Barone's

Move over Rose Bowl, Barone’s is the real granddaddy of them all—at least when it comes to old-school Italian restaurants in LA. This ancient sit-down spot opened in 1945, when the Valley still had more orange trees than humans. The restaurant rivals most country clubs in size (you’ll wander through several dining rooms heading to the restroom). Even on weeknights, the place swells with young families, groups of grumbly neighbors, and various locals who would love to tell you about their 1984 Coup de Ville. Order the trademarked (yes, trademarked) thin-crust pizza served in a sheet pan, and for a real throwback, the seafood-stuffed mushrooms. Is there melted cheddar and bearnaise sauce poured on top? Yes. Do we know why? No.