Although I travel often, most people are surprised to learn that this was my first time visiting a state other than New York. Despite spending 5 days in LA, which seems like a good chunk of time, I still feel like I have so much to see! Unlike New York, Toronto, or most cities in Europe, LA is spread out and basically has no public transportation system. If you visit, make sure you rent a car, or have a friend that can drive you around. Ubers can get very expensive unless you’re staying within your neighbourhood.
Before I get into my guide, I will say that there is more to LA than eating and drinking coffee. It has a robust nightlife, but being the grandma I am, I wasn’t interested in this aspect. I did go out on my first night to the Shangri-La for sunset, but that’s as wild as it got. There is so much to see and do that I plan on returning back to LA to see the Big Sur. So without further ado, here is an Instagrammer’s guide to LA:
Where to eat
Au Fudge: Super cute interior and killer avocado toast. Oh and it’s owned by Jessica Biel.
Gjelina: This Venice hotspot always has a lineup. If you don’t have a reservation, make sure you go early. Get the pizza and fries.
The Hart and the Hunter: Another great spot for avocado toast. They also have a solid latte.
Malibu Farm: I was staying in Santa Monica, so my friends decided to take me to Malibu one morning for lunch. The drive is breathtaking, I highly suggest you do it even if you’re not particularly hungry. Malibu Farm is situated right on the pier, and the view is absolutely unbeatable.
Sidecar Doughnuts: Great donuts and great coffee!
Ostrich Farm: Located in Echo Park, Ostrich Farm is a must-visit brunch spot. Everything we had was delicious, but the cinnamon bun french toast was a game changer.
Salt & Straw: Your hunt for great ice cream is over. Every flavour is to die for!
Where to caffeinate
Blue Bottle Coffee
They have several locations and serve solid coffee. I went to the Venice location with a box of Blue Star donuts, something I highly recommend.
Verve: Verve has several locations, but it’s a must-visit in terms of cafes.
Alfred’s Tea Room: You cannot search ‘Instagrammable cafes in LA’ and not stumble upon Alfred’s Tea Room. I got the boba rose tea and though a little sweet, it was delicious.
Dinosaur Coffee: A really cute spot in Silver Lake.
Carrera Cafe: Monochromatic interior, gluten free doughnuts, and custom latte art? How can one possibly resist?
Woodcat: We happened to go here by chance while waiting for Ostrich Farm to open for brunch. The coffee was stellar.
The Assembly: I loved the friendly, warm vibe of this place. Not to mention the coffee was fantastic and the interior was on point.
Demitasse: My second favourite hot chocolate in the world after Angelina in Paris.
What to do
I stayed with my friend in Santa Monica, so that is mainly where I spent my time. Catch the sunset at the Shangri-La, which also offers a great view of the Santa Monica pier.
Walk around Melrose Place, where you will surely stumble upon Isabel Marant‘s beautiful store.
Get an ice cream from Salt & Straw and walk around Larchmont Village where you’ll find cute houses like this.
Take a walk down Abbott Kinney and hop in and out of the gorgeous boutiques.
I can’t deal. I want ALL THE FOOD!
-Didier
http://www.didieryhc.com
Such a lovely guide to LA! Judging on the pictures, it looks like you had an insanely yummy visit which is definitely the way to do it! Xx
http://www.thefashionfolks.com
Omg!! This post is making me sooooo hungry 😋😋 everything looks so lovely and delicious!
‘Instagrammable cafes in LA’- I’m so out of it, I didn’t know that’s how you younguns roll. Well this is my first Instagram guide of a city and I loooved it. Looks like you did a lot in 5 days, but then you’re a pro at that innit. Have a lovely weekend hon. X
Hi Siffat, your guide is amazing! I would love to try Gjelina and Verve. They look like amazing places. I hope we will make it to LA soon.
X
Miri
http://currentlywearing.com
Loving all these photos babe! xx
http://www.fromluxewithlove.com
http://www.bloglovin.com/blogs/from-luxe-with-love-14590195
Its been years since I’ve been to LA and now really want to go back! gorgeous post xx
http://sweatshirtsanddresses.com/friday-focus-qa-arwa-al-banawi/
Jessica Biel owns a restaurant?! How awesome! Looks like LA is just as amazing as it sounds 🙂
Blessings,
Edye | http://gracefulcoffee.com
Such a lovely guide to LA, would love to visit! Also, enjoyed looking at all these stunning images 😉
Nati xx
http://www.simplyartdicted.com
LA is such an incredible place. I hope I’ll lucky to visit it one day.
http://www.mydailywear.co.uk
gorgeous pictures!
http://www.thelalalookbook.com
Oh my goodness! So many instagram-worthy places! I’ve never been to LA but it’s definitely in my bucketlist. It seems like it has the laidback beach vibe that I just love so much! I think it’s a gorgeous place… And wow at the food! I am drooling over here.
– Gretch of GG Memochou
photos are absolutely stunning 🙂
https://zunera-serena.com/
omg I live in LA and this guide was even really helpful for me. Some of these places I havent even heard of and they look fantastic!
http://www.prettyinleather.net
Such a well thought out post, great inspo! Can’t wait to check out the places when i visit again.
-Elefv
http://www.elefv.com/
OMG all of the food places look so good !!! I also liked the food & coffee scene in LA the most – we went to Alfred’s and some other places as well 🙂
xxx
Tina
http://www.styleappetite.com
This is such a great post filled with so many places!! It’s been a few years since I’ve been to LA and this is really making me wanna go explore again. Thank you so much for sharing!!
Ciara
http://www.ciarasalloum.com
I am literally salivating right now. All the food looks so delish and the composition of your pics are on point as usual. It shows you had a fantastic time! I also like the approach of the post, focusing on the daytime activities, as I am also too old for party >.<
Have a great week, Siffat 🙂
Saida | She talks Glam
I’ve been to LA several times but never to these spots. Thanks for the tips!
ANOUK
I can’t! The avocado toast and the pizza and the coffee, everything looks mouthwatering!
xo
http://www.carinavardie.com
Omg! Everything looks incredibly delicious! I’ve never been to LA before, let alone Cali, so I’ve definitely bookmarked this page for future reference, I want to visit them all, haha. Thanks for sharing and I hope you’re having a great start to your week so far, girlie!
XO,
Jalisa
http://www.thestylecontour.com
So many beautiful places, the food and coffee look sooo good! 🙂 xx
This is such an amazing post babe! It definitely is such a great instagrammer’s guide to Los Angeles! I definitely love taking pictures of food, and girl you’ve definitely mastered that skill! <3
XO Jessi,
http://www.mywhitet.com/5-ways-to-increase-your-instagram-engagement/
Well, I’ve now got all my avocado toast spots covered! I’ve only been to San Fran since my friend lives there so the LA area is on my list still.
-M
Violet Roots || Instagram
I love the pizza at Gjellina. And Salt & Straw is like my home aways from home, that place is soo good! I hope you’re enjoying Honolulu!
XoXo,
Tamara – LoveofMode.com
This is such a spot on post, Siffat! Even as an LA-resident, there are a few places on this list that I don’t normally frequent. I’ve got to check them out again for some Instagram-worthy shots!
Such beautiful photos and a great guide to LA! Now, I have to go back so I can try all your food recommendations (Pizza and chips sounds heavenly!)
Julia x
http://www.thevelvetrunway.com
Wow,this post is amazing :)))
I would visit LA again only for the food!
Delicious post Siffat!
Love from https://tbymallano.com/