Depending on where you are staying in LA, this guide has the best spots in all areas.
As soon as you get out of the airport, first stop should be In N Out. Getting out of LAX can be awful trying to call an Uber/Lyft so hereโs a pro tip: take the yellow dot bus to the yellow dot parking structure. Itโs right next to In N Out. Grab a burger and fries animal style + chopped chilis. Then call an Uber/Lyft from there. Youโll probably even get a cheaper one since you wonโt be charged for airport pick up.
Some โSoCalโ classics to try:
These are things my New York friends and Midwest family think of as must-tryโs or are things Iโve talked about or pop culture has talked enough about that theyโre now LA staples.-ย
- Street Tacos
- Aรงaรญ bowlย
- Kombucha or hard kombucha (try Juneshine)
- In N Out
- Donutsย
East Side:
Breakfast/Brunch:
Manuela
@sabrinadegas
gorgeous interior/exterior. amazing brunch. try the biscuits and grits.
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Eggslut
@sabrinadegas
only thing worth giving praise for is the Slut & the duck fat hashbrowns. go get an egg sandwich somewhere else, just come here for the slut.
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Egg Tuck
@sabrinadegas
best egg sandwich in LA. they have multiple locations and their all good
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Sqirl
@sabrinadegas
delicious breakfast. Usually a line on the weekends so try a weekday
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Honey Hi
@sabrinadegas
cute breakfast or lunch spot with an asian flavors. great bowls.
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East Side Lunch:
Burgerlords
@sabrinadegas
started as a vegan shop offering excellent burgers and now serves beef and multiple vegan patties.
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Stark's Hot Chicken
@sabrinadegas
might be the best hot chicken in LA and amazing waffle fries
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Howlin' Ray's Hot Chicken - Chinatown
@sabrinadegas
don't get the hottest one. but get a hot one. it'll be spicier than any other "hot" chicken you've tried.
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Yama Sushi Marketplace
@sabrinadegas
excellent market with fresh sushi that comes straight from Japan. Itโs the same fish that nobu serves.
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East Side Dinner:
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LA Tofu House
@sabrinadegas
open 24hrs this is an excellent late-night spot and has free parking!
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KazuNori: The Original Hand Roll Bar
@sabrinadegas
all seats are at the bar where they roll the handrolls right in front of you and serve them to you one at a time as they're made.
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Sage Regenerative Kitchen & Brewery
@sabrinadegas
one of the first vegan spots I tried when I moved to LA 10 years ago and has been a staple ever since. try the cauliflower.
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L & E Oyster Bar
@sabrinadegas
delicious oysters and cute patio seating
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Pine and Crane Silverlake
@sabrinadegas
one of the best dan dan noodles.
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DAMA Fashion District - Downtown LA Restaurant & Bar
@sabrinadegas
Perfect for date night or celebrating with friends. Strong drinks and a delicious food.
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East Side Bars:
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Lowboy
@sabrinadegas
cute bar with their own version of animal fries
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Wurstkรผche
@sabrinadegas
great big beer selection and amazing fries. Known for their sausages
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East Side Desserts:
Magpies Softserve
@sabrinadegas
You would not know itโs vegan. Tricked a few non vegans and they couldnโt tell it wasnโt dairy
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Donut Friend
@sabrinadegas
a variety of all-vegan donuts. hard to choose just one so definitely get a sample of a few.
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Midcity/Hollywood
Breakfast/brunch/coffee:
Calic Bagel
@sabrinadegas
the stuffed bagels are fantastic and the rip & dips are great to try multiple flavors. place a pick up order online to avoid the long line.
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Cafe Gratitude
@sabrinadegas
they have a vegan Crunchwrap that is delicious! Great fries, great fried mushroom sandwich, great vegan nachos, excellent smoothies. 10/10
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The Butcher's Daughter
@sabrinadegas
Love their rosemary latte. The menu is very VERY vegetarian friendly. They do have some meat and some vegan dishes too. Great for brunch, lunch, and dinner!
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Egg Tuck
@sabrinadegas
best egg sandwich in LA. they have multiple locations and their all good
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Jurassic Magic
@sabrinadegas
jungle vibey cozy coffee spot that also has great matcha and teas
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Superba Food + Bread Hollywood
@sabrinadegas
the creamiest soft scrambled eggs.
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Midcity/Hollywood Lunch:
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Mr. Charlieโs
@sabrinadegas
like McDonalds but 100% vegan. meat eaters can't tell the difference. It's def worth a try for the nostalgia factor.
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Midcity/Hollywood Dinner:
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The Jolly Oyster Culver
@sabrinadegas
cute & quick lil oyster bar in a building full of other small pick up window style spots. You can eat at the bar or take it upstairs to the rooftop or outside on the street patio.
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Sichuan Impression
@sabrinadegas
great for big groups so you can try many different dishes since it's family style.
