I can’t believe I’m already back home from my first trip to L.A. It seems like I waited forever to finally visit, and now I’m sitting here […kinda depressed] about to share with you everything I did. You guys are probably thinking, “Why would I read a travel guide written by someone who just came back from their first trip there?” Well, I’ll tell you why. When I was doing research online of things to do in L.A., I was disappointed that many of the recommended things to do seemed super touristy, boring, and definitely needed updating for a younger, millennial person traveling there for the first time. So instead, I asked my colleagues what places they went to on their recent trips there and it was much more helpful than any online guide I googled. Of course I wanted to do some of the typical touristy things like see the Hollywood sign and the Walk of Fame, but also wanted to find more low-key cute spots to visit. If you are looking for something more family-oriented, this travel guide/blog post may not be for you.
In the short six days I was on the West Coast, I accomplished a lot and didn’t feel like I was missing out on seeing something I should have. I wish I had a comprehensive list like the one I’m about to give you before I traveled, so I hope this is helpful to anyone who is a total foodie like me, loves to shop, lay out on the beach, and take awesome Instagram pictures! Since this post is going to get lengthy, I’ve decided to separate this blog post into two parts: Eats + Spots.
Ok, so let’s talk food…because honestly it was one of the main parts of our trip and we based a lot of our day-to-day activities on the places we ate at. These are not in any specific order of favorites, because I couldn’t even choose if you asked me to!
*I linked the website of each location, so just click the name for more info!
Breakfast/Brunch:
*Eggslut, Venice Beach
This was the first place we stopped at (even before we checked into our hotel!) I saw so many Instagram posts about this place and had to try it myself! If you are looking for a no-frills spot to grab a quick egg sandwich and cold brew, this is it. I had the egg salad sandwich, which was just as delicious as it looks! This location is right around the corner of the Venice Beach boardwalk!
*Comoncy, Beverly Hills
We stopped here for brunch looking for a cute spot where we could get some avocado toast and iced coffees. This is a small café right by Rodeo Drive shopping. It has the cutest interior with pops of bright orange! A bit pricey, but totally worth it for the Instagram shot & location.
*The Crêpe Café, Universal City
The day we went to Universal, I was looking for something light to eat for brunch since it was still too early for a heavy meal. This crêpe place is right on the City Walk in Universal and so yummy! I got a turkey avocado crêpe, with a side of funnel cake fries!! OMG so delicious, my mouth is watering thinking about them…
*Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, Santa Monica
Ok, so I’m not one to leave a bad review, but I will be honest and say this place did not really impress me at all. We passed so many locations while driving around, and figured we had to try it because it must be a popular spot. In my opinion, it’s California’s own version of a Starbucks (even though Starbucks is also everywhere too). We got iced coffees and bagels, and I wasn’t a fan. I usually drink my iced coffees black with a syrup flavor, but what I got was the sweetest, lightest iced coffee ever. I’d like to give them the benefit of the doubt because it is very possible I ordered incorrectly, but I feel at that point we could have gone to Starbucks…
Lunch/Dinner:
*In-N-Out Burger, Hollywood
I don’t ever eat fast food, but I did enjoy this and felt it was necessary to see what the hype was all about. We waited on a very long line to get our “not-so-fast” fast food. Ha! To my fellow Long Islanders out there, this is the Five Guys and/or All American Burger in California. Small menu, no substitutions, but yummy burgers and fries.
*Pink Taco, Sunset Strip
The cutest goth/punk taco joint ever! We went for happy hour after the beach to get some margaritas! The entire building both inside and out is painted pink. The interior is decorated with sugar skulls and gothic fixtures in a low-key setting. Super hipster-ish (…not a word) with yummy tacos and Mexican food. FYI: we did try the “Pink Taco” which was absolutely delicious and their queso dip was to die for.
*Din Tai Fung, Century City
The first + last time I had this was in Hong Kong, and was sad to find out that there isn’t a location in New York. I’ve been craving their handmade soup dumplings ever since, so we ate here on our last day before heading back to the airport. Ronnie never had them before, so I’m glad I was able to introduce him to them!
