Los Angeles is a really incredible city! I lived in the City of Angeles for 5+ years after college where I attended graduate school and worked as an elementary school teacher. My mom is from Los Angeles so I have family in LA. I also married Edwin, a Los Angeles boy, so my LA family has grown! Since moving to Charleston from Los Angeles, Edwin and I have been lucky enough to get to travel back to LA frequently to see Edwin’s family, for Edwin’s work, and for weddings and wedding events. It is a wonderful setup because we get to maintain our connection to Los Angeles, which is a city we love so much! I am personally such an East Coast person and LA is the only place on the West Coast I could live… that’s saying something! I hope you love all my shopping, dining, and drinking recommendations as well as my suggestions for where to stay and what to do because there are endless incredible options in La La Land!
Jill Roberts is one of my favorite women’s clothing and accessories boutiques in Los Angeles. The original Santa Monica location was down the street from where I lived on Montana Avenue so I always loved popping in to see the highly curated selection of contemporary lines including Apiece Apart, Ganni, Isabel Marant, K. Jacques, Lisa Marie Fernandez, Lola, LoveShackFancy, and Ulla Johnson. Jill Roberts also has locations in Beverly Hills and Studio City.
Shop
Jenni Kayne
I love the Jenni Kayne stores in Brentwood and West Hollywood because Jenni’s designs are the essence of California cool. Jenni Kayne has made a name for herself by creating a California-inspired lifestyle brand for the wardrobe and the home… it’s completely delicious and swoon-worthy in every way! Among many things, she designs the best sweaters in the world and incredibly timeless shoes.
Shop
Cuyana
I love the core belief and mission of Cuyana… fewer, better things. Cuyana makes timeless apparel and accessories for the modern women. Everything is made with beautiful premium materials and it shows in the products. I love Cuyana tech accessories beyond words (the only brand I use!), swoon over the Cuyana purse I own, and adore the Cuyana clothing I have. It’s a brand for every generation of women! A visit to either location – Venice or Pacific Palisades – is completely worth it.
Shop
Rooms & Gardens
The best home store in Los Angeles! Yup, I said. I truly love this store! The store was made for blue and white lovers! Rooms & Gardens offers a beautiful selection of custom furniture, home décor, entertaining pieces, and interior design services. I absolutely swoon over all the California inspired art throughout the store as well as the coastal accessories, like seashells, dotting the store. P.S. Rooms & Gardens has a second location in Santa Barbara.
Shop
Waterleaf
If you walk into Serena & Lily and immediately gravitate toward the nautical, coastal inspired pieces, then Waterleaf is for you. It’s a collection of seaside chic furniture and interior décor right in the heart of Manhattan Beach. The Owner, Jill, is a designer, surfer, traveler, and mother who embodies the Southern California lifestyle and, as such, her store does too!
Shop
Serena & Lily
Serena & Lily is my favorite mainstream (I think the brand is considered mainstream now, no?) home brand. The inspired, relaxed yet refined line is so wonderful because all of the bedding, furniture, décor, nursery items, rugs and more maintain a certain sense of luxury while still ringing true to the brand’s casual California roots. Pop into their Pacific Palisades or West Hollywood locations.
Shop
Sugar Paper
When I lived in Santa Monica, I spent more money here than at any clothing store because I literally "popped in" once a week (at least). Sugar Paper has the most adorable selection of cards and stationery that they design in-house in Los Angeles. You might recognize the brand from their paper products that are now sold across the country. However, their original brick and mortar store is the mecca! The store also has great coffee table books, beautiful desk accessories, and fun knickknacks like cute straws, lovely pens, and yummy candles.
Shop
Burro
This stationery and gifts shop is a little slice of heaven. They have a HUGE selection of greeting cards... it's hard for me not to buy them all! Burro also carries a curated selection of clothing, jewelry, candles, beauty, coffee table books, and children’s toys + clothing. It’s an all-around happy shop! The success of Burro is undeniable with locations in Venice, Santa Monica, Malibu, and Thousand Oaks.
Shop
Gum Tree
Gum Tree is a super friendly + adorable one-of-a-kind home and gift shop in Manhattan Beach. At Gum Tree, you’ll find artisan goods, globally-sourced gifts + home décor, beautiful greeting cards + stationery, must-have coffee table books, and high quality children’s toys + books. My favorite time of year to go to this stationary store is December because they have an amazing selection of unique Christmas tree ornaments. Don’t miss their delicious Aussie-inspired café that is attached! You can spend a whole morning here!
