Assorted brunch dishes and cocktails at Ryla
Photograph: Courtesy Ron De Angelis | Ryla Restaurant & Bar
Photograph: Courtesy Ron De Angelis

The best brunch restaurants in Los Angeles

Start your weekend off right with the city's best pastries, freshly made omelettes and cocktails.

Caitlin White
Written by: Patricia Kelly Yeo
Advertising

Whether you love it or hate it, brunch is a time-honored tradition in Los Angeles. From the ultra wealthy, who can afford to pop bottles in ritzy Beverly Hills dining rooms, to the budget-conscious among us, grateful for the respite of old-school diner prices, a long, drawn-out breakfast just makes sense in sunny weather. Ricotta pancakes, avocado toast, and classic egg preparations are a must for most players in this space, but the top of our rankings is reserved for those who go above and beyond in some way. Unexpected flavors and unmissable dishes that become signature plates, weekend traditions, and viral posts are all part of the charm. The food is only the beginning, though, as inventive cocktail lists, natural wines, and lots of bubbles are a must for lingering and relaxing before duty calls. Brunch is an escapist pastime, pure hedonistic bliss, and just a sweet, sweet fantasy, baby. Get a taste of the California dream at the best spots for brunch in Los Angeles.

RECOMMENDED: The best restaurants in Los Angeles

Updated February 2026: The playing field for restaurants in Los Angeles has never been more crowded, but it’s also never been more difficult for chefs to keep their businesses afloat. Everything from tariffs to inflation to unspeakably high rents has made it hard for places like Crustacean and Horses to keep their doors open. Both places have been removed due to closures, though Crustacean will be back in a new location at some point. Gjusta has been removed because their other restaurant, Gjelina, is already included and we wanted to add more variety. Similarly, Chef Tony Dim Sum was taken off since it’s quite a ways from LA proper. For additions, Saltie Girl made the cut as a nod to the way East Coast spots can adapt themselves to fit into the sunny Sunset Strip scene—and to give seafood lovers a heads up on the best place to get their weekend fix. The other newcomer, Lodge Bread Co., is a steadily rising presence in Los Angeles due to a new location in Beverly Hills that’s serving up ​​chef Or Amsalam’s fantastic breads in all the cult-favorite formats. As for rankings, restaurants ebb between good and great all the time, and the new order reflects the reality of some classics falling behind and others surging ahead.

How we review at Time Out

The best brunch spots, ranked

  • American creative
  • Downtown Historic Core
  • price 3 of 4
  • 4 out of 5 stars
  • Recommended

What is it? A breathtakingly beautiful Downtown restaurant run by longtime L.A. culinary veteran Neal Fraser. His biscuits and gravy, impossibly flaky squares of buttery layers topped with chocolate-colored red eye pork sausage gravy, put the rest of the city to shame.

Why we love it: L.A. is full of spendy brunches with cocktails, but none have captured our hearts like the one on offer at Redbird. Housed in what was once the rectory of a 19th-century Roman Catholic cathedral, the dining room’s open ceiling and serene garden oasis (open on certain holidays, including Mother’s Day) form the perfect backdrop for a relaxed and upscale late morning meal. Of course, the food’s no slouch either; in the hands of Fraser’s talented kitchen team, Redbird’s globally inspired brunch dishes feel creative and fresh. The morning pastry selection might include delights like a mixed berry milk bun, cinnamon coffee cake and an apple caramel hand pie. Other savory brunch staples are given a touch of fine dining polish—think duck confit chilaquiles and a Maine lobster congee topped with charred corn, scallion and chili oil. Wine, beer and cocktails available.

Time Out tip: Order the blueberry ricotta pancakes, which the Frasers have imported from BLD—Fraser’s beloved, now-closed all-day restaurant on Beverly Boulevard.

Address: 114 E 2nd St, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Opening hours: Tue–Fri 5–10pm; Sat 10am–2pm, 5–10pm; Sun 10am–2pm, 5–9pm

  • Seafood
  • West Hollywood
  • price 3 of 4
  • 5 out of 5 stars
  • Recommended

What is it? A mecca for all things seafood, Saltie Girl has slowly but surely won Los Angeles over to its East Coast-style fruits de mer pleasures with glistening towers of raw seafood, classic egg dishes, and all manner of tinned fish, caviar, and smoked fish.

