Ultimate Los Angeles Guide

all of my favorite spots

There are so many things I love about Los Angeles — it truly is a wellness lovers dream. The beaches, hikes, amazing food & coffee. And not to mention the notorious farmers markets that are abundant with the beautiful California sunshine kissed produce. This is the nicest I’ve ever spoken about Los Angeles after living there for 8 years hahaha, but I’m feeling nostalgic now that I’m not living there anymore. 

For the past 4 years I’ve lived on the West Side of LA — Sawtelle & then Marina Del Rey. LA is huge and super spread out, there are still so many parts of it I have yet to become aquatinted with, so most of my recommendations are in these areas — with a few outliers.

You’ll notice a theme with these because if you know me you know I love quality ingredients, cute markets, local & seasonal produce — so most of these places check those boxes! 

This guide contains my fav:

• Coffee + Matcha Spots

• Bakeries

• Markets + Farmers Markets

• Casual To-Go Food Spots

• Casual Dine-In Spots

• More Fancy Dine-In Spots

• Spa’s & Wellness

• Workout Classes

• Outdoor Explorations

So whether you’re an LA local or visiting for the weekend — you’ll find something here to love! Let’s dig in!

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1. Coffee + Matcha Spots

• Gjusta Grocer - Venice

  • I am super picky with my matcha and this is one of the only places that does it right. They use a super quality ceremonial grade matcha — Nekohama — I usually get it hot with either macadamia nut milk or coconut.

• Hooked Venice Pop-Up - Dudley Market Venice

  • If you can — go here when you have a second to chill, hangout, and sip there instead of as a to-go! It is a full experience talking with Christopher, who is super passionate and knowledgable and coffee & culture.

• Groundwork Coffee House - Venice

  • I love Groundwork because they use organic, sustainable coffee beans. They also just started carrying regenerative organic beans. Super quality coffee.

• ChitChat - Sawtelle

  • Home to the famous strawberry matcha latte! Chitchat has super fun and delicious lattes — everything from cinnamon toast crunch milk, banana bread, incredible hulk, and delicious seasonal options, it is always super yummy. Plus they use a good ceremonial grade matcha.

• Erewhon Market - Multiple Locations

  • You can always count on consistent, quality bevs at Erewhon. It isn’t necessarily to-die-for, but I always know it is going to make me feel good. All the ingredients are always quality.

• Community Goods - WeHo

  • Be ready to wait in line….I recommend the Salted Maple Capp (coffee or matcha) and the Matcha or Coffee Spänner. Plus any pastries or food that is calling your name.

• Maru - Multiple Locations

  • Also may be a line…I recommend the vanilla bean latte or chocolate latte. Another delicious option is the Cream Top…but you can’t go wrong with anything.

• Modern Bread & Bagel - Santa Monica

  • All gluten free pastries, pretty good coffee and matcha but what I love most is they make their milks in-shop!

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2. Bakeries

• Lodge Bread - Culver City

  • One of my FAVORITE places to get sourdough bread! On Friday’s they do Challah that is so incredible. The most amazing pastries — everything sourdough. They use organic wheat flour and simple ingredients in all of their breads. They also have a delicious breakfast & lunch menu plus make sourdough pizzas! Plus delicious organic coffee. You can also buy sourdough starter from them in store!

• Tartine - Santa Monica

  • Great housemade bread, pastries and sourdough — perfect to grab a weekend casual breakfast or brunch.

• Jyan Issac - Ocean Park

  • Tons of options for different types of sourdough breads, bagels, sandwiches, etc…Order at the counter and take-away!

• Clark Street Bakery - Brentwood

  • Yummy organic sourdough breads, plus a delish brekky menu.

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3. Markets

• Gjusta Grocer - Venice

  • The best ‘lil grocer. Everything from locally grown seasonal produce, meats, cheeses, breads, bevs. Huge selection of pastas, tinned fish, natural wines…They have it all. I could spend all day in here. Great place to get a gift for someone, get picnic materials, or just browse.

• The Canal Market - Venice

  • Another favorite market. I recommend taking a stroll through the venice canals and then coming here. They have great coffee & matcha, but also a full selection of quality liquor, natural wines, beers, bevs, and more.

• Farmshop - Brentwood

  • Farmshop has such good food, but also such a great market. They prioritize organic, local and seasonal produce, meats and cheeses.

• Vin on Rose - Venice

  • My fav natural wine shop! Tons of options — organic, biodynamic, natural, sustainable — also a cute market with a vintage store attached in the back.

