Melanie’s LA Guide: Restaurants

Recently, I received the sweetest DM on Instagram.

A woman told me she, her mom, her sister, and their teenage daughters were doing “Melanie’s LA Tour.” They had planned an entire weekend around restaurants, shops, and spots I’d shared over the years. She even listed where they were headed; places I’d recommended because I genuinely love them.

It completely made my day.

One of my favorite things about sharing my life online isn’t just recommending beautiful places, it’s helping someone create memories of their own.

When I travel or explore my own city, I don’t simply go somewhere. I notice everything. The design. The lighting. The music. The service. The details that make a place feel special. I love experiencing spaces that make you slow down and appreciate where you are, and I love passing those discoveries along.

So, if you’re planning a trip to Los Angeles, or you’re a local looking for somewhere new, this is the guide I always wished existed.

These are the restaurants, cafés, shops, and favorite spots I find myself recommending again and again.

Let’s start with my favorite restaurants.

The Restaurants I Recommend Over and Over Again

If someone tells me they’re visiting Los Angeles, these are the reservations I’m sending before they even finish asking.

Not because they’re trendy (although many are), but because they create an experience. Great food is important, but I’m also looking for beautiful interiors, impeccable service, incredible energy, and that feeling you get when you know you’re exactly where you’re supposed to be.

La Monique | Santa Monica

If you’re looking for romance, this is it.

Everything about La Monique feels elevated—the candlelight, the beautiful interiors, the impeccable service, and the kind of meal you’ll still be talking about days later. It’s effortlessly elegant without feeling stuffy, making it perfect for date night or a special celebration.