Food Options

Our hospital offers a variety of options for families who want to grab a bite to eat while their child is receiving care on our campus.  Below is an outline of the options available for your family:

Cafeteria

The hospital's cafeteria is known as the HBO Café and is located on our first floor.  You can easily reach the HBO Café by turning left after entering the hospital and passing the information desk. 

HBO Cafe Hours

Mon-Thurs: 6:00am- 10:30am and 11:15am-1:30am

Fri: 6:00am- 10:30am and 11:15am- 11:00pm

Sat-Sun: 6:00am- 10:30am and 11:15am-11:00pm 

Cuisine Options

Hot Entrée and World Cuisine Station
Offerings will reflect the latest in culinary trends.

Pizza Station
To the Max Flats (550cal), Pizzettas, grab and go slices of pizza and whole pizzas available for purchase. 

*Please allow up to 15 minutes to prepare your order for a whole pizza.

Grill Station
Hamburgers, burrito, French fries and more!

Deli Station
Incorporated great-tasting assortment of sandwich options.

Wrapped Station 
Grab and go option for wraps.

Special Offerings for Kids and the Health-Conscious

  • Expanded seasonal salad bar.
  • Kiddo Meal will offer meal boxes for kids and healthier items available at the Grill Station.

To hear about our daily specials, dial (323) 361-7561. To contact the cafeteria directly or to place an order via our Guest Tray Program, you may call Ext. 14912 or by dialing (323) 361-4912.

Coffee Bar

Awaken the possibilities in your day with a freshly brewed coffee or tea beverage available at two locations within CHLA!

The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf® coffee bars are located in the hospital’s main lobby and inside the HBO Café.

Hours of Operation

Main Lobby Kiosk

Monday – Friday: 6 a.m.- 8 p.m.

Saturday: 6:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Sunday: 6:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

HBO Café

Monday – Friday: 6 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Saturday: 6 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Sunday: Closed

Family Pantry

Hours: 6:00am-2:00pm every day of the week

This convenience store, near the HBO Café, offers grab and go convenience store items such as: Simply to Go sandwiches, salads and wraps as well as snacks and bottled beverages.

Food from Home

Food from home can be comforting for children recovering in our hospital.  We encourage families to bring in meals for their child.  However, we ask that families make note of the fact that facilities for food storage on campus are very minimal.  

We ask that, if you are bringing food, please only plan to bring enough for you and your child to consume in a single sitting, and work with your child's nurse to determine if there is room to store left-overs on the unit.  Storing food in coolers in patient rooms or on unit floors is not permitted in a hospital setting.

Guest Trays

When your child is in the hospital, it may be difficult for you to leave your child’s room to grab a bite to eat.  In order for you to spend as much time as possible at your child’s bedside, we offer a variety of Guest Trays for parents to choose from at reduced prices. 

You may order a guest tray to be brought to you via the following methods:

  1. Order from your child’s Restaurant Style Menu for $5.00 for each meal
  2. Order from the Guest Tray Premium Menu for $7.00 for each meal
  3. You may order only a cup of coffee or hot tea for $1.00

Your order will be delivered to your child’s room; money will be collected at the time of delivery. Cash, Credit Card, Google Pay, Apple Pay accepted. Electronic Transactions Preferred.

Neighborhood Restaurants

Sometimes it’s nice to leave the hospital environment for a meal, so we have included a list of nearby restaurants on our website.  The listings are provided for your convenience only.  No recommendation or endorsement of any restaurant or lodging by Children's Hospital is intended. 

Nutritional Recommendations

The hospital employs clinical dietitians who are specially trained to assess each patient’s nutritional needs and preferences. These dietitians will make meal recommendations based on that information and the child's medical condition.  To reach the Clinical Dietitian, please dial Ext. 15613 or (323) 361-5613.

Find out more about child nutrition.

Restaurant Style Menus

A "Restaurant Style Meal Menu" will be provided for your child once a diet has been prescribed by their physician. This restaurant-style menu will remain with your child throughout their entire hospital stay. You and your child (if appropriate) may select meals from the customized menu provided.  

To request a specific meal for your child:

  • Call Ext. 16368 or (323) 361-6368 to place your request
  • Ask that staff repeat your order back to you to ensure that it is correct
  • Check the order before the food service worker leaves the room

Special Requests

To meet the special needs of our patients, kosher frozen meals are available upon request. Guest Food Trays are available at a cost of $5, to be paid upon food delivery.

Birthday Program

If your child’s birthday occurs during their stay at our hospital, Food and Nutrition Services will provide a small birthday cake (unless the child's physician has imposed dietary restrictions that would prevent the hospital from providing this service).

Breastfeeding Mothers

Breastfeeding mothers are eligible to receive one complementary meal every day. Breast pumps are available to be used in your child’s room or in private pumping rooms throughout the hospital. Please let your child's nurse know if you need an attachment kit for the breast pump, need help ordering a meal or locating a pump room, or would like to meet with a Lactation Consultant.