Los Angeles.

Venice Beach · Bar / Restaurant

Vibe. It's a vibe. There's only outdoor seating, but there are heat lamps. However, if you're not in one of the covered areas, make sure you're wearing a jacket in the winter because it does get a bit cold. I absolutely loved living by this place and it was such a staple. Great place to go get steaks, good ole classic American dinner, and they have huge glasses of $10 wine if that's the type of night you're going for.

Silverlake · Bar / Restaurant

There's also one in Playa Del Rey. I personally like the layout of Silverlake way better; there's more space on the inside and the outside.

Venice Beach

Pro tip: if you're hanging out in the area, go right when it opens and put your name in. They do NOT take reservations, but it is such a vibe. It really does feel "European" in a sense with the street dining, and it is in its own little alleyway. Feel very intimate, again, good place to catch up with friends, or if there's just two of you sit at the bar.

Santa Monica

Okay, call me basic, but the views are unmatched, AND their eggplant dip is absolutely fire. It can get extremely crowded for large groups, so you will most likely need a reservation (especially if you want an ocean view). If there are only 2-3 of you, you may be able to get a spot at the bar easily.

Palos Verdes

This is one of my favorite "Hikes" it's really more of what I like to call a nature walk, meaning you do not need full hiking gear to do this one. Palos Verdes is one of those places that feels llike you're in another country.

Venice Beach

So I know the technically correct name is onigiri, but in my mind and vernacular, these are sushi triangles. And they are so good. Beef, all the way. No questions. This is a walk-up place and there's nowhere to sit. So pro-tip if it's nice, turn right out of the door and keep walking until you see Starbucks, at which point you will take a right and walk toward the beach. Up on the hill you will find benches. You're welcome.

Venice Beach · Bar / Restaurant

Maybe a hot take, but this is my absolute favorite burger on the planet, and it's reasonably priced. Get a double; you won't regret it.

Palos Verdes · Cafe

I went to this place after doing a hike. You can look out at the water if you're sitting outside, and it's truly just picturesque. I cannot remember for the life of me what I ordered, but I'm pretty sure it was good. Either way highly recommend going to check it out for the views and vibe.

Venice Beach

If you're from LA, hit the back button. You already know. This is for non-locals looking for an experience. Please note that everything in the store is so overpriced it will make you want to hurl. But who can't appreciate perfectly packaged items and stocked shelves? And I will say the Hailey Bieber smoothie is fire, and I don't care who reads it. Get it.

Santa Monica

I mean, absolutely terrible name, but I'm not going to lie to you - I kind of liked it. I didn't order a full-service dinner, but we sat at the bar and did wine and charcuterie. I really stay away from anything near the pier but I really did not mind this. So if you happen to find yourself at the pier, go check it out.

Downtown · Bar / Restaurant

The restaurant itself is absolutely stunning; I wanted to give it a try since the one in London is apparently award-winning. To say the least, I was so disappointed. Like, it was not good at all. I've had way better Persian food. However, I was sitting at the bar and the drinks were decent, and the bartenders were nice (unlike some other places like this where they're pretentious). Overall, I'd say it's not worth your time. Even if you're staying at the Soho House, the restaurant upstairs is better.

West Hollywood

Call me a hater, but I really was not impressed with Nobu at all. I feel like it's one of those places that is "fancy" and everyone wants to go to for the gram and the hype. I loved the vibe of sitting at the bar so recommend doing that, but the actual food was so expensive, small portions, and again I don't think it was that good. Overall, there's way better places to get sushi.