The Ultimate Guide to Los Angeles
3.2 min read
Eat
Breakfast - Gjusta
This all-day cafe in Venice Beach is a bakery, smokehouse, sandwich joint, rotisserie, juice and coffee bar. Once you finally decide on what to order, pull up a milk crate and take a seat in the courtyard. I highly recommend their charred baguette with smoked brisket. Delicious! See gjusta.com
Lunch - Cavatina
For lunch, head to Cavatina in West Hollywood for an amazing meal by Award winning Chef/Restaurateur Michael Schlow and Executive Chef Luis Morales. Part of the Sunset Marquis hotel, I love the restaurant’s casual and relaxed vibe. I always start with a glass of chardy and some West Coast Oysters, which they serve with a black pepper mignonette. You can’t go passed their prime flatiron steak and fries. They also make a mean short rib sandwich with truffle caramelised onions and cheese.
Lunch or Dinner - Gjelina
Gjelina is an LA destination in itself and easily one of the most popular restaurants in town – the sticky point is actually getting a table but there are plenty of bars nearby to pass the time. The beautiful rustic décor is always buzzing with LA’s hippest clientele, albeit lunch or dinner. There are so many options on the menu from pizzas, pastas, vegetables and charcuterie to Mediterranean-type plates of meat. Definitely dine here in a group as there are so many things you will want to try.
Pre-dinner nibbles - Wally's Wine Bar
This place is a wine bar, restaurant and specialty food store in Beverly Hills – it almost has to be seen to be believed. I'll often go here for a pre-dinner board of charcuterie, cheese, pickled veggies and a glass of wine. They have a huge selection of meats and cheese and more than 100 wines by the glass, so often I'll just let the staff choose a wine for me.
Dinner - Rosaliné
A late-night dinner takes me to one of West Hollywood’s hottest new openings: Rosaliné. Chef and owner Ricardo Zarate explores the new phase of Peruvian dining, from classics to street-food fare and barbecue share plates. There are beef heart skewers with rustic rocoto peppers and slow-cooked barbecue short ribs with grilled figs and apple coleslaw. If you’re a solo diner, head to the Ceviche Bar for fresh ceviche plates and Peruvian-inspired cocktails.
Drink
Pre-Dinner Cocktails - The Ivy
The Ivy do great cocktails, and this is one of their signatures – it's a simple and refreshing mix of Svedka Vodka with fresh lime and home-grown mint. They also do great martinis and margaritas. If you can get a table out on the terrace it's a great place for lunch, brunch and people watching.
Stay
Sunset Marquis Villas + Suites
Centrally located in West Hollywood, Sunset Marquis Hotel is surrounded by an oasis of lush greenery which feels like you’re in a tropical paradise. You can choose to stay in one of their amazing suites or private villas, which offer a more secluded and luxury experience. Anything you need, their Concierge will make it happen. Relax at their spa or go for a swim in one of their heated pools. You’ll find me at Cavatina restaurant sipping on a martini and tucking into some West Coast Oysters.
Sightseeing
Hike - Runyon Canyon
Take an hour-long walk up Runyon Canyon, which is one of LA’s most popular hiking destinations. Filled with hikers, trail runners and dog walkers, it’s a great way to work off your breakfast or lunch — and work up an appetite for your next meal!
Markets - The Original Farmers Market
Any visit to LA must include a trip to The Original Farmers Market for farm-fresh produce, artisan breads and even some celebrity spotting. This market attracts more than three million visitors a year and offers in-depth food tours.
