Guidebook for Los Angeles
Food Scene
Angela Lansbury's daughter is the chef and owner of this small, authentic Italian restaurant. The pasta is handmade and the meats are seafood are cooked perfectly. Try the antipasti de mar, the filet mignon with pasta in bolognese sauce, or the squash ravioli.
Enzo & Angela The Italian Restaurant
11701 Wilshire BlvdAngela Lansbury's daughter is the chef and owner of this small, authentic Italian restaurant. The pasta is handmade and the meats are seafood are cooked perfectly. Try the antipasti de mar, the filet mignon with pasta in bolognese sauce, or the squash ravioli.
Are you into wine? This is an amazing restaurant situated directly above the Wine House - or as I like to call it - the Costco of wine. If you purchase any bottle downstairs, and save the receipt, they will not charge a corkage fee. However, you can just skip this step, because Upstairs 2 has a fabulous, big wine list and a wine specialist on staff.
10 locals recommend
Upstairs 2
2311 Cotner AveAre you into wine? This is an amazing restaurant situated directly above the Wine House - or as I like to call it - the Costco of wine. If you purchase any bottle downstairs, and save the receipt, they will not charge a corkage fee. However, you can just skip this step, because Upstairs 2 has a fabulous, big wine list and a wine specialist on staff.
Skip a chain restaurant and come here for delicious coffee and breakfast. Their prices and food are better. Their bacon is to die for! The only downside? CASH ONLY.
13 locals recommend
Teddy's Cafe
12043 W Pico BlvdSkip a chain restaurant and come here for delicious coffee and breakfast. Their prices and food are better. Their bacon is to die for! The only downside? CASH ONLY.
A local favorite for the charming ambiance and wifi. Literati serves quick yet refined dishes. You place your order at the counter and they deliver it to your table. The pastries are good and there is a lot of variety. They have wine, beer, and valet parking.
67 locals recommend
Literati Cafe
12081 Wilshire BlvdA local favorite for the charming ambiance and wifi. Literati serves quick yet refined dishes. You place your order at the counter and they deliver it to your table. The pastries are good and there is a lot of variety. They have wine, beer, and valet parking.
You don't have to leave the condo for a delicious deep dish pizza. Call Fresh Brothers and they'll deliver pies, big tasty salads, and their famous sliders. If you decide to dine-in (it's a very short walk), check in to Yelp or Facebook for a free dessert.
9 locals recommend
Fresh Brothers - Brentwood
11740 San Vicente BlvdYou don't have to leave the condo for a delicious deep dish pizza. Call Fresh Brothers and they'll deliver pies, big tasty salads, and their famous sliders. If you decide to dine-in (it's a very short walk), check in to Yelp or Facebook for a free dessert.
This charming coffee/chocolate shop is owned by a delightful Italian couple. They clearly love good espresso and Belgium chocolate, because they serve the best! They also have fresh waffles with cream, European-style hot cocoa, ice cream and pastries. Stop in for a quick Americano, croissant and champagne truffle.
7 locals recommend
Lady Chocolatt
12008 Wilshire BlvdThis charming coffee/chocolate shop is owned by a delightful Italian couple. They clearly love good espresso and Belgium chocolate, because they serve the best! They also have fresh waffles with cream, European-style hot cocoa, ice cream and pastries. Stop in for a quick Americano, croissant and champagne truffle.
This unassuming, Mediterranean quick food restaurant is big on fresh, quality ingredients. They only use chicken breasts and grind their own meat for kebabs. The burgers (really!) or the salmon are also very good.
California Pita & Grill Brentwood
12001 Wilshire BlvdThis unassuming, Mediterranean quick food restaurant is big on fresh, quality ingredients. They only use chicken breasts and grind their own meat for kebabs. The burgers (really!) or the salmon are also very good.
