I’ve been taking a big step back from Instagram lately (funny that I say that because all the photos in this post are from Instagram)! However, the endless scrolling and comparing was really getting to me. I realized a lot of the accounts I thought inspired me where actually just making me feel so bad that I forced myself to make content, and that’s not healthy.
So I went back to my happy place – which is this blog! Matt and I also started venturing out to new restaurants because we love food and good vibes.
Since I talk about a lot of things on here – beauty, skincare, fashion, home decor, fitness… I thought I’d also introduce you to my home as I explore more and show you some aesthetic LA restaurants waiting to be found.
There are the typical aesthetic LA restaurants that you see copy and pasted all over Instagram, and then every once in a while you stumble on magic.
Sign into Netflix and go to any food show, I can almost guarantee you you’ll see restaurants featured from Los Angeles.
It doesn’t mean it’s not talked about, it’s just not in my feed to see it!
Sooo, I wanted to share it with you!
FIA, SANTA MONICA —
I made a joke to Matt that this is my favorite restaurant in LA for now. We went here for his birthday and I honestly think it was the best meal of my life. Getting a reservation was easy on OpenTable, service was great, the patio was so charming and beautiful, and the food was delicious. Highly recommend the Moulin Rouge and Pink Panther cocktails, and the fresh pasta!
PETIT TROIS, SHERMAN OAKS —
I worked at Petit Trois Le Valley for a few months when we first moved to LA from the OC. They also have a Hollywood location that I haven’t been to yet, Le Original.
I didn’t love the job or the work to be honest, but I loved being surrounded by such a beautiful interior, and passionate chefs and bartenders. I’m telling you these chefs really love what they’re doing, and the bartenders are so knowledgeable and even compete in mixology competitions. For brunch, grab the omelet and a cappuccino. For lunch or dinner, the Big Mec burger, french onion soup, escargot (just try it, they’re buttery and delicious), and a Fleur de Mal which has housemade rose infused vodka. So yuuuuummy!
ACE HOTEL, DTLA —
I fell in love with DTLA this past year. I went a couple times when we first moved here, but never really ventured out. I wanted more beach-y vibes, but the city has been giving me life lately. The fun thing about LA is there are SO many different parts of it. You can kinda get your fix of mountain, beach, city if you venture out enough.
Ace Hotel Rooftop is great. You wouldn’t realize from the street, but take the elevator up to the roof and you’ll walk into a boho, rustic city dream. Cute wooden tables, white couches, city lights, pitches of sangria, super yummy avo toast. Did I mentioned there’s a pool? Yeah that too – really fun weekend hang.
PERCH, DTLA —
Perch is another place that I can see myself going back to time and time again. It’s french, industrial conservatory feel is addicting. The drinks and food are also great. Honestly nothing bad to say about this place besides the long bathroom lines.
I’ve been trying charcuterie all over LA and this place has a legit board. Sangria is pretty great too.
THE WATERFRONT, VENICE —
This place is super Instagram-y. It’s always BUMPIN on the weekend, and it kinda feels like the house party you always wanted to be invited to. It’s almost too aesthetic you don’t know where to look first. Overwhelmingly cool, very beach-y west side vibes. Gotta grab some oysters and chips and guac to start, then grab a fried chicken sandwich. Frosé is okay, but oddly coconut-y, and don’t even try the michelada especially if your’e a fan because you’ll be disappointed. Oh, they also have magnum bottles of rosé, so bring your friends.
CARAVAN SWIM CLUB, THE HOTEL JUNE —
Matt brought me here from my 28th birthday since we had to cancel our trip to Mexico due to COVID. I love this place so much and can’t wait to go back. We were the only people there that day so it felt like it was closed for me, but I also felt a little awkward.
You can buy day passes to the pool, and they have mezcal flights. If you want good food, and Tulum vibes on the west side this is it. Grab the Cave Painting drink shown in the photo of Matt above. So. damn. good.
GREAT WHITE, VENICE —
I’m pretty sure if you follow any LA blogger you’ve heard of Great White in Venice, but I’ve gotta say… it’s that good. This Australian café is it.
I’ve been on a breakfast burrito mission, and this remains the BEST breakfast burrito in LA. The tater tots, fluffy eggs, and aioli are unmatched. I make a very similar version at home because I love it so much, I’ll have to post the recipe one day.
This place is just so beautiful. I think you can sense a trend – boho, Tulum-ish, effortlessly cool is my VIBE. Their coffee is also some of the best I’ve ever had, and that’s saying a lot from someone who was a barista for 5 years. Get the bfast burrito and shaken latte in the morning. I haven’t been able to get a reservation to try their wood fire pizza and cocktails yet! Gran Blanco diagonal across is similar and I’m hoping I can check it out soon!
Okay, I think that’s enough for now. I’ll keep adding to this series as I try new places, but please list your favorite spots below! Preferrably spots that have really good food and aren’t just pretty if you know what I mean.
— k
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