Why we love it: Since opening smack dab in the middle of the Sunset Strip at the end of 2022, the location alone quickly turned this stylish restaurant into a destination dining. Directly across from the Oppenheimer Group’s office, scenes from Selling Sunset were filmed here, and the chance to spot one of the stars has admittedly been a draw for some. But the glittering, fanciful seafood delights that made the original a hit in Boston far outweigh any silver screen appeal. With an excellent wine list that matches the extensive offerings for tinned fish and caviar, daytime at Saltie Girl is a decadent, multi-hour affair. Smoked fish plates with New York-style bagels and accoutrements, or sweet delicacies from owner Kathy Sidell’s son, Ben Sidell—aka SweetBoy—are alternatives for those who don’t want to start with the sprawling raw menu. Lobster rolls of both the hot-with-butter and cold-with-mayo varieties are a must, and the fried lobster and waffle, or signature benedict with smoked salmon, caviar or lobster or tend to grace almost every table. Order up everything from moules frites to chilaquiles to a killer fried fish sandwich, and don’t forget to pair it with their superb brunch cocktails. If you don’t start with a SweetBoy confection like the SweetBun Crown with cinnamon swirl and toffee drizzle, it’s best to end with that. “Think your favorite cinnamon roll had a baby with a morning bun,” Ben says. 

Time Out tip: Splurge for the caviar service, there’s none better in the city. This setup comes with caviar stacked high in a clamshell, two kinds of latkes, buttered toast points, an everything roll, egg yolk and egg white, creme fraiche, red onion and scallions, all arranged in a picture-perfect setup.

Address: 8615 Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069

Opening hours: Mon–Thu 5–9pm; Fri 5-10pm; Sat 11am–10pm; Sun 11am–9pm

Advertising
  • Italian
  • Beverly Hills
  • price 3 of 4
  • 5 out of 5 stars
  • Recommended

What is it? The ritzy 90210 rooftop outpost of an award-winning New York City cocktail bar with amazing drinks and sweeping views of the hills.

Why we love it: You’ll pay handsomely for brunch at Dante, but the award-winning cocktails and well-made Italian-ish menu standards have made this Beverly Hills rooftop eatery one of the best new brunches in Los Angeles. Available from 11am to 4pm on weekends, this NYC bar-turned-restaurant serves a little bit of something for everyone: delicious housemade banana bread, a hearty and nutritious grain bowl and an array of pizzas and pastas for the more lunch-inclined. I also enjoyed the fluffy pancake with caramelized banana (fruit toppings tend to change seasonally), which was pure decadence in the best way possible. Sip on one of the best Bloody Marys in the city as you take in ninth-floor views of the hills—combined with the ritzy dining room, this is the 90210 brunch to beat. Wine, beer and cocktails available.

Time Out tip: Not in the mood for a whole drink? Many of Dante’s signature cocktails can be made in half-portions, including a mini version of a Bloody Maria.

Address: 225 N Canon Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90210

Opening hours: Mon–Sat 11am–midnight, Sun 11am–11pm

  • Mexican
  • Los Feliz
  • price 2 of 4
  • 5 out of 5 stars
  • Recommended
  • Sustainable

What is it: A stunning Mexican restaurant in Los Feliz that offers stellar cocktails alongside a list of rare mezcals and tequilas, some of which you can’t find anywhere else in the United States.

Why we love it: Mírate’s weekend brunch menu pushes the boundaries of an otherwise typically boring dining genre plagued by identical-seeming pancake and egg dishes. Thanks to Mexican inflections and a nationally recognized bar program, the restaurant offers a little bit more intrigue than the standard boozy brunch. Flavorful signatures, including salsa macha-topped mollettes with escabeche, a croque senora with lamb barbacoa and a grilled hangar steak with eggs appeal to those in the mood for savory fare, while an excellent French toast dipped in bay leaf horchata and jalapeño cornbread with honey butter would satisfy even the biggest sweet tooth. Factor in the distinctly Mexican espresso drinks—I loved the subtle funky goat milk latte—and creative daytime cocktails like La Llorona (an umami-forward, rum-based Bloody Mary) and bar director Max Reis’s take on a michelada, with clamato and a variety of house-roasted chilis, and you’ve got the best brunch in Los Feliz, and one of the very best brunch menus in the city. Wine, beer and cocktails available.

