Lisa’s guidebook
Food scene
Here's some local spots with great food (and many not so close that are well worth the drive). there's so many great spots in LA and if you're heading to a more distant part of town, let me know and I'll recommend others.
Great local hot spot with local farm to table, organic food located one mile from Casita. Don't be surprised to see actors and musicians here.
166 locals recommend
Pace
2100 Laurel Canyon BlvdGreat local hot spot with local farm to table, organic food located one mile from Casita. Don't be surprised to see actors and musicians here.
Local convenience store with great outdoor coffee bar a mile from Casita.
78 locals recommend
Canyon Country Store
2108 Laurel Canyon BlvdLocal convenience store with great outdoor coffee bar a mile from Casita.
Michelin star rated authentic Japanese food a couple miles away that includes sashimi, sushi, as well as salads and cooked dishes. Reservations are a must and their Omacase is exceptional. Pricey but worth the splurge. This is not the place to go for California rolls and non-traditional Japanese cuisine
19 locals recommend
Asanebo
11941 Ventura BlvdMichelin star rated authentic Japanese food a couple miles away that includes sashimi, sushi, as well as salads and cooked dishes. Reservations are a must and their Omacase is exceptional. Pricey but worth the splurge. This is not the place to go for California rolls and non-traditional Japanese cuisine
Great inexpensive authentic Japanese food with several locations in LA. They don't take reservations and there can be a wait during prime lunch and dinner hours. No California rolls and other non-traditional fare but great quality at a good price. They have the best to go packaging — great for taking to the Hollywood Bowl, picnic, etc. There are two locations within 15-20 mins from Casita.
654 locals recommend
SUGARFISH by sushi nozawa
600 W 7th StGreat inexpensive authentic Japanese food with several locations in LA. They don't take reservations and there can be a wait during prime lunch and dinner hours. No California rolls and other non-traditional fare but great quality at a good price. They have the best to go packaging — great for taking to the Hollywood Bowl, picnic, etc. There are two locations within 15-20 mins from Casita.
Authentic Thai food inspired by the outdoor markets in Thailand. Delicious and casual spot. Usually hopping and around 15-20 mins from casita
33 locals recommend
Night + Market Weho
9043 Sunset BlvdAuthentic Thai food inspired by the outdoor markets in Thailand. Delicious and casual spot. Usually hopping and around 15-20 mins from casita
Great french spot with outstanding food. Reservations a must. 10 min drive from casita
19 locals recommend
Petit Trois Le Valley
13705 Ventura BoulevardGreat french spot with outstanding food. Reservations a must. 10 min drive from casita
Great smoked ribs and assorted BBQ meats. Best Texas style
cue in LA!
76 locals recommend
Bludso's Bar & Que
609 N La Brea AveGreat smoked ribs and assorted BBQ meats. Best Texas style
cue in LA!
Classic and historic Hollywood dining and bar. Great atmosphere, good for cocktails or dinner. Waiters can be saucy but that is part of the legend. Located on the walk of fame
198 locals recommend
Musso & Frank Grill
6667 Hollywood BlvdClassic and historic Hollywood dining and bar. Great atmosphere, good for cocktails or dinner. Waiters can be saucy but that is part of the legend. Located on the walk of fame
Rated one of Los Angeles' best places to eat. the food here is amazing with tons of assortment--meat, fish, veggies. Get 5-6 dishes for two to share.
117 locals recommend
Animal
435 N Fairfax AveRated one of Los Angeles' best places to eat. the food here is amazing with tons of assortment--meat, fish, veggies. Get 5-6 dishes for two to share.
This Thai spot attracts foodies to it's strip mall location in Thai town. Amazing food! 20-30 mins from casita
67 locals recommend
Jitlada Restaurant
5233 Sunset BlvdThis Thai spot attracts foodies to it's strip mall location in Thai town. Amazing food! 20-30 mins from casita
Great burger joint. Delicious standard and booze infused shakes, onion rings and french fries located in the Hollywood Roosevelt hotel.
43 locals recommend
25 Degrees
7000 Hollywood BlvdGreat burger joint. Delicious standard and booze infused shakes, onion rings and french fries located in the Hollywood Roosevelt hotel.
