Opened by Jay Fiondella back in 1959, Chez Jay is as lively as it ever was. It’s perfectly acceptable to just stop in for a stiff drink, but the enticing atmosphere begs to be enjoyed over a meal of steaks or seafood, or better yet, both.

Considered to be the birthplace of Asian fusion cuisine since opening in 1983, Chinois on Main combines Chinese flavors with California ingredients and French technique. The signature Chinois Chicken Salad is an absolute must for all diners. Throw in an order of the duck-stuffed spring rolls for good measure.  

Roberto and Giovanna Somma’s Italian spot has been going strong for nearly four decades. The Naples-born duo serve up classics like the Calamari Posillipo (sauteed baby squid) and the Spaghetti Della Casa made with chopped shrimp sautéed with shallots, cognac, cream, and tomato sauce. It’s like an upscale Italian restaurant from a 1970s Scorsese film.

This dinner-only institution had been around since 1963. Cozy up to a booth and settle in as a tuxedoed waiter takes orders. Start with the vitello tonnato, thinly sliced roasted veal served cold in a tuna sauce, before moving on to pasta and proteins. Apparently Matteo’s was a favorite of Frank Sinatra, and it looks like it hasn’t changed much since the Rat Pack frequented the restaurant.

This is the kind of place that is as much about the scene as what’s on the table. A favorite among a certain set of celebrities, don’t be surprised if there are paparazzi hovering outside the restaurant. Order a big salad, preferable the Cobb with beets, avocado, tomato, eggs, blue cheese, and bacon, and gab with a girlfriend while on the lookout for Jennifer Aniston.

The oldest surviving restaurant in Hollywood, Musso & Frank remains a popular spot for tourist and locals alike. Strong drinks, especially the martinis, are a main draw, though the American-Continental fare does a good job of giving guests a sense that they’re in a time warp.

Homesick Ohioans have been heading to Burbank for a taste of Cincinnati chili, a dish of warmly spiced meat sauce served over spaghetti, since 1946. The orange seats surrounding the U-shaped counter are as comfortable as ever. Save room for a slice of pie for dessert.

For a taste of classic New York Italian fare in the center of Los Angeles, there’s the dependably solid Marino. It’s hard to go wrong with the fettuccine lobster, followed by the pollo vesuvio, a roasted chicken with garlic and white wine.

Prime rib and live jazz is what it’s always been about ever since The Dresden opened in 1954. Most nights are filled with the regular crowd, but every so often a Swingers fan pops in to see how money the place really is.

The Yang family opened the original restaurant upon arriving in Los Angeles from Hong Kong in 1976. Even though there are well over 100 items on the menu, every customer that comes through the doors orders the same thing: “Slippery Shrimp,” an ocean-dwelling cousin of General Tso.

Pho 87 has been dutifully serving the downtown community since opening its doors for business. There’s pho on the menu, of course, in addition to a smattering of classic Vietnamese offerings like broken rice and egg rolls.

Located in the heart of Old Pasadena, El Toreo has been family owned for more than four decades. Come here for huge portions of classic Mexican fare paired with imported Mexican beer. Vintage photographs and a retro jukebox gives the little cafe an old timey feel.

Family-owned and operated since 1955, the specialty here is cook-your-own steak for just $8.95 at lunch. The Venetian-themed interior is dusty, dated, and dingy, but truth be told, quite charming too.