Time Out tip: For a sparkling, boozy morning pick-me-up, ask for their brand new brunch cocktail, a rosé highball with Tromba x Mírate private batch blanco tequila, and clarified Casa Jipi rosé out of Valle de Guadalupe.

Address: 1712 N Vermont Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90027

Opening hours: Mon—Thu 5–11pm; Fri 5pm–midnight; Sat 11am–midnight; Sun 11am–11pm

Advertising
  • French
  • La Brea
  • 4 out of 5 stars
  • Recommended

What is it? An all-day Cali-French café, bakery and dinnertime spot where it is nigh impossible to leave dissatisfied, where old meets new in L.A. dining history, and where the buzz of thrilled diners is electric from morning to night. 

Why we love it: Dinner here is always great, but daytime brunch is the true star of République, when the James Beard Award-winning pastries come out in full force. The love and care husband-and-wife team Walter and Margarita Manzke puts into République is palpable, filling the gothic-style building—one that was once home to Charlie Chaplin’s office, as well as Nancy Silverton and the late Mark Peel’s groundbreaking Campanile restaurant—with the kind of warm, bustling atmosphere often missing in L.A. During the day, Walter swaps the seasonally inspired bistro cuisine for gourmet brunch staples, including beef short rib kimchi fried rice, a cheesy lobster omelette, and a potato pancake with smoked salmon, hollandaise and soft poached eggs. After 11am, the menu expands with additional salads and handhelds—I’m particularly partial to the hefty Cuban sandwich, which features rotisserie pork, house-cured ham and Gruyère. Best of all, the menu is available on weekends and weekdays, unlike most brunch destinations in L.A. Wine, beer and cocktails available.

Time Out tip: Arrive early on weekends to snag first pick of the pastry case’s croissants, baguettes, tarts, cakes and cookies; once they sell out for the day, they’re gone.

Address: 624 S La Brea Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90036

Opening hours: Tue–Thu 8am–2pm, 5:30–10pm; Fri 8am–2pm, 5–10pm; Sat 8am–2pm, 5:30–10pm; Sun 8am–2pm

  • American creative
  • Alhambra
  • price 2 of 4
  • 4 out of 5 stars
  • Recommended
  • Sustainable

What is it? A new-school San Gabriel Valley dining destination serving the farm-to-table Chinese-inspired dinner of our dreams (plus an excellent brunch).

Why we love it: Highly inventive yet tinged with nostalgia, Yang’s Kitchen is the new-school Chinese restaurant we’ve been searching high and low for. The more recently added dinner service is what won me over, but Yang’s deceptively simple brunch offerings have been a cornerstone of the restaurant’s business model since the pandemic. Thoughtfully sourced ingredients, living wages and an ethos of sustainability thread themselves into every delicious dish, including their must-order sesame noodles made with Persian cucumbers and house chili crisp. Of course, a.m. delights like smoked salmon hash and even a Japanese breakfast set (look for Yang’s Set Meal) receive a careful touch of artisanry that’s easily discernible on first bite. For something sweeter, order the cornmeal mochi pancake, which comes with whipped cream, condensed milk and seasonal fruit from the farmers’ market. Wine and beer available.

Time Out tip: Those who arrive before 11am on weekdays can indulge in the Yang Slam—the restaurant’s gourmet take on a breakfast special. For $21, you’ll get two farm-fresh eggs, cornmeal pancakes, sausage or bacon, and a house-made hash brown, plus the option to add coffee or toast for a dollar more.

Address: 112 W Main St, Alhambra, CA 91801

Opening hours: Mon 10am–2pm; Thu 10am–2pm, 5–9pm; Fri 10am–2pm, 5–9:30pm; Sat 9am–2:30pm, 5–9:30pm; Sun 9am–2:30pm, 5–9pm

Advertising
  • American
  • Venice
  • price 3 of 4
  • 4 out of 5 stars
  • Recommended

What is it: The upscale, all-day Cal-Italian dining destination along Abbot Kinney that helped usher in the era of Venice’s full-blown gentrification.

