Guidebook for Los Angeles
Food Scene
This is my favorite restaurant in all of Los Angeles. It's a Mediterranean restaurant and frankly, I eat here far too much and it can quickly get a bit pricey. I cant recommend this place it enough. Definitely order the Moroccan fried chicken and Brussel sprouts if you choose to go here. The Watermelon and Feta salad is also delicious....everything is done right, I doubt you'll be disappointed.
10 locals recommend
Mizlala
4515 Sepulveda BlvdThis is my favorite restaurant in all of Los Angeles. It's a Mediterranean restaurant and frankly, I eat here far too much and it can quickly get a bit pricey. I cant recommend this place it enough. Definitely order the Moroccan fried chicken and Brussel sprouts if you choose to go here. The Watermelon and Feta salad is also delicious....everything is done right, I doubt you'll be disappointed.
Okay, this isn't technically a bakery. It's actually a really amazing Chipotle-style, Mediterranean place, but I'm listing it under bakeries because it's the most special gem I've stumbled upon in the Valley. You should go here, not just because the food is good, but because of the BAKLAVA CHEESECAKE. Literally, it's the most fabulous thing I've ever consumed. Everything can be going wrong in life and you could be having a miserable day, but as soon as you put a forkful of Baklava cheesecake into your mouth, all that goes away, life gets better and you quickly become content. It also might be the reason I gained 10 pounds - NOT Atkins friendly :(
21 locals recommend
Rodini Park
11049 Magnolia BlvdOkay, this isn't technically a bakery. It's actually a really amazing Chipotle-style, Mediterranean place, but I'm listing it under bakeries because it's the most special gem I've stumbled upon in the Valley. You should go here, not just because the food is good, but because of the BAKLAVA CHEESECAKE. Literally, it's the most fabulous thing I've ever consumed. Everything can be going wrong in life and you could be having a miserable day, but as soon as you put a forkful of Baklava cheesecake into your mouth, all that goes away, life gets better and you quickly become content. It also might be the reason I gained 10 pounds - NOT Atkins friendly :(
This place has next level sandwiches. It's a bit pricey, but dang are the sandwiches worth the price. Tons of dietary options too, so if you're gluten-free or vegan this place should be able to easily accommodate you. If you have no dietary restrictions, then order the "Not-So-Fried" Chicken sandwich. So freaking good.
151 locals recommend
Mendocino Farms
175 S Fairfax AveThis place has next level sandwiches. It's a bit pricey, but dang are the sandwiches worth the price. Tons of dietary options too, so if you're gluten-free or vegan this place should be able to easily accommodate you. If you have no dietary restrictions, then order the "Not-So-Fried" Chicken sandwich. So freaking good.
Great Mexican food, but prepare to wait...a really long time. There are frequently lines out the door!
69 locals recommend
Salsa & Beer
11669 Sherman WayGreat Mexican food, but prepare to wait...a really long time. There are frequently lines out the door!
Best Indian place in the valley. I've been to most of the Indian places around Encino and this place is definitely the best I've found so far. I'm quite particular about my Eggplant Barta and this place does it the best, which is why I keep coming. Fun fact, they used to have frequent customer discount cards that would give you 15% off the order...They don't have them anymore, but now you just need to say "I usually get 15% off" and they'll knock 10-15% off your entire order.
8 locals recommend
Anarbagh Indian Restaurant
17312 Ventura BlvdBest Indian place in the valley. I've been to most of the Indian places around Encino and this place is definitely the best I've found so far. I'm quite particular about my Eggplant Barta and this place does it the best, which is why I keep coming. Fun fact, they used to have frequent customer discount cards that would give you 15% off the order...They don't have them anymore, but now you just need to say "I usually get 15% off" and they'll knock 10-15% off your entire order.
Okay, so I know that everyone knows about In-N-Out Burger (it's a California staple) but I'm adding it here to make an order recommendation off of their "Secret Menu." I'd order a "Double Double - Animal Style - with Chopped chillis" Animal style is where they grill the burger in mustard and add grilled onions and pickles - it's outrageous. The chilies are a bit spicy, so don't order them if you're not a spice fan. Also order a side of Animal Style fries (which is basically fries with cheese, grilled onions, and spread). If you're not into bread you could order it "protein style" which means lettuce wrapped.
96 locals recommend
In-N-Out Burger
7220 Balboa BlvdOkay, so I know that everyone knows about In-N-Out Burger (it's a California staple) but I'm adding it here to make an order recommendation off of their "Secret Menu." I'd order a "Double Double - Animal Style - with Chopped chillis" Animal style is where they grill the burger in mustard and add grilled onions and pickles - it's outrageous. The chilies are a bit spicy, so don't order them if you're not a spice fan. Also order a side of Animal Style fries (which is basically fries with cheese, grilled onions, and spread). If you're not into bread you could order it "protein style" which means lettuce wrapped.
