The 27 Best Places to Brunch in Los Angeles: A Culinary Adventure

There’s something magical about brunch in Los Angeles. Perhaps it’s the perfect weather that allows for year-round patio dining, or maybe it’s the city’s dedication to culinary innovation that makes the meal so special. As someone who has spent countless weekends exploring the diverse brunch landscape of LA, I’ve assembled what I believe are the absolute best spots to enjoy this beloved weekend ritual.

From the coastal vibes of Venice to the hip enclaves of Silver Lake and the luxury of Beverly Hills, LA’s brunch scene offers something for everyone. Whether you’re craving classic eggs Benedict, innovative vegan creations, or international flavors with a California twist, these 27 spots represent the cream of the crop in a city known for its competitive dining scene.

The Essential LA Brunch Experience

Westside Wonders

1. Republique – Mid-Wilshire

Housed in a historic building that once belonged to Charlie Chaplin, Republique transforms into a brunch paradise on weekends. The moment you walk in, you’re greeted by a pastry counter that could make a Parisian blush. The kimchi fried rice topped with a perfect sunny-side-up egg is my go-to, but their French toast—thick-cut brioche soaked overnight and caramelized to perfection—is a close second.

What makes Republique special isn’t just the food; it’s the atmosphere. The soaring ceilings, communal tables, and buzzing energy create an experience that feels uniquely Los Angeles: European in design but Californian in spirit.

• Must try: Kimchi fried rice, seasonal pastries
• Average wait time: 45-60 minutes (but worth every second)
• Price range: $$$

2. Gjusta – Venice

If I could design my ideal food establishment, it might look something like Gjusta. This bakery-deli-café doesn’t take reservations and often has a line stretching out the door, but the reward for your patience is extraordinary. The baklava croissant alone justifies the trip, but don’t sleep on their smoked fish platters, which feature house-cured salmon that would make any New Yorker jealous.

Hidden behind an unassuming facade in Venice, Gjusta embodies the laid-back sophistication that defines LA’s best dining experiences. The outdoor patio, with its mismatched chairs and potted plants, feels like a secret garden where the city’s cool kids and food enthusiasts converge.

• Must try: Baklava croissant, smoked fish plate
• Average wait time: 30-45 minutes
• Price range: $$$

3. Malibu Farm – Malibu

There’s something about eating brunch with your toes practically in the Pacific that elevates the entire experience. Perched at the end of the Malibu Pier, Malibu Farm serves up simple, farm-to-table fare that lets the quality of the ingredients shine through. Their avocado pizza is unexpected and delightful, while the Swedish pancakes pay homage to owner Helene Henderson’s Scandinavian roots.

The views are, predictably, spectacular. On clear days, you can see all the way to Catalina Island while dolphins occasionally make an appearance in the waves below. It’s touristy, yes, but locals know it’s worth battling PCH traffic for this quintessential California experience.

• Must try: Avocado pizza, Swedish pancakes
• Average wait time: 60 minutes on weekends
• Price range: $$$

Eastside Gems

4. Sqirl – Silver Lake

Before there was the great toast debate, there was Sqirl, quietly changing LA’s breakfast scene with its now-famous ricotta toast topped with homemade jam. While they’ve faced some controversy in recent years, there’s no denying the impact this tiny spot has had on the city’s brunch culture. The sorrel pesto rice bowl with a poached egg remains one of the most copied dishes in LA.

The space is tiny, the line is long, and seating can be a competitive sport, but Sqirl represents a certain moment in LA food culture that makes it an essential stop on any brunch tour.

• Must try: Ricotta toast with seasonal jam, sorrel pesto rice bowl
• Average wait time: 45 minutes
• Price range: $$

5. Huckleberry – Santa Monica

If you have a sweet tooth, Huckleberry will feel like brunch heaven. The bakery cases are filled with temptations: rustic fruit tarts, perfect croissants, and cookies that somehow manage to be both innovative and comforting. For something more substantial, their organic fried egg sandwich on house-made English muffins strikes the perfect balance between decadence and virtue.

What I appreciate about Huckleberry is their commitment to organic ingredients and sustainable practices without being preachy about it. The food speaks for itself, and the cheerful blue-and-white space makes you want to linger over a second cup of their excellent coffee.

• Must try: Fried egg sandwich, green eggs and ham
• Average wait time: 20-30 minutes
• Price range: $$

6. Kismet – Los Feliz

Middle Eastern flavors get a California makeover at this bright, minimal spot on Hollywood Boulevard. The jeweled crispy rice with egg might be the most photogenic brunch dish in LA, but it’s the Turkish-ish breakfast—a spread of unusual dips, breads, and accompaniments—that keeps me coming back. Everything here feels light and vibrant, perfect for LA’s perpetual summer.

The narrow, sunlit space fills up quickly, but the staff never rushes you, creating an atmosphere that encourages lingering conversations and multiple rounds of their excellent cardamom coffee.

• Must try: Turkish-ish breakfast, jeweled crispy rice
• Average wait time: 40 minutes
• Price range: $$$

Luxury Brunch Experiences

7. The Polo Lounge – Beverly Hills

Sometimes you need to go full Hollywood, and there’s no better place for a glamorous brunch than The Polo Lounge at the Beverly Hills Hotel. Yes, it’s expensive. Yes, it’s scene-y. But there’s something undeniably special about sipping a Bellini under the green-and-white striped ceiling where movie deals have been made for decades.

The McCarthy salad is iconic, but I prefer their crab cakes Benedict, which manages to be both decadent and precisely executed. If you’re lucky, you might spot a celebrity at the next table, but the real star is the timeless elegance of the space itself.

• Must try: Crab cakes Benedict, McCarthy salad
• Average wait time: Reservations recommended
• Price range: $$$$

8. Terranea Resort – Rancho Palos Verdes

For special occasions, the brunch at mar’sel within Terranea Resort offers panoramic ocean views paired with refined cooking. Their crab Benedict features local seafood, while the lemon ricotta pancakes achieve that elusive balance of lightness and satisfaction. This is the place to linger over multiple courses while watching for migrating whales in the winter months.

The setting on the Palos Verdes Peninsula feels a world away from the city, making it perfect for celebrations or those weekends when you need to completely reset.

• Must try: Lemon ricotta pancakes, lobster Roll
• Average wait time: Reservations required
• Price range: $$$$

9. Waldorf Astoria – Beverly Hills

The Waldorf Astoria’s rooftop restaurant offers one of the most spectacular brunch views in the city, with a 360-degree panorama that stretches from downtown to the ocean. The menu matches the setting, with luxurious offerings like a truffle frittata and a lobster avocado toast that somehow justifies its eye-watering price tag.

This is see-and-be-seen brunch at its finest—dress accordingly and bring your credit card, but the combination of impeccable service, stunning views, and excellent food creates an experience worth splurging for.

• Must try: Lobster avocado toast, truffle frittata
• Average wait time: Reservations essential
• Price range: $$$$

International Flavors

10. Tartine – Silver Lake

The San Francisco bakery’s LA outpost has become a neighborhood staple, serving perfectly executed French-inspired brunch dishes alongside some of the best bread in the city. Their open-faced tartines showcase seasonal ingredients, while the coddled eggs with trout roe and cultured butter might be the most luxurious breakfast in town.

The industrial-chic space features high ceilings and large windows, creating an airy backdrop for serious food discussions and people-watching. Don’t leave without picking up a loaf of their famous country bread to take home.

• Must try: Coddled eggs, morning bun
• Average wait time: 30 minutes
• Price range: $$$

11. Margot – Culver City

Perched atop the Platform in Culver City, Margot offers Mediterranean-influenced brunch with killer views. The Spanish tortilla with aioli transports me straight to Barcelona, while their shakshuka balances acidity and richness perfectly. The rooftop setting, with its abundance of potted plants and string lights, creates a European atmosphere that makes weekend mornings feel like a mini-vacation.

The cocktail program here deserves special mention—their brunch spritzes featuring seasonal ingredients provide a refreshing counterpoint to the robust flavors of the food.

• Must try: Spanish tortilla, shakshuka
• Average wait time: Reservations recommended
• Price range: $$$

12. Destroyer – Culver City

Chef Jordan Kahn’s minimalist café doesn’t look like a traditional brunch spot, but the avocado confit with burnt onion and country bread is a revelation that will change how you think about this California staple. The raw oat porridge, topped with vanilla-infused cream and seasonal fruit, makes oatmeal feel like a luxury experience.

The stark white space with concrete accents might seem austere, but it puts the focus where it belongs: on the meticulously crafted food. Each dish feels like a small art piece, composed with tweezers but delivering big flavors.

• Must try: Avocado confit, raw oat porridge
• Average wait time: 15-20 minutes (counter service)
• Price range: $$

Hidden Gems Worth Seeking Out

13. All Day Baby – Silver Lake

Despite its playful name, All Day Baby takes its food seriously. The biscuit sandwich—featuring a slab of country ham, a fried egg, and a generous pour of hot honey—might be the best breakfast sandwich in LA. Their pastry program deserves equal attention, with the ube coconut loaf inspiring cult-like devotion among regulars.

The retro-inspired space, with its pink-and-blue color scheme and vinyl booths, feels cheerful without being kitschy. It’s the kind of place that makes you want to become a regular, where the staff remembers your order and weekends begin on a perfect note.

• Must try: Biscuit sandwich, ube coconut loaf
• Average wait time: 30-45 minutes
• Price range: $$

14. Konbi – Echo Park

Drawing inspiration from Tokyo’s convenience stores, Konbi serves exquisite sandwiches and pastries in a space barely bigger than a walk-in closet. The egg salad sandwich has achieved Instagram fame for good reason—the soft-boiled egg creating a stunning cross-section when cut—but the pork katsu sando is equally delicious. Their croissants, particularly the chocolate croissant with its visible layers, rival any in the city.

The minimalist aesthetic extends to the menu, which features only a handful of items, each executed with precision. Get there early, as they often sell out of their most popular offerings.

