Best of Los Angeles. Fresh Eats!

Cafe Gratitude, Venice

Best of Los Angeles

Our Fav Eats

Here are a few of our favorite spots in L.A. located near our office on the Westside, and perhaps we’re a bit partial, but they never disappoint. There are dozens of epic places, but these are our regular go-tos. If you’re only in town for a few days, here are your essentials, especially for those who prefer plant-based options. 

EAT. 

PLANTA Cocina 

Marina del Rey

A Food-Forward Experience

It’s a vibe. A whole vibe. It has the entire package: attentive service, foliage-filled interiors, stylish decor, upmarket sustainable design, and innovative culinary combinations. Three of our editors ordered half the menu, without exaggeration. Planta is ideal for family-style sharing. They just got it. We ordered about 15 items, and they kept bringing them out one after another. It was an edible adventure, from craft cocktails to queso fundido, vegan sushi, baja tacos, to the horchata cheesecake. Hot take: Order at least 10 starters to share if you’re with friends. Go all in, and try everything. Afterward, take a sweet stroll around the beautiful Marina del Rey marina. 

Café Gratitude

Venice Beach

Versatile, Eclectic Culinary 

It’s an L.A. institution in the plant-based food scene. We sit outside on the patio, enjoying the fresh Venice breeze—a perfect setting for a Westside meal. It’s the best of healthy and junk food under one roof, and my favorite. You won’t leave hungry. The menu is never-ending, and a perfect solution for even the pickiest eaters—from gluten-free options to macrobiotic bowls, they’ve got you covered. 

We ordered plenty to share. From craft cocktails to superfood smoothies, they’ve got range. From loaded nachos to juice shots, from tonics and teas to vegan chorizo burritos, they fill everyone’s dietary needs. Even dedicated meat lovers can overindulge in their hearty, filling dishes. 

Make sure to try the loaded nachos, covered with cashew queso fundido, black beans, vegan chorizo, pico de gallo, avocado, spicy pepitas, and cashew crema with guacamole. 

Thai Vegan 

Santa Monica

Fast, Informal, Affordable

Great for quick, low-cost, delicious meals when you need to feed the crew. Try their fresh Thai coconuts, summer rolls, pad Thai, and curries. We love the quirky low tables, benches, and kids’ chairs (for adults) in a Santa Monica parking lot. Most meals are priced under $11. 

Erewhon

Venice

Fresh, Organic Juice

Ok, hear me out. We don’t do the 10-million-dollar smoothies, but every morning we grab a $10 organic, fresh-pressed celery juice, because we’re too lazy to clean our juicer. Add $1.25 for a spike of ginger. It’s a great pick-me-up while you’re traveling. 

SoCal Vibes Co. 

Abbot Kinney, Venice

Spiked Cider Heaven

Sit a spell outside and people-watch on Abbot Kinney. Try the cider sampler—six different flavored ciders, great to share between friends, and more potent than you realize. They’re served on a wooden tray in a variety of colors. The presentation alone had me hooked. They’re home to the production of Honest Abe Cider, Southern California’s Original Cider House since 2014.