Shop
The Piece Collective
A dreamy ethereal shop on Abbot Kinney in Venice. The Piece Collective is a uniquely curated shop full of breeze linen wardrobe pieces, interesting decorative pieces for the home, accessories + jewelry that play to your inner gypset style, and luxurious beauty items in their apothecary section.
Shop
Go Gently Nation
A super unique store in Manhattan Beach that makes beautiful, organic, eco-friendly clothing for babies, kids, and women. All the clothing is made in Los Angeles! Expect lots of neutral and comfortable casual pieces.
Eat
Eat
Elephanté
Elephanté is a super hip Italian restaurant in Santa Monica. It has a very “LA” vibe to it with a trendy relaxed ambiance and great ocean views. The food is so delicious… I’ve never not loved something I’ve ordered here! It is definitely on my dining shortlist when I’m in town.
Eat
Gjelina
Gjelina has done the impossible… it has stayed relevant, beloved, and super busy since the moment it opened its doors in 2008. I, like everyone else who has ever lived in Los Angeles, can’t recommend it enough. I love requesting a table for dinner outside on the patio and enjoying long, delicious meals here with friends. Get the mushroom toast, any pizza on the menu, and all the yummy vegetable sides for a wonderful meal. P.S. their brunch is also great!
Eat
Felix
Other than Gjelina, Felix is my favorite restaurant on Abbot Kinney in Venice. Like Gjelina, it can be hard to get a reservation but it is well worth it to plan ahead in order to dine here. Felix is known for its house made pastas. Each pasta is an incredible creation as the noodles themselves are out of this world!
Eat
Giorgio Baldi
What a special place! Edwin and I ate at Giorgio Baldi the night we got engaged so we have such special memories from here. The restaurant serves impeccable Italian food done right. I highly recommend Giorgio Baldi for a date night or any night you are celebrating an occasion worth marking. P.S. Be prepared for a celeb sighting here.
Eat
Locanda Portofino
This is a wonderful little Italian restaurant nestled on Montana Avenue in Santa Monica. The intimate environment and the fantastic no frills Italian food makes Portofino stand out as a neighborhood favorite. The penne a la vodka at Portofino is the best I’ve ever had! Portofino was our go-to restaurant for special occasions while we lived in Los Angeles.
Eat
Antico
Antico opened its doors summer 2019 to a lot of praise and with a warm welcome from the adjacent Larchmont neighborhood. It is an incredible Italian restaurant known for its traditional house made pastas. My incredibly talented girlfriend makes the pasta and gelato so I can’t recommend this restaurant enough!
Eat
Nobu Malibu
If a trip to Los Angeles is on your mind, then Nobu Malibu is probably on your radar. Nobu sits on the water in Malibu and, in my opinion, lives up to all the hype! Request a table close to the water so you can hear waves crashing throughout your entire meal and take all the menu recommendations from the waiters. Nobu is well known for a handful of dishes like the black cod, tuna tacos, and tai agave so definitely let the waiters guide you in the right direction! Warning: Be prepared to spend a pretty penny when you walk through the doors.
Eat
Sugarfish
Sugarfish is traditional Japanese sushi style dining in a super accessible and reasonably priced setting. We LOVE sugarfish! You can order a la carte but I highly recommend ordering one of the preset menus - the ‘Trust Me Lite,’ the ‘Trust Me,’ or the ‘Nozawa’ – to really get the experience. You know what fish you are getting ahead of time so there is no need to worry about any crazy surprises but it is definitely the best way to experience the restaurant. There are Sugarfish locations all around Los Angeles so there’s no excuse to miss it!
Eat
KazuNori
KazuNori is owned by the Sugarfish team and has a similar relaxed sushi vibe. What sets Kazu Nori apart is that the restaurant predominately only serves sushi hand rolls. Also, unlike Sugarfish which has locations all over LA, Kazu Nori only has a location in Santa Monica and a location in downtown. My pro tip is to get the shrimp hand roll. I don’t usually seek out shrimp when I’m eating sushi but I make an exception for the KazuNori shrimp hand roll because it’s secretly the best!
Eat
Malibu Farm
If you’re spending a day in Malibu, then definitely pencil in lunch at Malibu Farm. It is located right on the Malibu Pier so you absolutely cannot beat the atmosphere and the fresh ocean air. The menu is a healthy mix of farm-to-table California cuisine and is completely delicious!
Eat
The Tower Bar
There are a couple spots in Los Angeles to dine at to get an old LA/Old Hollywood experience and The Tower Bar is one of them. The Tower Bar does everything right… the service is impeccable, the food is cooked to perfection, the live music is on point, and the atmosphere isn’t trying to hard. It is no wonder the restaurant has stood the test of time!
