Her Tasty Life

Another post on LA Eats?

Yep!! That’s right.

Last time I posted on my travel to LA we focused on some fun and tasty things to do outside the city. Wine tasting in Santa Barbara, shuck-your-own-oysters in Ventura, wood-fired pizza in Santa Barbara.. but this time, I went back to LA and stayed put right in the confines of Los Angeles County to showcase some great eats while staying right on the beaten path.

My girlfriends, Erica from Everything Erica and Samantha from Chicago Food Authority, joined me for a long weekend in LA to do nothing but uncover the best and tastiest eats LA has to offer. Ok, we may have made a pit stop at Disneyland, too, but who can resist the ultra-famous Dole Whip and dressed-for-Halloween Haunted Mansion, really? Girls just gotta have fun!

We embarked on a four day adventure and hit up some pretty fantastic spots. I’m breaking them down chronologically for you, so you can plan a similar LA weekend getaway of your own! Winter will be upon us any day now loves, how better to getaway than palm trees, beaches and bad ass eats?

best of L.A.

day one: 

1. Kazu Nori | fabulous hand rolls in a stylish, minimalist setting. Not to be missed for any sushi purist. Take out menu expands to maki and non-hand rolled items. Reservations not accepted, lines to be expected. Go early.

2. Butchers & Barbers | a classic (though trendy) American style bistro in the heart of Hollywood. No better place to get a killer burger and roasted bone marrow with toast in the closest proximity ever to the dynamic Hollywood nightlife.

photo cred: Chicago Food Authority

3. No Vacancy | that dynamic Hollywood nightlife I mentioned? This is it. I know it doesn’t look that raucous in this photo, but imagine that sexy courtyard filled with beautiful LA types while a tightrope walker performs above them. If that doesn’t do it for you, the secret entrance you need to scout out to enter this courtyard surely will.

photo cred: www.novacancyla.com

day two:

1. Bottega Louie | my favorite Los Angeles stop for amazing baked goods, the best pizzas and fabulous small plates in crisp, white, chic environs. Don’t miss the macarons! You’d be doing yourself a huge disservice.

2. Scarpetta | hellooooo, Scott Conant! The handsome, Food Network-famous chef does not disappoint at this glamorous Beverly Hills Italian outpost. Perfect for a sexy date night or girls night out. Expect hand-made pastas, infallible service, and truffles galore to name a few standouts.

3. Break Room | live bands, private karaoke rooms, pushup pops, ecto cooler… a nostalgic place to party the night away with your crew. Members Only jackets certainly encouraged.

photo cred: www.breakroom86.com

day three:

1. Disneyland interlude | mouse ears.. churros… pirates of the caribbean… pure joy.

2. B.S. Taqueria | recently named one of Esquire’s ‘Best New Restaurants in America’, this vibrant eatery boasts fabulous cocktails, inventive tacos, and one of the most amazing tres leches cakes I’ve ever laid my fork on!

photo cred: www.bstaqueria.com

day four:

1. Ashland Hill | darling brunch spot in lovely Santa Monica. Think: fabulous outdoor seating, yummy mimosas, avocado toast, cinnamon toast “brunch” and some pretty insane crispy cauliflower.

2. Grand Central Market | opened in 1917 and in continuous operation ever since, the Grand Central Market is a fantastic cross-section of true Californian flavors. From butchers, to tacos, to delis, to green grocers, it’s all here! They even have an Eggslut. Just sayin’.

3. Sugarfish | traditional sushi only. Tempura flakes and cream cheese need not apply. Beautiful, perfect, delicate fish. Light sauce. Omakase style. It’s almost shocking how perfect the fish is. What’s in it? Crack? An LA best of for sure.

4. California Donuts | because you always need to end on a sweet note, right? Right! The infamous animal and cereal-topped treats at California Donuts are something folks line up around the block for! Expect waits anytime of day despite their 24/7 operating schedule.

It was a warm, wonderful, delicious time. One that I highly encourage you to have, too. LA for winter? Why not now that you know exactly where to go. See you out West soon!