In Secret Los Angeles, for the past years, our mission has been finding the best that the city has to offer — its hidden spots, its culture, its food — but this time, we stopped trying to define it ourselves.
Instead, we turned on our cameras and microphones and asked the people who move through it every day. From artists, newcomers, and lifelong locals, we posed one simple question:
“What do you love about L.A.?”
The answers we received were as diverse and vibrant as the city itself. What follows is a raw portrait of the city, a collective love letter written entirely through the voices of the people who make it home. Here’s a closer look at our collection of personal perspectives on the culture, community, and creativity of Los Angeles.
On the food
A primary draw for many is the local food landscape. When we spoke with Andrew and Michelle Muñoz of Moo’s Craft BBQ, Andrew’s appreciation for the culinary scene was clear and definitive:
“We have the best food, I don’t care where you go”
And if you’ve spent any time eating your way through this city, it’s hard to argue with them. Los Angeles has everyone’s food, carried here from everywhere and kept alive through the best chefs. Moreover, Michelle Muñoz expressed that there is no other city in the world where she would rather live or be from, and said that we are incredibly “lucky to live in this city”.
On the geography
Beyond the local menus, the physical environment of Los Angeles offers a lifestyle that is hard to replicate anywhere else. The architecture and geography create a backdrop of constant variety.
Oak, the founder behind Thai Rodeo BBQ, agreed with the culinary diversity of L.A. However, he also pointed to the unique freedom that comes with living between the ocean and the mountains:
“You can go skiing, snowboarding, and surfing… in the same day!”
We certainly agree with him! It is always nice knowing that you are never more than an hour or two from a completely different version of the world you woke up in.
On the people
When we asked what he loves about Los Angeles, Ian Bohen said he “loves the people, the food, and iconic buildings”, a sentiment that underscores how the city’s appeal lies not in any single feature, but in the way its human and cultural landscapes intersect.
Ultimately, Los Angeles resists any attempt at a single definition. It is too deeply personal for that. This city can be chaotic, beautiful, inspiring, heartbreaking, and magical all at once — and that’s exactly why we love it.
These are the things that make L.A. special!