This Designer Gives Us 5 Awesome Restaurant Recs In L.A.

Including: Beverly Hills, Malibu, Manhattan Beach…and more!

**LAUREN ELIZABETH, creator of Lagoa Swimwear.**

I grew up in Chicago and have always had a love of traveling and beaches. My parents loved to travel, and I was fortunate enough to see many places from a young age. It wasn’t until I took a leap of faith and moved to Brazil that I was truly able to understand another culture. I grew so much from this experience and it led me to start Lagoa Swimwear. I moved to Los Angeles two years ago to begin designing swimwear for the effortlessly chic girl who wants to keep her belongings safe. I’ve fallen in love with Los Angeles. There are so many hidden places to go and things to see, not to mention I feel like I’m on vacation everyday living here!

1. Moon Shadows Malibu

20356 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265 (map, website)

I love this place for it’s location and highly recommend it during sunset. Moon Shadows Malibu is a beautiful spot to sit by the ocean and enjoy cocktails under the stars. They have a loungey patio seating area where they play music in the background. The free range chicken and scallops are delicious and the waiters are very attentive and personable.

2. Urth Caffé

267 S Beverly Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90212 (map, website)

There are multiple locations in LA, but I usually go to the one in Beverly Hills near our office. This place is ALWAYS packed, so be prepared to wait a bit to order. The staff is always nice and their food is healthy and organic. Anything on the menu is good. The menu consists of coffee, teas, specialty blended drinks, eggs, sandwiches, salads, pizzas and desserts. A couple of my favorites are the mushroom omelet, caravan kale salad and green tea latte.

3. The Strand House

117 Manhattan Beach Blvd, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266 (map, website)

The views from The Strand House are simply indescribable! This is the perfect place to relax, enjoy a cocktail and take in the beauty around you. Try to get a seat by the window for an unobstructed view of Manhattan Beach pier where you can see the waves coming in and miles of golden sand beach beyond. I love going for brunch and recommend starting off with a Ruby Rose, Rosé champagne and fresh grapefruit.

4. Frida Mexican Cuisine

236 S Beverly Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90212 (map, website)

If you are a fan of delicious margaritas and tacos, then Frida Mexican Cuisine is probably the place for you. They have the best happy hour deals from 3 p.m.-6 p.m. I recommend the taco sampler for a taste of each kind. The margaritas are so crisp and fresh. They make them with just tequila, freshly squeezed orange juice and lime. If you can sit outside, it is great people watching on Beverly Drive.

5. SUGARFISH

600 W 7th St #150, Los Angeles, CA 90017 (map, website)

SUGARFISH has multiple locations throughout Los Angeles and they are consistently delicious. I LOVE sushi! I recommend doing one of the set menu options, either TRUST ME or THE NOZAWA. It is a nice set menu and you will leave full. The fish is extremely fresh and so, so tasty! The flavors are clean and allow the fish to shine. I also really like the cold temperature of the fish with warm sushi rice. Every time I eat at SUGARFISH it is perfect and delicious!