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Food Quality 5
Service 5
Atmosphere 5
Value 5
Consistency 5
Cultural Relevance 5

0 / 5 selected

Master Critic Review

The Cat & Fiddle Restaurant & Pub 7.8
Hollywood
A long-running British pub on Highland Avenue that draws crowds for its patio as much as its kitchen—pints and shepherd's pie under string lights with a proper pub cadence. The menu sticks to British standards executed with enough care to hold a 4.5-star average across 850+ reviews, and the private lot off Waring Ave means you skip the Highland parking fight. It works best as a group landing spot where the outdoor space and familiar comfort food do the heavy lifting.
Must-Try Dishes: Fish and Chips, Shepherd's Pie, Scotch Egg
Scores:
Value: 7.5 Service: 7.5 Consistency: 7.8 Food Quality: 8 Atmosphere: 8 Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Long-running British pub on Highland with one of Hollywood's most beloved patios for pints and proper pub fare
Who should go: Groups seeking classic British pub food with great outdoor seating
When to visit: Happy hour for deals; weekday evenings for patio seats
What to order: Start with the scotch egg, commit to the fish and chips or shepherd's pie as your main, and split a beef Wellington if the table is game
Insider tip: Grab a spot on the patio early — it fills fast and is the best seat in the house
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Private lot behind the restaurant—enter on Waring Ave through the alley. Street parking also available on Highland Ave. Valet ($7) available after 5pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Strong selection: Lentil Shepherd's Pie, Nut Roast, Welsh Rarebit, Cauliflower & Red Quinoa Burger, Veggie Samosas, Popcorn Cauliflower, plus a veggie Sunday Roast option.
Vegan options: Limited but present: Cauliflower & Red Quinoa Burger on a vegan bun, Spicy Garlic Brussels Sprouts (marked DF/V), and dairy-free items noted on the menu.
Gluten-free options: Multiple items marked GF on the menu including Ahi Tuna Salad, Caesar Salad, Roasted Chicken Breast, Sautéed Salmon, and Lentil Shepherd's Pie.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, with the right timing. The garden patio with its fountain, flowers, and ambient lighting creates a charming, intimate setting — more cozy British pub than fine dining romance. Request a patio table for the best atmosphere. Noise level trends moderate to energetic indoors, especially on busy nights, so the patio is your best bet for easy conversation. Weeknight visits will be quieter and more date-friendly than weekends.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weeknights you can generally walk in without issue. Weekends and evenings get busy — this is a Hollywood institution with a loyal following — so booking a few days ahead is smart, especially if you want patio seating. Their Saturday and Sunday afternoon tea service (12pm–4pm) requires a reservation. Standard reservations accommodate up to 6 guests.
Is it kid-friendly? Moderately. There's no dedicated kids menu, but the British pub fare (fish & chips, burgers, bangers & mash) is approachable for most kids. The spacious patio gives families room to spread out. High chair availability is not confirmed — call ahead at (323) 468-3800 if you need one. It's a pub with a full bar, so while families are welcome, it's better suited for older kids who can handle a sit-down meal. Best before the evening crowd picks up.
Is it good for groups? Yes — standard reservations handle up to 6 guests. For larger groups, the patio seats up to 40 and the indoor space seats up to 40 as semi-private bookable areas. For parties between 7 and 12, contact the restaurant directly to arrange seating. Private event bookings for the full patio or indoor space require a minimum spend. Book large group events well in advance.
Is there outdoor seating? Yes — the garden patio is the main draw. It's a courtyard setting with a fountain, landscaped flowers, overhanging trees for shade, and both covered and heated seating options. Fits roughly 40 seated guests. TVs on the patio show English Premier League matches on weekends. Dogs are welcome on the patio (until 6pm), and they even offer a doggie menu with items like bangers and chicken patties.
Best For
Better for: Pre-theater drinks and dinner (close to Santa Monica Blvd black box theaters), groups who want a low-key neighborhood pub with a spacious patio, weekend brunch, and Sunday Roast tradition.
Skip if: You want a quiet, intimate dinner for two—it's a lively pub first, restaurant second.

Hours

Monday12pm - 11pm
Tuesday12pm - 11pm
Wednesday12pm - 11pm
Thursday12pm - 11pm
Friday12pm - 11pm
Saturday11am - 11pm
Sunday11am - 11pm