The Getty, Academy Museum of Motion Pictures and more have dining experiences on par with its exhibitions
These beloved cultural institutions offer astonishing artifacts, one-of-a-kind artworks and a great bite to eat.
Academy Museum of Motion Pictures: Fanny’s
Credit: Courtesy Fanny’s
Named after the entertainment legend Fanny Brice, a role that earned Barbra Streisand her first Oscar in 1968’s Funny Girl, Fanny’s merges old Hollywood charm with the contemporary spirit of the Academy Museum’s futuristic vibe. The menu tips its cap to Tinseltown history through dishes named after classic films and movie characters (consider the Gone with the Chicken Caesar and Cool Hand Wellington with portobello mushrooms), while diners gather in red booths. 6067 Wilshire Blvd., Mid-Wilshire fannysla.com
Getty Center: The Restaurant
Credit: 2022 J. Paul Getty Trust
The Restaurant at the Getty is more than just a stunning showcase for the Santa Monica mountains (though the space’s expansive floor-to-ceiling windows may have you believe otherwise). Located near the entrance to the campus’ Getty Research Institute, The Restaurant embraces the best of Golden State advantages, resulting in a hyper-seasonal menu paired with vibrant blue skies (or, depending on the time you dine, gorgeous sunsets). 1200 Getty Center Drive, Brentwood, getty.edu
The Huntington: Rose Garden Tea Room
Savory offerings at the Rose Garden Tea Room at The HuntingtonCredit: Chuy Studio
After exploring The Huntington’s 130 acres of botanical gardens (or robust art and library collections), a reservation for its tearoom extends the day of absorbing beautiful sights into a tangible experience. Sourcing ingredients from its own garden and serving house-made scones, the Rose Garden Tea Room service dazzles with classic tea sandwiches and sweet bites, while still catering to eaters of all kinds through special menus for vegan, gluten-free and child eaters. For a grand afternoon, opt for the Huntington Tea menu that also comes with a glass of sparkling wine and poached Maine lobster roll. 1151 Oxford Road, San Marino, huntington.org
Getty Villa: Garden Tea
Credit: 2024 J. Paul Getty Trust
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The Getty Villa — home to Greek and Roman art and antiquities — serves weekend afternoon tea that, as you might guess, is inspired by the past. The service melds the memory of its tearoom that closed in 1997 with the Villa’s recreation of first-century Roman gardens for an experience that is equal parts elegant and tranquil. Offering seasonal dishes, visitors can expect quintessential afternoon tea morsels like scones, sandwiches and desserts. 17985 Pacific Coast Highway, Pacific Palisades, getty.edu
Hammer Museum: Lulu Restaurant
Credit: Wonho Frank Lee
Chef and writer David Tanis, with help from chef and food activist Alice Waters, helms a masterclass in farm-to-table cookery in the Hammer Museum courtyard. With a commitment to sourcing from regenerative, organic and nearby farms, Lulu rightfully earned a Michelin Guide distinction through California cuisine dishes that burst with vibrancy and flavor, whether guests opt for the à la carte or prix fixe menu. Even in the open-air space, diners enjoy a cozy atmosphere marked by Chinese elm trees and the warm light of hanging lanterns. 10899 Wilshire Blvd., Westwood, lulu.restaurant
Skirball Cultural Center: Zeidler’s Cafe
Credit: Sarah Golonka Photography
The Skirball Cultural Center gets serious about lunch with its kosher-forward California cuisine, served from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Inspired by food writer, cookbook author and teacher Judy Zeidler and restauranteur Marvin Zeidler, the Zeidler’s Cafe menu showcases Jewish culture, Mediterranean flavors and a hint of L.A. flair through dishes like the chicken shawarma salad, kosher dill pickle fries, spinach and cheese bourekas, matzo ball ramen and a produce-forward vegetable gratin. 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd., Brentwood, skirball.org
Petersen Automotive Museum: Meyers Manx Cafe
Credit: Meyers Manx Cafe
Nodding to the Meyers Manx original dune buggy, the Petersen Automotive Museum fuels visitors with breakfast and lunch in a dining room characterized by Baja California and ’60s beach culture influences. Guests are routinely satisfied by SoCal favorites, like the breakfast burrito made with tater tots and shrimp tacos topped by mango salsa, but you’ll also enjoy the bar’s output of coffee beverages and cocktails. 6060 Wilshire Blvd., Mid-Wilshire, meyersmanxcafe.com