🍴 LA Foodie Picks: 9 Tried & Tested Restaurants 🏆

From authentic Chinese to chic brunch spots — here’s my honest take! 1️⃣ Shunde Hotpot – Shunde-style cuisine Huge portions (feeds 3–4). Cold chicken was flavorful, steamed dishes unique, fried rice & veggies delicious. Nearby Hushang Auntie drink was refreshing! 🍵 2️⃣ Bao Master – Shanghainese eats Fresh crab meat + vinegar = heavenly! 🦀 Scallion oil noodles & soup dumplings were juicy & not too sweet. Skip the drinks — too sugary. 3️⃣ The Butcher, The Baker, The Cappuccino Maker Popular spot with great latte art & cozy vibes. Coffee is strong & satisfying. ☕ 4️⃣ Maccheroni Republic – Michelin-rec pasta Rich & a bit salty. Pair with a stroll across to Farmers Market for Eggslut afterwards! 🥚 5️⃣ Danbi Coffee (Pasadena) – Hidden gem Reliable & delicious — even the Matcha Rain was perfectly balanced. 🍵 6️⃣ The Factory Kitchen – Michelin pasta Handmade pasta in an open kitchen — light flavors but not a must-visit. (Also, poor signal inside!) 7️⃣ Elephante – Brunch with views 2nd floor overlooking Santa Monica Beach. Loved the spicy tomato shellfish pasta & mushroom pizza. Great vibe at sunset! 🌅 8️⃣ RH Ocean Grill (Newport Beach) Stunning rooftop setting over golf course & ocean. Grilled fish & lobster roll were tasty; caviar crab was meh. Perfect for a fancy meal + shopping after. 🛍️ 9️⃣ Colapasta – Michelin pasta (⚠️ skip) Overhyped — long wait, fishy seafood, disappointing corn soup. Not worth it! LA’s dining scene is hit or miss — but these are my real picks! 🍝✨ #LAFoodGuide #MichelinEats #BrunchLA #CoffeeLovers #HiddenGems #EatLikeALocal #HonestReviews #FoodieDiary #CaliforniaDining