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You are here: Home / Travel / Southern California Restaurant List

June 4, 2021 ·

Southern California Restaurant List

Travel

Long overdue, but here is a list of my favorite restaurants in Southern California. Since I now live in LA, but was raised in Orange County, lived in San Diego for 10 years and go to Palm Springs like once a month, I think I am a good person to compile this list. I feel like 80% of my DMs these days are just people asking me for restaurant recommendations so I wanted to get this post up ASAP. Keep in mind that most of these restaurants are super busy and recommend reservations, so plan ahead!

Hope you find your new favorite spot! xx

Southern California Restaurant List

Los Angeles

Whipped Eggplant from Elephante

COFFEE & BRUNCH:
Great White– My favorite spot for brunch (and it is actually amazing for dinner too). Their breakfast burrito is one of the best I’ve ever had and the shaken vanilla latte is to die for.

Little Lunch– The cutest little coffee shop in Venice! The coconut cold brew is to die for. They also serve Great White breakfast burritos!
Alfalfa– This place originated in New York and just opened up in Santa Monica! They have an amazing veggie breakfast burrito and their coffee is unreal too. I also LOVE all their salads.
The Rose Venice– This place is pretty pricey, but it is SO fun for a sit down brunch. I always get the “Gold Standard” breakfast bowl or the breakfast burrito. Great drinks too!
Sol– This little cafe is tucked away on Melrose in WeHo, but it has literally the best breakfast sandwich ever. I love posting up here with my laptop.

Chaumont– You know my sister and I are obsessed with their croissants… We always split the turkey + swiss one. Their coffee is so good too!
Bodega– Another great place to work from! Their oat milk iced latte and breakfast sandwich is incredible.
Alfred’s– The best iced coffee! I get an iced almond milk latte with light vanilla syrup. YUM!
Cha Cha Matcha– The cutest little matcha cafe in WeHo!
Erewhon– The most expensive grocery store on earth, but go for the bacon breakfast burrito. So bomb.
Milo + Olive– Cutest little brunch spot that is actually right across from Erewhon in Santa Monica.
FarmShop Brentwood Country Mart– This place is so fricken cute! They have amazing omelettes and baked goods.

RESTAURANTS:
Felix– Some of the best Italian food in LA. Get the rosemary focaccia and prepare for your life to be changed. You really can’t go wrong with anything here.
Bavel– Obsessed with this place. So many breads and dips and delicious shareable plates. I recommend going with a group so you can order literally everything.
Elephante– You all already know how much I love Elephante…. It is such a vibe, yes, but the FOOD. Incredible. Get 2 of the whipped eggplant, broccolini, crispy potatoes, calamari, sopressata pizza, and the brussell sprout salad.

Barrique– An absolute MUST in Venice. First of all the ambiance of this place is just amazing. Automatically transported to Europe. And the food… I dream about the Cacao Tagliatelle with Wild Boar Ragu. YUM!!
Angelini– This might be the best Italian food I have ever had. Everything is insanely delicious and authentic. The menu is always changing but you seriously cannot go wrong with anything they have.

Ospi– Another amazing Italian spot in Venice. The crispy provolone and eggplant are a MUST.
Hatchet Hall– Love this place so much. The patio is SO cute and the food is always amazing. The cornbread is a must.
Night + Market– This Thai street food inspired restaurant in WeHo is one of my favorite spots. Order the crispy rice salad, pad thai, crispy chicken sandwich, green beans and the coconut rice.
Scopa– Yet another great Italian spot in Venice. The whipped ricotta is to die for!
Jon + Vinny’s– An LA staple. The meatballs and spicy fusilli are incredible.
The Honor Bar– My favorite date spot in Beverly Hills. I seriously eat here at least once every 2 weeks (which is a lot for me since I only eat out on the weekends usually). Get the crispy chicken sandwich, fries with spicy mayo, kale salad and their sushi is also unreal.

Craig’s– The most LA spot, but I love it here. The vibes are great, the drinks are strong and the bar is always super fun. And yes, it’s always packed with celebs.
Calabra at The Proper Hotel– Ok, so the fries and cocktails here are incredible. The whole hotel is just such a vibe too! The food is just not my favorite. I would say go for drinks and fries then head somewhere else for dinner!
A.O.C.– This little tapas place in WeHo is so good and the vibes are just amazing. Their fried chicken is a must.
Wabi– A “vibey” spot in Venice, but the sushi and food here is amazing. The cocktails are also so so good!
The Window– A cheap eats spot in Venice- seriously the best burger ever!
Dudley Market– This little hidden spot in Venice is amazing for fresh seafood and natural wine. The menu is always changing but they usually always have fish tacos.
Gran Blanco– Great White’s sister restaurant across the street! They have an amazing burger and great cocktails.
Taverna Tony– Mediterranean food in Malibu? Sign me up. Always get the meze plate. Their Lamb special is incredible too.