Salt's Cure
1155 N Highland AveCalifornia cuisine with local meat, veggies and seafood.
relaxed, italian-style modern with great food from the same chef team as Animal.
124 locals recommend
Jon & Vinny's Fairfax
412 N Fairfax Averelaxed, italian-style modern with great food from the same chef team as Animal.
fantastic steak house with piano bar. Great steak, seafood and veggies served ala carte. $$$
208 locals recommend
Mastro's Steakhouse
246 N Canon Drfantastic steak house with piano bar. Great steak, seafood and veggies served ala carte. $$$
Rated one of LAs best restaurants. It's all about the seafood here, this is an upscale place with fine dining. $$$$
83 locals recommend
Providence
5955 Melrose AveRated one of LAs best restaurants. It's all about the seafood here, this is an upscale place with fine dining. $$$$
Great upscale Italian food with a more casual sister restaurant next door (Angelini Alimentari)
72 locals recommend
Angelini Osteria
7313 Beverly BlvdGreat upscale Italian food with a more casual sister restaurant next door (Angelini Alimentari)
Classic LA spot. tons of vendors selling different food and wares adjacent to The Grove outdoor shopping center.
22 locals recommend
The Original Farmers Market
6333 West 3rd StreetClassic LA spot. tons of vendors selling different food and wares adjacent to The Grove outdoor shopping center.
Chosun Galbee
3330 W Olympic Blvdnice outdoor patio with excellent Korean BBQ.
Boneyard Bistro
13539 Ventura Blvd40+ rotating beer taps + hickory smoked BBQ
Old school dining and cocktails with outdoor patio across a block from the beach in Santa Monica. A Westside classic. 30-45 min drive. Take a scooter ride or walk/bike on the beach while you are in the hood
46 locals recommend
Chez Jay
1657 Ocean AveOld school dining and cocktails with outdoor patio across a block from the beach in Santa Monica. A Westside classic. 30-45 min drive. Take a scooter ride or walk/bike on the beach while you are in the hood
Lebanese style middle east food. 15 mins from casita, you can go full vegetarian or dig into amazing lamb chops. Nice outdoor patio, not pretentious or pricey.
8 locals recommend
Mantee Cafe
10962 Ventura BlvdLebanese style middle east food. 15 mins from casita, you can go full vegetarian or dig into amazing lamb chops. Nice outdoor patio, not pretentious or pricey.
Fabulous seasonal food with a beautiful patio and fireplace. Menu is designed for sharing so best with friend(s) but I've sat at the bar and dined solo too. Highly rated with one of LA's best chefs 15-20 mins from Casita
81 locals recommend
A.O.C.
8700 W 3rd StFabulous seasonal food with a beautiful patio and fireplace. Menu is designed for sharing so best with friend(s) but I've sat at the bar and dined solo too. Highly rated with one of LA's best chefs 15-20 mins from Casita
fantastic food, great cocktails, lively and lovely space with traditional tables and some long, open seating family style tables (which maybe gone in the pandemic times). Highly rated and popular, make a reservation or plan to wait with cocktails for seats to open up. 20 mins or so from casita
319 locals recommend
Republique
624 S La Brea Avefantastic food, great cocktails, lively and lovely space with traditional tables and some long, open seating family style tables (which maybe gone in the pandemic times). Highly rated and popular, make a reservation or plan to wait with cocktails for seats to open up. 20 mins or so from casita
best pastrami in LA. A classic that locals line up for day in and day out. excellent corned beef too. Located downtown LA 30-60 mins depending on traffic
71 locals recommend
Langer's
704 S Alvarado Stbest pastrami in LA. A classic that locals line up for day in and day out. excellent corned beef too. Located downtown LA 30-60 mins depending on traffic
Great food in a retro brick loft adjacent to the fashion district in downtown LA. New LA hot spot with excellent food
8 locals recommend
Girl & the Goat
555-3 Mateo StreetGreat food in a retro brick loft adjacent to the fashion district in downtown LA. New LA hot spot with excellent food
Amazing soup dumplings--so good the restaurant has branched out in countries around the world. Green beans with garlic, pork fried rice, noodles, and more are delicious too!
