I came here on a Friday evening around 6:30 PM and were pleasantly surprised that we were seated right away with no reservation. The vibe was beautiful from the moment we walked in. The lighting was cute, there was a pool in the center of the space, and everyone was dressed up which added to the atmosphere without feeling too formal.
The staff were very friendly and welcoming from the start with lots of smiles and easy conversation. Our waiter was incredibly kind and genuine. The only issue was that he forgot to put in our order the first time so he had to come back and take it again. When the food came out he forgot a few things but he seemed a bit overwhelmed so maybe it was just a busy night.
The food came out very fast and it was absolutely amazing. Everything we tried was flavorful and beautifully presented. The menu had so many good options that it honestly took me a while to decide what to get because I wanted to try everything.
Overall it was a great experience. There were a few bumps in service but the overall vibe and quality of the food more than made up for it. I would definitely come back.“

“This place has an incredible musical vibe and an amazing staff of great humans!!!“

“I always love coming here. The food is amazing and probably the best Brussels sprouts anywhere.“

“Quality food, service and relaxed environment. Totally understated as the staff assist where needed with a minimum of fuss as we enjoyed the experience.“

“We have been going to Horses ever since they opened since it’s right in our neighborhood. The most friendly staff with a big shout out to Amanda. The most amazing craft cocktails and absolutely delicious food. I think we’ve almost tried everything on the menu and have not been disappointed once. Can be hard to get a reservation, but we usually get there at 5:15 and are able to sit at the bar with no problem.“

“What an AMAZING place. Went for dinner last night. Beautiful intimate vibe, nice staff (owner was there too, super nice and takes a lot of pride in their food), and delicious food. Got the lentils, risotto and trout -- all were great -- American with an Indian twist. Happy I found it. Will definitely be back“

“I had an amazing experience at Venice Beach Wines! From the moment we walked in, the staff made us feel so welcome. The staff was friendly, attentive, and you could tell they really love what they do.

We ordered a charcuterie board, cheesy stuffed peppers, hanger steak, and the VBW salad — everything was absolutely delicious. The flavors were on point, and you can tell they use really high-quality ingredients and put a lot of care into each dish.

We went with two bottles of Topette Sauvignon Blanc, which paired great with the food and made the whole night even better. The vibe inside was exactly what you want in a wine bar: cozy, laid-back, and stylish, with amazing energy.

Big thanks to the owner and the whole team for making it such a memorable night. Whether you’re out for a date night, hanging with friends, or just looking to enjoy great food and wine, Venice Beach Wines is a spot you absolutely need to check out!“

“Great service! Great breakfast! Melt in your mouth pancakes“

“Fast and good Nice people“

“Fantastic meal! As good or better than the old days.“