scorecardI'm moving from the suburbs of LA to NYC this summer. Here are the 6 restaurants I'll miss the most once I relocate to the Big Apple.
  1. Home
  2. life
  3. food
  4. news
  5. I'm moving from the suburbs of LA to NYC this summer. Here are the 6 restaurants I'll miss the most once I relocate to the Big Apple.

I'm moving from the suburbs of LA to NYC this summer. Here are the 6 restaurants I'll miss the most once I relocate to the Big Apple.

Pauline Villegas   

I'm moving from the suburbs of LA to NYC this summer. Here are the 6 restaurants I'll miss the most once I relocate to the Big Apple.
These Los Angeles meals will always remind me of home, even after my NYC move.Pauline Villegas/Insider
  • I was born and raised just outside of Los Angeles and attended the University of Southern California.
  • Trying new restaurants and cafes became a weekend staple for me and my friends while living in LA.

Growing up in the Los Angeles area, there was always a new restaurant or cafe to try.

Growing up in the Los Angeles area, there was always a new restaurant or cafe to try.
While living in Los Angeles, trying new restaurants and coffee shops became routine.      Pauline Villegas/Insider

I was raised in Walnut, California, a suburb located 25 miles outside of downtown Los Angeles, and lived there until I attended the University of Southern California.

Growing up in a foodie's heaven, there was no shortage of new eats to try. From the vegan cuisines of Little Ethiopia to the authentic Mexican food in hubs like Boyle Heights, Echo Park, and Highland Park, visiting a new spot every weekend with family and friends quickly became a habit.

I've always wanted to live in New York, and since I decided to stay in California for college I figured post-grad would be the perfect time to start anew in the Big Apple. After some (admittedly stressful) apartment hunting, my three friends and I signed a lease for an apartment in Little Italy, a neighborhood located in lower Manhattan.

As I pack up my things and move for the first time ever away from Los Angeles, I'm also saying goodbye to some of my favorite spots. After I relocate, these are restaurants I'll write home about, and visit as soon as the plane hits the tarmac at LAX.

Poke is one of my favorite meals, and the Southern California chain Sweetfin quickly became a fan favorite for me and my best friend.

Poke is one of my favorite meals, and the Southern California chain Sweetfin quickly became a fan favorite for me and my best friend.
Sweetfin has multiple locations throughout Southern California, from Los Angeles to San Diego.      Pauline Villegas/Insider

This fresh fish poke chain completely embodies the flavors of Los Angeles. With unique twists on classic poke staples, there is nothing better than a Sweetfin bowl on a hot summer day, in my opinion.

Even though the downtown Los Angeles location was the closest to school, my friends and I would venture to the Silver Lake spot so we could wash our poke down with a coffee from Alfred.

Each protein choice is packed with "California-inspired" flavors and I usually opt to "build your own bowl," but there are plenty of signature pre-made bowls to choose from. In my bowl, I prefer a mix of yellowfin and albacore tuna on a bed of bamboo rice. For sauces, I like the ponzu lime but for those who enjoy a little spice, the sriracha ponzu is the way to go.

Tito's Tacos in Culver City is a Los Angeles landmark and my mom's favorite restaurant. The tacos will forever remind me of home.

Tito
There is never a dull moment at Tito's Tacos in Culver City.      Pauline Villegas/Insider

For a hard shell taco that could put any street taco to shame, turn to Tito's Tacos in Culver City. Established in 1959 with only one location, this Los Angeles staple is well worth the wait, however, don't be intimidated by the line that wraps around the corner, they move quickly.

Since this is my mom's favorite restaurant, some of my earliest memories involve a Tito's hard shell taco with cheese. Whether it was after a Dodgers game or a trip to the Culver City stairs, Tito's Tacos was always on the menu.

Tacos aren't the only options, you can pick between a hard shell taco, burrito, tamale, or enchilada. Everything is served in a brown box, which means your food choices will remain a mystery to all.

This year, one of my best friends introduced me to The Silver Lake House. My meal was so good that I went back the very next day.

This year, one of my best friends introduced me to The Silver Lake House. My meal was so good that I went back the very next day.
This Silver Lake restaurant is a converted home that serves delicious Thai food.      Pauline Villegas/Insider

Tucked in a corner in Silver Lake, a trendy LA neighborhood filled with good food, street art, and incredible views, sits The Silver Lake House. Formerly known as Leela Thai Restaurant, this enchanting home was transformed into a restaurant with some of the best Thai food in Los Angeles.

I suggest trying one of their curries, which I will miss desperately after my move. The best way to experience this menu is to share it, so bring all your friends and family for a sunset dinner under the patio lanterns.

In the above photo, my friend and I shared the pad see ew, the yellow curry (my personal favorite), and the drunken noodles.

Blueys Cafe & Market is an Australian eatery with an ambiance that perfectly blends together Bondi Beach and Santa Monica.

Blueys Cafe & Market is an Australian eatery with an ambiance that perfectly blends together Bondi Beach and Santa Monica.
The sweet squash pancakes are a standout item on the Australian cafe's menu.      Pauline Villegas/Insider

My friends and I discovered Blueys Cafe & Market when we were on the hunt for the perfect pre-beach brunch, and it most definitely delivered.

Located less than three miles from the Santa Monica Pier, the cafe is the perfect pit stop before hitting the beach. The Australian cafe's ambiance is straight out of a Bondi Beach decor Pinterest board and their food is just as delicious.

You can't dine at Blueys without ordering the picture-perfect sweet squash pancakes. Wash the unique menu option down with any item on their beverage menu (I suggest the fresh coconut water) and hit the Pacific Coast Highway which leads to the beach.

Bohemian House of Espresso + Chai is located in the heart of Downtown Los Angeles. The cafe has a cult following, and its all-natural menu was made for the LA community.

Bohemian House of Espresso + Chai is located in the heart of Downtown Los Angeles. The cafe has a cult following, and its all-natural menu was made for the LA community.
The welcoming atmosphere of Bohemian House of Espresso + Chai is only second to their iced dirty chai latte.      Pauline Villegas/Insider

On a cold New York morning, I'll miss the hot chai served at Bohemian House of Espresso + Chai the most. This cafe, owned and operated by the legendary Blackie, serves up hugs on a platter. Everything on the menu is made with all-natural ingredients, sweetened with dates and the chai is ground on the spot.

Blackie will most likely greet you at the entrance, ready to give you a suggestion or a sample of something on the menu. In truth, anything you order will be made fresh and with love right in front of you.

For the perfect hangover cure in Los Angeles, look no further than the comfort food at Fat Sal's Deli.

For the perfect hangover cure in Los Angeles, look no further than the comfort food at Fat Sal
Fat Sal's is known for their outlandish sandwich ingredients, including mozzarella sticks, onion rings and Flamin' Hot Cheetos.      Pauline Villegas/Insider

I am already preparing myself for the intense cravings of Fat Sals' that will hit after a long night out. This deli takes greasy hangover food to the extreme with sandwiches stuffed with mozzarella sticks, onion rings, chicken fingers, and more.

With multiple locations across the LA area, there is no shortage of Fat Sal's sandwiches. I suggest the Westwood location, down the street from UCLA, for a younger late-night crowd.

You name it, and Fat Sal's will put it in a sandwich for you. My go-to is the chili cheese fries, but you can't go wrong with any "fat sandwich," just be sure to go on an empty stomach.

Advertisement