Hermanito– A Mexican spot on Sawtelle that gives a nod to it’s Japanese neighbors. Genius. The food is absolutely spectacular. Don’t skip the ceviche!
Petit Trois Valley– Had to throw a restaurant in the Valley on here! Amazing French food. French onion soup is a must!
Grand Central Market– A collection of amazing LA restaurants in Downtown LA. Great for anyone visiting that wants to try a bunch of different places.
Citizen Public Market– A similar market in Culver City! Tons of amazing places to try and amazing outdoor vibes. Get a burger from WeHo Sausage Co, a pizza from Pizzette and a drink from Bar Boheme on the roof!

San Diego

COFFEE & BRUNCH:
Madison– Love this place for brunch and cocktails! Their dinner is incredible as well. You can’t go wrong.
Better Buzz– Can’t leave San Diego without an Iced Best Drink Ever half sweet.

Nectarine Grove– Tons of gluten free goodies and amazing food! I go here for either breakfast or lunch every time I am in San Diego.
VG’s Donuts– Get a maple bar from here and prepare for your world to be rocked.
Seaside Market- Ok, yes this is a grocery store but please go and get the breakfast burrito with tri tip (aka Cardiff Crack). Insane.
JRDN– Beach/Boardwalk front sit down restaurant with amazing food and drinks.
Goodonya– Healthy eats in Encinitas! I love their breakfast tacos and cinnamon roll.
Second Nature– I love this place for a healthy breakfast. It’s super cute too!
Harry’s– I love an old fashioned diner breakfast. This is such a classic spot right in La Jolla!
Parakeet– I used to come here every day when I lived in San Diego! Such great food and the best iced matcha ever.
Stratford Court Cafe
– A little hidden gem in Del Mar! Great coffee and breakfast.

RESTAURANTS:
Herb & Wood– Probably my favorite restaurant in San Diego. The food is always incredible and nothing like what I made at home. Get the Oxtail Gnocchi and rolls off the secret menu.
Starlite– A great date night spot! Love the burger and Moscow mule here.
Barbusa– A super fun Italian spot in Little Italy! Great energy, food and cocktails.
OB Noodle House– A cheap eats spot in Ocean Beach, but it is some of the best food. Get the wings and pho!
Cesarina– The cutest Italian spot in Point Loma. The food is unreal!
Coasterra– Ok, I don’t LOVE the food here, but the cocktails and view are unbeatable. Go for drinks and apps at sunset.
Nolita Hall– Such a fun bar and their food is also amazing. Some of the best pizza in SD! Stay late night.
Himitsu– One of my favorite sushi spots in San Diego.
Born & Raised- If you are looking for a fancy dinner ($$$) this is your spot. Food is amazing, but you can also just go to the roof for drinks. The decor and architecture is INSANE.
Ironside– Love this place for amazing seafood and also the best cocktails.
Fortunate Son– I love Chinese food so much. This place is a must!
Bahn Thai- The best Thai food in San Diego.
Waverly– This spot is super cute and fun for a cocktail!

NORTH COUNTY (DEL MAR, ENCINITAS, CARLSBAD)
Herb & Sea– Same owner as Herb & Wood. I personally like Herb & Sea a little bit better, but both are great. The Shrimp Toast and Salmon really stood out to me here. The cocktails are also so good!
Juene Et Jolie- Ah, this place is a literal dream!! Incredible French food and the ambiance is just 10/10.
Campfire– This place is great for brunch and dinner.
Buona Forchetta– The best Italian! There is one in Encinitas and Normal Heights area (or somewhere over there).
Ken Sushi– Definitely a hidden gem but this is the best sushi in North County for sure.
Beeside Kitchen– This place’s pita bread is literal crack.
The Brigantine- Love the Brig for Taco Tuesday! So fun and a great view.
Monarch– A fun outdoor bar restaurant in Del Mar (finally)!

