A Cool Insider’s Guide To LA
For a 48-hour staycation in LA, check into Chateau Marmont. It’s been there for 100 years and has that Old Hollywood energy – a dimly-lit lobby bar, slightly kitschy rooms and those iconic balconies. It’s where Elizabeth Taylor and James Dean once lived and now you might spot Leonardo DiCaprio trying to go incognito. It feels a little mysterious and a little chaotic – in the best way.
The LA neighbourhood I’m loving is Beverly Hills. It has the best mix: morning coffee at La La Land or Maru Espresso Bar, lunch at Monsieur Dior or Il Pastaio, and of course an Erewhon Market stop in between. Then dinner at 88 Club or Funke. You have all the high-end designer flagships but also iconic vintage stores like What Goes Around Comes Around. The best part? Everything is actually within walking distance of each other – which in LA, is almost unheard of.
The area that never disappoints is Malibu. Beautiful beaches, even better sunsets and that effortless Californian magic. Plus, everything you need is at the Malibu Country Mart – Alfred Coffee, Chrome Hearts, Maxfield, SunLife Organics and, of course, Nobu Malibu never disappoints in the summer.
The destination that exceeds all expectations is The Magic Castle. It feels like stepping into a fantasy world where anything can happen. It’s also one of the only places in LA where everyone dresses up and there are no photos allowed. Between the hidden doors and impossible tricks, it’s one of the few places in LA that still feels truly transportive.
The restaurant I repeatedly book in LA is Matu for lunch. The Philly cheesesteak will genuinely make you weep. Trust me – it’s made with 100% grass-fed Wagyu ribeye, which feels both indulgent and chic. I’ve had multiple parking tickets waiting on my to-go order… but it’s worth it.
The restaurant I recommend to everyone is Petit Trois – it does some of the best French food in LA. I must have gone there every week when I was pregnant. Definitely order the Big Mec (very messy, still somehow chic) and the omelette.
The hardest reservation to get in LA that’s actually worth it is Anajak Thai. The Thai fried chicken and grilled cabbage are two standouts but honestly, everything is incredible. It has that perfect mix of good food and cool energy.
The best new LA restaurant everyone should know about is RVR. It’s a Japanese izakaya on Abbott Kinney with amazing food and a very cool vibe – think vinyl spinning and low lighting; in other words, perfect for date night. Plus, Abbott Kinney is always fun to walk around before or after dinner. Pro tip: brunch is the easiest way to get in.
The under-the-radar LA restaurant I always recommend is The Georgian Room in Santa Monica – a restored 1930s Hollywood Golden Age gem with a speakeasy past and serious old-school glamour. Think dark, moody interiors, green leather booths and a historic clientele that included Marilyn Monroe, Charlie Chaplin and Al Capone. Order the Baked Alaska.
The best spot for a long, lazy LA lunch or brunch is Hotel Bel-Air. Hidden among lush gardens and tucked inside one of LA’s most exclusive neighbourhoods, the vibe is quiet, elegant and totally unhurried. Order the blueberry pancakes, cinnamon rolls, fresh juice and caviar – then settle in.
The bar I rely on is Tower Bar at Sunset Tower Hotel. It’s dark, moody and always a vibe. That classic, old Hollywood energy with a historic setting, live piano and basically a guaranteed celebrity sighting (last time we saw John Mayer there with Andy Cohen). Order martinis and a sundae.
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The best place for people watching in LA is Wally's – an amazing gourmet dining spot that also doubles as a fine wine and spirits shop. It’s loud, vibrant and always buzzy. Sit on the front patio to catch all the action.
The LA hotel I always come back to is The Beverly Hills Hotel – timeless, serene and endlessly glamorous. Between the Polo Lounge, the Fountain Coffee Room, the iconic pool, piano bar nights and the famous banana leaf wallpaper, it captures classic Hollywood better than anywhere else in LA. Order the McCarthy Salad and the burger.
The chicest boutique hotel in LA is The Surfrider Malibu – a restored 1950s motor lodge with serious California cool and a bit of Australian flair. There are only 20 rooms, so it almost feels like staying in someone’s chic beach house. The food is spectacular, they’ll pack you a picnic basket for the beach and because the property is for hotel guests only, it’s quiet and cosy.
The best area for shopping is Melrose Place. You have stores like Staud, Violet Grey, The Row, Isabel Marant, Zimmermann, Bottega Veneta and Khaite all on the same block. Grab a coffee at Alfred Coffee, then head west toward Melrose Avenue for more shopping. You’ll hit spots like The RealReal, Rag & Bone, Glossier, Maxfield, TOTEME, Madhappy and Fleur du Mal. For lunch, stop at Great White or Cecconi's.
I never leave empty-handed from Mohawk General Store in Silver Lake. It has the best mix of local designers as well as brands like Dries Van Noten and Jacquemus. The men’s boutique is pretty much the only place I shop for my husband.
The best concept store is the new Kith – streetwear meets luxury right in the middle of Rodeo Drive. The store design is stunning and perfectly matches the neighbourhood, while Kith Treats serves ice cream with exclusive LA-only offerings.
The vintage store I always make time for is Happy Isles. I own a handful of vintage pieces from this boutique and hope to keep adding to my collection. It’s mainly geared toward bridal and special-event looks, and because it’s by appointment only, the whole experience feels really personal and special.
The best beauty spot in LA is Remedy Place – a beautifully designed social wellness club offering everything from infrared saunas and ice baths to hyperbaric chambers, red light therapy, vitamin drips and peptide therapies.
The Future Perfect’s The Goldwyn House always inspires me. Make an appointment and prepare to leave wanting to redesign your entire home. Part interior design showroom, part art gallery, every single detail feels intentional and inspiring. They’re constantly rotating exhibitions and installations, so every visit feels completely different.
The ultimate girls’ trip destination is the Santa Monica Proper hotel – between the Ayurvedic treatments at Surya Spa and the overall vibe, it’s basically wellness and luxury wrapped into one. Plus, it has the only rooftop pool on the Westside. The Kelly Wearstler design makes every corner feel like a backdrop for your travel content.
The one new LA opening I’m most excited about is Sant Ambroeus in Beverly Hills. One of my favourite New York staples is finally coming to my neighbourhood. The iconic Milanese institution is known for immaculate vibes and come summer, I know I’ll be ordering the beef carpaccio and insalata di carciofi on a weekly basis.
For spring, my go-to brand is Dôen – the LA-based label founded by two Pasadena sisters. Everything feels romantic, effortless and vintage-inspired while still being incredibly wearable.
The coolest under-the-radar brand is Chan Luu, which is rooted in a passion for artisan-made goods. The handmade jewellery is incredible, the ready-to-wear is totally unique, plus the price point is unbeatable. Everything is light, breathable and perfect for LA or holiday dressing.
I love to pick up basics from ÉTERNE and LESET – two LA-based brands that do elevated essentials really well. The pieces are minimal, effortless and somehow make getting dressed feel easier.
If I could only wear one brand again, it would probably be The Row. It truly has everything – sunglasses, shoes, bags, denim and beautifully-made basics. Everything feels undeniably chic and elevated but still incredibly wearable day to day.
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