Best Casual Restaurants in Universal City

Our server was super kind and had great recommendations for us. Despite the crazy winds and fire warning, the staff were very attentive, food was out quickly, and overall had a terrific birthday dinner with my family. Can’t wait to come back to my favourite restaurant in the valley.

The food was great, service was great and they also surprised us with an anniversary gift.

exceptional food, terrific service, lovely ambience - great for a family or date - would highly recommend. we only had appetizers, pastas and dessert - no mains - but all was delicious. ricotta was delicious, pasta with sweetbreads a favorite.

Excellent but too expensive. There are other great steaks available in town for half as much per person. Bread shouldn’t be $18 for 1/4 loaf of sourdough.

Casa Madera, West Hollywood: A Stunning Start to 2025 Location: Casa Madera West Hollywood 8440 Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069 Introduction: On New Year’s Day, I had the pleasure of treating my parents to a memorable dining experience at Casa Madera. It felt like the perfect way to begin 2025—surrounded by beautiful food, great company, and a delightful atmosphere. Securing a reservation for January 1st felt like a lucky break, and the evening did not disappoint. Ambiance & Service: Casa Madera’s atmosphere is simply stunning. The restaurant is beautifully designed, creating the perfect backdrop for capturing great photos. From the lighting to the decor, every detail seems curated for an elegant, yet welcoming vibe. The service was just as impressive. The staff were attentive, friendly, and professional, enhancing the overall experience. It’s the kind of place where you feel genuinely cared for. Dishes Reviewed: Solstice Cocktail ($26) A visually stunning cocktail served on fire, though the flavor itself wasn’t particularly standout. Burrata ($42) An absolute highlight of the night! The honeycomb provided just the right amount of sweetness, and the flatbread’s texture was spot on. The creamy burrata was perfection—simple yet unforgettable. Fattoush Salad ($24) A popular choice on the menu, but it was fairly standard in taste. Truffle Risotto ($51) Decadent with black truffle, but a bit too salty for my liking. Center Cut Prime Ribeye - Medium-Rare ($99) The ribeye was flavorful, though it leaned slightly more cooked than a true medium-rare. The bone marrow and roasted garlic on the side, however, were exceptional. Crimini Mushrooms ($19) A decent side dish, though not particularly memorable. Butter Cake ($22) A sweet and indulgent dessert. While it’s their most popular, it reminded me of a French canelé—enjoyable but not extraordinary. Overall Thoughts: Casa Madera is more than just a restaurant—it’s an experience.