Orange County

COFFEE & BRUNCH:
Coffee Importers– I’ve been going here since I was little! Cutest little coffee shop in Dana Point by the harbor. You absolutely must get the California Bagel.
Reborn Coffee CDM- I love the coffee here so much. They just make the best lattes! Grab a coffee and walk around CDM.
Project Social- I love the vibe of this place. It is fun to grab a coffee (then a beer later) and some breakfast.
Ramos House Cafe– If “charming” was a restaurant. This is seriously the cutest brunch spot on earth! Love walking around San Juan too.
Lost Pier Cafe– This is a hidden gem in Laguna Beach with the best breakfast burrito. Grab an Ashland while you’re there!

RESTAURANTS:
Gulf Stream- Love this place in CDM so much. Amazing food, ambiance, and cocktails. Get the Vegetable Chopped Salad it’s unreal.
Bandera- Another great restaurant in CDM! Can’t go wrong with the ribs and cornbread, YUM.
Nick’s– There’s a few Nick’s locations across Souther California and I love them all so much. Literally have never had a bad meal here.
South of Nick’s– Same restaurant chain as Nick’s, except Mexican food. Again, never had a bad meal here and their margs are unreal.
The Deck– Nothing beats ocean-front dining in Laguna, am I right? The food here is incredible too. I love their Cioppino.
Bear Flag– Casual dining in Newport Beach with the freshest poke I’ve ever had. I always get a poke bowl or salmon burrito. Everything here is incredible.
La Sirena– A great Mexican spot in Laguna Beach.
Muse Sushi– A hidden gem with amazing sushi in San Clemente.

Palm Springs

COFFEE & BRUNCH:
Koffee– Great place for a quick coffee! Don’t love their food though.
Palm Greens Cafe– My favorite spot for lunch! I always get a wrap.
Cheeky’s– A Palm Spring’s brunch staple. Get the bacon flight!
Norma’s– The best brunch spot at The Parker hotel. It’s pricey, but worth it for the whole experience. Order the Crunchy French Toast for the table.
Farm– This place is so freaking cute for brunch! Literally a garden fairy land.

RESTAURANTS:
Rooster & The Pig– One of my favorite restaurants in the world. Order the Lychee Martini, Crispy Spring Rolls, Chicken Curry Ball (A MUST), Shaking Beef, Pork Belly Fried Rice… Just get everything.
Tropicale– This place is a MUST when you visit Palm Springs. The vibes are just immaculate. Food is kinda like Cheesecake Factory vibes- huge variety on the menu, no real “theme,” but honestly it’s always really good in my opinion. Won’t knock your socks off, but you won’t be mad. Get a martini!
Birba– I’m pretty vocal that I don’t LOVE the food scene in Palm Springs, but there are a few spots I do like. Birba has a great vibe and pretty good pizza and salads. I always get the Birba Pizza and Pizza Parlor Chop Salad.
Azucar– This place is seriously SO CUTE! I wasn’t completely blown away by the food and drinks, but it is good! The rooftop bar is fun for after dinner too.
Sandfish– Surprisingly great sushi in Palm Springs! It is also a whiskey bar which I love.
Workshop– Cute vibes, mediocre food. Typical Palm Springs haha.

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Hi, I'm Carissa Stanton aka @broccyourbody. I run my food blog full time out of Los Angeles, CA.

My goal is to be your one stop shop for all the healthy recipes you’ll need from healthified Taco Bell menu items to brownie batter protein bites. Can't wait for you to explore and find your new favorite recipe!

