Mariano and Dawn's Guide to LA
Food scene near La Casita
Amazingly fresh and authentic Mexican food. Try their Barbacoa burrito!
60 locals recommend
Taqueria Los Anaya
4651 W Adams BlvdAmazingly fresh and authentic Mexican food. Try their Barbacoa burrito!
Alta
5359 W Adams BlvdDelicious soul food
Delicious pizza! Our favorite is the half mushroom/half pepperoni.
70 locals recommend
Delicious Pizza
5419 W Adams BlvdDelicious pizza! Our favorite is the half mushroom/half pepperoni.
Everything is so good there. Favorites include the Pargiyot Chicken pita and their fries.
46 locals recommend
Mizlala West Adams
5400 W Adams BlvdEverything is so good there. Favorites include the Pargiyot Chicken pita and their fries.
Ma Dang Gook Soo
869 S Western AveThe handmade chicken noodle soup is to die for.
Park's BBQ
955 S Vermont AveDelicious korean BBQ. Book a table, they get crowded!
Great for brunch and lunch. Recommend getting there early as it's a popular place!
94 locals recommend
Cafe Vida
9755 Culver BlvdGreat for brunch and lunch. Recommend getting there early as it's a popular place!
This landmark 24-hour donut shop is one of LA’s iconic attractions not only for their giant donut on the rooftop but their absolutely delicious donuts. Original glazed is my favorite.
137 locals recommend
Randy's Donuts
805 W Manchester BlvdThis landmark 24-hour donut shop is one of LA’s iconic attractions not only for their giant donut on the rooftop but their absolutely delicious donuts. Original glazed is my favorite.
Famous place for fried chicken and waffles
121 locals recommend
Roscoe's Chicken And Waffles - Pico Blvd.
5006 W Pico BlvdFamous place for fried chicken and waffles
Local favorite 50s style diner. Be aware they are usually only open until 2:30pm
61 locals recommend
Pann's Restaurant
6710 La Tijera BlvdLocal favorite 50s style diner. Be aware they are usually only open until 2:30pm
Argentinian bakery and restaurant in the heart of Culver City
32 locals recommend
Grand Casino Bakery & Cafe
3826 Main StArgentinian bakery and restaurant in the heart of Culver City
An array of food options from different cultures all in one bustling, lively place. Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone had a date night at Sarita’s Pupuseria in Lala Land
968 locals recommend
Grand Central Market
317 S BroadwayAn array of food options from different cultures all in one bustling, lively place. Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone had a date night at Sarita’s Pupuseria in Lala Land
Bianca Bakery
8850 Washington BlvdUpscale lunch spot with amazing bread!
MIAN West Adams
Spicy Szechuan noodles and dumplings
UZUMAKI SUSHI
11060 Washington BlvdFresh sushi without all the bells, whistles and loud music :)
Neighborhoods
Very walkable downtown with lots of dining options, anything from sushi to french and a few cute boutique stores as well.
163 locals recommend
Culver City
Very walkable downtown with lots of dining options, anything from sushi to french and a few cute boutique stores as well.
Major shopping area with tons of restaurants and access to Santa Monica pier and the beach.
513 locals recommend
Santa Monica
Major shopping area with tons of restaurants and access to Santa Monica pier and the beach.
West Hollywood
Bars, restaurants and interior decoration stores!
Urban with lots of new trendy restaurants offering tasty cuisines. Recommended during the day for historic walks and after dark for the night scene.
737 locals recommend
Downtown Los Angeles
Urban with lots of new trendy restaurants offering tasty cuisines. Recommended during the day for historic walks and after dark for the night scene.
Mid-city is in transition and as such you’ll find a combination of old vs. new as much as in the neighborhood homes as in the shops and restaurants. Look out for new eateries on Adams Blvd. between Hauser and Redondo Blvds. Stroll through West Adams to see 1940s style Spanish homes and Jefferson Park for more craftsman styles.
8 locals recommend
Mid City
Mid-city is in transition and as such you’ll find a combination of old vs. new as much as in the neighborhood homes as in the shops and restaurants. Look out for new eateries on Adams Blvd. between Hauser and Redondo Blvds. Stroll through West Adams to see 1940s style Spanish homes and Jefferson Park for more craftsman styles.