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Crossroads Kitchen - Melrose
@sabrinadegas
expensive but worth splurging for on occasion.
must try: artichoke oysters, wedge salad, cheese plate, carbonara
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Hollywood Desserts:
Holey Grail Donuts
@sabrinadegas
fresh/made to order
made from taro root
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Mashti Malone's
@sabrinadegas
known for their floral flavors like rose and lavender. Also really good pistachio
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Westside:ย
Westside Breakfast/Brunch Spots:ย
Layla Bagels
@sabrinadegas
best bagels in LA! They're sourdough based
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Ubatuba Acai - Santa Monica
@sabrinadegas
truly think i'm addicted to ubatuba aka the only place for delicious pure acai
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Eggslut
@sabrinadegas
only thing worth giving praise for is the Slut & the duck fat hashbrowns. go get an egg sandwich somewhere else, just come here for the slut.
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The Butcher's Daughter
@sabrinadegas
Love their rosemary latte. The menu is very VERY vegetarian friendly. They do have some meat and some vegan dishes too. Great for brunch, lunch, and dinner!
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Superba Food + Bread Venice
@sabrinadegas
the creamiest soft scrambled eggs.
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Cafe Gratitude
@sabrinadegas
they have a vegan Crunchwrap that is delicious! Great fries, great fried mushroom sandwich, great vegan nachos, excellent smoothies. 10/10
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goodboybob coffee roasters
@sabrinadegas
Small shop with a patio space in the parking lot. Delicious coffee, well made cappuccino.
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Zinquรฉ
@sabrinadegas
they have a cute outdoor patio and inside space that are perfect for remote work. also great coffee
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Great White
@sabrinadegas
one of my favorite smoothie bowls - the blue algae. Great falafel wrap, excellent breakfast plate with perfect made eggs, great dinner options.
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Lunetta All Day
@sabrinadegas
delicious lemon ricotta pancakes and great brunch menu
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Flapjax Diner
@sabrinadegas
huge menu of different types of pancakes and other unique breakfast items plus the breakfast classics.
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Westside Lunch Spots:
Yama Sushi Marketplace
@sabrinadegas
The best sushi/fish in LA. They use the same vendor as nobu so the fish is extremely fresh and from Japan. they make the rolls & nigiri every hour and are constantly restocking. You can pick any cut of fish and theyโll sashimi cut it. The market also has a great sake selection with prices that beat all other Asian markets.
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Bay Cities Italian Deli & Bakery
@sabrinadegas
classic Italian deli. cash or debit only
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Alfalfa
@sabrinadegas
salads & donuts are a perfect combo to eat on the beach
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The Win~Dow at American Beauty
@sabrinadegas
delicious smashburgers served out of a lil window
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Papi Tacos & Churros
@sabrinadegas
birria as a taco, mulita, burrito, quesadilla, or quesataco.
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Anzu
@sabrinadegas
japanese style fried chicken served with lemon and rice and your choice of sauce
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Hermanito
@sabrinadegas
Very vibey modern Mexican spot. The best Homemade habenero hot sauce! ๐ถ๏ธ
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Augie's On Main - Chicken Restaurant Santa Monica, CA
@sabrinadegas
the rotisserie chicken sandwich is excellent for lunch
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Gjusta
@sabrinadegas
almost everything is made in house and delicious. build your own sandwich and try a variety of things.
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The Waterfront Venice
@sabrinadegas
vibey beachfront spot with great drinks and food. Perfect for weekend brunch
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Pizzana
@sabrinadegas
not all vegan but the best vegan pizza on the westside
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Beyond Vegan Eats
@sabrinadegas
the nicest staff that makes the freshest meals. excellent place to stop after the airport or on the way to the airport.
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Calif Chicken Cafe
@sabrinadegas
great pick up spot to grab some healthyish wraps or a salad before heading to the beach.
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Westside Dinner Spots:
Belles Beach House
@sabrinadegas
Hawaiian style spot with menu including sushi, brunch matcha waffles, teriyaki burgers and a tropical drinks like slushees
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Cobi's
@sabrinadegas
try the short rib, nasi goreng and the coconut pandan shaved ice.
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Colapasta Restaurant
@sabrinadegas
delicate & filling lasagne, heavenly brown butter beet pasta
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Crudo e Nudo
@sabrinadegas
amazing raw seafood. order at the counter then theyโll serve you table side. theyโre super dog friendly like so much so they gave my dog what looked like over $40 of fish. She loved it, and I loved it.
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Forma Restaurant & Cheese Bar Santa Monica
@sabrinadegas
great happy hour at the bar area with a big food & drink menu. excellent pastas tossed in a cheese wheel and big selection of cheeses.
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Hillstone
@sabrinadegas
upscale classic american restaurant, perfect for celebrating or a date night
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Isla
@sabrinadegas
ask about the specials and try the chef's recommendations.
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Ospi Venice
@sabrinadegas
spicy rigatoni & crispy provolone is the way to go. also check uber eats cause sometimes it's buy one get one.
