Leila Najafi

Read the latest articles by Leila Najafi at Thrillist

Los Angeles

Papillon International Bakery

Find the best spots daily to eat and drink in hipster neighborhoods. Hit the roof, drink a beer and eat delicious at top-tier restaurants. Plan your nightlife adventure with maps and reviews of unknown micro-brews, rooftop parties, and independent drink.

Best Restaurants & Bars - Places to Eat & Drink - Thrillist

What makes LA such a unique city is the melting pot of cultures which is seen throughout the city’s various neighborhoods.

14 Essential Armenian Restaurants to Try in Los Angeles

Nation

Green Travel

This Earth Day on April 22, here are a few ways you can to minimize your impact and join the millions of people doing their part to make preserving the planet priority No. 1.

Green Travel: Things You Can Do to Help Protect the Earth

Thomas Barwick/DigitalVision/Getty Images

Travel

Explore adventure guides and design a custom itinerary for the destination of your choice in and around the city.

Best Travel Guides, Cool Hotels and Interesting Events - Thrillist

You may have seen the photos these past two years of smog-free skies over LA, clear(ish) water flowing through the historically toxic Venice canals, and wildlife reclaiming cities all over the world amid coronavirus lockdowns—all proof that nature indeed fares better when we sit our fossil fuel-guzzling butts at home instead of traipsing around spewing carbon.

7 Ways to Be a More Earth-Conscious Traveler

Unparalleled in its beauty and often referred to as the “California Riviera,” Santa Barbara is a coastline jewel of a town that’s only about a two-hour drive from Los Angeles, making it an accessible day or weekend trip.

The Absolute Best Restaurants in Santa Barbara, California

Unsplash/OC Gonzales

Occupying a stunning stretch of Central California’s coastline and sandwiched between the Santa Ynez Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, Santa Barbara is a haven for food lovers, culture buffs, and adventure seekers.

20 Reasons to Drive to Santa Barbara, California

Love and romance have long inspired great artists, from painters to musicians (read: the entire genre that is ‘90s R&B).

The 26 Sexiest Restaurants for a Romantic Date Night in LA

San Francisco

Flickr/Steve Corey

Wintertime in California is perhaps the Golden State’s most magical season.

The Most Beautiful Places in California You Never Knew Existed

RichLegg/E+/Getty Images

The days of booking a dreamy vacation and just showing up to the airport with naught but bags and a passport are pretty much over (at least in the near future).

How to Get an International COVID Test in Under 24 Hours

Chase Jarvis/Photodisc/Getty Images

You don’t have to ski to fall in love with Aspen.

Things to Do in Aspen (Beyond Skiing)

El Cosmico

Once again, it's fall, y'all, and the time for leaf-peeping is nigh.

Funky Airstreams & Tiny Cabins: Where to Go Glamping This Fall

Photo courtesy of FIG

Whether you’re a local or visiting from out of town, LA’s top-notch hotels are a destination for everyone with their iconic views and world-class dining.

12 Hotel Restaurants in LA That Are Worth Checking Out on Their Own 

Photo courtesy of Ocean Prime

We can all agree that seafood in the summer just hits different.

18 Best Seafood Restaurants in Los Angeles 

Nick + Stef's Steakhouse

Drink

While nothing can top the events of last summer, summer 2021 is certainly presenting us with its fair share of curveballs.

Leila Najafi’s Recent Articles

14 Essential Armenian Restaurants to Try in Los Angeles

Armenian cuisine is influenced by Russia, the Mediterranean, Middle East, and more.

7 Ways to Be a More Earth-Conscious Traveler

You can make a big impact with a few small changes.

The Absolute Best Restaurants in Santa Barbara, California

From Michelin award-winning restaurants to tried-and-true favorites and more.

20 Reasons to Drive to Santa Barbara, California

From wineries to restaurants, there’s something for everyone at this popular coastal destination.

The 26 Sexiest Restaurants for a Romantic Date Night in LA

From stunning views to intimate spaces, these spots are sure to impress.

The Most Beautiful Places in California You Never Knew Existed

The Yosemite “Firefall,” giant sequoia trees, hot springs, and more.

How to Get an International COVID Test in Under 24 Hours

More swabs, less panic.

Things to Do in Aspen (Beyond Skiing)

The prices don’t have to be as high as the peaks.

Funky Airstreams & Tiny Cabins: Where to Go Glamping This Fall

Because, frankly, we’ve been “roughing it” enough lately.

12 Hotel Restaurants in LA That Are Worth Checking Out on Their Own

From classic Beverly Hills hotspots to new rooftop destinations.

18 Best Seafood Restaurants in Los Angeles

From East Coast-inspired fare to Italian-inflected raw bars and more.

The Best Happy Hour in Your LA Neighborhood

Everywhere to get an after-work drink (again).