Best desserts
Sweet Harts
13704 Ventura Blvd.
Sherman Oaks, CA 91423
(818) 788-5004
Hours:
Sun. – Thur.: 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Fri. – Sat.: 11 a.m. – 11:30 p.m.

As soon as you step into this sugar dreamland you are greeted by the sweet aroma of delicious baked goods. Sweet Harts offers a variety of tasty desserts including self-serve frozen yogurt, gelato and an assortment of baked goods which are sure to satisfy any craving.  The staff is friendly and willing to assist you in picking out your perfect treat. So get in touch with your inner child and indulge in some delightful confections at this boutique-style sweet shop.

Best Mexican food
Sol y Luna
19601 Ventura Blvd.
Tarzana, CA 91336
(818) 343-8488
Hours:
Mon. – Sun.: 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.

Sol y Luna is a family-owned restaurant that offers an inviting atmosphere for anyone wanting to enjoy a traditional Mexican meal.  One of the restaurant’s specialty dishes is mocajete Sol y Luna, combining steak, chicken, cactus, panela cheese, shrimp, green onions and yellow chili peppers with their special guajillo red sauce all served in a basalt mortar or mocajete with side a of rice, beans and tortillas. A large mural lines a wall of the restaurant featuring famous Mexican icons. Sol y Luna is the perfect place to savor satisfying food in the presence of traditional Mexican folk art.

Best bar
Page 71 Lounge
11916 Ventura Blvd.
Studio City, CA 91604
(818) 980-4811
Hours:
Tue. – Sun.: 8 p.m. – 2 a.m.

With the end of the semester quickly approaching it is time to start thinking about your plans for winter break.  Page 71 Lounge is a fun, trendy bar and a great place to unwind after the stress of finals. This bar offers great happy hour specials Tuesday through Sunday from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. The happy hour specials include all beer $4, well drinks $5, $2 off select cocktails and wine and $2 off champagne. So grab a drink, relax and enjoy the freedom of five weeks without the pressure of school work at Page 71 Lounge.

Best Italian food
Topanga Pizza
22994 Ventura Blvd.
Woodland Hills, CA 91364
(818) 222-4944
Hours:
Sun. – Thur.: 11:30 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Fri. – Sat.: 11:30 a.m. – 10 p.m.

Topanga Pizza is a hole in the wall with some of the most delicious Italian food in the Valley.  Their food is well-priced and perfect for a college student budget.  For a minimal corkage, you can take advantage of enjoying your own bottle of wine.  Topanga Pizza also delivers and offers special family deals for take-out orders.  This restaurant is great for the pickiest of eaters, they are more than willing to customize your meal for you.  Also, be sure to save room for some yummy desserts.

Best burgers and hot dogs
Carney’s Studio City
12601 Ventura Blvd.
Studio City, CA 91604
(818) 761-8300
Hours:
Mon. – Thur.: 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Fri. – Sun.: 11 a.m. – midnight

Tucked along Ventura Boulevard is Carney’s which serves up great American cuisine with a touch of whimsy. The bright yellow train car has been transformed into a comfortable eatery and offers a fun, cozy environment to enjoy a messy, yet tasty meal. Their chili is definitely a staple and would probably taste great on pretty much anything. The prices are reasonable and the food is filling, so grab a large stack of napkins and dig in.

Best Mediterranean food
Marrakesh – Authentic Moroccan Cuisine
13003 Ventura Blvd.
Studio City, CA 91604
(818) 788-6354
Hours:
Sun. – Thur.: 5 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Fri. – Sat.: 5 p.m. – 11 p.m.

Get a taste of some authentic Moroccan cuisine in the heart of Studio City.  Dinner at Marrakesh is served family-style with multiple courses. Their menu offers several delicious dinner options to choose from and offers a fun, lively atmosphere to enjoy a night on the town.  Patrons can enjoy performances by belly dancers from 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. on weekdays and from 6:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m. on weekends.  Although, Marrakesh maybe on the pricey side for the average college student’s budget it is definitely a great place to splurge for a special occasion.