Gladstones is a bit touristy, but that doesn't mean the locals don't appreciate its impressive views. There are plenty of ocean view tables, so hang in there and wait for one to become available. The American-style seafood is good but tends to be on the expensive side. Try coming for lunch, or after dinner for drinks and/or dessert. Afterwards, step down to the beach and dip your toes in the surf. If you're willing to walk a little, you can park for free directly along PCH instead of paying for valet parking.
88 locals recommend
Gladstones Restaurant
17300 CA-1Gladstones is a bit touristy, but that doesn't mean the locals don't appreciate its impressive views. There are plenty of ocean view tables, so hang in there and wait for one to become available. The American-style seafood is good but tends to be on the expensive side. Try coming for lunch, or after dinner for drinks and/or dessert. Afterwards, step down to the beach and dip your toes in the surf. If you're willing to walk a little, you can park for free directly along PCH instead of paying for valet parking.
Bay Cities iconic "Godmother" sandwich is one of the most popular items delivered by Uber Eats, and for good very reason -- it is amazing. One of the reasons The Godmother reigns supreme is the amazing crusty bread, which they bake fresh every 20 minutes. Equally excellent is what they put between the bread: four amazing Italian meats (Genoa Salami, Mortadella, Cappacola, Ham and Prosciutto) plus Provolone plus “The Works” (mayo, mustard, onions, pickles, lettuce, tomatoes, homemade Italian dressing and pickled hot or mild peppers). Seating is limited to a few tables outside and lines are justifiably brutal, so go into Zen mode or order ahead online. They close at 6 pm daily and are closed on Mondays.
141 locals recommend
Bay Cities Italian Deli & Bakery
1517 Lincoln Blvd Bay Cities iconic "Godmother" sandwich is one of the most popular items delivered by Uber Eats, and for good very reason -- it is amazing. One of the reasons The Godmother reigns supreme is the amazing crusty bread, which they bake fresh every 20 minutes. Equally excellent is what they put between the bread: four amazing Italian meats (Genoa Salami, Mortadella, Cappacola, Ham and Prosciutto) plus Provolone plus “The Works” (mayo, mustard, onions, pickles, lettuce, tomatoes, homemade Italian dressing and pickled hot or mild peppers). Seating is limited to a few tables outside and lines are justifiably brutal, so go into Zen mode or order ahead online. They close at 6 pm daily and are closed on Mondays.
Drinks & Nightlife
A fun college bar with beer pong, cute waitresses, and amazing chips and salsa. The food is good and affordable. The kitchen is open until 11 pm. The margaritas are huge and tasty. Drinks are 2-for-1 during happy hour.
172 locals recommend
Cabo Cantina
6669 Hollywood BlvdA fun college bar with beer pong, cute waitresses, and amazing chips and salsa. The food is good and affordable. The kitchen is open until 11 pm. The margaritas are huge and tasty. Drinks are 2-for-1 during happy hour.
O'Briens Irish Pub is located right on Wilshire and 26th street. It is an Irish themed pub with good, affordable food. The staff are clearly happy working here and do their best to make everyone feel welcome. There is Irish music every Sunday evening and trivia on Monday nights at 9 pm. Bring your Trivia team (up to 6 people). There is no entry fee for trivia and $100 first prize in cash.
18 locals recommend
O'Brien's Irish Pub & Restaurant
2226 Wilshire BlvdO'Briens Irish Pub is located right on Wilshire and 26th street. It is an Irish themed pub with good, affordable food. The staff are clearly happy working here and do their best to make everyone feel welcome. There is Irish music every Sunday evening and trivia on Monday nights at 9 pm. Bring your Trivia team (up to 6 people). There is no entry fee for trivia and $100 first prize in cash.
Are you up late and longing for sweets... and a novel experience? Stop in at the Sprinkles Cupcakes 24 hour ATM machine! Drive or Uber to Santa Monica Blvd. in Beverly Hills and get your credit card ready. The ATM machine sings the Sprinkles jingle -- a siren's song to sugar lovers everywhere. With your credit card in hand, step up the ATM's touchscreen and make a gourmet selection. After you order, the screen will show a live video of your cupcake being retrieved and delivered to you. Weird, cheap and fun!