153 locals recommend
Din Tai Fung
1164 Caruso AveAmazing soup dumplings--so good the restaurant has branched out in countries around the world. Green beans with garlic, pork fried rice, noodles, and more are delicious too!
Authentic mexican food--live music, sharing platters, and mole specialists.
56 locals recommend
Guelaguetza Restaurante
3014 W Olympic BlvdAuthentic mexican food--live music, sharing platters, and mole specialists.
Excellent latin food and drink. Great space, indoor/outdoor dining, vibrant.
11 locals recommend
DAMA Fashion District Restaurant & Bar
612 E 11th StExcellent latin food and drink. Great space, indoor/outdoor dining, vibrant.
Majordomo
1725 Naud StHot spot with amazing east meets west fushion food. Delicious!
Kismet
4648 Hollywood BlvdExcellent Mediterranean food with fresh California produce.
Cassia
1314 7th StDelicious French/Asian bistro in Santa Monica.
Small sushi bar with high quality fish and great preparation. And when you are done eating, wander across the street to Augustine -- a great wine bar.
6 locals recommend
Sushi Note
13447 Ventura BlvdSmall sushi bar with high quality fish and great preparation. And when you are done eating, wander across the street to Augustine -- a great wine bar.
great vegetarian food--my fav locale is in Venice but this one is closest to Casita
280 locals recommend
Cafe Gratitude
639 N Larchmont Blvdgreat vegetarian food--my fav locale is in Venice but this one is closest to Casita
Classic CA cuisine. Lovely patio a few blocks from the ocean in Venice. Always a LA favorite.
347 locals recommend
The Rose Venice
220 Rose AveClassic CA cuisine. Lovely patio a few blocks from the ocean in Venice. Always a LA favorite.
A Pub that serves excellent food with a great selection of on tap beers. Nice patio, this is the place that elevated pub food in SoCal. Adults only. Had a hard time picking between food and bar--this has both.
344 locals recommend
Father's Office
1018 Montana AveA Pub that serves excellent food with a great selection of on tap beers. Nice patio, this is the place that elevated pub food in SoCal. Adults only. Had a hard time picking between food and bar--this has both.
Excellent quality authentic sashimi, sushi and rolls with excellent prices. No California rolls, and other "inspired" American creations. Great fish with traditional Japanese preperation that won't break your budget. No reservations ( unless you want a seat at the 'Nozawa bar' for $$$ omacase).
654 locals recommend
SUGARFISH by sushi nozawa
600 W 7th StExcellent quality authentic sashimi, sushi and rolls with excellent prices. No California rolls, and other "inspired" American creations. Great fish with traditional Japanese preperation that won't break your budget. No reservations ( unless you want a seat at the 'Nozawa bar' for $$$ omacase).
excellent wood fired pizzas and salads. upscale $$ sister restaurant Osteria Mozza is excellent too.
187 locals recommend
Pizzeria Mozza
641 N Highland Aveexcellent wood fired pizzas and salads. upscale $$ sister restaurant Osteria Mozza is excellent too.
Good food with spectacular ocean view. Afterwards, walk along the beach to the end and hike up the cliff on where Planet of the Apes was filmed.
123 locals recommend
The Sunset Restaurant
6800 Westward Beach RdGood food with spectacular ocean view. Afterwards, walk along the beach to the end and hike up the cliff on where Planet of the Apes was filmed.
Bar scene
Fairly close spots to check out the local bar scene. Ride share or taxi a must!
Fantastic hand crafted cocktails in the Historic Roosevelt Hotel. After your cocktail, head upstairs to "The Spare Room" with vintage polished wood bowling lanes and more libations
121 locals recommend
Library Bar
630 W 6th StFantastic hand crafted cocktails in the Historic Roosevelt Hotel. After your cocktail, head upstairs to "The Spare Room" with vintage polished wood bowling lanes and more libations
