Although we're based in the Bay Area in California, a lot of our team member hale from California's best known city—Los Angeles. When we told the team that this month's City Guide was in LA, they literally (as literally as you can on the internet) bum-rushed the suggestions sheet.
Los Angeles, California
Breakfast
Sqirl—Started as a preserves company in 2011, they added breakfast till 4pm because of popular demand. They make their preserves in house, following a recipe from the 1500s and the toast.. oh, my, word the toast.
Gjusta—Two things about Gjusta to know: 1/ you might wait a while 2/ it's worth it. The food at this deli/bakery/cafe is to die for. Call ahead if you're planning on being there midday, don't bring a big group, and maybe be okay with standing up while you eat.
Lunch
Erewhon (two locations: Abbot Kinney & La Brea)—Feast your eyes on the most beautiful and mindful natural foods store in LA. They have every options for every dietary preference, be it: organic, raw, vegan, paleo, gluten free – and every thing there is of the highest quality—it's not cheap – but boy oh boy is it a wonderful experience for the eyes and for the tum. Also.. their juice selection is to die for.
Bottega Louie (Downtown LA)—An absolutely beautiful restaurant with delicious Italian food in the heart of Downtown LA.
Dinner
Sage (Culver City)—An entirely plant based restaurant with an extensive menu – they have everything from mac & cheese, pizza, fish & chips, to ice cream – all vegan – all delicious – highly recommend !
Kazu Nori (two locations: Downtown LA & Westwood)—A bar seat only restaurant that exclusively served hand rolls – I recommend ordering from the prefix menu – very reasonably priced and each hand roll comes out one at a time. The hand rolls are made right in front of you with warm rice and a square nori, the quality is amazing – it's a wonderful experience!
Akasha (Culver City)—for mindful and organic fine dining.
Toi on Sunset (Hollywood)—Super funky Asian fusion cuisine with a rock n roll atmosphere – great food, music, and scene
What to See
Griffith Observatory—A fun way to learn about the cosmos with an iconic view of the city + the Hollywood Sign, also located in a beautiful park and can be hiked up to. Abby recommends going to one of the shows at the planetarium!
The Broad (Downtown LA)—A new contemporary art museum – not to be missed!
LACMA—World renown museum with art from many periods – a wonderful way to spend an afternoon
The Last Bookstore (Downtown LA)—a beautiful place to get lost exploring in and possibly come out with a new read!
Where to Shop
Abbot Kinney Boulevard (Venice)—Laid back vibes but totally trendsetting looks.
Larchmont—it's like a little village in the middle of the larger city, but it's so cute.
3rd Street Promenade—You're as likely to spend money on clothing and any other sundry items you can imagine as you are tipping the street performers here.
Self Care
Wi Spa (Koreatown)—A super reasonably priced co-ed Korean spa with multiple stories. The initial fee is around $25 and you have access to all of the hot tubs, salted saunas, and steam rooms your heart desires. If you want a more luxurious experience, they offer scrubs, massages, facials etc. A very fun experience and relaxing place to spend the day
Drinks and Night Life
The Perch (Downtown LA)—a gorgeous rooftop bar, perfect for a cocktail paired with an LA sky scraper sunset
Clifton's (Downtown LA)—a converted buffet style banquet hall, which now has 4-5 stories with an old school nature theme. You could stay here all night – there's a fancy buffet with all sorts of delights + a Thanksgiving meal type feast to choose from; Upstairs there's a huge faux tree shooting up the center of the venue strewn with taxidermy, “plant life” and a “river” running through it, there's a dance floor on the upper venue, along with little shows here and there – highly recommend !
Good Times at Davey Wayne's (Hollywood)—A 70's themed bar where you walk in through a refrigerator door, featuring all 70's house decor, live music, and alcoholic snow cones
Hollywood Bowl—This place has been open since 1922, it's a classic for SoCal live music. A huge outside venue with affordable shows.
Sound Nightclub—Sound is located in the heart of Hollywood, within walking distance from most major theaters, making it an ideal place for the after-party you're looking for (or maybe looking to host?).