Silver Lake
Hipster vibe with lots of trendy coffee shops and eateries
Visit Monterey Park, Alhambra, San Gabriel and Rosemead for the best Chinese restaurants, foot massages and Asian supermarkets
29 locals recommend
Monterey Park
Visit Monterey Park, Alhambra, San Gabriel and Rosemead for the best Chinese restaurants, foot massages and Asian supermarkets
City/town information
20 minutes away, Manhattan Beach is another world altogether from Los Angeles. Bright, airy with large coastal beach areas.
364 locals recommend
Manhattan Beach
20 minutes away, Manhattan Beach is another world altogether from Los Angeles. Bright, airy with large coastal beach areas.
Joshua Tree is a couple hours drive away and offers stunning desert scenery as well as a pace that's a few beats slower than the hubbub of LA.
334 locals recommend
Joshua Tree
Joshua Tree is a couple hours drive away and offers stunning desert scenery as well as a pace that's a few beats slower than the hubbub of LA.
Just a two hour drive north from
LA, Santa Barbara offers a nice day or weekend getaway
182 locals recommend
Santa Barbara
Just a two hour drive north from
LA, Santa Barbara offers a nice day or weekend getaway
Ventura
Just an hour north of LA for a coastal town, slower pace feel.
Ojai
A quaint, quiet town that attracts healers and meditation gurus
Our favorite spots in LA
Amazing rooftop for drinks 🍹 with a clear view up and down Venice Beach
248 locals recommend
Hotel Erwin
1697 Pacific AveAmazing rooftop for drinks 🍹 with a clear view up and down Venice Beach
See https://www.google.com/amp/takemytrip.com/2016/04/hike-hollywood-sign-wonder-view-trail/amp/
557 locals recommend
Hollywood Sign
See https://www.google.com/amp/takemytrip.com/2016/04/hike-hollywood-sign-wonder-view-trail/amp/
Griffith Observatory
2800 E Observatory Rd
Grand Central Market
317 S BroadwaySanta Monica Pier
200 Santa Monica PierCatch an exhibit and take photos at the "Urban Lights" lamp post installation
3162 locals recommend
Los Angeles County Museum of Art
5905 Wilshire BlvdCatch an exhibit and take photos at the "Urban Lights" lamp post installation
Learn about the history of the Tar Pits and visit them right here in LA!
890 locals recommend
La Brea Tar Pits and Museum
5801 Wilshire BlvdLearn about the history of the Tar Pits and visit them right here in LA!
Westfield Century City
10250 Santa Monica BlvdThe best outdoor mall in LA
If you love tv and movies, this is a great studio tour that shows you behind the scenes with fun, interactive exhibits
262 locals recommend
Warner Bros. Studios
If you love tv and movies, this is a great studio tour that shows you behind the scenes with fun, interactive exhibits
Favorite restaurants
Cassia
1314 7th St
SUGARFISH
1345 2nd StCasa Sanchez
4500 S Centinela AveSlurpin Ramen Bar
3500 W 8th St
고바우 식당 Kobawoo Restaurant
698 S Vermont Ave
Father's Office
1018 Montana AvePapa Cristo's Greek Grill
2771 W Pico BlvdBavel
500 Mateo StTemporarily closed
Boston Lobster Seafood Restaurant (粵唯鮮)
4501 Valley BlvdGolden Deli Restaurant
815 W Las Tunas Dr
Porto's Bakery and Cafe
3614 Magnolia BlvdHistoric Hollywood restaurant for classic steaks, sides and good old-fashioned service
198 locals recommend
Musso & Frank Grill
6667 Hollywood BlvdHistoric Hollywood restaurant for classic steaks, sides and good old-fashioned service
Beetle House LA
7080 N Las Palmas AveFun for a night out in Hollywood, Beetlejuice-themed with shows
City advice
Getting around
Renting a car in LA is your best bet
If you don't mind driving, having a car at your disposal will be the most time-saving way to get around. Second best option are rideshares, but the cost can add up because the distances can be long. Metro is a good option if your destinations are along the metro lines. Public buses are the most cost efficient but prolong your travel time and can be delayed due to traffic.
What to pack
LA is mild desert weather
LA has a mild desert-like climate so you'll typically get temperatures between 75 - 100 during the summer (cooler close to the cost, hotter in the valley and inland), 60's-70s during the fall and 45's-60s in the winter. Even on the hottest days, the nights are chilly so always bring an extra layer for when the sun goes down.
Ways to save
LA has a lot of local, ethnic food
The local restaurants are more affordable and offer delicious, authentic cuisines. Taco trucks abound and are great alternatives to sit-down restaurants if you're just looking to grab a bite.