Lost Property Bar
1704 Vine StGreat Hollywood pub with an emphasis on mixology and whisky.
Lono
6611 Hollywood BoulevardOld school tiki bar with tropical drinks and shared punch bowls
Frolic Room
6245 Hollywood BlvdGreat Atmosphere and fun night-spot
Classic pub with traditional food moved to new spot
24 locals recommend
The Cat & Fiddle Pub & Restaurant
742 N Highland AveClassic pub with traditional food moved to new spot
Vintage spot in Hollywood to grab a cocktail. Nothing fancy here, traditional bar with some well worn history. One of the spots to hit when doing a Hollywood pub crawl
22 locals recommend
Boardner's
1652 N Cherokee AveVintage spot in Hollywood to grab a cocktail. Nothing fancy here, traditional bar with some well worn history. One of the spots to hit when doing a Hollywood pub crawl
Mixology spot with a great vibe. Entrance is hidden in 800 Degrees pizza. 70's era cocktails
17 locals recommend
Sunset & Vinyl
1521 Vine StMixology spot with a great vibe. Entrance is hidden in 800 Degrees pizza. 70's era cocktails
Tramp Stamp Granny's
1638 N Cahuenga Blvdretro-style piano bar with 20s decor and dancing
The Den On Sunset
8226 Sunset Blvdoutdoor bar with good sized patio
stunning rooftop bar with excellent views and cocktails with Cali-influenced drinks
43 locals recommend
Broken Shaker at Freehand LA
416 W 8th Ststunning rooftop bar with excellent views and cocktails with Cali-influenced drinks
excellent cocktails, hidden photo booths, vintage bowling alley located in the Hollywood Roosevelt hotel.
34 locals recommend
The Spare Room
7000 Hollywood Blvdexcellent cocktails, hidden photo booths, vintage bowling alley located in the Hollywood Roosevelt hotel.
Blue Palms Brewhouse
8440 Hollywood BlvdRated the best beer bar in LA —loads of beer options on tap.
The Varnish
118 E 6th StLive Jazz with some of LA's best cocktails
great wine selection that is hand picked, 8 rotating taps with craft beer, good food, indoor/outdoor seating; great neighborhood to wander, sample cocktails and window shop
139 locals recommend
Bar Covell
4628 Hollywood Blvdgreat wine selection that is hand picked, 8 rotating taps with craft beer, good food, indoor/outdoor seating; great neighborhood to wander, sample cocktails and window shop
Approx 15 mins from casita, this wine bar with good bar food and excellent selection of wines by the glass or bottle. They will always have unique and vintage options to try. Last time I was there I had a glass of a 30 year old Bordeaux.
17 locals recommend
Augustine Wine Bar
13456 Ventura BlvdApprox 15 mins from casita, this wine bar with good bar food and excellent selection of wines by the glass or bottle. They will always have unique and vintage options to try. Last time I was there I had a glass of a 30 year old Bordeaux.
Local British pub with loads of atmosphere -- old school bar, good pub food, vintage leather booths, small street-side outdoor patio on Sunset Blvd. 5-10 minutes from Casita
Horses
7617 Sunset BoulevardLocal British pub with loads of atmosphere -- old school bar, good pub food, vintage leather booths, small street-side outdoor patio on Sunset Blvd. 5-10 minutes from Casita
Sightseeing
Here's a few spots worth the trip. Feel free to ask for advice and other, off the beaten track spots.
A two min drive (or 15 min walk) from Casita, take your pick between an easy walk or more challenging hike in the Santa Monica mountains. Lovely views.
9 locals recommend
Nancy Hoover Pohl Overlook at Fryman Canyon
8401 Mulholland DrA two min drive (or 15 min walk) from Casita, take your pick between an easy walk or more challenging hike in the Santa Monica mountains. Lovely views.
Movie theater, shopping, restaurants and Universal Studios all at one location.
3326 locals recommend
Universal Studios Hollywood
100 Universal City PlazaMovie theater, shopping, restaurants and Universal Studios all at one location.
Lovely outdoor shopping mall with selection of restaurants and a movie theater. Right next door to The Original Farmers Market. Popular spot to spend an afternoon.
2582 locals recommend
The Grove
189 The Grove DrLovely outdoor shopping mall with selection of restaurants and a movie theater. Right next door to The Original Farmers Market. Popular spot to spend an afternoon.
Lovely spot with fantasic views and tons of hiking in addition to LA's famed observatory.
