Cafe Telegrama

The crowds can get chaotic and the street parking sucks, but the crispy-edged ricotta pancakes topped with blueberry compote and a standout tuna sandwich have made this trendy, design-forward café in East Hollywood a worthy destination for a casual weekend brunch. Cafe Telegrama also sources its pastries from nearby Friends & Family if you're in the mood for a little treat instead of a meal, while the breezy outdoor patio feels worlds away from Western Avenue's busy traffic. Chef Evan Algorri (formerly of Sherman Oaks’ Augustine Wine Bar and NYC’s Bouley) offers well-executed sandwiches and brunch, including a scrambled egg plate served with crispy bacon and griddled toast. I also enjoyed the crumbly, ultra-cheesy kale salad, which throws in breadcrumbs and roasted corn for additional textural contrast. If you prefer a calmer, less frenetic atmosphere, stop by on a weekday, when the see-and-be-seen East Coast transplant vibes dial way, way down—albeit not all the way.