• Erewhon Market - Multiple Locations

  • I mean, the OG. They are always stocked with the most beautiful local seasonal produce, a wideee array of quality products, the hot bar is pretty good (just get what calls your name — ask to sample as well they will let you), I think most of their smoothies are kinda overrated tbh, but they do have some good options at the tonic bar. I enjoy it because all of the ingredients they use are quality and trusted — you don’t have to second guess or worry, I always leave feeling good.

• Rainbow Acres - Marina Del Rey

  • This is one of my favorite grocery stores. It is a natural foods market and they have a ton of quality items.

• Lady & Larder - Santa Monica

  • This artisanal shop focuses on local, organic products, offering cheese boards, charcuterie, and seasonal produce from regenerative farms.

• Cookbook Market - Larchmont

  • Such a cute lil shop. They have great fun items and a little fridge full of beautiful seasonal produce. Also have a large back patio which is a great place to sit and have a coffee and a snack.

• Ferm Farm - Costa Mesa or San Juan Capistrano

  • Technically not in LA but….if you are anywhere near here GO FOR ME. It is my bucket list place literally I want every single thing.

4. Farmers Markets

• Mar Vista Farmers Market - Sundays 9AM-2PM

  • This is my fav farmers market. They have a huge selection of organic seasonal produce. Also farmer direct has incredible quality meats — chicken, turkey, beef and more. Super good made-to-order food and coffee, pickles and saurkraut, organic sourdough bread and pastries — highly recommend.

• Brentwood Farmers Market - Sundays 9AM-2PM

  • Also a great farmers market — similar to above just less options!

• Downtown Santa Monica Farmers Market (AZ Ave/2nd) - Wednesday’s and Saturday’s 8AM-1PM

  • Love this farmers market. Such good stuff — TONS of seasonal produce.

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5. Casual To-Go

• Ardi’s Food Truck - Multiple Locations

  • THE BEST BURGER IN LA. Hands down. They use 100% grass-fed beef, homemade buns & sauces, and their fries are seed-oil-free. Everything is delicious. He posts the schedule every week on his Instagram.

• Layla Bagels - Ocean Park

  • The most light & fluffy sourdough bagels. They have delicious open faced options, along with just plain old smear, I recommend trying their seasonal fruit pre-jam option as well which changes monthly.

• Ggiata - Venice

  • A classic Italian style deli, with delicious options. They also have a monthly seasonal sandwich and dessert.

• TreMani - Ocean Park

  • Another Italian style deli with absolutely delicious sandwich options. Made with quality bread & ingredients.

• The Cheese Store Beverly Hills - Beverly Hills

  • Some people say these are the best sandwiches in LA…That’s for you to decide! Super fun to walk around the market a lil while you wait for your sandwich.

• Bay Cities Bakery - Santa Monica

  • I have been going here since I was a little girl, and it is so so good. They fresh bake their bread daily — I recommend one day buying a fresh loaf because they are incredible and warm and soft. On your sandwich — get the peppers and alllll the works. Also a super fun market to walk around once you get there.

• Yeastie Boys Bagels - Multiple Locations

  • This was my Sunday hungover ritual in college. We’d always get our asses out of bed and go get Yeastie Boys. One big bagel with all the works. A few mini bagels with shmear on the side, and a hashbrown. They also always park in front of good coffee shops so get a coffee or matcha while you wait! It is a food truck and they post their schedule on Instagram.

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6. Casual-ish Dine-In

• Gjusta - Venice

  • This can also be a great place to get to go, especially depending on how busy it is, but if there is room to sit outside I recommend it! There’s a huge outdoor area and it’s nice and open. You can get to-go loaves, breads, pastries, sandwiches, coffee, or eat it all to there. They prioritize quality local, seasonal ingredients and bake a lot of sourdough! Their Turkey Au Ju sandwich is insaaaane but you really can’t go wrong with anything!

• Le Great Outdoor - Santa Monica

  • The most vibey open-air concept farm-to-table restaurant! I recommend going with a big group because their portions are large and it’s the best to do family style. Order a bottle from their natural/organic wine selection — and pick a few dishes to share, end on dessert! It’ll be the best night.

• Ghisallo - Ocean Park

  • THE BEST SOURDOUGH PIZZA. AND VIBES. Go with a group or on a date and sit in the back patio! Also very family style, and they have a great selection of wines and beers as well.

• Great White - Venice

  • Super yummy food with lots of quality choices. A wonderful spot to get brunch or dinner and drinks with friends. My fav dinner items are the salmon curry bowl and the chicken kebob.

• Kazu - Multiple Locations

  • Sit down sushi bar where you order at the bar and they make it fresh in front of you. The handrolls quite literally melt in your mouth. Can’t go wrong with the salmon, yellowtail, toro…I always get one of each + more if wanted. They are very generous with giving you more and more plates of ginger haha.

