'What's Gaby Cooking' Blogger Gaby Dalkin's Guide To Los Angeles

Gaby Dalkin lives her life like a true California girl— meaning her days are filled with sunshine, flip flops and mouthwatering meals. Her popular food and recipe blog What's Gaby Cooking is a firsthand account on living well and eating even better.

The Chicago native moved to Los Angeles 10 years ago and quickly immersed herself in the food industry by attending culinary school, working as a personal chef and launching her playful and inspiring blog. She has also authored several cookbooks (including her new release, "What's Gaby Cooking: Everyday California Food") and launched a line of products with Williams-Sonoma.

When she's not at home crafting delicious recipes like her Tropical Avocado Salad or Truffled Chocolate Chip Cookies, you might find this foodie out on the town grabbing a cocktail at Michael's in Santa Monica or shopping her way through the Brentwood Country Mart. From restaurants to landmarks, check out all her favorite hot spots around the "fresh and colorful" city of Los Angeles:

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What neighborhood do you live in? Brentwood

What’s your occupation? Food writer, cookbook author, digital media creator

Describe Los Angeles in three words: Fresh. Colorful. Melting Pot.

What’s your favorite overall Los Angeles restaurant? Bestia or Felix currently — but it changes every few months!

Best sushi: Sugarfish if it’s casual. Matsuhisa if someone else is fronting the tab.

Best Italian food: Giorgio Baldi

Best dessert: Chocolate chip cookie at Rose Cafe or anything at Huckleberry Cafe

Best pizza: Sotto

Best spot for a quick lunch: Botanica

Best food truck: Guerilla Taco

Best spot for a romantic date: Don Antonio’s (it’s not fancy but it’s our favorite place to go for a date!)

Best glass of wine: Gjelina

Best Sunday brunch: Gjusta

Best spot for a business meeting: Cecconi’s

Best cup of coffee: Alfred Coffee and Tea Room's Kombucha on tap

Best steak: Petit Trois

Best craft cocktail: Michael's in Santa Monica

What hotel would you recommend for your out of town guests? The Line

Favorite shopping venue or boutique: Brentwood Country Mart

Best gym or fitness studio: Rise Movement + Rise Nation

Best spa: Tomoko

Favorite charity event or organization: Wildcoast

Favorite cultural event: All shows at the Hollywood Bowl

Favorite cultural institution: The Broad

What’s the best museum or current exhibit in Los Angeles? Whatever is rotating through at The Broad.

Best historic or iconic Los Angeles landmark to see or explore: Hollywood Farmers' Market

What’s your all-time favorite spot in Los Angeles? Santa Monica Farmers' Market

The best aspect of Los Angeles is: The sunshine

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See more city guides from notable Los Angelenos:

• 'Brunchographers' Bloggers Veronica and Johnna's Guide To LA
• 'Vegan Ballerina' Agnes Muljadi's Guide To Los Angeles
• ChowNow Founder Chris Webb's Guide To Los Angeles

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Image Credit: Gaby Dalkin