5 MUST-TRY BRUNCH RESTAURANTS IN LOS ANGELES
If you live in LA, or know somebody who does, you know that we take our brunch culture very seriously. It brings together friends to catch up on the gossip of the week, share a few mimosas (bottomless if you’re lucky and have a clear schedule!), and enjoy some amazing grubs. It’s the highlight of the weekend, and honestly, it gives us Angelenos a chance to kick back and just relax. Whether you’re craving your standard breakfast fare, with eggs and waffles, or you’re looking to mix it up a bit, Los Angeles provides you with more options than you’ll ever be able to experience.
BUT FIRST, WE BRUNCH
Technically too late in the day to be considered a true Breakfast, but not so late that you’re stretching into afternoon - Brunch is the perfect compromise . Whether you’re waking up late from a long night out on the town and need a way to decompress, you’re jam packed running around all morning and need some time to chill out with some friends, or just feeling like waffles and a mimosa at 1pm, depending on where you are in the city, there are countless options to enjoy.
// @Catch
1 CATCH LA
Perched high above Melrose Avenue, with breathtaking views of both the Hollywood Hills and DTLA, Catch LA has become one of the most sought after brunch hot spots in the city. Spring for their Cinnamon Roll Pancakes, their dry aged beef Black Label Burger, Lobster Mac & Cheese, or their Hearts of Palm Crabcakes, and you’ll be in for a treat! Pair your dish with a Frosé (Frozen Rose Slush) or a mimosa for an even more out of this world experience. While you’re enjoying your brunch with your loved ones, you can kick back and take in the true beauty of this rooftop destination. Beaming in opulent yet cozy finishes, you’ll never want to leave. We do recommend making reservations well in advance as Catch LA has claimed the spot as one of the top restaurants in Los Angeles.
Catch LA: Website
// @SunnySpot
Located in the hub of Venice on the Westside, Sunny Spot has made a name for itself as the bright and colorful California destination, for bottomless mimosas (or Bloody Mary’s and Rum Punch if you want to mix it up a bit!), fun times, and amazing grub. The restaurant features bright walls and artistic decor to complement their take on island inspired eats. We definitely have to recommend the Cubano Sandwich, the Hot Chicken “Sando”, the Biscuits and Gravy (comes with Pork Sausage and two eggs, sunny side up), and the Pulled Pork Burrito, all crowd favorites. The outdoor patio is their most sought after area, so you’ll definitely want to make a reservation — packed with bright, colorful chairs, and the warm beating sun, it’s the idyllic spot to kick back on a Sunday mid-day.
Sunny Spot: Website
Italian restaurant, gourmet market, and French patisserie (not to forget the fact that it is absolutely gorgeous) - Bottega Louie has it all. Centrally located on the ground floor of the Brockman Building in Downtown Los Angeles, Bottega Louie is credited with creating the Downtown Los Angeles “Restaurant Row”. It’s been considered one of the most glamorous and photogenic restaurants in all of LA, with a fresh and inviting modern take on a French Neoclassical design theme! When you’re eating at the restaurant you don’t feel like you’re in Downtown Los Angeles but rather in the heart of Manhattan. They are known for their decadent pastas, salads, small plates, pizza, and pastries. In addition, Bottega Louie manages a boutique gourmet market where guests can purchase gift-wrapped foods including confections, pasta sauces, chocolates, dry pastas and preserves. If you’re headed downtown anytime soon, this is a must see.
Bottega Louie: Website
// Eureka!
4 EUREKA!
A little bit off the beaten path, Eureka is a brand new brunch mecca that has hit the Valley by storm! ‘The Valley’, in the past couple of years has made itself home to a few must-try hot spots including other restaurants such as JOEY, offering a spin on Canadian/New American Fusion, and the Local Peasant, from the owners of The Chestnut Club in Santa Monica and Scopa in Venice. Eureka can be described as an eclectic, new age take on a craft bar/restaurant, boasting amazing food, artisan liquor, and craft specialties to bode. The restaurant is warm and contemporary, but brings in a slight rustic charm. We definitely have to recommend their Bread Pudding French Toast, Avocado Toast (this is NOT your typical Avocado Toast!), and their Fried Chicken & Sweet Cornbread (with Jalapeño-infused maple gaze…wowwww). If you’re willing to make a little bit of a drive to try something very different, we definitely suggest adding this spot to your list.
Eureka!: Website Address: 6250 Topanga Canyon Blvd #1505, Woodland Hills, CA 91364
// GJELINA
5 GJELINA Sunday brunch is essentially gospel at the LA Westside restaurant that best captures the quintessential California lifestyle. To make things even better, many of the same food fares are available for daily breakfast at this minimal-casual restaurant located right along the famous Abbott Kinney. You’ll discover the same photo-friendly lighting (perfect for those food shots!), wide open back patio and rustic reclaimed barn wood all throughout the day, regardless of which meal you decide on. The menu is quite balanced, featuring lighter dishes, such as their poached eggs with sautéed kale, and heartier plates, like their onion bialy with crispy egg, pork belly, tomato harissa and Fontina. Their pancakes are the talk of the town, including tangy lemon buckwheat ricotta pancakes with crème fraiche and blueberry compote. We highly recommend getting there early, as they don’t take reservations.
GLELINA: Website Address: 1429 Abbot Kinney Blvd, Venice, CA 90291
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For more things to do, places to go, and things to see around Los Angeles, check out some of our Neighborhood Guides and Lifestyle posts.