45 Years of Hugo's: Then, Now, and What's Next

Hugo's Fine Meats, 1960's

At Hugo's, every dish has a story — and so does the restaurant itself. Known for our from-scratch California cuisine and inclusive dining experience, Hugo's Restaurant has been a cornerstone of the LA food scene for over 45 years.

In 1975, Hugo's was a butcher shop. Gourmet meats, European deli fare, and simmering sauces filled the space with bold aromas and bolder ambition. But under the vision of founder Terry Kaplan, it became something much more: a celebration of culinary creativity and a gathering place for a diverse, curious, and caring community.

Terry's goal was deceptively simple: "a kitchen producing original, wonderful foods found nowhere else." That intention guided Hugo's as it evolved from take-out hotspot to full-service restaurant. Along the way, customers started eating in, rubbing elbows with neighbors and notables alike, and discovering dishes that were familiar, yet fearlessly inventive.

Hugo's Fine Meats, 1977

By the early 1990s, the term "Power Breakfast" had been coined to describe our bustling mornings — not just for what was served on the plate, but for the spirited conversations, community energy, and vision shared over coffee and scrambled tofu.

As the culinary world caught up to ideas that Hugo's had long championed — plant-based comfort food, ingredient transparency, and allergy-aware cooking — we never stopped pushing forward. We've always believed that food should nourish the body and the spirit. That's why we make nearly everything from scratch, screen every ingredient, and offer abundant options for guests seeking healthy restaurants in Los Angeles.

Some dishes have been with us since the beginning. Others started as weekend Specials and became mainstays. Many come and go with the seasons, taking advantage of what's fresh, what's local, and what inspires us. We've developed thousands of recipes — each one crafted with what we like to call "stealthy healthy" love.

Grand Opening of Hugo's Restaurant, 1980

In 2000, we expanded that vision and opened our Studio City location — a vibrant space to share our Hugo's philosophy with a whole new neighborhood.

Now, as we celebrate 25 years in Studio City and 45 years in West Hollywood, we're expanding once again — this time into new kitchens and new formats. From our family of restaurants to upcoming cloud kitchen ventures, we're finding new ways to stay true to our founding values while making Hugo's more accessible than ever.

Whether you're a longtime Hugonaut or just joining us for your first meal, we're grateful you're here. Thank you for letting us be a part of your story — and for being part of ours.