More and more startups are setting up offices on Los Angeles' west side, making the nickname "Silicon Beach" even more appropriate. Santa Monica and Venice in particular have grown to be tech hotspots — Google, Snapchat, and Whisper are just a few of the companies with offices there.
These communities are known for their proximity to the beach and laid-back lifestyle, but there's a huge foodie scene there as well. Chefs at the area's top restaurants source ingredients from the Santa Monica Farmer's Market nearby, and the juice movement is still going strong.
We've asked some of our friends working in Silicon Beach startups where they like to eat and drink in their neighborhood. Whether it's for a quick power lunch or after-work drinks, the focus is on fresh, high-quality ingredients they can enjoy on the go.
Gjelina
1429 Abbot Kinney Boulevard, Venice
Gjelina has a menu of inventive small plates meant to be shared among groups. Diners especially rave about the pizzas — options include a gruyere version served with caramelized onion, fromage blanc, and arugula, as well as one that comes with house-made chorizo, tomato, cream, fennel, and basil.
Though techies say they enjoy Gjelina for a power lunch, it's a popular spot for people in lots of different L.A. industries. Plenty of celebrity sightings have been reported here.
OpenTable recently named it one of the hottest restaurants in the country.
Bar Chloe
1449 Second Street, Santa Monica
Bar Chloe's intimate atmosphere makes this lounge an ideal spot for after-work dinner or drinks. There are lots of cozy details inside, including vintage bar stools, maroon upholstery, and backgammon boards anyone can use.
The menu features upscale comfort food like bruschetta and macaroni cheese, while the chamomile mai tai and a classic sazerac are highlights on the cocktail menu.
Lemonade
1661 Abbot Kinney Boulevard, Venice
With more than 20 types of salads, eight pot roasts, and a huge variety of flavorful soups and side dishes, Lemonade is an innovative, if overwhelming, take on the cafeteria lunch. There are currently 13 southern California locations, but the brand is growing, and there's even one heading to Dubai soon.
Don't forget the lemonade — there are six flavors to choose from daily.
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