*The Ivy, Beverly Hills
This was one of the most special nights of the trip. Ronnie treated me to a fancy dinner in Beverly Hills on one of the last days here. We were greeted with complimentary champagne, and met a woman named Beverly Hills (no joke) while waiting for our table! We sat outside on the beautiful patio filled with flowers and a view of Robertson Boulevard’s luxury shops. If you are looking for a super over-the-top place to eat, this is it. We had oysters on the half shell, lobster raviolis, calamari and a decadent chocolate dessert. Not only was the food good, but the atmosphere was legit something out of a movie.
*Sugarfish, Santa Monica
We waited a solid forty-five minutes to get seated, but after eating here at Sugarfish, I don’t think I can eat from any ordinary sushi-place for a while. This was by far the best sushi I’ve ever had…it literally just melted in your mouth. For anyone who hasn’t eaten at Sugarfish before, the menu is small but everything is great. Don’t expect fancy rolls or anything of that nature. It’s all very minimal, and they won’t provide you with any sauce other than soy. Sorry spicy mayo people – I like it too, but trust me you don’t need it! If you are looking for the best sushi in your life, go here!!
*Uovo, Santa Monica
This pasta place was unbelievable! I briefly spoke about it on Instagram a few days ago, and wanted to elaborate in this post. All the pasta dishes are made-to-order, and you get to watch them make your dish from the other side of the bar. I got the artichoke raviolis which were amazing! My photo below doesn’t even do it justice. Apparently they hand-make the pasta in Bologna, and ship it to the restaurant here in Santa Monica. Um..yum?!
*Berlins, Venice Beach Boardwalk
This is one of the quick-eats on the Venice Beach boardwalk. We didn’t want something greasy, and found this healthy/hearty German-gyro place?? I have no other way of explaining it other than that. We got the chicken Döner sandwiches which were yummy.
*Mariasol, Santa Monica Pier
I was told to eat a lot of Mexican food because it’s so good in California, and I was definitely not disappointed at Mariasol. It was delicious traditional Mexican food with an unbelievable view of the water at the end of the Santa Monica Pier. Oh, and yeah the margaritas come in like three sizes; this is considered “medium”…
Sweets:
*Ladurée, Beverly Hills
We stopped here for a snack while shopping on Rodeo Drive to get some macarons. It’s the same as the other locations in Manhattan, but wanted to include it on here because we did stop by!
*DK’s Donuts, Santa Monica
The home of world famous donuts. This was so close to our hotel and open 24/7! Like what?!? They only have one location and are well known for their wide selection of different flavored donuts. I couldn’t even choose which ones to get because I was so overwhelmed by the options. The churro with Nutella was my favorite! I highly suggest stopping by when you come to L.A.
*Sloan’s, Santa Monica
This was the cutest little gourmet ice cream shop right in Downtown Santa Monica. We got ice cream here after dinner one night and sat outside to watch the street performers. Something notable: They let you do two flavors even in the small size cup! Take that Baskin Robins!!!
*Honeydukes, Universal City
If you guys don’t already know, I’m a total Harry Potter nerd (more to come in part two of this blog post…) This is the candy shop right out of the movies, and it looks exactly the same! We obviously had to stop here to get some rainbow ropes, sour candies and chocolate frogs!
I hope this travel guide all about L.A. eats was extremely helpful and informative for you guys! Now I’m hungry and missing all of the great food we had…
Again, I wish this was something I had prior to the trip, but it was also fun to explore on our own too! Stay tuned for part two of this blog post where I discuss shopping, bars and the beaches I visited.
If you have any questions, feel free to comment below or DM me on Instagram. I would love some of your own recommendations if they didn’t make it to this list for the next time I’m over there!
Thanks and enjoy!
/ / As always, this is my personal blog. This blog post is not sponsored. Any views or opinions represented in this blog are my own and do not represent the views of any company or individual I may mention. This post may contain affiliate links where I make a small commission if you click and shop using my links. It won’t cost you a penny, but helps keep this blog running!
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