Eat
Craig's
Craig’s is another Old LA/Old Hollywood staple. Anyone from Los Angeles will tell you they love Craig’s! The excellent classic American style cuisine and the wonderful dimly lit atmosphere make it a local (and celeb) favorite.
Eat
Cecconi's
I always really love the energy at the West Hollywood location of Cecconi’s! It is buzzing every night while serving up delicious Italian food. Everything on the menu with truffles is divine. I highly recommend requesting a table on the terrace as it is just lovely on a beautiful California night.
Eat
Gracias Madre
Gracias Madre is fantastic vegan Mexican food! Yup, you read that right. I eat meat and I absolutely love Gracias Madre! When you’re eating the food, you honestly barely realize the food is vegan as it is incredibly flavorful and original. I highly recommend the cocktails too as they make a range of yummy margaritas, snow cone like beverages, and more.
Eat
Mercado
When we’re in the mood for Mexican food, we love dining at Mercado. With four locations in Los Angeles, its accessible on both the westside and the eastside of town. A few menu highlights for me are the guacamole, the chile relleno, and the carnitas. Each is absolutely wonderful!
Eat
R+D
The service is unbeatable and the food is as consistently delicious as it gets at R+D. It is a buzzing westside favorite on Montana Avenue in Santa Monica. Everything on the menu is a must including the dip duo, the fries (so good!), the crispy chicken sandwich, and the newporter salad.
Eat
Milo + Olive
My best piece of advice when dining here is to get the garlic knot. It is out of this world! Milo + Olive has been around for a while now because it consistently serves up the best seasonal pizzas and salads. It is always a go-to of ours in Santa Monica!
Eat
Huckleberry
A casual, delicious, order-at-the-counter breakfast and lunch spot in Santa Monica. The baked goods here are out of this world. The prepared food here is beyond. The menu items are fabulous. Everything is great at this super cute restaurant.
Eat
Farmshop
I love Farmshop so very much! It is fantastic for breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner. I always maintain that they make my favorite eggs in the world! The food is simply superb and always exceeds my expectations even though I eat here frequently. The fresh market attached to the restaurant is filled with delectable little treats, beverages, and food items. This restaurant feels like the restaurant Meryl Streep owns in the movie It’s Complicated!
Eat
Kreation
Kreation has become an LA staple with locations all around the city. It started when the green juice craze kicked off and has held on strong as the fresh juices, smoothies, and healthy Mediterranean inspired food is so good. I recommend popping in for a morning smoothie, an afternoon juice pick-me-up, or for a meal any time of day. P.S. keep in mind that not all locations serve food.
Eat
Joan’s on Third
Joan’s on Third is a go-to spot in West Hollywood for breakfast, brunch, and lunch when you want to order at the counter and shop around for delicious pre-prepared food, goodies, and sweets. It’s fresh, easy, cute, and consistent!
Eat
A.O.C.
I love A.O.C. so much! It is one of my favorite places to dine in Los Angeles for dinner or for weekend brunch. Request a table outside on the beautiful patio and prepare yourself for a meal full of interesting takes on classic dishes. I’ve never ever been disappointed by a meal here!
Eat
Dan Tana's
A Los Angeles classic. Dan Tana's has been around forever because the restaurant’s Italian food hits the spot every time. The menu consists entirely of Italian staples and the décor is strictly red and white, which sets a classic Italian mood.
Eat
Connie & Ted's
Head here for really great seafood. This place does seafood right without many frills (just the way seafood should be). Connie & Ted’s has a casual, cool California atmosphere with a menu inspired by New England clam shacks and oyster bars.
Eat
Republique
Wow! I love the dinner menu here! It is a diverse French-inspired menu that always leaves my mouth watering for about twenty dishes. I can’t sing the praises of the food here enough! The restaurant's building is really cool too - I think it looks like an old church.
Eat
The Ivy
What’s not to love about The Ivy! The Ivy on Robertson is a classic Los Angeles spot for good reason and the Ivy by the Shore in Santa Monica is a fresh (less crowded) take on the original. The Italian meets Mediterranean inspired menu is out of this world! Everything about the atmosphere, from the décor to the fresh flowers to the waiter uniforms, will blow your mind. I highly recommend the grilled vegetable salad! Don’t forget to order one of their famed, fresh, delicious cocktails too!
Eat
Cassia
The Southeast Asia + California inspired food is to die for (please order the kaya toast!), the cocktails are yummy, and the seating areas are great! There’s pretty bar seating, open air patio seating, and regular dining seating options.
Eat
The Tasting Kitchen
I love the decor and layout of this beautiful restaurant. It has been a staple on Abbot Kinney for years because the Mediterranean menu is sure to have something that everyone will love. I highly recommend their brunch too!
Eat
Tavern
Go here for any meal but I love brunch and dinner! The chicken and waffles here at brunch will rock your world and the bacon wrapped dates are delicious too! The dining room part of the restaurant is built around a big, gorgeous tree. You'll love it!
Eat
Son of A Gun
Such a solid restaurant! The fried chicken sandwich here is beyond any sandwich you're used to. All the seafood is excellent too. The cherry on top: the awesome nautical decor.
Eat
Bäco Mercat
Bäco Mercat made a name for itself with its mouthwatering Spanish-inspired sandwiches. All I can say is that they are delicious! Every item on the Spanish-fusion menu is unbelievable. Some dishes on the menu have a kick but I love everything I've ever eaten here even though I not big into spicy food.
Eat
Bestia
One of the best restaurants in Downtown! Bestia is by a super talented husband and wife team who created an Italian menu inspired by multiple regions in Italy. The restaurant sits in a modern industrial space, which juxtaposes so well with the colorful food.
Eat
Bottega Louie
I love this beautiful pastel-colored restaurant in downtown LA. Bottege Louie serves breakfast, lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch (which I’m partial to!). Every part of the bustling restaurant – the restaurant itself, the gourmet market, and the patisserie – is wonderful. Be sure to grab fresh macarons to-go after your meal!
Eat
Sweet Lady Jane
The best, most beautiful, sweetest cakes and baked goods on the Westside. They also have a lovely breakfast if you're in the neighborhood.
Eat
Sweet Rose Creamery
Every lover of ice cream and sorbet needs to go here. The standard flavors are wonderful and the seasonal flavors are always divine too. The salted caramel (with salt sprinkled on top) is heavenly and my favorite! It’s so beloved that there are 4 locations in Los Angeles now.
Stay
Stay
The Surfrider
In Malibu. Nestled on the Pacific Coast Highway right by the Malibu Pier, sits the Surfrider Hotel. Everything about this boutique hotel celebrates the rich history of California surf culture so it embraces an über laidback, effortless, breezy vibe. The rooftop deck, bar, and restaurant is open exclusively to hotel guests and one of the best seats in Los Angeles!
Stay
Malibu Beach Inn
In Malibu. If you’re heading to Los Angeles with the dream of waking up to the sound of the ocean, then Malibu Beach Inn is the place for you as it’s located right on the water. The hotel is the perfect balance of the laid-back beachy Southern California vibe and gorgeous oceanfront luxury. It’s a brilliant spot to be to soak up the sunshine of the golden state!
Stay
Oceana
In Santa Monica. This is a wonderful little boutique hotel in Los Angeles. It overlooks the beach and has the most marvelous beachy decor. The hotel is small but the rooms are a great size and they all surround a perfect pool. The hotel is situated a few blocks north of all the hustle and bustle of Santa Monica so it is truly blissful!
Stay
Proper
In Santa Monica. This luxury boutique hotel is a sight to see from the moment you walk through the doors. Designer Kelly Wearstler breathed new light into the historic 1920s building to create a gorgeous contemporary depiction of the Southern California lifestyle. The whole hotel was inspired by the colors and textures of the Los Angeles coastline so you’ll feel completely zen and at ease here. The rooftop bar and pool can’t be beat either!
Stay
Fairmont
In Santa Monica. A great Santa Monica hotel if you're looking for a larger hotel experience. The hotel has a great hotel bar, a delicious restaurant called Fig, a lovely Exhale spa, and a nice pool. In terms of accommodations, I definitely like the bungalow rooms that surround the pool the best. You'll be in awe when you pull up to the hotel because you are greeted by the most gorgeous (and huge!) tree in Santa Monica. The Fairmont is located on the bluffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean too… not too shabby!
Stay
Shutters
In Santa Monica. Shutters is right on the beach in Santa Monica so the hotel has the absolute best location. The entire hotel has a luxury beach atmosphere with a gorgeous blue and white color palette. You truly feel like you're in Southern California when you stay here and I promise you will love every second of it!
Stay
Hotel Casa del Mar
In Santa Monica. This oceanfront hotel blends inspiration from the grand history of the Mediterranean and beachy mindset of Santa Monica. I really love Hotel Casa del Mar for its great lobby bar complete with live music. At Christmas, they have the best Christmas tree in Santa Monica!
