Best Restaurants that are Worth The Drive in Universal City

Last night, we had the pleasure of dining at Shirley Brasserie, located in the iconic Roosevelt Hotel in Hollywood, CA. From the moment we walked in, we were captivated by the elegant and inviting ambience. The decor seamlessly blends classic Hollywood glamour with modern sophistication, creating a perfect setting for a memorable dining experience. The food was nothing short of exceptional. Each dish was a delightful blend of flavors and textures, showcasing the chef's creativity and attention to detail. The service was impeccable. The staff was attentive, knowledgeable, and genuinely passionate about ensuring we had a great experience. They were more than happy to provide recommendations and accommodate any special requests we had. Overall, Shirley Brasserie exceeded our expectations in every way. We can't wait to return and explore more of their exquisite menu.

So very good. Waitresses Jennifer was excellent and attentive. The rack of lamb son in law was huge. He really enjoyed them. My filet Oscar was fabulous. So tender. We’ll be back

We have been coming to Mistral for over 30 years, and it has never disappointed. The service is always great, the food is consistently delicious, and we are welcomed like old friends, even if we had taken a long break between visits, as was necessitated by having a newborn And having to eat in family type restaurants for his first 10 years. Even then, we would make sure we got in a visit to Mistral at least three times a year. Prior to that we dined here pretty much weekly. We always joke that it’s our little Manhattan bistro in the heart of Sherman Oaks. Great date night spot!

Went with a group which half were fans of the show and half have never heard of it or the restaurant. Everyone enjoyed the cocktails and the food. We tried different cocktails and had appetizers, salads and main courses. We had a great time and enjoyed it all. The atmosphere was definitely unique and the staff was very friendly and excellent service. Peter and Guillermo were there the night we visited and both were so gracious with everyone we saw that wanted a photo with them. It is quite pricey tho so be ready for that. We walked around the restaurant to check out the other rooms and it was fun to see it all, and feel the different vibes from the pink room to the garden room in the back. Well done Lisa V

Everything we ordered was absolutely delicious! We started with the octopus and the caviar. While the octopus was decent, it was slightly overcooked and just okay. In our opinion, the Little Door Caviar was the standout starter—its flavor was far superior. For mains, the Branzino was perfection—crispy and flaky on the outside, tender and soft on the inside. The ribeye was equally fantastic, cooked beautifully and packed with flavor. We finished the meal with the crème brûlée, which was the perfect dessert—smooth, creamy, and with a perfectly caramelized top. The service was impeccable, making the evening truly special. We celebrated my friend’s birthday, and it was a memorable experience from start to finish. We’ll definitely be back!