Eat at Hollywood's Oldest Restaurant

One of the biggest draws to visiting Los Angeles is its rich Hollywood history. Even though the Hollywood of 2023 is nothing like the Hollywood of 1923, there are certain spaces where you can capture some of that Old Hollywood magic. 

One of the city’s most historic institutions is the Musso & Frank Grill. Established in 1919, it is Hollywood’s oldest restaurant. The venue has served some of entertainment’s most notable figures, including Marilyn Monroe, Steve McQueen, and Elizabeth Taylor (to name a few). Most recently, the restaurant was featured in the 2019 movie Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, with scenes that showcased Brad Pitt, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Al Pacino (not a bad lineup). 

If you love Hollywood history, then you’ll want to have a meal at Musso & Frank’s. I recently went to this restaurant for Valentine’s Day and will share what you need to know about this iconic spot.

Musso and Frank Reservations
Musso and Frank’s may be a Hollywood staple, but it’s not as hard to get a reservation as you might think. 

You can make a reservation on Open Table to secure a spot, but if it’s a weekend evening, you may have to be flexible with times. For example, my husband and I went on the Saturday night before Valentine’s Day, and we had to book an 8:30 p.m. reservation, which was a little later than we had hoped to get. 

No matter the time or day, though, I definitely recommend booking a reservation in advance. This way, you won’t have to wait if the restaurant is busy. You can opt to dine at a table or the bar, depending on what you prefer.


What to Eat at Musso and Frank’s
The menu at Musso and Frank’s isn’t cheap, but it’s also pretty standard for LA prices. That being said, the food here is incredible and arguably well-worth it. 

I ordered the fettuccini Alfredo. There’s a unique history to this dish, which is also why I chose it. According to the restaurant, Douglas Fairbanks and Mary Pickford loved this dish so much while on their honeymoon in Rome that they got the special recipe from the chef there and brought it back to Hollywood with them, asking Musso and Frank’s to make the meal specially for them. 

As someone who has never really enjoyed fettuccini Alfredo, I had finally realized that the dishes I had just weren’t good. This meal was incredible! 

For an appetizer, I was feeling adventurous and wanted to try something I had never had before. I missed out on trying escargot in Paris, so when I saw it on the Musso and Frank menu, I decided to order it. Now, this could be something that is all about location. I imagine the escargot in France is quite good, but it left something to be desired at this restaurant, so I would recommend trying a different appetizer. Plus, they give you unlimited complementary bread so you may not even want one. 

For those who are vegan, the options are much more limited, but they have a spaghetti with tomato sauce that my husband enjoyed.

The filet mignon is considered one of the best dishes at Musso and Frank, but it’s also one of their most expensive. If you’re in the mood to splurge, though, it’s a popular option.


What to Drink at Musso and Frank’s
For those 21 and over, a Musso and Frank martini is my pick for drink-of-choice. This restaurant has many great cocktail options, but they’re known for their martinis. I ordered a Cosmopolitan, and it was honestly the best one I’ve ever had. I suppose as a writer and editor, getting the drink made famous by Carrie Bradshaw and Sex and the City is must, though, right? 


What is Musso and Frank famous for?
Musso and Frank is famous for several reasons. First, it’s Hollywood’s oldest restaurant, as it was established in 1919. 

Second, it was a frequent hangout for big movie stars of Hollywood’s Golden Age. According to the restaurant’s website, guests included Charlie Chaplin, Greta Garbo, Humphrey Bogart, Lauren Bacall, Jimmy Stewart, Rita Hayworth, and more. 

Third, the venue has been featured in multiple Hollywood movies, perhaps most notably, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. Sounds fitting.


Where is the Musso and Frank Grill?
The Musso and Frank Grill is located on Hollywood Boulevard, slightly east of the corner of Hollywood and Las Palmas.

Does Musso and Frank have outdoor seating?
No, Musso and Frank does not have outdoor seating. The restaurant is indoors.

Find out more: Fun LA Restaurants to Check Out