Looking for dinner near--Studio City this Friday

[Ms. Verde]

After a day at Universal Studios, we were hoping to have a really good dinner. What's the best place nearby? We love most cuisines, but I love to try something a little unusual. Looking at Mantee, but not sure. Any suggestions closer than Hollywood? Prices are flexible if the food is really memorable.

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Mantee
10962 Ventura Blvd, Studio City, CA 91604

[Jerry P. Santa Monica]

I just had 3 McDoubles. They are one dollar each, total including tax -$3.28. But I did not get a soda. My body is a temple.

Stick to sushi and steak places.

[mucho gordo]

May I suggest Miceli's Italian Restaurant? Enjoy the singing waiters.

http://www.micelisrestaurant.com/

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Miceli's Italian Restaurant
3655 Cahuenga Blvd W, Los Angeles, CA 90068

[ruth allen]

For something a little unusual, I like Asanebo Restaurant, 11941 Ventura Boulevard CA 91604 . They are Japanese, but really good, gourmet japanese, with some unusual offerings that you won't find elsewhere. Also, when they serve your sushi, some of it is seasoned by the chef, and they explain whether to dip in soy sauce, or not, and the best way to enjoy what is being served. It's very small, so reservations are important.

There is also Katsu Ya in Studio city, also japanese (don't know why I'm on this kick!) which also has some very good sushi and sushi rolls, unlike many we've had elsewhere. Not as unique as Asanebo, but still very good. Both are fairly casual, so after Universal attire is fine.

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Asanebo
11941 Ventura Blvd, Studio City, CA 91604

Katsu
306 Rosecrans Ave, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266

[ebethsdad]

I second both these recommendations. Katsu-Ya will be very busy on a Friday night so reservations are a good idea. I believe Asanebo is one of the few Michelin rated restaurants in LA. It can be very expensive, but is quite good. If you want a less formal dinner Caioti on Tujunga still has great pizza, and Ramen Jinya on Ventura is the best ramen in the Valley. Enjoy.

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Asanebo
11941 Ventura Blvd, Studio City, CA 91604

Katsu-Ya
11680 Ventura Blvd, Studio City, CA 91604

Ramen Jinya
11239 Ventura Blvd, Studio City, CA 91604

[carter]

I'm apparently in the minority on Jinya, but I think the sushi/sashimi is about the only decent thing there, and it is not that good. And the setting is pretty dreary..

[Sandra W]

I'm with you. I so wanted to like this place (Jinya).

[ns1]

Fabio's (from top chef) restaurant is up the street.

http://www.yelp.com/biz/firenze-oster...

[Maxmillion]

Mantee is good, but very quiet and strictly Armenian cuisine, which is kinda unusual but quite delicious, if you like that kind of thing. Park out back off the alley - everyone sits on the back patio. Service sometimes can be a bit slow ...

I adore Mezzomondo for good home-made pasta and Italian fare. I almost always get the ravioli with either sage butter sauce or pink sauce. He sometimes does a great lasagne. Affordable and always great. Just E of Whitsett, on Nth side of Ventura. Scope out street parking.

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Mezzomondo Caffe Trattoria
12415 Ventura Blvd, Studio City, CA 91604

Mantee
10962 Ventura Blvd, Studio City, CA 91604

[carter]

Your virtual namesake restaurant, Maximilian's, on Tujunga at Weddington in North Hollywood is but 2-3 offramps north on the hollywood freeway from Universal Studios, with the menu shown here:
http://www.maxiatnoho.com/menu
Keep in mind that if you are gong this coming Friday, it is the Valentine's Day weekend and reservations might be somewhat difficult to come by at this fairly late hour.

[Maxmillion]

LOL - I haven't been back since they re-opened a while back as an Austrian place. Is the cuisine any good?!

[tarnmoor]

Not anywhere as good as chef Laszlo's former location at Hortobagy on Ventura near Vineland.

[DaveinNorthridge]

You liked Hortobagy? Sorry, but that was the worst Hungarian restaurant I've ever been in, and that makes me very wary of Maximilians too.

[fishyak]

My "go-to's" in this area:

1) Loteria Grill, Laurel Canyon and Ventura Blvd.
2) Boneyard Bistro BBQ, beer and bourbon on Ventura east of Woodman.

This will post the address of the other Loteria Grill. Valley one is good.

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Loteria Grill
6333 W 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90036

Boneyard Bistro
13539 Ventura Blvd, Sherman Oaks, CA 91423

[farmertomato]

Loteria Grill is excellent. Interesting menu, everything well prepared. Boneyard Bistro is distressingly mediocre and way overpriced. I would never recommend it to anyone.

[GK in SO]

I agree with fishyak and farmertomato....Loteria Grill is excellent, especially those who wish to escape from the typical red sauce/melted cheese-type Americanized "Mexican" food we're all used to.

Love the shrimp tacos, the shrimp are so fresh, plump and flavorful...all their dishes are well prepared, with interesting tastes, sauces (mole is done pretty darn well here) are found throughout the menu. Also, each of the four times I've been there, the service is good too.

[jackattack]

Malbec Argentine Grill in Toluca Lake is nearby, and at 8:00 they have live music on Fridays.

www.malbeccuisine.com

[Servorg]

If you are interested in Latin American tapas then you are close to D'cache

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D'cache
10717 Riverside Dr, North Hollywood, CA 91602

[Akitist]

Is there a reason for specifying Studio City? There are restaurants closer than that. Ca' del Sole is just a couple of blocks north of the entrance for Italian, for instance.

[perk]

Second Ca del Sol. Great patio....good food....very nice service.

[omakase]

I just had a very nice dinner at Raphael's in Studio City, close to Universal Studios. The food is considered "World Cuisine." I was well taken care of by the husband/wife owners and their friendly staff. I ordered French Onion Soup, Tuna Tartare, Shrimp Lupia, and a RibEye Steak with a side of Fries. Prices ranged from a low of $8.50 for the soup to a high of $37.00 for the steak. They have a full bar, as well.

Raphael
11616 Ventura Blvd.
Studio City 91604