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Solidarity
@sabrinadegas
perfect on a cold night. piergogis that give you super cozy feelings
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Inn of the Seventh Ray
@sabrinadegas
very romantic in the woods on a small creek with little twinkle lights everywhere. a perfect date spot
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Jonah's Kitchen + Bar Santa Monica CA
@sabrinadegas
the vibes transport you to mexico. extensive menu and great drinks. sit in the back for a better vibe.
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Pita House Inc
@sabrinadegas
i love to pick up a lemon shrimp plate or falafels. big portions, delicious sauces.
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Fia Restaurant
@sabrinadegas
Fancy date night celebration. Cute back patio
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Little Fatty
@sabrinadegas
Delicious orange chicken and their staple of fatty noodles.
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FIG RESTAURANT
@sabrinadegas
50% off the entire menu during weekday happy hour. make sure to get there right at 5 to secure a spot.
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Kaz The Soba Place
@sabrinadegas
authentic Tokyo style soba and delicious fresh tempura.
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Westside Bars:
JuneShine - Santa Monica
@sabrinadegas
If youโre visiting LA you gotta try kombucha and what better way than hard kombucha? Juneshine makes flights so you can try a bunch of flavors but the best is POG.
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Esters Wine Shop & Bar
@sabrinadegas
very knowledgable staff. they also have a membership program.
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Lanea
@sabrinadegas
mexican food spot with bar vibes including arcade machines, board games, pool and live music or karaoke.
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Thunderbird Bar
@sabrinadegas
Great bar to watch a game. Big booths that are perfect for groups. They also have board games and jenga.
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Wurstkรผche Restaurant Venice Beach
@sabrinadegas
big selection of beers and seating space inside and on the patio. great great GREAT fries!
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Westside Desserts/Snacks:
Paderia Bakehouse
@sabrinadegas
delicious cookies, banana pudding and ensaymada (try it with cheese, itโs crazy good)
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Ginger's Divine Ice Creams
@sabrinadegas
large selection of DELICIOUS vegan and non-vegan ice creams.
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Wanderlust Creamery
@sabrinadegas
try the pandan flavor. And check their seasonal ones
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Hokey Pokey LA
@sabrinadegas
expensive but delicious honey ice cream
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Holey Grail Donuts
@sabrinadegas
fresh/made to order
made from taro root
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DK's Donuts & Bakery
@sabrinadegas
open 24hrs. make sure to ask "what's fresh" or "what just came out of the oven" and get that. try the apple fritter
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The Valley:
Porto's Bakery and Cafe
@sabrinadegas
you know it's gonna be a good family party when you spot the porto's box. the guava pastries are fantastic and the potato balls are to die for. take left overs home if there are any.
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Ubatuba Acai - Woodland Hills
@sabrinadegas
100% real aรงaรญ, not blended. Unlimited toppings. The best acai in town!
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Health Nut - Woodland Hills
@sabrinadegas
Noodlerama is the perfect summer cold salad. If youโre a kardashian fan, this is one of their favorite spots.
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Crossroads Kitchen Calabasas
@sabrinadegas
expensive but worth splurging for on occasion.
must try: artichoke oysters, wedge salad, cheese plate, carbonara
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Magpies Softserve
@sabrinadegas
You would not know itโs vegan. Tricked a few non vegans and they couldnโt tell it wasnโt dairy
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South Bay:
Breakfast
King's Hawaiian Bakery and Restaurant
@sabrinadegas
Get the French toast.
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The Local Yolk
@sabrinadegas
Epic breakfast spot that is super close to the beach
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Natureba Brazilian Juice Bar
@sabrinadegas
Real all natural aรงaรญ just like Brazil
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The Kettle
@sabrinadegas
open 24hours. Yummy breakfast and you can get anything at all hours
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Paradise Bowls Manhattan Beach
@sabrinadegas
Nothing better than an acai bowl on the beach.
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Coffee:
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The Boy & The Bear - Coffee Roastery
@sabrinadegas
Delicious coffee and great spot to get work done.
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Lunch/Dinner:
Rosa's Mexican Restaurant
@sabrinadegas
Neighborhood spot for tacos, enchiladas, chili rellenos etc. itโs been around for decades and only has gotten better
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Manhattan Beach Post
@sabrinadegas
A staple of manhattan beach. Great service, build your own cheese plates, and rotating chefโs specials.
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The Chicken Shack
@sabrinadegas
Canโt miss the chicken when you drive by. Delicious Lomo saltado
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The Bull Pen
@sabrinadegas
Walking in here is a timewarp but the good kind. Classic steak house food with the nicest staff.
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Dessert:
The Baked Bear
@sabrinadegas
Homemade BIG ice cream sandwiches on the boardwalk
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Manhattan Beach Creamery
@sabrinadegas
28 different flavors, all small batch made
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Looking for just vegan food options? Try my LA Vegan Food Guide Free!
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