I've been getting requests to do this blog for awhile now, and I figured now was as good a time as any! Before I moved out to Los Angeles, I spent a lot of time in LA. I would fly out about two times a year with my Mom. So, this is a list of my favorite restaurants that I've loved forever, mixed in with some of my newer favorite spots.
1.Jon & Vinny's
This is my number one restaurant for a reason. It's one of the newer ones on this list but, It is by far my favorite. Jon and Vinny's is this cute little Italian restaurant in Hollywood. The interior looks like an old sushi restaurant redone, but the food is to die for! When you walk in, you'll watch them make the pizzas in a stone oven, and the pastries will definitely catch your eye. In the very back of this hallway of a restaurant, you will see a glowing sign that says Helen's and a little window that contains the cutest little wine tasting room. The food is probably the best American Italian food you will ever eat. When you go, make sure to get the spicy fusilli and the garlic bread. I suggest sharing everything because you'll want to try it all. Don't forget dessert. Believe me!
2. La PoubelleLa
Poubelle is a little French restaurant on Franklin. This is where my sister use to take me when I would come out to visit her. The food is incredible and the Truffle mac n cheese is a must! This little place will make you feel like you're in Paris for the night.
3.Pace
This cute little Italian restaurant is in the Hills on Laurel Canyon blvd. The ambiance is so romantic and the food is delicious! This is one of my favorite hidden gems, and its PERFECT for a date night!
4.Umami Burger
If you live in LA, you probably already know ALL about Umami Burger, and if you don't...well, now you will! This is one of the best burger spots in LA. They have a lot of locations, so check if there's one near you. My favorite thing to order is the truffle burger! Their skinny fries are also to delicious!
5.Stout
This is another AMAZING burger spot in LA. They do a really great job of pairing your burger with a beer. You don't have to do it that way... but I suggest trying something they put together, even though all of the burgers and beers are great. Riker and I went on one of our first dates here, and to this day, it's still one of the most memorable date nights we've had!
6.Midici
Midici is a newer favorite for me. I believe they have a handful of locations, but their wood oven pizzas are worth a drive, even if you need to go a little farther. I usually order a pizza and a salad when I go, and I usually finish it all with no problem. If you love Italian style pizza you'll love Midici.
7.Casa Vega
A classic. I've been going to Casa Vega, since I was about 5 years old. Maybe even before that, and let me tell you it never gets old! This is one of the classic Mexican restaurants that has been around forever. It's dimly lit, so we would see celebrities there all the time when I was growing up. The portions are GIANT, so you can take home some leftovers lol. Don't forget to order a margarita!
8.Mendocino Farms
This is my favorite lunchtime spot. I had to add it to the list, because I literally crave this place multiple times a week. They have a few locations, so hopefully, you'll be able to find one close by. My recommendations are the sophisticated chicken and prosciutto salad as well as the curried couscous. I kid you not, the curried couscous is the BEST thing on this planet. Must try!
9.Black Market
Black Market is great for cocktails and sharing a bunch of appetizers. This is my favorite spot for a group of people. They do brunch and dinner. I LOVE their Brussel sprouts and fried fluffernutter but they're also well known for their cocktails!!
10.Yamashiro
Now, this is another hidden gem that is also a Hollywood classic. This Mansion was built as a home in 1914 to learn more about the history click HERE. HERE. Aside from the location, the food is AMAZING! This is a magical experience, if you've never been, I highly suggest a visit. https://yamashirohollywood.com
I hope you get a chance to try out at least one of my favorite spots to eat in LA! Let me know if you have any gems that I didn't list above!
xx
S