image creditThe Ultimate The Ultimate Los Angeles Food Guide Food Guide
Your curated guide to the city's best
Preview the guideAll the tips and info you need before your trip
Overview
LA is a sprawling collection of neighborhoods that feels like many cities in one. You WILL need a car (or lots of Uber money). Distances are deceptive—"20 minutes away" often means 45+ with traffic.
Plan days by area to minimize driving. The weather is reliably perfect, which makes outdoor time the default.
Best Areas to Stay
FIRST TIME: Santa Monica/Venice—beach access, walkable, good food, Westside vibe. West Hollywood (WeHo)—central, nightlife, walkable strips. Hollywood—tourist sights nearby but grittier at night.
CULTURE + FOOD: Silver Lake/Los Feliz—hip, local feel, great restaurants. Downtown (DTLA)—revitalized, arts district, rooftop bars.
BEACH + RELAXED: Manhattan/Hermosa Beach—South Bay, quieter, beach town feel.
Money & Tipping
TIPPING IS ESSENTIAL: 18-22% at restaurants (expected, not optional). $1-2 per drink at bars. 15-20% for Uber/Lyft. Valets, bellhops: $2-5. Cards accepted almost everywhere—cash rarely needed except for some taco trucks and tips.
LA is a sprawling collection of neighborhoods that feels like many cities in one. You WILL need a car (or lots of Uber money). Distances are deceptive—"20 minutes away" often means 45+ with traffic.
Plan days by area to minimize driving. The weather is reliably perfect, which makes outdoor time the default.
FIRST TIME: Santa Monica/Venice—beach access, walkable, good food, Westside vibe. West Hollywood (WeHo)—central, nightlife, walkable strips. Hollywood—tourist sights nearby but grittier at night.
CULTURE + FOOD: Silver Lake/Los Feliz—hip, local feel, great restaurants. Downtown (DTLA)—revitalized, arts district, rooftop bars.
BEACH + RELAXED: Manhattan/Hermosa Beach—South Bay, quieter, beach town feel.
TIPPING IS ESSENTIAL: 18-22% at restaurants (expected, not optional). $1-2 per drink at bars. 15-20% for Uber/Lyft. Valets, bellhops: $2-5. Cards accepted almost everywhere—cash rarely needed except for some taco trucks and tips.