Dive Bars and Hidden Gems in Studio City

Studio City doesn't announce itself, and neither do its best spots. Most of them sit along Ventura Boulevard or just off it, easy to walk past if you don't know to look. Here are the places locals actually return to.

Tuning Fork LA (12051 Ventura Pl) is a locavore gastropub pouring artisanal beer and wine in a bright, wood-heavy room with live music most evenings. It's relaxed but thoughtfully put together, the kind of neighborhood bar that earns its regulars.

Daichan (11288 Ventura Blvd) is one of the most beloved spots on the Studio City stretch of Ventura. This small Japanese restaurant is packed with knickknacks and has the kind of personality that chains can't manufacture. The menu spans stews, rice bowls, and sushi, so you can visit often without repeating yourself.

Asanebo (11941 Ventura Blvd) is an upscale Japanese restaurant known for sushi, grilled fish, and careful cooking in a space that doesn't try to impress you with its looks. It's one of the more seriously regarded spots in the neighborhood, and reservations are a good idea.

H.O.P.E. (11943 Ventura Blvd) is a bright, modern cafe specializing in vegan and vegetarian Thai food, with meat substitutes and brown rice as staples. It's a reliable stop if you want plant-based Thai without having to hunt around, and the consistently strong reviews suggest regulars keep coming back.

Naturewell 2 (11925 Ventura Blvd) is a well-liked Studio City spot on Ventura Boulevard with takeout and delivery available. Details on the full concept are limited, but the ratings suggest regulars are happy here.

McConnell's Fine Ice Creams (12075 Ventura Pl) makes its ice cream with a focus on sustainability and offers both classic and more unexpected flavors from its Ventura Place shop. It's a well-established creamery with a strong local following, and the scoops here tend to be the kind people talk about.