• Must try: Egg salad sandwich, chocolate croissant
• Average wait time: 15-20 minutes (limited seating)
• Price range: $$

15. Doubting Thomas – Historic Filipinotown

This under-the-radar café has been quietly turning out some of the city’s best pastries since 2018. The breakfast burrito, filled with perfectly scrambled eggs and house-made chorizo, has a devoted following, while the kouign-amann achieves that magical balance of caramelized exterior and buttery layers.

The unpretentious space, with its communal tables and friendly service, feels removed from the trendier parts of LA’s food scene. That’s precisely its charm—Doubting Thomas delivers exceptional food without the hype, making it a true neighborhood gem.

• Must try: Breakfast burrito, kouign-amann
• Average wait time: 15 minutes
• Price range: $$

Comprehensive Brunch Spot Comparison

To help you navigate LA’s extensive brunch landscape, I’ve compiled this detailed comparison of all 27 recommended spots:

Best for Specific Needs

For the Instagram Food Photographer

• Republique: Their pastry table creates an irresistible backdrop
• Kismet: The jeweled crispy rice is visually stunning
• Destroyer: Every dish looks like modern art

For Families with Kids

• Huckleberry: Spacious with kid-friendly options
• Grand Central Market: Variety means everyone finds something
• Malibu Farm: Space for kids to move around between bites

For Special Occasions

• Polo Lounge: Old Hollywood glamour
• Waldorf Astoria: Rooftop views and luxury service
• Terranea: Oceanfront celebration

For Vegetarians and Vegans

• Sqirl: Vegetable-forward with excellent vegan options
• Kismet: Middle Eastern flavors shine without meat
• Tartine: Sophisticated vegetarian dishes

Serving Suggestions: Elevate Your Brunch Experience

To maximize your LA brunch adventure, consider these tips:

• Timing is everything: Most spots are busiest between 11 am and 1 pm. Go early (9 am) or late (2 pm) for shorter waits.
• Make it a progressive meal: Start with pastries at one spot, then move to another for a main course.
• Consider weekday brunch: Many places now offer brunch Wednesday through Sunday.
• Coffee pairings: Many top LA roasters (Intelligentsia, Go Get Em Tiger, Verve) have locations near these brunch spots—grab a specialty coffee to complement your meal.
• Fresh juice: When in California, take advantage of the incredible fresh juice options that many of these places offer.
• Mocktail movement: LA’s brunch scene is embracing creative non-alcoholic options—don’t miss house-made sodas and specialty tonics.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the best time to avoid brunch lines in LA?

Most brunch spots are busiest between 10:30 am and 1:30 pm on weekends. Early risers who arrive before 9:30 am typically have the shortest waits, while the late brunch crowd (after 2 pm) can also find easier seating. Many popular spots now offer weekday brunch, which is significantly less crowded.

Which neighborhoods have the best concentration of brunch spots?

Silver Lake, Venice, and Downtown LA offer the highest density of quality brunch options within walking distance of each other. The Mid-Wilshire/La Brea corridor has also emerged as a brunch powerhouse in recent years.

Are reservations typically required for brunch in LA?

It varies widely. Higher-end establishments like The Polo Lounge and Waldorf Astoria absolutely require reservations, often weeks in advance. Mid-range spots like Redbird and Margot strongly recommend them. Many of the casual spots (Gjusta, Sqirl, Huckleberry) don’t take reservations and operate on a first-come, first-served basis.

What should I expect to pay for brunch in LA?

Los Angeles brunch prices span a wide range:

• Budget-friendly options ($): Expect to pay $12-18 per person at places like Grand Central Market or HomeState
• Mid-range ($$): $18-25 per person at spots like Konbi or Doubting Thomas
• Higher-end ($$$): $25-40 per person at Republique or Tartine
• Luxury ($$$$): $40+ per person at hotel destinations like The Polo Lounge

Are there any iconic LA brunch dishes I must try?

Several dishes have achieved legendary status:

• The ricotta toast at Sqirl
• The kimchi fried rice at Republique
• The breakfast burrito at Cofax (not on our main list but worth mentioning)
• The egg salad sandwich at Konbi
• The biscuit sandwich at All Day Baby

The Final Word on LA Brunch

Los Angeles brunch culture reflects the city itself—diverse, innovative, occasionally excessive, and utterly captivating. From humble strip mall gems to rooftop extravaganzas, the 27 spots on this list showcase the remarkable range of what’s possible when talented chefs turn their attention to everyone’s favorite weekend meal.

What makes LA’s brunch scene special isn’t just the quality of the food or the perfect patios for people-watching. It’s the way these establishments have created distinct identities that speak to different aspects of the city’s character. Whether you’re in the mood for healthy California cuisine, international flavors, or decadent comfort food, LA’s best brunch spots deliver experiences that linger in memory long after the plates are cleared.

I hope this guide inspires you to explore beyond your usual haunts and discover new favorites. After all, in a city this sprawling, the perfect brunch is always waiting just around the corner—you just need to know where to look.