• Night + Market - Multiple Locations

  • Best thai food! Another great spot to go with a group and do family style. You must get the coconut hot pot with a side of coconut rice.

• Gjelina - Venice

  • They prioritize quality local, seasonal ingredients and have really yummy options for breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner!

• Chulita - Venice

  • Super cute little beachy Mexican-inspired restaurant with a mezcal & tequila bar. Everything tastes so fresh. Great date night spot.

• Cafe Habana - Malibu

  • One of my fav spots in Malibu! They prioritize organic and local ingredients, and it’s super yummy Mexican-Cuban food. The tacos are my fav. Ofc lots of chips and guac. Great to eat there but also fun to take to go for the beach (PS: they do to-go margs as well)

• Crudo e Nudo - Santa Monica

  • A delicious raw bar and great fresh fish. They are all about embracing local seasonal ingredients and sourcing quality sustainably caught fish.

• Papille Gustative - Santa Monica

  • A delicious farm-to-table concept restaurant that uses seasonal and organic ingredients. A great brunch spot or dinner, sometimes they have live music too!

• Dudley Market - Venice

  • Great vibes, good food and natural wines. A walk up from Venice beach, this spot is super fun for a daytime brunch vibe. Love the oysters and the burger.

• Destroyer - Culver City

  • One of the best brunch spots! The menu is unique and utilizes amazing quality and seasonal ingredients.

• Hatchet Hall - Culver City

  • Such a yummy menu, they source their ingredients from local farms and it is a very cabin-like-vibe.

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7. More Fancy Dine-In

• Osteria Mozza - West Hollywood

  • My favorite restaurant in LA. This is the number one place I will go on a special occasion. It is a very classic Italian vibe. They have a menu that changes, harnessing the best of the season ingredients. Each dining experience is so special. Perfect date night. I highly recommend getting the plate of aged parm and prosciutto (it is not on the menu you’ll have to ask for it). The Ricotta & Egg Raviolo is insane, one big Ravioli drenched in brown butter it is heavenly. All of the pastas are fresh & delish — the Beef Tagliata is perfect — just order a few things and share it all. Get what calls your name and you’ll be happy. They also have a Michelin star.

• Felix - Venice

  • Another fav Italian restaurant. Also a menu that has a few changes based on the seasons. The ingredients and quality is fresh and amazing. I like sitting outside in the back patio but inside is nice as well. Must get the focaccia (sfincione) it is a light and fluffy melt in your mouth focaccia — and if you’re hungry enough the focaccia romana rossa is so good too it is like a flatbread with sauce and burrata. Depending on what time of year when you go if it is in season, you MUST get the Cicoria salad oh my god the best salad I have ever had in my life. The pizza & pasta is kind of hit or miss depending on what you order — and the tagliata is to die for. I am sure any of the steak dishes are just haven’t had the more expensive ones.

• Matu - Beverly Hills

  • Hands down the best steakhouse in LA. It is more of a modern rendition of a steak house and not your classic run of the mill joint, but I love it. They exclusively serve 100% grass-fed regenerative waygu steak from First Light Farms. Everything is cooked/fried in beef tallow. The 24-Hr bone broth is amazing, both salads are delish, piemonte steak tartar, hand-cut beef tallow fries — and steak cuts are personal but my favs are the filet and Picanha. I like how they cook it but if you don’t like medium rare/rare steak ask for it cooked a lil more while ordering.

• Sushi Tama LA - West Hollywood

  • Simple, fresh and delicious fish. A super clean and nice vibe. Great sushi.

• Local Kitchen + Wine Bar - Santa Monica

  • Yummy food & drinks, and they support local farms and choose quality seasonal ingredients!

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8. Spas / Wellness

• In8Love - Santa Monica

  • If you’ve followed my chiropractic and acupuncture journey — you know how much this place has changed my life. Everything from pain, to nervous system regulation, digestion and hormone balance, skin…they work on holistic healing of it all. One of the first doctors that took time and sat with me and LISTENED TO ME. You can use “ELLA” to get a huge discount on your first X-Rays and consult if it is something you are interested in.

• Spa Sophia - Venice

  • A totally holistic spa that offers incredible body care like sculpting and lymphatic massage and also amazing facials. I recommend doing a custom facial with one of their experts because they will make something specific for your skin type, and if you deal with anything acne related, go see Vanessa because she will truly change your life.

• Den Mother - Venice

  • Another holistic spa that has the most zen vibes. Great for a treat-yourself spa day. They have a back area where you can sip tea and relax, ice bath and sauna, massages, and Dani gives the absolute best facials.

