The Los Angeles guide

Eight (non-consecutive) years later, these are the places I keep coming back to.

After eight years (on and off) in LA, I’ve definitely found my favorite spots.

The ones I text friends about when they’re in town. The ones I go to when I just need something I know I’ll love. The ones that remind me why I fell for LA in the first place.

So, here it is: my never-let-me-down list. A little food, a little wine, and ample opportunities to wander. And because I love a good map, I made you one too.

gjusta (venice)

Santa Monica

For slow weekends. Walks along the coast. And great bread.

Santa Monica gets a bad rap for being too touristy, too whatever. And I get it—I feel that way too. But when you slow down, it’s easy to find those little pockets of charm.

Mornings here usually start with something from Jyan Isaac. If I’m craving savory, it’s a bagel; if I want sweet, it’s their banana bread. If I feel like sitting for a bit, I’ll head to Tartine and grab a coffee or matcha, plus whatever else’s catching my eye that day.

After that, I might stroll down Montana, popping into Goodies for a little gift or Zibby’s Bookshop to see what’s new. Lunch is usually something from Goop Kitchen or the hot bar at Erewhon—I know, but it hits. And if I’m staying in, Ghisallo is my go-to for takeaway. Their sourdough crusts (and meatballs) are everything.

tartine (santa monica)

Venice

For getting lost. Vintage finds. Good coffee.

Venice is where I take people visiting LA, whether it’s their first time or their tenth. Mornings almost always start at Gjusta, where the ambiance is worth the visit alone. I’ll grab a coffee and maybe a pastry (the blueberry scone is a recent fave) and find a spot outside to take it all in.

If I’m in the mood to linger, I’ll stop by Companion. They warm the croissants in their brick oven, and if you know me well, you know that’s my thing. If I need to get some work done or just hang with a friend, Zinqué never fails (Le Bowl is my go-to), plus there’s a parking lot—which is both huge and unheard of for LA.

On weekends, I’ll roam around Artists & Fleas or book a facial at Spa Sophia with Vanessa. She gets sensitive, acne-prone skin like no one else, and her sessions are equal parts therapeutic and relaxing. They’re conveniently across from each other, too.

companion (venice)

Echo Park

For solo days. Buzzy mornings. Beautiful hiking.

This is the neighborhood I know best, second to Santa Monica. I lived here through most of the pandemic, when walking as much as I did kept me sane(ish).

Mornings here usually start with coffee and banana bread from Valerie. I’ll meander through Stories Books & Café, pretending I have nothing but time. Most weekends, I hike the Elysian Park Trail, headphones in, taking in the wildflowers and city views. Lunch is almost always Honey Hi. And if I want to pretend I’m in Paris, I’ll stop by Cookbook for fresh produce or a bouquet of flowers.

Evenings here are best spent with friends, starting with a glass of natural wine at Tilda and ending with pizza al fresco at Gra. Or tucked away at Tsubaki, their Japanese Caesar salad is a must.

canyon coffee (echo park)

Atwater Village

For when I want a change of scenery without going (too) far.

Atwater feels like a precious pocket—one long, walkable street where everything you need is right there. I love wandering down its main street, popping into Block Shop Textiles to daydream about my future home with big windows and lots of gorgeous artwork. Lunch is almost always Dune, where the falafel plate is a forever favorite.

stories bookshop (echo park)

Culver City

For natural wine. Plant shopping. And that middle-of-everywhere convenience.

I don’t end up in Culver City that often, but when I do, it’s usually for Stanley’s. Cozy, bright, and the kind of small plates that make you want to order just one more thing. There’s an adorable natural wine shop inside, too, and they’re always happy to help you pick something out.

If I feel like walking around after, Rolling Greens is pretty much a plant lover’s dream—tons of greenery, gorgeous pottery, and enough space to get lost in for a while.

West Hollywood

I don’t find myself in West Hollywood much these days, but when I do, it’s usually for one of three things: grabbing a matcha at Community Goods (always a wait, but worth it), browsing through The RealReal (mostly just to look), or grabbing a spot outside at The Butcher’s Daughter. It’s about as close to a European sidewalk café as you’ll get here.

the butcher’s daughter (west hollywood)

Honorable mentions

If I had to break it down by category, here are a few standouts:

• Best croissants (chocolate for moi): Petitgrain, Tartine, Jyan Isaac, Des Croissants

• Coffee: goodboybob, Caffe Luxxe, little lunch, Flowerboy Project, Canyon Coffee

• Natural wine: Stanley’s Wet Goods, Vin on Rose, Tilda Wines

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What did I miss? Whether you’re visiting or you live here, let me know if there’s something I should add to the list or if you need a specific recommendation. Always happy to play tour guide.

And if you’re a Google Maps person like me, here you go!

Ciao for now,

Jess