Hugo's Studio City — Restaurant in Los Angeles

For more than twenty years, HUGO'S RESTAURANT has provided, unique, wonderful meals supposed with excellent service.

RESERVATIONS ARE RECOMMENDED, PARTICULARLY ON HOLIDAYS AND WEEKENDS.

We're a family of five with diverse dietary requirements. There are three carnivores (one with several allergies), a gluten-freer, and me, a vegan. Our family's table of choice is number nine. It's in the corner next to the window, with a view of the veranda's gently flowing water-wall.

Hugo's expansive menu offers entrees from Mexico, Asia, Italy, and America. Many dishes can be modified to the diner's requirement. (Hugo's offers their eclectic menu at slightly more than moderate pricing.)

Most selections are annotated with dietary information. Often, conventional, vegetarian, gluten-free, and vegan versions of the same entree are offered. Many of the vegan meat analogs are made in Hugo's kitchen. While there are differences, these alternative, meatless, comfort foods provide much of the taste, texture, and "mouthfeel" of the originals.

Our waiter, Kevork asked, "Do we have any food allergies?" One of our family is allergic to seafood and pineapple. He recorded that information to inform the kitchen. Our meals arrived in about fifteen minutes.

For me, a long time vegan, it is usually a toss-up between, the Chicken Sandwich, Tamale Plate, BLT, Club, or Ruben. Occasionally, I alternate with the Chunky Vegetable Salad, Almond pancakes, or Pasta. These comfort food presentations are ample, well plated, and delicious. (My wife skillfully borrows a sample from my plate, then a second, just to be sure.)

Hugo's desserts are unique and wonderful. Several, including the hot fudge sundae and Sticky Buns, are gluten-free and vegan. Always ask for an extra serving of the rich hot fudge. It's that good. My favorite, Sticky Buns, combines a melt-in-your-mouth texture with a crusty bottom. It is impossible to consume this pastry without cracking a smile. An Apple Sticky Bun version is now on the dessert menu. It is delicious. A single order is adequate for a table of four.

Their servers are knowledgeable, easy-going, and considerate. Waiters, serving tables near us, furnish their customers with a similar level of courtesy. The bus staff is supportive. Hugo's is managed with care.

Both the dining room and an infrared heated, covered veranda seating are offered. Dining is also offered in a large, heated tent on their parking lot.

Telephone, pickup, and internet orders are accepted. Delivery service is available.

Hugo's main entrance is from their free parking lot. A few steps or ramp allows easy access. Everything is wheelchair accessible, including the gender...

My kids and I visited Hugo’s last night, as it was recommended by our hotel. I was hopeful, since they offered a variety of foods that sounded great. We were seated right away, but then waited almost 10 minutes before our server came to the table. During that time, the hostess awkwardly stared at us, which made things even more uncomfortable.

What made the wait more surprising was that there were only a few other tables occupied in the restaurant, and several servers working. It wasn’t busy at all, so the slow service didn’t make sense.

When our server finally arrived, he took our drink and food order, but then disappeared again. Nearly another 10 minutes went by before a different server came to check on us. I asked if he could grab our drinks, and he kindly and promptly did. Unfortunately, our assigned server seemed unaware and inattentive throughout the evening.

One thing that stood out was the homemade tortilla chips. When our food came, they brought out a small sauce bowl of chips, then we noticed they charged $6 for them! As my son pointed out, “Mom, they charged $1 per chip.” The food itself was decent. My son enjoyed his $20 mac and cheese. My $32 steak, however, was just okay, not worth the price.

In the end, the manager brought us our check and I went up to the counter to pay. She seemed surprised that I was only tipping 15%. As a former server myself, I believe there’s room for better training and higher expectations for the staff. Good service makes all...

Vegans, be cautious! I went to this restaurant today for the first time with my boyfriend. I was initially impressed with the wide selection of vegan options. Before taking my order, the waitress asked if I had any dietary restrictions, and I told her I will be placing a vegan order. I ordered the tofu scramble. She asked if I wanted eggs or a scramble, and I said “scramble” (I guess she had forgot I had said I wanted my order vegan). When the dish arrived, the busboy/staff placing it said “scramble.” But when I bit into it, it tasted VERY egglike and the waitress confirmed it was actually eggs when I flagged her down. To her credit she apologized and comped the order, but this still should not have happened. When I asked her what had happened to cause the incident, she said she had flagged the order as “vegan” in their system but the cooks “must have not been paying attention” or “forgot” (don’t remember what she said exactly). Anyways, I don’t want to discourage vegans from eating here because they have an impressive menu with lots of options, but learn from my experience and ask again when they bring your food as they cannot be 100% trusted to get it right apparently. I understand accidents happen but some people have serious allergies and it’s wrong to market yourself as vegan friendly and fail to catch these kind of errors before the food gets...