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Carissa Stanton
PEACHES & GREENS IS BACK @ @eatalfalfa !!!! 🍑🍑
Your favorite salad has returned for summer and a portion of the proceeds are going to @bringchangetomind, an organization dedicated to bringing more awareness and dialogue around mental health 🤍 I’m going to be at the Santa Monica location this Friday from 12-2 enjoying a salad and a nice cold bev, so come stop by to say hi, order a salad and support an amazing cause that is near and dear to my heart 🥰
#broccyourbody
bestie day @olivianoceda 🍔 bestie day @olivianoceda 🍔
Back in my happy place 🤍 All of my appliances Back in my happy place 🤍 
All of my appliances are @smegusa, details below! #smegpartner 
.
Fridge: Smeg FQ55UFX- 36 Inch Freestanding Counter Depth 4 Door French Door Refrigerator
Range & Hood are both from the SMEG Portofino Collection. 30” and in Stainless Steel
best weekend ever 🤍 best weekend ever 🤍
When I tell you that people were literally fightin When I tell you that people were literally fighting over the last Strawberry Cake Bar at my BBQ last night… 👀 They’re the only dessert you need this summer and I will guarantee that once you make them once, you’ll be hooked 👌🏼
.
Strawberry Cake Bars
Ingredients:
1 cup butter, softened 
1/2 cup sugar 
1 egg 
1/2 cup milk, I used oat 
2 lemons, juiced 
2 1/4 cups all purpose flour 
1/2 tsp baking powder 
1 cup strawberries, chopped 
Strawberry Lemon Glaze:
3/4 cup powdered sugar 
1 lemon, juiced 
2 tsp dried strawberries, finely crushed or blended into powder 
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
Best together the butter, sugar and egg. Add in the lemon juice and milk to combine. 
In a separate bowl, mix together the flour and baking powder. Add to the wet mixture and stir until just combined. Gently fold in the strawberries.
Pour the mixture into a well greased, parchment paper lined 9x9 baking pan. Spread evenly in the pan and bake for 30 minutes.
Let it cool while you make the icing. Combine all ingredients with a whisk or fork, adding more sugar to thicken or more milk to thin it out. 
Pour the icing over top and serve! 
#broccyourbody #springbaking #easyrecipes
This gloomy day calls for Chicken Tortilla Soup! I This gloomy day calls for Chicken Tortilla Soup! I can promise you that if you make this soup, you’ll never use any other recipe ever again. It’s SO good and super healthy! You must try.
.
Ingredients:
1 tbsp olive or avocado oil
1 lb organic chicken breasts, substitute 1 cup uncooked quinoa for vegetarian
2 10 oz cans tomatoes with roasted green chiles
1 15 oz can black beans drained & rinsed
1 4 oz can diced green chiles
2 bell peppers chopped
1 small jalapeno chopped (optional)
1 small red onion finely diced (white onion works too)
2 zucchinis chopped
4 cups chicken broth or sub vegetable
2 tsp salt
2 tsp garlic powder
2 tsp chili powder
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp paprika
1/2 cup coconut milk
2 limes juiced
1 cup tortilla chips
Toppings:
Greek yogurt or sour cream
Shredded Mexican Cheese
Tortilla chips a must
Avocado
Cilantro
Jalapeno
Hot sauce
Instructions:
Heat a large soup pot over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken and sear for 2 minutes on each side. Then add the veggies and saute for 5 minutes.
Add remaining ingredients except coconut milk and tortilla chips, bring to a boil and then turn heat to low and let simmer while covered for 30.
Remove chicken and shred it with two forks. With the chicken removed, add the coconut milk and tortilla chips then blend the soup & veggies with an immersion blender or in small batches with a regular blender.
Add the chicken back in and serve with your toppings.
*Makes 4-6 servings!
#broccyourbody #byb #chickentortillasoup #tortillasoup #healthyrecipes #mealpreprecipes #realfood
@amanda_stantonn went dark, so naturally I went li @amanda_stantonn went dark, so naturally I went lighter 👯‍♀️ Thanks for capturing me in my natural habitat @freckledfoodie I miss you already!
NEW RECIPE: Crispy Sautéed Miso Eggplant! I will NEW RECIPE: Crispy Sautéed Miso Eggplant! I will never not order miso eggplant when I see it on a menu but I’ve never thought I could recreate it so easily at home! I used @pompeian Smooth Extra Virgin Olive Oil to sauté the eggplant because it has a smooth, delicate taste and gets it nice and crispy. I love that their high-quality olive oils have the best way to use them labeled right on the front of the bottle to take out any guesswork when it comes to cooking! #ad #pompeiandifference
.
Ingredients:
2 small or 1 medium eggplant, cut into 1 in chunks
Sprinkle of Salt 
3-4 tbsp @pompeian Smooth Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tbsp white miso paste
1 tbsp + 1 tsp honey
1 tbsp + 1 tsp rice wine vinegar
1 tsp chili sauce
3 tbsp green onion
Instructions:
Place the chopped eggplant on a large plate or cutting board and sprinkle with salt. Let it sit for about 10 minutes to draw out any excess moisture. Pat dry with a paper towel.
Make the sauce by combining the soy sauce, white miso paste, honey, rice wine vinegar and chili sauce in a small bowl.
In a large skillet or wok, heat the oil over medium heat. Once the pan is hot, add the eggplant. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan- it may need to be done in 2 batches. Sauté until the eggplant is soft and crispy on the outside, about 5-7 minutes. 
Add in the sauce and green onion and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes.
Serve right away over rice or as a side dish.
Having a very mediocre time!! Having a very mediocre time!!
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