11 locals recommend
Sprinkles Beverly Hills Ice Cream
9631 S Santa Monica BlvdAre you up late and longing for sweets... and a novel experience? Stop in at the Sprinkles Cupcakes 24 hour ATM machine! Drive or Uber to Santa Monica Blvd. in Beverly Hills and get your credit card ready. The ATM machine sings the Sprinkles jingle -- a siren's song to sugar lovers everywhere. With your credit card in hand, step up the ATM's touchscreen and make a gourmet selection. After you order, the screen will show a live video of your cupcake being retrieved and delivered to you. Weird, cheap and fun!
Randy's donuts in Inglewood is an LA icon. From its enormous roof-mounted donut to its melt-in-your-mouth apple fritters and maple bars, it is a must stop if you have late night carb cravings. Hop out of the car to take an awesome selfie with the giant donut in the background, then stroll up to the window to order or use the drive thru. Know before you go: Randy's has no seating, so plan on where you want to eat the donuts. I often wolf them down in my Honda while still in the parking lot - don't judge!
137 locals recommend
Randy's Donuts
805 W Manchester BlvdRandy's donuts in Inglewood is an LA icon. From its enormous roof-mounted donut to its melt-in-your-mouth apple fritters and maple bars, it is a must stop if you have late night carb cravings. Hop out of the car to take an awesome selfie with the giant donut in the background, then stroll up to the window to order or use the drive thru. Know before you go: Randy's has no seating, so plan on where you want to eat the donuts. I often wolf them down in my Honda while still in the parking lot - don't judge!
Father's Office is a lively gastropub with a big patio that is known for its famous "Father's Office Burger." The burger boasts a patty of dry-aged beef topped with caramelized onions, Gruyère and Maytag cheeses, applewood-smoked bacon compote and arugula and is served on a soft roll. The chef, Sang Yoon, is infamous for allowing no substitutions or alterations of any type on the food served at Father's Office, including no ketchup. Other infamous "Nos" -- no table service, no birthday cakes, and no reservations. The bar also has a large patio and dozens of craft beers on tap. The kitchen opens at 5 pm Mon-Thurs., 4 pm on Fri, and noon on weekends.
344 locals recommend
Father's Office
1018 Montana AveFather's Office is a lively gastropub with a big patio that is known for its famous "Father's Office Burger." The burger boasts a patty of dry-aged beef topped with caramelized onions, Gruyère and Maytag cheeses, applewood-smoked bacon compote and arugula and is served on a soft roll. The chef, Sang Yoon, is infamous for allowing no substitutions or alterations of any type on the food served at Father's Office, including no ketchup. Other infamous "Nos" -- no table service, no birthday cakes, and no reservations. The bar also has a large patio and dozens of craft beers on tap. The kitchen opens at 5 pm Mon-Thurs., 4 pm on Fri, and noon on weekends.
Arts & Culture
An amazing museum with stunning gardens, and beautiful views of Los Angeles. Closed on Mondays. Entry is free, but parking is $15, or $10 after 3 pm. I prefer to take a rideshare for $8-10. Grab a soda or a glass of wine and relax on the veranda overlooking the gardens.
2309 locals recommend
The Getty
1200 Getty Center DrAn amazing museum with stunning gardens, and beautiful views of Los Angeles. Closed on Mondays. Entry is free, but parking is $15, or $10 after 3 pm. I prefer to take a rideshare for $8-10. Grab a soda or a glass of wine and relax on the veranda overlooking the gardens.
The Hammer Museum, which is affiliated with the University of California, Los Angeles, is an art museum and cultural center. It is dedicated to diversity and inclusion. Of all of the solo exhibitions on view in Los Angeles between January 2008 and December 2012, the Hammer is the only institution to devote 50% of its exhibition programming to female artists. Free tours of special exhibitions are held Saturdays at 1 p.m. No reservations are required. Entry is free, but it's $6-$20 for parking. Closed on Mondays.