• Bloom Apothekary - Santa Monica

  • Haley is an absolute angel! She is so gentle and intuitive — every little detail makes the experience so incredible. I have done lymphatic massage and buccal facial massage with her, both were fabulous. Everything she does is amazing and so beautifully detail-oriented. You leave feeling like you just woke up from the most restorative deep sleep lol.

• Honest Rituals - Topanga

  • The ultimate facial sculpting massage. Works to completely snatch your face and also do incredible support for getting rid of TMJ symptoms and the root cause of TMJ tension.

• Ice Pass - Venice / Multiple Locations

  • If you live in LA and like using the sauna/ice bath I HIGHLY recommend this! Think of it like a gym membership but for Sauna and Ice Bath. You can book an appointment and show up whenever you want. It is super affordable & easy — and also a great way to join a new community! They host events as well.

• Oxynergy2 - Beverly Hills

  • The ultimate wellness spa — they have everything from Hyperbaric Chamber, Red Light Therapy, Facials and all around wellness. A biohacker’s dream lol! Also the owner is absolutely amazing.

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9. Workout Classes

• Tunnel Pilates - Venice

  • The best pilates on the west side in my opinion! I love love love Kristin & Corinne’s classes they are both amazing, and if the owner Kelly is ever teaching get ready to get your ass kicked. I prefer the reformer (heated or unheated), but the mat is just as great.

• Burn LA - Brentwood

  • If you take this class don’t make plans after haha because you will be drenched in more sweat than you can imagine. This is a super heated hit class and it’s amazing.

• Yoga Nest Venice - Venice

  • Super quaint and local neighborhood yoga studio. I love it here. I recommend taking Kristina Bant’s classes — she will make you sweatttt. I didn’t even know yoga could do that to me haha. Such a great workout while also being very restorative.

• Neighborhood Pilates - Palisades

  • Another great pilates option!!

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10. Explore

• Manhattan Beach - Manhattan Beach

  • My home away from home! I love Manhattan Beach so much. It is the best beach town with tons of restaurants, markets, cute shops. It is so fun to walk on the strand and look at all the different houses, play beach volleyball or lay on the vast white sanded beach. Spend a whole day here exploring! Also if you are a biker — there is a wonderful bike path that goes all the way from Manhattan Beach down to Venice that is super beautiful.

• El Matador Beach - Malibu

  • A beautiful hidden beach in Malibu. There are beautiful rock formations, caves and it is a wonderful place to just lay and relax or have a picnic.

• The Venice Canals - Venice

  • Nope, not in Italy! But this ‘lil Oasis tucked away in Venice is one of my favorite spots to walk around. It is filled with gorgeous flowers, ducks and their ducklings, tons of fun different houses, and swirled throughout it all are bridges and canals.

• Tenerelli Farms - Little Rock

  • During summer, you MUST go to the U-Pick cherries at Tenerelli Orchards! The most beautiful rows of cherry, peach & apricot trees. You get a giant bucket and walk through the cherry trees to pick perfectly ripe and delicious cherries. They are delicious.

• Escondido Falls - Malibu

  • A lush hike in Malibu, if you go after a lot of rain, sometimes waterfalls form! Otherwise — don’t get your hopes up haha because the waterfall is underwhelming, but nonetheless a beautiful hike.

• The Gentle Barn - Santa Clarita

  • I HAVE YET TO GO HERE BUT I WANT TO SO BAD. A farm animal rescue center where you can feed, hangout with and even cuddle with the farm animals.

• Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook (Culver City Stairs) - Culver City

  • This is a steep flight of stairs that goes up to a gorgeous panoramic view of Los Angeles. If you want to skip the stairs, there are also nice trails that go up as well.

• Santa Monica Stairs - Santa Monica

  • Be ready for your legs to SHAKE. One of my favorite spots to workout in LA. Tucked within the neighborhood roads of Santa Monica, the stairs lead up from near the ocean up to the hills. You will find a lot of people working their asses off lol. I recommend either starting with the stairs and walking down to the beach, or vis versa. But challenge yourself — how many times can you go up & down? You’ll find yourself relieved when you hit the top of the stairs each time.

• Apricot Lane Farms - Moorpark

  • The best biodynamic & amazing farm — they’re the ones from the documentary Big Little Farm! The best eggs & produce — and they offer some great events and farm tours on their website.

• Riley’s Farm - Oak Glen

  • They have such fun seasonal picking schedules and a beautiful farm to visit. Great place to go apple picking in the Fall.

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Please let me know if you end up going to any of these spots, or share some of your favs for everyone as well!!! Now onto the adventures in The Big Apple (open to any recs from you guys!) Talk to ya sooooon. XO - Ella