145 locals recommend
Griffith Observatory
2800 East Observatory RoadLovely spot with fantasic views and tons of hiking in addition to LA's famed observatory.
Classic Hollywood experience is a must do for anyone interested in movies/moviestars. Walk along Hollywood Blvd and check out the sidewalk stars, Mann's Chinese Theater and lots of food and shops at the corner of Hollywood and Highland
175 locals recommend
Walk Of Fame
6901 Hollywood BlvdClassic Hollywood experience is a must do for anyone interested in movies/moviestars. Walk along Hollywood Blvd and check out the sidewalk stars, Mann's Chinese Theater and lots of food and shops at the corner of Hollywood and Highland
Cruise down Mulholland Drive with stunning views to this hiking/look out spot located approx 10 mins from casita
82 locals recommend
Runyon Canyon North Entrance
7317 Mulholland DrCruise down Mulholland Drive with stunning views to this hiking/look out spot located approx 10 mins from casita
Gorgeous architectural buildings house a selection of the Getty collection. Custom built for the museum at a cost exceeding 1.3 Billion, it is a must see LA stop combing art, architecture, gorgeous gardens and LA views.
2309 locals recommend
The Getty
1200 Getty Center DrGorgeous architectural buildings house a selection of the Getty collection. Custom built for the museum at a cost exceeding 1.3 Billion, it is a must see LA stop combing art, architecture, gorgeous gardens and LA views.
The Getty's Roman and Greek antiquities dating back 4000 years are housed in a re-creation of an ancient Roman country house.
883 locals recommend
The Getty Villa
17985 Pacific Coast HwyThe Getty's Roman and Greek antiquities dating back 4000 years are housed in a re-creation of an ancient Roman country house.
gorgeous gardens with several different themes. Succulents and cactus, Japanese Garden, Chinese Garden, Rose Garden, Palm, Subtropical, Australian... hard to see it all in a single day. food options are decent--have taken my mom to high tea overlooking the rose garden during the first bloom-- so lovely. My personal fav is the cactus succulent and japanese garden. Wear comfortable clothes, sun hat and footware!
999 locals recommend
Huntington Library Art Collections and Botanical Gardens
1151 Oxford Rdgorgeous gardens with several different themes. Succulents and cactus, Japanese Garden, Chinese Garden, Rose Garden, Palm, Subtropical, Australian... hard to see it all in a single day. food options are decent--have taken my mom to high tea overlooking the rose garden during the first bloom-- so lovely. My personal fav is the cactus succulent and japanese garden. Wear comfortable clothes, sun hat and footware!
good variety of rental bikes that are better quality than what you get on the beach. Head north towards Malibu or South to Venice Beach. I love to traverse the side streets in Venice, there's interesting local art all over--murals, offerings, cool houses/landscape.
10 locals recommend
Santa Monica Beach Bicycle Rentals
1428 4th Stgood variety of rental bikes that are better quality than what you get on the beach. Head north towards Malibu or South to Venice Beach. I love to traverse the side streets in Venice, there's interesting local art all over--murals, offerings, cool houses/landscape.
Entertainment
Here's some fun things to do in the area!
tiny theater that hosts various artists--musicians, comedians, variety shows and more. every seat in the house is great! Sells out quickly and often attracts top comedians trying out new material.
34 locals recommend
Largo at the Coronet
366 N La Cienega Blvdtiny theater that hosts various artists--musicians, comedians, variety shows and more. every seat in the house is great! Sells out quickly and often attracts top comedians trying out new material.
gorgeous small beach nestled against the cliffs. my personal favorite beach in the LA area
222 locals recommend
El Matador Beach
32350 Pacific Coast Hwygorgeous small beach nestled against the cliffs. my personal favorite beach in the LA area
Expansive beach with loads of parking, lifeguards, beach volleyball courts and white sand in Malibu. Good choice if you want to mingle with others.
299 locals recommend
Zuma Beach
Expansive beach with loads of parking, lifeguards, beach volleyball courts and white sand in Malibu. Good choice if you want to mingle with others.
combines the beach with a cool beach town vibe. walk from your beach blanket to shops, restaurants, pubs.
364 locals recommend
Manhattan Beach
combines the beach with a cool beach town vibe. walk from your beach blanket to shops, restaurants, pubs.
North of Zuma Beach, Leo Carillo is a CA gem. Paid parking, hiking trails, stunning beach. Great spot to watch the surfers.
