Los Angeles

If Studio City is the Valley’s answer to West Hollywood, then Sherman Oaks is its Beverly Hills. Mini-mansions are everywhere, while mega-mansions are found south of Ventura Boulevard in areas like the Longridge Estates. The area features a high-end mall, good public and private schools, and easy access to the Westside via Coldwater Canyon or Beverly Glen. Rush hour traffic can be a drag, but both roads provide pleasant drives that make you realize things could be a lot worse.

Nightlife

• Coda • 5248 Van Nuys Blvd
818-273-1371
NYC-style lounge w/ dress code, so not really.

Restaurants

• Antonio’s Pizzeria • 13619 Ventura Blvd
818-788-1106 • $$
Tasty. So old-school they still take Diners Club.

• Bistro Garden at Coldwater • 12950 Ventura Blvd
818-501-0202 • $$$$
Longtime Studio City favorite. Take your parents!

• Café Bizou • 14016 Ventura Blvd
818-788-3536 • $$$
Popular French bistro.

• Casa Vega • 13301 Ventura Blvd
818-788-4868 • $$
Very popular restaurant and bar. Good food, even better margaritas.

• The Great Greek • 13362 Ventura Blvd
818-905-5250 • $$$
Lively, fun Greek.

• Hanami Sushi • 4454 Van Nuys Blvd
818-986-7060 • $$
Fresh sushi, hot sake.

• Hugo’s • 12851 Riverside Dr
818-761-8985 • $$
Neighborhood restaurant and tea house, good food.

• Hugo’s Tacos • 4749 Coldwater Canyon Ave
818-762-7771 • $
Yes, there is such a thing as gourmet tacos.

• Il Tiramisu • 13705 Ventura Blvd
818-986-2640 • $$$
Who says you need to leave LA for good Italian?

• In-N-Out Burger • 4444 Van Nuys Blvd
800-786-1000 • $
Top California burger joint.

• Iroha • 12953 Ventura Blvd
818-990-9559 • $$$$
Great sushi and ambience.

• Jinky’s • 14120 Ventura Blvd
818-981-2250 • $$
Neighborhood diner known for breakfast.

• La Fogata Mexican Restaurant • 5142 Van Nuys Blvd
818-501-9065 • $
Cheap food in a cozy cafe atmosphere.

• Le Petit Restaurant • 13360 Ventura Blvd
818-501-7999 • $$$$
Busy French bistro.

• Maria’s Italian Kitchen • 13353 Ventura Blvd
818-906-0783 • $$
Casual family Italian.

• Mistral • 13422 Ventura Blvd
818-981-6650 • $$$$
French bistro with cozy atmosphere.

• Mulholland Grill • 2932 Beverly Glen Cir
310-470-6223 • $$$
Neighborhood Northern Italian.

• Rive Gauche • 14106 Ventura Blvd
818-990-3573 • $$$$
French bistro with courtyard setting.

• Senor Fred • 13730 Ventura Blvd
818-789-3200 • $$$
Upscale CA Mexican, NFT pick!

• Stanley’s • 13817 Ventura Blvd
818-986-4623 • $$
Excellent salads, casual neighborhood restaurant and bar.

• Tony’s Mexican Grill • 12910 Magnolia Blvd
818-769-5754 • $$
Home cookin’ in a strip mall.

Dining in Sherman Oaks has never been better. Senor Fred has killer margaritas and delicious food to boot. Gyu-Kaku is Japan’s sublime take on Korean barbecue, while Boneyard Bistro represents an American take on grilling.

Shopping

• Aunt Teek’s Consignment House • 14080 Ventura Blvd
818-784-3341
Antique furniture and collectables on consignment.

• Baxter Northup Music • 14534 Ventura Blvd
818-788-7510
Great selection of sheet music. Also instrument sales.

• Bloomingdale’s • 14060 Riverside Dr
818-325-2200
Quieter than the Century City location. Especially good shoes, kids, and women’s departments.

• Juvenile Shop • 13356 Ventura Blvd
818-986-6214
A civilized alternative to Babies”R”Us.

• Light Bulbs Unlimited • 14446 Ventura Blvd
818-501-3492
Every bulb under the sun.

• Pink Cheeks • 14562 Ventura Blvd
818-906-8225
Spa claiming to have invented the famous “playboy” bikini wax.

• Pure Aesthetics Pure Wellness • 2980 N Beverly Glen Cir
310-470-6362
Well-known day spa frequented by ladies who lunch, as well as celebrities.

• Runnergy • 14082 Ventura Blvd
818-905-0020
Athletic shoes sold by athletic, knowledgeable staff.

• Storyopolis • 16740 Ventura Blvd
818-990-7600
You can get lost in here for hours amidst the Dr. Seuss and Maurice Sendak books.