There’s no doubt that LA is known for being a mecca when it comes to health and fitness. If you only have a few days here, it’s best to make sure you know where to go so you don’t miss out on anything awesome. If you’re looking for your Zen, then head north to Venice Beach. If you’re looking to keep active, then West Hollywood has plenty of options. Bondi Yoga House share their favourites spots when visiting the city of angels.
Gracias Madre
When you arrive at this classy Melrose Ave venue on the western tip of WeHo, you probably wouldn’t have thought, Vegan Mexican. Gracias Madre offers organic Mexican food to the communities they serve as well as honouring the mothers who work tirelessly in the kitchens of Mexico and often live without their husbands and children while they work side by side with them in California. Inspired by some of the recipes of these families and the love of their mothers, Gracias Madre serves organic, farm fresh, locally sourced food, full of flavour and love.
With multiple locations in Los Angeles, SUGARFISH by sushi nozawa is a different kind of sushi dining experience. The restaurants serve only traditional sushi of the highest quality based on Chef Nozawa’s style of sushi. Their passion is to carry forward his great tradition and style of food – which many believe is the best sushi there is outside of Japan.
If you haven’t noticed the boost in Vegan restaurants across LA yet, you surely will stepping into this absolute gem. Walking in, the space has an intimate restaurant feel, outdoor dining area and even their own masterclass cooking school upstairs. The tasting menu is a 6-course selection of the chefs best and it can also be paired with wine if you fancy some of their organic wine selection.
Step aside Whole Foods, there’s a new kid on the block! Opening their second store in Los Angeles, Erewhon Market recently launched in the shopping precinct of Venice Beach. Probably one of the most incredible food markets in recent times, this organic only store has a world-class cafe, to-go selection which is almost over the top and the best selection of health foods we’ve seen in a long time. This place is a must see if you are in the SoCal area.
Believe it or not, you can’t order anything here unless you start your sentence with I AM… Cafe Gratitude is an institution in LA and over the past few years this chain has spread across the city to multiple locations. The Vegan cafe is most popular among the locals who pack out the place 7 days a week. It’s a must try for any visitor and a very decent place to get a double espresso!
Coffee is quite decent here and they have free wifi. You will see the cafe buzzing with local freelancers and travellers from opening to closing. The store itself has some awesome kicks and tees which supports the One for One cause.
Best known for their summer Yoga festivals across the USA and Australia, Wanderlust has opened a Yoga studio/cafe/meditation space right in the heart of Hollywood. They have classes all day every day and cater for different levels of experience.
This much loved spin chain in a must try if you’ve never experienced it before. Some say it’s cult-like approach gets you seriously hooked, we agree! They also have a studio in Santa Monica if you find yourself beachside.
The Barry’s franchise is going nuts across the US and the UK right now. This indoor bootcamp is a functional training session mixed between floor work and treadmills. The only difference is, you get the feeling you are in a Las Vegas nightclub. Check it out!
Having visited this studio on a few occasions, we absolutely love the place. It’s simplistic nature, the warmth of the studio (literally) and it’s impressive lineup of teachers always makes us feel at home. After yoga, pop next door to Cafe Gratitude and get your morning fix!
Don’t be mistaken by the back-ally entrance and graffiti which surrounds this hidden little gem. Even fellow yogis we met hadn’t even heard of this place. When you step into this traditional shala, you really have no idea what to expect. Designed to fit only 14 mats or so, the tight space has nothing more than the basics to practice yoga. It’s a must see if you want something a little less glam.
