Author Fatima Farheen Mirza shares her city guide to Los Angeles.
17985 Pacific Coast Hwy, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272
The Getty or The Getty Villa. Gorgeous grounds, great exhibitions. The Getty is where I saw a Camille Claudel exhibition that has inspired A Stone is A Small Mountain.
1155 Highland Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90038
Pancakes unlike any I’ve had before. Breakfast by Salt's Cure for the full experience, or Salt's Cure, where you can order just the Original Oatmeal Griddle Cake Pancake. That’s it. That’s the whole recommendation. They're unbelievably good and so filling.
1936 Hillhurst Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90027
There are two speciality drinks here that are a must. First, their cream top iced latte is decadent and perfect. Second, their Spiced Cold Brew is really bold and unique. This one takes a little getting used to because it has a real spicy kick.
1818 N Vermont Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90027
Book Soup is by far my favourite to browse. Tip: they have parking in the back, accessed off of Percy Street. Skylight Bookstore in Los Feliz is a close second— there’s a tree inside of it— and they host great events. And the Last Bookstore in LA has tunnels and sculptures made out of books.
126 N Larchmont Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90004
Topdrawer and Shorthand in Larchmont. They’re also walking distance to the Holey Grail donuts, which started as a hidden-gem food truck in Kawaii and is now on the high street in Larchmont. Delicious flavors like Miso Honey, Dragonfruit and Lemon, Passionfruit, & Cardamom & Rose.
710 N Edinburgh Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90046
Community Goods in West Hollywood is the only place I’d wait in line for. The Einspanner latte is unbelievable & the Matcha Spanner so addictive. Also try the pistachio toast and banana bread with passionfruit butter.
Samy’s Camera
431 S Fairfax Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90036
For all your photography needs… Look no further than Samy’s Camera. Used lenses, film, photo paper, tripods, cameras to buy or rent— everything. Plus the staff is really knowledgable so if you want to get into photography it’s a great place to figure out where to start.
5560 W Adams Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90016
Try Jitlada or Farmhouse Kitchen Thai. Both are delicious and my go to spot for takeout. I’d get there early for Jitlada as there’s always such a long wait in the parking lot. People also swear by Night+Market in WEHO, which has a great vibe but I preferred the food at Jitlada.
7451 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036
Bitter Root Pottery for learning how to throw on the wheel. A plus: it’s within walking distance to a great cafe called Adante and also close to Heath ceramics shop. And for Improv, UCB (Upright Citizens Brigade) is the place to go.
7617 W Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90046
The restaurant Horses. Must try dish: roasted sweet peppers with tuna confit. Also try the lemon pasta or ask for the off-menu Vodka sauce pasta dish — it’s so spicy.