Strolling through Tujunga Village, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to small-town USA. The block-long stretch of Tujunga Avenue is dotted with mom-and-pop stores, giving it an old school vibe.
The cornerstone of the Village is Aroma Cafe (1) (4360 Tujunga Avenue), a bustling coffee house/restaurant that’s been a mainstay for more than 20 years. On any given morning, there’s a line out the door for their revered cappuccinos, and on weekends expect to wait for a table. Studio chiefs mingle with celebrities (paparazzi are rarely a problem here), and regulars mix with newcomers. Eat inside by the fire or outside under a covered patio.
If pizza is your thing, treat yourself to a slice at Caioti Pizza Cafe (2) (4346 Tujunga Avenue) or try their signature dish—“The Salad”—made with a delightful, tangy balsamic vinaigrette.
Also on the east side of the street, the fashion-forward Verona boutique (3) (4350 Tujunga Avenue) offers an eye-catching array of accessories—from locally made artisan jewelry to imported leather handbags.
Limelight (4) (4330 Tujunga Avenue) showcases clothes for mature women, with everything from comfortable pajamas to higher-end party wear.
The shabby-chic-style store Swag (5) (4332 Tujunga Avenue) is a popular spot for antiques, vintage jewelry and distinct gift items … including their own line of scented candles.
On the west side of the street, Jose Neira Salon (6) (4365 Tujunga Avenue), which resembles a quaint seaside cottage, houses top-notch stylists while offering clients a light-filled, airy setting in which to beautify.
Hoity Toity (7) (4381 Tujunga Avenue) owner Ann Booth Luly has one of the only boutiques in the Valley filled with the proprietor’s own ready-to-wear designs. Her line is eclectic and artistic—a mix of high fashion and bo-ho chic, with a keen eye toward comfort.
Suck It! Sweets & Treats (8) (4361½ Tujunga Avenue) is the perfect spot to wet your whistle with organic, handmade popsicles ($3 to $4) in flavors like blueberry hibiscus and lavender lemonade.
Vitello’s (9) (4349 Tujunga Avenue) serves classic Italian fare, from saucy favorites to fresh seafood dishes. The popular watering hole recently underwent a facelift and now offers a sophisticated urban vibe with a sliding glass wall that enables diners to enjoy their meal al fresco. Head upstairs to hear live music at Upstairs at Vitello’s (10).
Village Gourmet Cheese & Wine (11) (4357 Tujunga Avenue) offers a dizzying array of mostly locally sourced goodies. There are interesting wines, fresh cheeses, chocolates, exotic spices, vinegars and oils.