56 locals recommend
Leo Carrillo State Beach
35000 Pacific Coast HwyNorth of Zuma Beach, Leo Carillo is a CA gem. Paid parking, hiking trails, stunning beach. Great spot to watch the surfers.
Outdoor music in a stunning setting with great acoustics built in the 1920's. Check out their website for shows
1407 locals recommend
Hollywood Bowl
2301 Hollywood Bowl RdOutdoor music in a stunning setting with great acoustics built in the 1920's. Check out their website for shows
Outdoor movies in the historic Hollywood Forever cemetery. Bring your low lawn chairs, blanket, favorite food and drink and enjoy a classic movie! There are (pricey) concession stands selling some food, wine and beer on site.
18 locals recommend
Cinespia Movie
6000 Santa Monica BlvdOutdoor movies in the historic Hollywood Forever cemetery. Bring your low lawn chairs, blanket, favorite food and drink and enjoy a classic movie! There are (pricey) concession stands selling some food, wine and beer on site.
Westward Beach is a 1.2 mile long strip of sand with sea cliffs leading to Point Dume. Not as crowded as Zuma, a bit off the beaten track. Hike up a trail to where the original Planet of the Apes was filmed. Really beautiful with great waves; professional surfers are commonly seen during large swells. Try the Sunset Restaurant for good food with a spectacular view.
9 locals recommend
Westward Beach
Westward Beach is a 1.2 mile long strip of sand with sea cliffs leading to Point Dume. Not as crowded as Zuma, a bit off the beaten track. Hike up a trail to where the original Planet of the Apes was filmed. Really beautiful with great waves; professional surfers are commonly seen during large swells. Try the Sunset Restaurant for good food with a spectacular view.
Historic Cineramadome. Currently closed but confident it'll re-open--great place to see a movie!
9 locals recommend
The Dome Entertainment Centre
6360 Sunset BlvdHistoric Cineramadome. Currently closed but confident it'll re-open--great place to see a movie!
great place to see a film, shop and have lunch. Pick a movie in the Dolby or the Prime cinemas--reclining chairs that rumble with the sound effects, excellent surround sound, high quality visuals. book your seats in advance.
88 locals recommend
AMC Century City 15
10250 Santa Monica Blvdgreat place to see a film, shop and have lunch. Pick a movie in the Dolby or the Prime cinemas--reclining chairs that rumble with the sound effects, excellent surround sound, high quality visuals. book your seats in advance.
Stunning acoustics, designed by architect Frank Gehry and inspired by his love of sailing, this world famous concert hall features a variety of performances from September through May. there are free self guided tours taking you from conception to completion year round.
1063 locals recommend
Walt Disney Concert Hall
111 S Grand AveStunning acoustics, designed by architect Frank Gehry and inspired by his love of sailing, this world famous concert hall features a variety of performances from September through May. there are free self guided tours taking you from conception to completion year round.
Quaint outdoor venue for concerts during the summer. Check out their website for the schedule.
31 locals recommend
John Anson Ford Theatres
2580 Cahuenga Blvd EQuaint outdoor venue for concerts during the summer. Check out their website for the schedule.
Combo platter
I love to head to Venice and rent scooters to cruise all the little side streets and check out the neighborhood art and find a spot to eat/drink. Great place to explore. You can check out the boardwalk but Abbot Kinney has way better food and shopping!
1387 locals recommend
Venice Beach
1900 Ocean Front WalkI love to head to Venice and rent scooters to cruise all the little side streets and check out the neighborhood art and find a spot to eat/drink. Great place to explore. You can check out the boardwalk but Abbot Kinney has way better food and shopping!
Highland Park Bowl
5621 N Figueroa Stbeautiful vintage bowling alley with craft cocktails
Definitely a hip LA neighborhood with shopping, great restaurants, fun bars close to Dodgers Stadium if you want to combine with a baseball game.
Silver Lake
Definitely a hip LA neighborhood with shopping, great restaurants, fun bars close to Dodgers Stadium if you want to combine with a baseball game.
City/town information
Manhattan Beach is a fun beach town. Great food and shops with a lovely beach.
334 locals recommend
Manhattan Beach Pier
2 Manhattan Beach BlvdManhattan Beach is a fun beach town. Great food and shops with a lovely beach.