los angeles
Southern California will always hold a special place in my heart. Growing up in Irvine afforded me the privilege of perfect year-round weather, plenty of beach days and access to nearby cities for a different change of pace if desired. And having lived in San Diego in my adult years, I’ve grown to appreciate all of the above as well as a superior coastal restaurant scene. But I’ll be honest, nothing quite compares to dining in Los Angeles. In my opinion, Los Angeles combines the best of coastal California foods with the epitome of fine dining - essentially, there is one hell of a stunning, exquisite, luxe, glamorous and rare dining experience almost anywhere you go. Premier chefs, famous restaurants themselves and clientele who are not only willing but require the absolute most, Los Angeles is the the crème de la crème of restaurants. AND it goes without saying that the options are endless - from international cuisines to beloved local ingredients, to evolved diet-friendly menus, bistros and cafes to steakhouses and rooftops - any wild craving you may have will not only be curbed but absolutely slayed in La La land. Here are some of my favs:
*West Hollywood
Ahhhh Toca Madera. If you’ve every been to one of these fabulous restaurants, you will likely agree it is a premier modern Mexican dining experience. In my humble opinion, the West Hollywood location is actually one of the most visually stunning restaurants ever - dark, seductive and romantic, this space is adorned with dim lights, bright gold accents, the dreamiest marble bar, velvet and leather materials, spicy music (and live music if you’re lucky), lush greenery indoor and on the patio…need I say more? This exotic, modern aesthetic is truly unmatched and is the perfect backdrop to a fabulous meal. As for the menu - as if Toca Madera can get any better - you can expect to find a robust lister of starters, raw bar items, the highest-quality of meat cuts, fresh seafood and of course, all your beloved Mexican favorites. What makes this menu one of my favorites of all time is the attention to healthier options - plantain chips for dipping, plentiful salads, plenty of veggie sides - and of course the use of quality, sustainable and organic ingredients. Each menu item is colorful, flavorful and incredibly unique. I had the pleasure of dining here with all my favorite gals on one evening of my bachelorette party and let me tell you, all the ladies couldn’t stop raving about every dish. And on a recent trip to LA with my sis, I’ve officially coined the Kale & Quinoa salad with salmon as my death row meal.
Unless you’re living under a rock, you damn well know of the iconic LA eatery, Élephante. Stunning views of the Santa Monica shoreline, LA’s most beautiful people, the gorgeous organic modern aesthetic, a sought-after waitlist and ofc the one and only Whipped Eggplant, iykyk. Élephante is where foodies, trend-setters and vibe-seekers alike join in delicious eats and delightful drinks, seaside. Inspired by coastal Mediterranean traditions, both the decor and the menu gives European summer all year round. From decadent pizzas and pastas, to fresh and colorful salads, to mouth-watering mains, this Southern Italian menu has something for everyone. And absolutely no one is lying when they say the Whipped Eggplant is a dish from heaven. Whether you’re in the mood for happy hour drinks with a vibe or a beautiful dinner and sunset situation, Élephante is THE place in LA.
When in Los Angeles, shopping on Melrose is a necessity. This iconic street is truly stunning and home to some of the best brands, many of which don’t typically have store locations anywhere else. And the perfect place to break up a day of shopping for a glass of vino and a little bite is Zinc Cafe. Located right in the middle of lovely Melrose Ave, this cozy, indoor-outdoor, market-like space screams “ladies who lunch”. My sister and I stopped in for a lil pick-me-up during our last visit to LA and since we weren’t hungry for a full meal, the hot bar ~ featuring perfectly baked veggies, salads, meats and other savory sides ~ absolutely hit the spot. If you’re craving more than a snack, this menu is full of healthy, delicious share plates, pizzas and pastas and all the colorful salads you can dream of. Pair a lite and healthy plate with a glass of orange wine, enjoy the views of sunshine on Melrose from its quaint outdoor patio, and I call that the perfect LA day.
You know I had to include the iconic, the heavenly, the famous Erewhon in this list. You’ve seen it on Instagram and TikTok, you know it’s overpriced and somewhat of a hype, BUT that doesn’t take away from its pure glory. If you’re unfamiliar, Erewhon is a certified organic retailer exclusive to Los Angeles county rooted in community, pure products and protecting the health of people and the planet. In other words, this unique market is home to the best of the best brands and ingredients from brands with the highest standard of health, efficacy and sourcing. It’s a paradise for the health-conscious, health-lovers AND foodies alike. I can honestly say from personal experience that when I walk into an Erewhon, I get GIDDY ~ walking down beautiful aisles of the most natural and health brands, both big and small, brings me so much joy. Call me crazy, but there’s just something about the beauty, the freshness and the unique standard of Erewhon that makes grocery shopping a five-star experience. And I haven’t even gotten to the hot bar, the smoothies or the coffee. Three things…Organic Vegan Buffalo Cauliflower, a tonic bar with endless smoothies * yes, the $20 ones * and the housemade coconut milk. These are only my true loves ~ the Erewhon hot bar offers an array of delicious meats and sides with vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, anything-free options, its tonic bar is known for functional smoothies and beverages worth every penny and the coffee bar offers anything from your traditional cup of Joe to adaptogenic lattes and more. All I can say is, Erewhon is heaven on earth.
My favorites: Organic Vegan Buffalo Cauliflower | Organic Korean BBQ Short Ribs | Slow Roasted Sustainably-Raised Salmon Filet | Surfrider Smoothie Bowl | Coconut Milk Latte
Other favorites without pics:
