Jones Hollywood

Walk into Jones Hollywood and you’ll immediately understand why this place has been an LA institution for over a decade. Nestled on Santa Monica Boulevard, this dimly-lit Italian restaurant somehow manages to bottle that elusive old Hollywood magic that tourists spend their entire trips searching for. The kind of place where the lighting makes everyone look good and the energy shifts from the moment you step through the door.

The food here delivers exactly what you want from a neighborhood Italian joint. Start with the calamari fritti—it’s perfectly fried with just enough butteriness to make that spicy marinara dip absolutely addictive. The spaghetti and meatballs, served sizzling in a cast iron skillet with meat ragu and shaved Parmigiano, has converted countless first-timers into regulars. And don’t sleep on the spicy sausage pizza—thin crust, San Marzano sauce, and sausage that actually brings the heat. But save room, because the apple pie for two is a theatrical masterpiece: a generous wedge of homemade pie swimming in a bubbling bath of caramelized brown sugar.

What sets Jones apart isn’t just the food—it’s the remarkable ability to make every guest feel like they belong. You might find yourself seated next to industry regulars or sharing a late-night margherita pizza with friends at 11pm during happy hour. The bar is perfect for solo visits or catching up with a friend over one of the best martinis in the city. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, navigating a first date, or just craving comfort food in a room with great energy, Jones delivers.

This is the rare restaurant that works for virtually any occasion. It impresses without trying too hard, comforts without being ordinary, and treats newcomers and regulars with the same warmth. If you’re looking for that idealized version of Hollywood dining—the one that exists in your imagination before reality sets in—Jones is about as close as you’ll get.