374 locals recommend
Hammer Museum
10899 Wilshire BlvdThe Hammer Museum, which is affiliated with the University of California, Los Angeles, is an art museum and cultural center. It is dedicated to diversity and inclusion. Of all of the solo exhibitions on view in Los Angeles between January 2008 and December 2012, the Hammer is the only institution to devote 50% of its exhibition programming to female artists. Free tours of special exhibitions are held Saturdays at 1 p.m. No reservations are required. Entry is free, but it's $6-$20 for parking. Closed on Mondays.
The Groundlings is an improvisation and sketch comedy theatre that has been entertaining LA audiences for over 40 years. Our alumni include Will Ferrell, Kristen Wiig, Phil Hartman, Lisa Kudrow, Paul Reubens, Cheryl Hines, Jon Lovitz, Larraine Newman, Will Forte, Maya Rudolph, Michael McDonald, Kathy Griffin, Phil LaMarr, Cheri Oteri, Chris Kattan, Julia Sweeney, Chris Parnell, Ana Gasteyer and Rachael Harris… just to name nineteen. The main shows are Fridays and Saturdays at 8 and 10 pm. They sell out quickly, so buy in advance. $25/pp
87 locals recommend
The Groundlings Theatre
7307 Melrose Ave The Groundlings is an improvisation and sketch comedy theatre that has been entertaining LA audiences for over 40 years. Our alumni include Will Ferrell, Kristen Wiig, Phil Hartman, Lisa Kudrow, Paul Reubens, Cheryl Hines, Jon Lovitz, Larraine Newman, Will Forte, Maya Rudolph, Michael McDonald, Kathy Griffin, Phil LaMarr, Cheri Oteri, Chris Kattan, Julia Sweeney, Chris Parnell, Ana Gasteyer and Rachael Harris… just to name nineteen. The main shows are Fridays and Saturdays at 8 and 10 pm. They sell out quickly, so buy in advance. $25/pp
Sightseeing
The Santa Monica Pier is a large double-jointed pier located at the foot of Colorado Avenue in Santa Monica, California. With an iconic entrance, the pier is popular with residents and visitors as a landmark that is over 100 years old. The pier contains Pacific Park, a family amusement park with its one-of-a-kind, state-of-the-art, solar paneled Ferris wheel.It also has an original carousel hippodrome from the 1920s, the Santa Monica Pier Aquarium operated by Heal the Bay, shops, entertainers, a video arcade, a trapeze school, pubs, and restaurants. The west end of the pier is a popular location for anglers. During the summer months the pier is venue to weekly outdoor concerts, movies, and other family friendly activities, many that are free to the public.
2744 locals recommend
Santa Monica Pier
200 Santa Monica PierThe Santa Monica Pier is a large double-jointed pier located at the foot of Colorado Avenue in Santa Monica, California. With an iconic entrance, the pier is popular with residents and visitors as a landmark that is over 100 years old. The pier contains Pacific Park, a family amusement park with its one-of-a-kind, state-of-the-art, solar paneled Ferris wheel.It also has an original carousel hippodrome from the 1920s, the Santa Monica Pier Aquarium operated by Heal the Bay, shops, entertainers, a video arcade, a trapeze school, pubs, and restaurants. The west end of the pier is a popular location for anglers. During the summer months the pier is venue to weekly outdoor concerts, movies, and other family friendly activities, many that are free to the public.
