The Hunger Games Star Bruno Gunn Shares His Haute Secrets to LA

Photo Credit: Byron Ashley Bryson\

Bruno Gunn is no stranger to buzz, coming off of one of the largest movie franchises in history, The Hunger Games. His role as Brutus launched Gunn into a whirlwind of blockbuster roles, including his upcoming project, Officer Downe, an intensely buzzed-about, graphic novel film adaptation that premieres June 3rd at the L.A. Film Festival which has been called the next Deadpool by critics. Gunn, an Ohio native who lived in New York prior to moving to Los Angeles, will also appear in another highly anticipated project, playing Walrus in HBO’s Westworld opposite Anthony Hopkins, James Marsden, Evan Rachel Wood and Thandie Newton. Here, this star on the rise shares his favorite places and spaces in the City of Angels.

Where were you born: Pro Football’s Hall Of Fame City – Canton, Ohio

How long in LA: I left New York City for LA – that was 16 years ago.

Neighborhood: Little Ethiopia.

Occupation: Actor

Favorite Restaurant: Gjelina in Venice. Entire menu is sensational. The broccolini is one of my favorites.

Best Sushi: Asanebo in Studio City

Best Italian: Cantalini’s Salerno Beach Restaurant in Playa Del Rey. Especially on Sunday’s when they have live music. #dagoapproved

Best dessert: Decadent Desserts by Heather – Unique, customized one-of-a-kind desserts and are delicious. They also specialize in Vegan, Gluten & Sugar free options.

Best place for a romantic date:  Inn of the Seventh Ray in Topanga.  Elegance meets Disney fairytale.  This place fosters nothing but pure love.

Best Sunday brunch:  Dudley Market in Venice.

Best place for a power business meeting:  Bouchon

If you have out of town guests, which hotel would you recommend?  Shutters on the Beach

Favorite place to buy jewelry/watches: Downtown’s Diamond District.

Favorite Charity Organizations:  LA Family Housing – This non-profit does some amazing and much needed work helping L.A. families transition out of homelessness and poverty with endless services. A few: housing, job training, counseling, reading programs, child care and more.

Favorite Cultural Event: L.A. has more museums and theaters than any U.S. city. There are too many to name! Right now I’m into “So What! The Artistry of Miles Davis”. The life and work of Miles Davis is showing at the William Grant Still Arts Center. 

Favorite Cultural Institution:  Italian Cultural Institute of L.A. This place is a hidden gem and the shows are spettacolare!

Best Steakhouse: Dantana

Best Pizza: If an old-school pie is what you’re looking for, it doesn’t get any better than Village Pizza in Larchmont. #dagoapproved

Best Lunch:  Super Gallito Taco Truck on LaBrea

Best Gym/Athletic Facility: The Mecca Golds Gym in Venice is electric. If that’s not your scene, I also love to train at Burn Fitness in Santa Monica – great space.

Best Massage: Wilshire Massage. Ask for Teddy. The guy can work miracles.

Best Limousine/Driving Service: Whichever one the studio sends.

Favorite clothing line: Muscatti

Best Museum/Exhibit: The Broad

Describe your city in three words:  Closes too early.

Favorite historic/legendary place to see or explore: The archeological dig at the La Brea tarpits.

All-around favorite spot in Los Angeles: If you crave the outdoors – Malibu Creek State Park.

Best Aspect of Los Angeles: Surface streets. During rush hour, surface streets become your best friend.

You can follow Bruno on Twitter & Instagram @BrunoGunn