Stay
Palihouse
In Santa Monica. If you love to stay in interesting hotels, then stay here because the decor is one of a kind and oh so cool. The rooms are so well appointed and offer great space. The common spaces of Palihouse including the lobby, terrace, and courtyard are so inviting and cozy. Everything about Palihouse feels very old school Santa Monica and gives off more of a lodge vibe than a hotel vibe. P.S. the property is BYOB but they don’t serve wine or spirits at the bar. P.S.S. Palihouse has more Los Angeles locations than just Santa Monica but the Santa Monica location is the only one I’ve ever stayed in.
Stay
The Beverly Hills Hotel
In Beverly Hills. You can't go wrong by at The Beverly Hills Hotel because it is a classic old-world LA hotel that has stood the test of time for Tinsel Town. Be sure to eat at the hotel restaurant, the Polo Lounge, because the food is seriously delicious (I love the burger!) and because both the interior decor and the outdoor terrace are perfect. The pink hotel = picture perfect sunkissed La La Land from the front signage to the welcoming red carpet to the green and white stripes + palm prints around the hotel.
Stay
Sunset Tower Hotel
In West Hollywood. Sunset Tower is a true Los Angeles landmark! Dating back to 1931, the art deco tower has long been a favorite of Hollywood greats like Clarke Gable and Frank Sinatra. The hotel restaurant, Tower Bar, is one of the absolute best spots to drink and dine in all of Los Angeles (whether you’re a guest of the hotel or not). I also love the color palette of dusty pinks, browns, and golds seen throughout the hotel and the hotel rooms. It’s really a marvelous place!
Stay
Petit Ermitage
In West Hollywood. I always recommend this hotel to people because the hotel roof is so fantastic! The roof is private and only available to hotel guests. It has gorgeous views of Los Angeles and the Hollywood Hills as well as a garden restaurant, a bar with knockout liberations, a saltwater pool, lush cabanas, and a deck for yoga + movie screenings.
Stay
Chateau Marmont
In West Hollywood. Los Angeles at its best. If only the walls of this hotel could talk! The stories that have come out of this hotel from the rich and famous are so intriguing. As such, it's a very fun hotel to stay at or dine at! I love passing weekend days here with long, leisurely brunches at the restaurant. The whole property oozes as much old Hollywood glamour as it does mischief! Keep in mind that it’s an older hotel and some people think the rooms are a bit tired.
Stay
The London
In West Hollywood. Stay at this glamorous, luxury hotel and you will feel like you’re living the LA dream. I think standouts of this hotel are the impeccable service and the rooftop pool with panoramic views of the city. London meets LA here and it’s so well done!
Stay
The Edition
In West Hollywood. I’m a huge fan of Edition hotels so the 2019 addition of an Edition hotel to Los Angeles makes me so happy! I think Edition hotels are super tranquil, inspiring, and chic in every way. This Edition doesn’t disappoint with stunning views, a perfect location right between West Hollywood and Beverly Hills, a signature restaurant, a soothing spa, and a rooftop pool.
Stay
Ace Hotel
In Downtown. The Ace Hotel is the epitome of everything trendy that comes to mind when you think about LA. The rooftop bar is a fan favorite, the restaurant called ‘Best Girl’ is a foodie’s dream hotel restaurant, and the in-house theater is a super cool venue.
Stay
Hotel Figueroa
In Downtown. Built in 1926 as a Spanish Colonial style building, Hotel Figueroa sparkles in DTLA as a unique, progressive, creative, inspired hotel haven for those with a distinct sense of style. The hotel prides itself on its commitment to its history and on its commitment to the arts. Hotel Figueroa’s two restaurants are run by a James Beard Award-nominated chef too so be sure to schedule time in your stay to eat in.
Stay
The NoMad
In Downtown. Like the Manhattan NoMad location, this Los Angeles location is designed with a more-is-more urban cool vibe. However, the Los Angeles location makes a name for itself with its interiors because it feels like Old Hollywood powerhouses would hang out in the plush velvet lobby spaces. Also to note, just like the New York City hotel, the restaurant in Los Angeles is not to be missed! I love it!
Stay
The Freehand
In Downtown. The Freehand is one of the many great hotels in downtown LA that occupies a beautifully restored and repurposed building. The Freehand is part hotel and part hostel so there is an accommodation option for every type of traveler. The food at The Freehand is not to be missed, including the casual bar/restaurant the hotel group has become known for, Broken Shaker!
Stay
The Langham
In Pasadena. This is without a doubt the best hotel in Pasadena. The expansive hotel grounds are gorgeous and the spa is one to remember! Of all the hotel in Los Angeles, this one is definitely on the landmark list.
