Heading to LA? My top 5 restaurant picks

I love LA, the food, the lifestyle, the people – it’s all great. If you are heading there for a good time, which I am sure you will be, here are my top 5 places to eat

GJELINA – VENICE BEACH

This place is the coolest place in LA. Red hot right now it is hard to get a table but definitely worth the wait.

The space was awesome. Super sexy fit out, rustic interior and great flow from indoors to the cool courtyard outside.

And the food – incredible, I would definitely say they make the best pizzas in town.

Their specialty is wood-fired and grilled offerings and they also have great vege and salad dishes as well.

http://www.gjelina.com

MANHATTAN BEACH POST – MANHATTAN BEACH

If you are after a laid back yet spirited and engaging atmosphere this is the place to be!

I absolutely love the beach and the whole look and feel off this place was crafted to reflect the beach community’s relaxed ocean front culture. With a menu that was built to be shared, this place is always buzzing.

The food is of course amazing but what makes this place a ‘must visit’ has to be the atmosphere, friendly staff and the welcoming environment. 

Close to the airport so you can even head there when in transit. Make sure you try their bacon and cheddar scones – delicious!

http://eatmbpost.com

SPAGO – 176 NORTH CANYON

This place is in the heart of it all. I went a few years a go, and absolutely loved it.

It offers everything you would expect from an L.A institution, great service – extremely polished and amazing food executed to perfection whether it be a simple salad or a pizza.

It is always busy and has great LA people watching. When we were there we spotted Kelsey Grammer enjoying one of their wood-fired pizzas!

http://www.wolfgangpuck.com/restaurants/fine-dining/3635

 ANIMAL – FAIRFAX AVENUE

One word - Outstanding. I hadn’t been here before so I didn’t have any preconceptions.

Situated in a more unusual part of town, as the name hints, this is not a place for vegetarians! With their sharing-style plates full of international flavours, Animal takes simple food and gives it a culinary twist some of my favourites being the soft shell crab and the tongue with pickles.

I just love great meat dishes so Animal definitely had to be one of my top 5 LA restaurants!

http://animalrestaurant.com

RUSTIC CANYON – SANTA MONICA

We went here after Animal – just to top ourselves up!

Amazing drinks, great desserts and an ever-changing menu of incredible seasonal dishes.

It is a hidden gem, in a cool, small and intimate space. The knowledgeable staff make dining a pleasure. My pick form the menu is the Clam Pozole Verde – rancho gordo hominy (sweet corn puffs) in a chowder style soup. It’s a must try. 

A tip taken from their website – come with an open mind and empty stomach knowing you are getting food of the highest quality and imagination!

http://www.rusticcanyonwinebar.com