Okay, so this place is so far out of the way, but if you're going to Venice, I'd recommend stopping here. It's a hotdog/bratwurst place. They have a great selection of beer and a great selection of hot dogs (some as crazy as Ostrich and Crocodile). Definitely get the fries while you're here too! Really delicious food and a really fun environment.
243 locals recommend
Wurstküche Restaurant Venice Beach
625 Lincoln BlvdOkay, so this place is so far out of the way, but if you're going to Venice, I'd recommend stopping here. It's a hotdog/bratwurst place. They have a great selection of beer and a great selection of hot dogs (some as crazy as Ostrich and Crocodile). Definitely get the fries while you're here too! Really delicious food and a really fun environment.
Okay, this is also out of the way, but it's in North Hollywood (close to Beverly Hills), so if you're in the area, you might want to stop here for some really great Tacos, Tamales, and classic drinks like Horchata. They take almost a modern spin on classic Mexican food. The reason this place is so delicious is the high quality ingredients that go into the perfect tortillas that they use to wrap their tacos.
395 locals recommend
Guisados
1261 Sunset BlvdOkay, this is also out of the way, but it's in North Hollywood (close to Beverly Hills), so if you're in the area, you might want to stop here for some really great Tacos, Tamales, and classic drinks like Horchata. They take almost a modern spin on classic Mexican food. The reason this place is so delicious is the high quality ingredients that go into the perfect tortillas that they use to wrap their tacos.
This place sells fantastic hotdogs and it's right down the street from my house. They also have a pretty delicious and decently priced beer and they're usually playing some sport game on the huge TV they have there.
14 locals recommend
The Stand "American Classics Redefined"
17000 Ventura BlvdThis place sells fantastic hotdogs and it's right down the street from my house. They also have a pretty delicious and decently priced beer and they're usually playing some sport game on the huge TV they have there.
There are a TON of coffee shops and spots next to my house, coffee bean, coral tree cafe, Starbucks, Dunkin' Donuts, but this place is by far my favorite. Not only is it a good spot to grab a cup of coffee, but they make a damn good Avocado toast. Highly recommend this spot if you want to grab a nice cup of coffee and a bite to eat.
Bluestone Lane
12186 Ventura BlvdThere are a TON of coffee shops and spots next to my house, coffee bean, coral tree cafe, Starbucks, Dunkin' Donuts, but this place is by far my favorite. Not only is it a good spot to grab a cup of coffee, but they make a damn good Avocado toast. Highly recommend this spot if you want to grab a nice cup of coffee and a bite to eat.
Drinks & Nightlife
Great fun drinks and a really fun vibe. There's no signage, so you could easily miss it so be on the lookout for a black roof and wooden door. It's a great Bar with a great beer selection, but they also serve excellent food. I'd recommend the deviled eggs if you go there.
80 locals recommend
The Local Peasant - Sherman Oaks
14058 Ventura BlvdGreat fun drinks and a really fun vibe. There's no signage, so you could easily miss it so be on the lookout for a black roof and wooden door. It's a great Bar with a great beer selection, but they also serve excellent food. I'd recommend the deviled eggs if you go there.
Excellent Hookah Bar right next to the property. There are a ton of hookah spots in the area around the property, but this place just does it right. They serve...okay middle eastern food too, I'm honestly not a fan of their food (there are better places to eat). Go there and order some tea and hookah and enjoy the night.
7 locals recommend
The Spot
17200 Ventura BlvdExcellent Hookah Bar right next to the property. There are a ton of hookah spots in the area around the property, but this place just does it right. They serve...okay middle eastern food too, I'm honestly not a fan of their food (there are better places to eat). Go there and order some tea and hookah and enjoy the night.
Getting Around
Not a huge selection of cars, I'd call ahead. Honestly though....Turo is such a better option. Download the Turo app and use that instead, it's cheaper and has better cars.
9 locals recommend
Enterprise Rent-A-Car
17717 Ventura BlvdNot a huge selection of cars, I'd call ahead. Honestly though....Turo is such a better option. Download the Turo app and use that instead, it's cheaper and has better cars.
Entertainment & Activities
Okay, this place is awesome. I look forward to taking my cousins here every chance I get to babysit (I'm the cool "uncle" : D) - it's just too much fun. They have an excellent selection of arcade games, they have batting cages, and they have putt-putt golf too.