Shopping
Third Street Promenade is an upscale shopping, dining and entertainment complex in the downtown area of Santa Monica, California. It is considered a premier shopping and dining district on the Westside and draws crowds from all over the Greater Los Angeles Area. Due to its proximity to the Pacific Ocean coupled with Los Angeles's mild climate, it is also a popular tourist destination.It boasts several theatres, including Mann Theatres, AMC Theatres, and Loews Theatres. Third Street Promenade also hosts the largest and oldest certified organic farmers' market each Wednesday and Saturday on Arizona Ave. between 2nd and 4th streets. Street performers and entertainers are a frequent sight on the street. On a typical Saturday night in the summer, singer-songwriters, classical guitar players, magicians, clowns, hip-hop dancers, lounge singers, session drummers, and other artists line up all along Third Street.
1595 locals recommend
Apple Third Street Promenade
1415 3rd Street PromenadeThird Street Promenade is an upscale shopping, dining and entertainment complex in the downtown area of Santa Monica, California. It is considered a premier shopping and dining district on the Westside and draws crowds from all over the Greater Los Angeles Area. Due to its proximity to the Pacific Ocean coupled with Los Angeles's mild climate, it is also a popular tourist destination.It boasts several theatres, including Mann Theatres, AMC Theatres, and Loews Theatres. Third Street Promenade also hosts the largest and oldest certified organic farmers' market each Wednesday and Saturday on Arizona Ave. between 2nd and 4th streets. Street performers and entertainers are a frequent sight on the street. On a typical Saturday night in the summer, singer-songwriters, classical guitar players, magicians, clowns, hip-hop dancers, lounge singers, session drummers, and other artists line up all along Third Street.
The Brentwood Country Mart was built in 1948 as West LA's version of Los Angeles's famed Farmer's Market (at Fairfax and Third). It is a popular, upscale shopping center that retains its original barn-inspired design. Because of its location, it is often frequented by celebrities. It has 22 unique shops and 6 restaurants. It boasts its own free parking lot and offers an outdoor dining area surrounding a large fire pit in the middle. Additionally, The Mart shows free movies night during the summer. www.brentwoodcountrymart.com
114 locals recommend
Brentwood Country Mart
225 26th StThe Brentwood Country Mart was built in 1948 as West LA's version of Los Angeles's famed Farmer's Market (at Fairfax and Third). It is a popular, upscale shopping center that retains its original barn-inspired design. Because of its location, it is often frequented by celebrities. It has 22 unique shops and 6 restaurants. It boasts its own free parking lot and offers an outdoor dining area surrounding a large fire pit in the middle. Additionally, The Mart shows free movies night during the summer. www.brentwoodcountrymart.com
Parks & Nature
Best Beach for Sunshine and Wine: Topanga State Beach
Sunbathe and then sip — or vice versa. Just off the Pacific Coast Highway, south of the oddly placed oceanfront American Apparel, Topanga State Beach may look like an ordinary shore. But what makes this beach so inviting is that it's located across the PCH from Rosenthal Winery. Park in the beach's east or west lot and take the underground passageway, which leads almost directly to the winery's doorstep. There you can taste, buy a bottle and wait for the sun to go down to make your trek back into the city.
106 locals recommend
Topanga Beach
Best Beach for Sunshine and Wine: Topanga State Beach
Sunbathe and then sip — or vice versa. Just off the Pacific Coast Highway, south of the oddly placed oceanfront American Apparel, Topanga State Beach may look like an ordinary shore. But what makes this beach so inviting is that it's located across the PCH from Rosenthal Winery. Park in the beach's east or west lot and take the underground passageway, which leads almost directly to the winery's doorstep. There you can taste, buy a bottle and wait for the sun to go down to make your trek back into the city.
Essentials
This Ralphs boasts a sushi bar, bakery, and a huge deli with many delicious ready-to-eat foods. This Ralphs definitely attracts the beautiful and famous people of Brentwood, so it's also a people-watching opportunity. :)
212 locals recommend
Ralphs
12057 Wilshire BlvdThis Ralphs boasts a sushi bar, bakery, and a huge deli with many delicious ready-to-eat foods. This Ralphs definitely attracts the beautiful and famous people of Brentwood, so it's also a people-watching opportunity. :)