Food Vlogger Natasha Zhatko Has Amassed 1.2 Million Munching Her Way Through SoCal—Here Are Her Top Spots to Visit Now

Countless local restaurants, a pair of Ray-Ban Meta glasses, and a couple of cannabis-infused gummies. This is how Natasha Zhatko (@natashahasthemunchies) builds and sustains a community of more than a million followers eager to tag along as she tries new restaurants across California.

Through this journey, Zhatko has sampled dozens of different delicious foods. And more importantly, she champions local business along the way. After recently visiting Fat Lip Pizza & Beer, a New York-style pizza place in Corona, the restaurant reached out to thank her for one of the best months they’d ever had following her post.

“It’s the people that stand out to me,” Zhatko says. “That’s the reason I have kept going this long is because it’s inspiring…it’s really cool to be able to help somebody else.”

She added that as a true New Yorker herself, their pizza genuinely reminded her of home. 

Zhatko has been filming food-related content for more than two years, but her account skyrocketed when she began recording herself trying new restaurants using Ray-Ban Meta glasses—after a few gummies. The hands-free format allows her to feel comfortable recording, without any risk of getting self-conscious, she says. Continuing to explore cuisines from a wide range of cultures, she gravitates toward places where her spotlight can make a meaningful impact.

So, where is she eating lately?

In Riverside, Sekela Ethiopian Restaurant is owned by an Ethiopian woman who Zhatko refers to as “the sweetest ever.” Her food was entirely homemade and simply “incredible,” she adds.

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In Tustin, Habuya Okinawan Dining left a lasting impression. The restaurant is run by a woman who was born and raised on Okinawa Island in Japan, and she told Zhatko it “was her lifelong dream to open a restaurant.” Zhatko says the owner makes all the food herself, and that both the authenticity of the recipes and the atmosphere make it feel as though you’re dining in Japan.

“It’s just so cute,” she says, “You walk in and you literally feel like you’re in Tokyo in the 80s.” 

For dessert, Zhatko recommends Mewame in Los Angeles. Run by a lactose-intolerant chef, the shop serves completely vegan shaved ice made with all-natural ingredients. Zhatko’s top recommendation? The persimmon flavor with coconut cream.

Beyond traditional restaurants, she also frequents matcha and coffee shops. Recently, she named HeyTea as a favorite. Originally from China, the brand has opened several locations across California.

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“I swear that they have a lifelong customer,” Zhatko says. HeyTea serves her favorite drink of all time: The Triple Supreme Matcha Latte. Unlike a traditional matcha, the drink features matcha jelly and matcha mochi on the bottom with matcha cheese foam on the top.

Beyond the food itself, Zhatko sees her platform as a space for community and togetherness. In showcasing these restaurants, Zhatko also often includes her interactions with the owners or the staff, underscoring the personal side of small businesses. She thinks it reminds her followers that it’s pretty easy to talk to people.

“We’re all just human,” she says, “All it takes is connection, you know?”