71 locals recommend
Sherman Oaks Castle Park
4989 Sepulveda BlvdOkay, this place is awesome. I look forward to taking my cousins here every chance I get to babysit (I'm the cool "uncle" : D) - it's just too much fun. They have an excellent selection of arcade games, they have batting cages, and they have putt-putt golf too.
Parks & Nature
Nice Little park that's right up the street. Has two tennis courts, a basketball court, a jungle gym (for kids) and plenty of places to sit.
Encino Park
16953 Ventura BlvdNice Little park that's right up the street. Has two tennis courts, a basketball court, a jungle gym (for kids) and plenty of places to sit.
A really nice walk through the village of Siutcanga where you can visit an 1800's blacksmiths shop or even feed the large number of ducks and geese that live in the nearby pond
12 locals recommend
Los Encinos State Historic Park
16756 Moorpark StA really nice walk through the village of Siutcanga where you can visit an 1800's blacksmiths shop or even feed the large number of ducks and geese that live in the nearby pond
The Japanese Garden is just a really nice garden you can walk through right next to Woodley Park and the Sepulveda Basin WIldlife reserve. It's a beautiful walk that will take you through several ponds where you can just sit peacefully and watch as the koi fish swim by. I'd also recommend taking a walk through the Sepulveda Basin Wildlife reserve if youre into hiking and plan on adding this to your journey.
99 locals recommend
The Japanese Garden
6100 Woodley AveThe Japanese Garden is just a really nice garden you can walk through right next to Woodley Park and the Sepulveda Basin WIldlife reserve. It's a beautiful walk that will take you through several ponds where you can just sit peacefully and watch as the koi fish swim by. I'd also recommend taking a walk through the Sepulveda Basin Wildlife reserve if youre into hiking and plan on adding this to your journey.
This park is absolutely massive and right next to a man-made lake which is filled with fish (mostly catfish). If you want you can get a fishing permit and fish here, I've never done that sort of thing, but it's a pretty walk and a nice spot to bar-b-que.
70 locals recommend
Lake Balboa
This park is absolutely massive and right next to a man-made lake which is filled with fish (mostly catfish). If you want you can get a fishing permit and fish here, I've never done that sort of thing, but it's a pretty walk and a nice spot to bar-b-que.
This is in Laguna Beach, so it's a bit far and the beach itself can be sort of hard to find. In order to access the beach you're going to have to go down (and eventually back up when you want to leave) hundreds (not really thousands) of steps. But the hike is oh so worth it. It's also usually not filled with people which is nice and leaves the beach clean and pristine, there's also a little cave you can venture into if you'd like.
24 locals recommend
1000 Steps Beach
1000 Steps BeachThis is in Laguna Beach, so it's a bit far and the beach itself can be sort of hard to find. In order to access the beach you're going to have to go down (and eventually back up when you want to leave) hundreds (not really thousands) of steps. But the hike is oh so worth it. It's also usually not filled with people which is nice and leaves the beach clean and pristine, there's also a little cave you can venture into if you'd like.
The Santa Monica Pier is Iconic spot to visit. It's a mini amusement park that sits right on the beach. Only downside is how crowded this place is! It's ALWAYS filled with people, so while it's a fun spot to visit and take pictures the sheer volume of people that frequent this place gets a bit overwhelming
2744 locals recommend
Santa Monica Pier
200 Santa Monica PierThe Santa Monica Pier is Iconic spot to visit. It's a mini amusement park that sits right on the beach. Only downside is how crowded this place is! It's ALWAYS filled with people, so while it's a fun spot to visit and take pictures the sheer volume of people that frequent this place gets a bit overwhelming
Sightseeing
The Venice Canals are a super iconic, yet frequently overlooked part of Venice. It's a super cute spot where you can take Gondola rides or just a nice little canal you can walk next to and take pretty pictures. : )
947 locals recommend
Venice Canals
The Venice Canals are a super iconic, yet frequently overlooked part of Venice. It's a super cute spot where you can take Gondola rides or just a nice little canal you can walk next to and take pretty pictures. : )
If you're into hiking there are actually tours that will take you up a hiking trail so you can see the iconic Hollywood sign up close and personal. It's a great experience, but you might want to go on a day where there's a bit of overcast - gets pretty hot and there isn't much shade.
557 locals recommend
Hollywood Sign
If you're into hiking there are actually tours that will take you up a hiking trail so you can see the iconic Hollywood sign up close and personal. It's a great experience, but you might want to go on a day where there's a bit of overcast - gets pretty hot and there isn't much shade.