Finally, my LA Guide! I’ve had so much interest in this post for years and I don’t know why it’s taken me so long to get around to it. I remember being in Portugal and brainstorming with Matthew and thinking ok as soon as we get back this is going to happen. Well, I got back, got pregnant, and here we are!
I grew up in Los Angeles so I have a ton of favorite spots when it comes to food, coffee, and beauty. LA is my home so even after I went away for college, I came back because this is where I needed to be. I love this city. It’s full of so many great neighborhoods, each with their own special spots. Today I’m sharing a pretty general LA Guide with favorite spots all over the city, but I’m hoping to do more neighborhood specific ones in the coming months. If you have a request, let me know! Also, feel free to check out my #MLovesLA hashtag on Instagram. I try to use that as often as I can, although sometimes I do forget.
M Loves M Guide to Los Angeles
BREAKFAST
Gjusta– Venice, CA {see visit here}
The Butcher’s Daughter– Venice, CA {see visit here}
Gum Tree– Hermosa Beach, CA {see visit here}
Superba– Venice, CA {see visit here}
Sqirl– Silverlake, CA
Le Pain Quotidien– Los Angeles, CA {everything is so delicious}
LUNCH
Mendocino Farms– El Segundo, CA {OBSESSED with the avocado quinoa ensalada}
Malibu Farm– Malibu, CA {the best views}
Huckleberry– Santa Monica, CA {yummy salads and baked goods!}
Playa Provisions– Playa del Rey, CA {great casual spot near the beach!}
Loqui– Culver City, CA {their mushroom tacos are a must, even for the meat eaters!}
Cafe Gratitude– Downtown Los Angeles, CA
Zinque– Los Angeles, CA
DINNER
Gjelina– Venice, CA {everything they make is incredible! a must-try!}
Scopa Italian Roots– Venice, CA {see visit probably my favorite restaurant in LA– the drinks and the food are just so good!}
Fig & Olive– West Hollywood, CA {such a great lunch or dinner spot!}
Gracias Madre– West Hollywood, CA {best vegan mexican food! I love their bowls. And how cool is the interior?!}
Superba– Venice, CA {see visit one of my favorite spots to meet a friend}
Baco Mercat– Downtown Los Angeles, CA
Bar Amá– {their food is delicious! Love their puffy tacos!}
Faith & Flower– Downtown Los Angeles, CA {beautiful restaurant too!}
Bestia– Downtown Los Angeles {If you can get in, you must go here! Make a reservation, though!}
Izakaya– Manhattan Beach, CA {I dream about their Crispy Popcorn Shrimp on Spicy Tuna roll!}
SugarFISH– Downtown Los Angeles/Marina Del Rey, CA {sushi for sushi lovers!}
A.O.C.– Los Angeles, CA
COFFEE SHOPS
The Boy & The Bear– Redondo Beach, CA {love their almond milk lattes}
Alfred Tea Room– West Hollywood, CA {the cutest love their bubble teas!}
Go Get ‘Em Tiger– Los Angeles, CA {get their toast while you’re at it!}
Intelligentsia – Venice, CA {grab a coffee and then stroll Abbot Kinney}
Urth Caffe– Downtown Los Angeles/Pasadena/Santa Monica, CA {crave their honey vanilla lattes!}
Peet’s Coffee– Los Angeles, CA {I go here at least once a week!}
Blue Bottle Coffee– Culver City, CA {great coffee}
SWEETS & TREATS
Bottega Louie– Downtown Los Angeles, CA {the most impressive pastry case every with hundreds of perfect macarons}
Salt and Straw– Venice/West Hollywood, CA {SO good! Every flavor is better than the next!}
Van Leeuwen Artisan Ice Cream– Culver City, CA {love their vegan options- especially the chocolate chip cookie dough!}
Sugarfina– El Segundo/Santa Monica/Beverly Hills, CA {cutest packaged candies. Perfect for a gift! The Sugar Lips are my fave}
SusieCakes– Manhattan Beach, CA
Sidecar Doughnuts– Santa Monica, CA {best donuts ever}
Pressed Juicery– El Segundo, CA {their Freeze is amazing- ice cream made of fruits/veggies/nuts!}
BEAUTY
Olive & June– Santa Monica, CA {the cutest nail salon ever!}
The Clinic at Kate Somerville– Beverly Hills, CA {loved the pregnancy facial!}
Inner Glimmer– Manhattan Beach, CA {love Michelle’s facials & her organic spray tanning too!}
Bliss Spa– Beverly Hills/West Hollywood, CA
The Now– Studio City/Santa Monica, CA
Drybar– Santa Monica, CA
THINGS TO DO
Santa Monica Pier
Rose Bowl Flea Market
Universal Studios
Walk around Abbott Kinney in Venice, CA
Explore the Downtown Arts District
Shop on Melrose
Hollywood Bowl {especially when you can bring a picnic!}
MUSEUMS
HIKES
Fryman Canyon
Runyon Canyon
Griffith Park Trails
Hollywood Sign Hike
Well there’s my guide to Los Angeles! Do you have any favorite LA spots I should check out? Leave a comment for me in the comments below!
xox