I just returned from L.A.—here are my favorite spots for dining, shopping, and what to bring.

      I’ve always been someone who researches extensively before a trip—perhaps to an excessive degree. However, to me, this preparation enhances my enjoyment of travel since I arrive with a curated list of recommended places, allowing me to be more present while I'm there. This was particularly true during my month-long stay in Los Angeles. With a city as vast and sprawling as L.A., I went in with over 500 saved locations (yes, really), and I knew I wouldn’t be able to visit them all. I also sought recommendations from my close friends who reside there and from the L.A.-based editors at Who What Wear to further expand my list of must-visit spots—so I had no shortage of options.

      Moreover, L.A. is heavily influenced by the neighborhood you’re in, which significantly determines your activities. Since I was based in Silver Lake, most of my experiences occurred on the East side. That being said, I still have much left to discover on the West side, apart from a day spent at El Matador State Beach in Malibu. While I didn’t get to visit The Magic Castle, Tower Bar, or Wii Spa this time around, I did make it to the ocean, explore new neighborhoods, take weekend trips to Laguna Beach and Lake Arrowhead, visit the Hollywood Reservoir, and stroll through Beverly Hills mansions. Below is a lengthy list of my favorite spots for shopping and dining, along with some packing tips.

      We all have our pet peeves, and one of mine is entering a random restaurant only to find it mediocre. I tend to do my due diligence by checking recommendations from people I follow on TikTok, magazines, Substacks, and input from those whose taste I trust. As I mentioned, since I was based in Silver Lake, many of my recommendations lean towards the East side. If I had to narrow my dining experiences to a few favorites, I’d pick Barra Santos, Greekman’s, and Found Oyster, with the standout dessert being gelato from Bacio di Latte.

      My favorite matcha and coffee came from Rōk, and I was fortunate enough to be within walking distance of two well-known L.A. breakfast spots (known for their long lines): Courage Bagels and Sqirl. I frequented The Win-Dow for late-night dessert, opting for a salted caramel dipped cone, and Tacos Delta was conveniently located nearby for quick Mexican food. For a trendy spot in Silver Lake, Bar Secco is where locals congregate, spilling out onto the sidewalk. Every Saturday, I made it a point to visit the Silver Lake Farmers Market for tamales, onigiri, and fresh juice. If you're around on Sunday, the Hollywood Farmers Market is another fantastic option.

      I spent considerable time in Los Feliz as well, where standout places included Wilde’s, Little Dom’s, La Pergoletta, All Time, and Best Fish Taco in Ensenada. In Highland Park, I loved Hermon’s and Villas Tacos. With our office in West Hollywood, my go-to lunch spot became Pantry, where I first sampled Beverly Hills Juice. Other city favorites were Sushi Gen, Pace, Saffy's, Bub & Grandma's, Wake & Late, Playita Mariscos, Handles Coffee, Holbox, and Jitlada. For a classic L.A. dinner that's ideal for special occasions or date nights, Musso & Frank is a must. For Chinese cuisine, I recommend Panda Inn—the dine-in restaurant where Panda Express originated. And what’s an L.A. food list without mentioning Erewhon? I indulged in their flourless chocolate cakes multiple times and even tried a broccoli juice. Unfortunately, I didn’t leave with a $143 Erewhon-branded tote bag, but there’s always next time.

      If you have the time to venture outside the city, Laguna Beach makes for a great day trip, where I received fantastic recommendations from our Editorial Director, Lauren Eggertsen. Input the luxurious Montage into Maps for breathtaking views, stroll to Treasure Island Beach, and dine at AhbA, Nick’s (or South of Nick’s), or Papa’s Tacos. I also took a weekend trip to Lake Arrowhead, where I visited Cedar Glen Malt Shop or Mandarin Garden. Ojai or Cambria are great alternatives as well.

      I have more spots saved for my next visit: Anajak Thai, Badmaash, Bar Bestie, Bavel, Bestia, Cafe Stella, Cafe Triste, Casa Leo, Chainsaw Cafe, Dudley Market, Dunsmoor, Felix, Figaro Bistrot, Fosters Freeze, Genghis Cohen, Giorgio Baldi, Gjelina, Henrietta, Jones, Lolo Wine Bar, Marvin, Max & Helen’s, Miya Miya Shawarma, RVR, Sobuneh, Stir Crazy, Tower Bar, Zizou—this list is extensive.

      While exploring the neighborhood where I