"I Lived Like a Californian for a Month and This is What I Learned"

Many don't like it. They say it's soulless, flat, boring. New Yorkers say it's slow. Europeans say it lacks culture, excitement, and social life. But the truth is that Los Angeles is not for everyone. Period. Many dream of it, and upon first encounter, they are disappointed. Too many expectations, too many TV shows, and too many filtered Instagram stories from bloggers and celebs.

I liked it; in fact, I could live there. My secret? Discovering in every city, my city, my neighborhood, my spots. And so, I did the same for Los Angeles. My Los Angeles was Silver Lake. For 30 days, the golden refuge of the free-spirited and nonconformists in the city was mine too. My boyfriend and I arrived on a Wednesday, rented one of those hippie houses on Airbnb on the streets crossing Sunset Boulevard, and by Monday morning I already felt like a true Angeleno. Not to mention I had quietly converted to a vegan diet.

Why is Silver Lake the best neighborhood to live in Los Angeles? Simple: it's the perfect compromise between good vibes, indie life, and the La La Land spirit. It's cozy, chill, and just the right amount of snobby. It's not hipster, that's Echo Park; it's not posh, that's Abbot Kinney. It's hard to explain, but that little stretch of Sunset Boulevard is irresistible. Pure positive energy. A must-stop for anyone considering a vacation on the road in California or just a long weekend in the City of Angels.

And now, here are my (top) 10 addresses/things to do/places to go in Silver Lake:

1. INTELLIGENTSIA COFFEE Silver Lake is a small community; everyone knows each other, greets each other, and everyone is beautiful, including dogs and children. And at Intelligentsia Coffee, you realize that from the early hours of the morning (it opens at 6 AM, and in case of jet lag, it's a lifesaver). It's the place to go for breakfast, the place to be for outdoor work sitting on the patio while admiring the flow of models in leggings and sunglasses, skaters with long golden hair, and true silverlake-ians.

My advice: If you want a cappuccino or a macchiato, surrender to oat milk. The new thing! Regular milk is almost banned, soy milk hasn't been used in ages (thanks to GMOs), almond milk is out of fashion. Coconut milk is too much. And if you want to add a treat: matcha croissants or sesame and date scones. Guilty pleasures 100% healthy.

2. THE NOW Only in Los Angeles could there be a 'massage boutique'. The NOW is the destination to indulge in repeated pampering for the mind, body, and spirit. Even just for 30 minutes at an affordable price: massages start at $35. Decorated like a boutique hotel in Tulum: white, bright interiors, rustic-chic elements, live wood accents, wicker lamps, cacti, natural linen curtains, and Palo Santo sticks burning non-stop, The NOW is a sanctuary of beauty & design.

My advice: go back multiple times! At the first appointment, trust the signature massage, and then experiment with the experimental: the coconut oil scalp massage and the crystal massage to relieve stress and open the chakras.

3. MH.ZH. Eating at Mh Zh is an experience (a delicious one). The small restaurant, on the corner of Sunset Boulevard and Maltman Avenue, is truly tiny. Inside, there are no more than ten seats, and the kitchen is not only visible but is an integral part of the room. In Italy, it would be on the edge of legality, here it's pure trend. Outside, starting at 6 PM, a series of vintage wrought-iron tables invade the sidewalk. And in less than half an hour, they are all full, and a long line wraps around the building.

The cuisine mixes Mediterranean dishes, Israeli flavors, and Middle Eastern spices. Some items like grilled fish with melted butter, mini capers, and fresh thyme or sweet potatoes with tahini and spices are served directly on layers of kitchen paper. Others in small pots or tin plates. Everything looks improvised, but don't be fooled: every detail is meticulously planned by chef and owner Conor Shemtov. Including the latest marketing strategy: not accepting reservations, not having a phone number, and having no sign.

My advice: read the menu written in marker on a paper bag just to get your mouth watering and then order one of everything for a full experience you won't forget.

4. MOHAWK GENERAL STORE Few pieces, but perfectly selected. The Mohawk General Store simply has all the must-have wardrobe pieces. Some examples? A Mansur Graviel bag, a Tibi or Simone Rocha dress, a Jacquemus top, Rachel Comey jeans, a Gabriela Artigas necklace... do I need to continue?! In addition to fashion, there's also a selection of magazines, beauty products, and very interesting lifestyle items.

My advice: beyond clothing, check out the unique selection of hats and bags made from straw, jute, and natural fibers. And then, don't miss the other fashion stops in the neighborhood: the flagship store of Creatures of Comfort, sunglasses from Retrosuperfuture, and New York perfumes from Le Labo. All within walking distance.

5. LITTLE PINE The vegan bistro owned by musician Moby is a must-do (make sure to book in advance). Not only for the delicious, healthy, and organic cuisine, or for the cozy, hipster environment reminiscent of a mountain chalet, but to contribute to a good cause: 100% of the restaurant's profits go to animal welfare organizations.

My advice: after brunch, check out the mini shop at the entrance, offering books, candles, teas, photographs, and other beloved items from the 90s electronica pioneer.

6. DREAM COLLECTIVE A lifestyle boutique curated by jewelry designer Kathryn Bentley, where you can treat yourself to a necklace or a ring with a colorful stone. Not just a simple piece of jewelry but a true amulet, Kathryn believes her jewelry releases positive energy to those who wear it. The bonus? In addition to her wonderful handmade creations in Los Angeles, in the boutique, you will find a selection of ceramics, candles, perfumes, and home goods that are 100% local.

My advice: choose your heart stone, close your eyes, and swipe the card without remorse. Fabulous rings starting at $500, and stunning necklaces starting at $700.

7. NIGHT + MARKET SONG Thai street food and natural wines served in an absolutely kitsch location. Fuchsia and neon orange walls, plastic tablecloths with tropical flowers, carnival streamers, and colorful bead curtains. Noisy, funky, and super spicy, it's THE weekend gathering spot.

In the kitchen, 30-year-old chef Kris Yenbamroong, with no formal culinary training, learned to cook in Bangkok and in his parents' kitchen, yet he has just published a cookbook like the great chefs, and his pad Thai and fried chicken sandwich are famous throughout Los Angeles. Among his celebrity clients are Rene Redzepi, Gwyneth Paltrow, Daft Punk, and Lena Dunham.

My advice: you'll arrive and the line will already be endless, but as Americans say, don't give up! Order a drink and wait in the lobby; who knows, maybe you'll catch some celebrity watching.

8. DEPOP SPACE From online to offline, the social marketplace Depop has opened its first office/store/art gallery on Sunset Boulevard next to Le Labo and Retrosuperfuture and promises a calendar of events, exhibitions, and pop-ups for vintage fanatics. Free entry 7 days a week.

My advice: If you're on the app, stop by to say hi to Lizzy and Justin, the store & community managers :)

9. MATCHA BAR Forget matcha lattes (so boring); here, new drinks are experimented with like lavender, matcha, and lemonade or rose-infused matcha with oat milk, perfect from breakfast to snack time.

My advice: drink and snap an Instagram photo with the mandatory #matchalover!

10. FOXHOLE Fox is not just a denim guru but also a specialist in repairs and custom pieces. Her vintage selection of jeans, vests, and denim workwear is worth the visit.

My advice: in addition to a pair of jeans, treat yourself to a set of old-school patches to personalize shorts, backpacks, and totes, and a couple of 100% USA vintage t-shirts.