đ LOS ANGELES
Where to eat, shop, and hang out if you're visiting LA for a few days
Table of Contents:
Hikes, Wellness
Art, Drinks, etc.
GENERAL
First things first, donât come to LA without renting a car. I recommend Sixt, but any car rental will do. I recommend picking up somewhere thatâs not LAX if itâs not too inconvenient. Thereâs a good chance youâll get a much better car in the same tier.
WHERE TO EAT AND DRINK
EAST LA
â All Time - Possibly my favorite food in LA. If you love a farm-to-table vibe, this is a must! And stop by Grandpa, their home goods shop next door, after lunch.
â Saffyâs - One of the best restaurants in LA. Middle Eastern food in East Hollywood.
Found Oyster - A beach-town fish shack vibe in the best way. They donât take reservations so come early for fresh seafood at the counter.
Holblox - ($120/pp) Highly acclaimed Mexican seafood tasting menu. A hard reservation to get so book it in advance.
Barr Seco - People flow up and down the sidewalk out of this tiny, tastefully-designed wine bar in Silver Lake. Shoutout to my friend Olivia Lopez who has created the Bar Basso of Los Angeles. Iâve had my favorite memories in LA here. The energy really picks up after 10pm.
Parkâs BBQ - K-town BBQ. The best plan on a rainy day in LA.
Bavel - DTLA Middle Eastern cuisine
WEST LA
â Sushi Park - ($$$) No frills high quality omakase in a strip mall. And it comes with a hefty price tag.
â Bicyclette - Delicious, dim-lit, and one of the few dinner spots in LA that I feel actually has a vibe to it. **PERMANENTLY CLOSED ***
Horses - Among much controversy, Iâll always love this place. Itâs a date night with a few martinis.
Funke - A sceney restaurant from famous LA Chef Evan Funke (Felix, Mother Wolf) with a classic Beverly Hills vibe.
Felix Trattoria - Traditional Italian cuisine
Nobu Malibu - you know
Stella West Hollywood - Really solid Italian food in the classic Beverly Hills atmosphere.
Jon & Vinnyâs - Everyone has to try it once.
BREAKFAST, BRUNCH, LUNCH
In my opinion, LAâs dinner restaurants are not standout, but the lunch and brunch spots are something to write home about.
â Courage Bagels - itâs famous but it wonât let you down.
If youâre with someone, take turns waiting in line. Grab a coffee and check out the shop at SQIRL across the street.
â Gjusta - THE BEST!!!!! A good meeting point with a group as the outdoor seating is lovely.
â All Time - My faboritegood for breakfast and lunch, as well as dinner.
Order the: cinnamon roll, if you come in the morning
Community Goods - coffee shop and hang out spot for a âcoolâ LA crowd
Order the: Matcha!!! (they serve Rockyâs) + the breakfast sliders
RĂ©publique - French-inspired menu; everything is delicious
Sqirl Kitchen - famous for their jams + be sure to visit the shop
Beverly Hills Hotel - A legendary establishment. The silver dollar pancakes at The Fountain Coffee Room are so good!
WAKE AND LATE - if you like breakfast burritos
Street tacos:
These two are right nearby:
Tacos y Birria la Unica (meat)
Mariscos Jaliscos (seafood)
COFFEE
Maru Coffee - I love everything about this place and everything they sell, including their tote bags. But specifically, their matcha.
WHERE TO STAY
Petit Ermitage - If youâre going with a friend or significant other, I couldnât recommend a place more. Moroccan/French influenced, boutique hotel with major charm thatâs in an ideal location to get everywhere from East LA to Malibu (and not SO expensive). Their rooftop is a perfect spot to grab drinks and the sunsets here are incredible!
The vibe is definitely younger and a bit quirky; I wouldnât recommend it if youâre traveling with parents.
Chateau Marmont - ($$$) reminiscent of old Hollywood. An iconic hotel thatâs definitely luxury, but also comfortable. One of those places where âif the wallâs could speak⊠the stories theyâd tellâ. If youâre not staying here, Iâd recommend grabbing lunch in the courtyard one day.
SHOPPING
Follow my Google Map where Iâve pinned all the best shopping in LA, but here are some of my favorites:
Mohawk General Store - (East LA) Great curation of upscale womenâs and mens
Just One Eye - Even if you canât afford anything, this store is like a museum with the most insane art collection.
Maxfield LA - Luxury avant-garde
Wild West Social House - They call this place a âclubhouseâ with a membership that allows you to rent their selection of really insane vintage pieces. You can just come shop, without renting, too. The selection includes Vintage Paco Rabanne, Prada, and Chrome Hearts.
RLT Vintage - The only place I buy vintage Levis. And an amazing curation of minimalist vintage pieces from Jil Sander, Ralph Lauren, etc.
Ref Melrose Vintage - Reformation Vintage store.
FURNITURE
The Future Perfect - One of my favorite spaces to visit for endless design inspiration. Make an appointment in advance.
Merit - Vintage and mid-century modern furniture, objects and art.
The Window - Vintage furniture and art, and right next door to the Bode store.
OTHER
Arcana: Books on the Arts - An epic bookstore where you can spend hours and hours.
THINGS TO DO
Hikes
Griffith Park / Griffith Observatory - My favorite hiking trails in LA. There are many different hikes in and around this park. Use All Trails to find one of ideal length and difficulty.
Wellness
Remedy Place Weho - If you happen to be in LA and itâs not very nice out, spend some time at Remedy Place (do a meditation class or book a lymphatic drainage, cold plunge, or sauna session)
Other
Walk around the Brentwood Country Mart
Schindler House - Visit the art museum/ cultural center to see some amazing architecture.
Get a drink at the Sunset Tower Bar
GOOGLE MAP
* This map has all of the locations mentioned above + more pinned so you can easily see where everything is located and plan your trip around different neighborhoods.