Hamburger Hamlet is a burger place that I always liked. They had one (think they still do) right across from the Chinese theatre along the Hollywood walk of Fame.
There's a Hard Rock Cafe in Beverly Center in Bev. Hills. That's the first one, and I still like it.
There's a number of really neat places overlooking the water in the beach areas of Redondo Beach (not really Bev. Hills/Hollywood, but not too very far). Actually, there's a Cheesecake factory that has a warmed balcony that literally is over the water. Beautiful.
There used to be a little hole in the wall italian place on Melrose. Had big plates of pasta for cheap. Family run. From doing a search, it might be La Boca, but I'm not sure.
Musso and Frank's in Hollywood.
In Torrance I LOVE the King's Hawaiian bakery for breakfast. Could take it or leave it for other meals, but love it for breakfast.
Heard good things, but never been to Cafe50's in Sherman Oaks.
For a fun, different experience, I really enjoyed the Taix French restaurant,
www.taixfrench.com. Pretty place to get dressed up and eat out, but not too hoity-toity.