Why we love it: Whether you love or hate it, Gjelina has quite a few disciples, and for good reason. Even in the dead of winter, the seasonally focused menu, eaten alongside a mix of tourists, locals and influencers, can’t help but bring in the sunshine. Founding chef Travis Lett has long since departed the kitchen—you can find him cooking at RVR, an izakaya located down the street—but current management has maintained the quality, consistency and seasonality of cooking that Gjelina is well-known for. During brunch, the lemon ricotta pancakes topped with blueberry compote are always a crowd-pleaser, as is the duck hash, topped with a crispy fried egg and seasoned with whole grain mustard. The restaurant also offers the same winning mix of vegetables, sandwiches and pizzas that make it one of the best restaurants in Venice. Wine, beer and cocktails available.

Time Out tip: During weekend brunch, my favorite seats in the house are on the back patio.

Address: 1429 Abbot Kinney Blvd, Venice, CA 90291

Opening hours: Daily 9am–10:30pm

  • Cafés
  • Beverly Hills
  • price 1 of 4
  • 4 out of 5 stars
  • Recommended

What is it? First and foremost, this is a bakery, and the menu is built around chef and founder Or Amsalam’s spectacular long-fermented, high-hydration breads, which are transformative across sandwiches, paired with egg dishes, and as the foundation for toasts.

Why we love it: With three locations now doling out the beloved breads in a variety of ways, this menu has become both a weekend and weekday staple. Especially in Beverly Hills, where small plates and chintzy sizing tend to rule the block, portions at Lodge Bread Co. are almost shockingly generous. Classic toasts like ricotta and jam, an avocado iteration or smoked salmon piled high atop cream cheese and dusted with dill are available as a starting point, but why do anything by halves? Get a full sandwich packed with turkey, Havarti, and arugula on their salty, crunchy, light-as-air focaccia, or a classic BLT slathered with mayo on the sourdough Pullman loaf. Yes, a pickle spear will accompany your sandwich order, though there are no fries on the menu. You won’t even miss them due to the size of these handhelds—though if you’re really craving potatoes, the classic breakfast plate comes with both roasted fingerling potatoes and toast. A friend of mine orders the baked eggs religiously anytime he’s here, carefully mixing the silken puff of eggs, fontina and chives together, and spooning it atop his toast; this menu is built of stuff that inspires rituals. “Our bread is very simple, it’s got a good texture and toasts up really nice—it’s a great vessel for anything,” Amsalam says. Keep in mind, freshly-made morning pastry options are all first-come, first-served, and there’s only coffee and soft drinks for libations, no alcohol. That just leaves more room in your budget to take home an entire loaf of bread, all of which are priced well under $20, unlike many competitors. 

Time Out tip: There’s no other way to say this—the cinnamon roll is as big as your head. It’s absolutely a must-order but you’ll have to show up early to get one, especially on the weekends. 

Address: 295 S. Robertson Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90211

Opening hours: Daily 8am–4pm

Advertising
  • Diners
  • Hollywood
  • 4 out of 5 stars
  • Recommended

What is it: A longtime Hollywood diner that now serves gourmet twists on classic brunch fare.

Why we love it: Now in the care of Clark Street Bakery’s Zack Hall, the former 101 Coffee Shop space has a fresh coat of paint, a well-stocked pastry case and fine-tuned versions of old-school diner fare—and that’s exactly how we like it. Here, no-frills egg dishes come carefully cooked and seasoned, the three-high stack of blueberry pancakes are dripping in real maple syrup and, of course, the bread in every hot or cold sandwich is first-rate—and it’s all available until 9pm, five days of the week. While Clark Street Diner might strike some as more breakfast than brunch, the heavy weekend crowds through the middle of the afternoon beg to differ. Besides, who can resist the lure of perfectly flaky kouign-amann alongside a cup of hot coffee and some soft-fried eggs? For the boozy brunch crowd, Clark Street Diner also serves mimosas, micheladas, bellinis and natural wines by the glass. Wine and beer available.

Time Out tip: Clark Street Diner also makes milkshakes, with a vegan option available.

Address: 6145 Franklin Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90068

Opening hours: Mon, Tue 7am–3pm; Wed–Sun 7am–9pm

  • American creative
  • Culver City
  • price 3 of 4
  • 4 out of 5 stars
  • Recommended

What is it? Chef Jordan Kahn’s pricey, counter service-style daytime café in Culver City.

Why we love it: No detail goes unaccounted for at Destroyer, where otherworldly presentation and high-quality ingredients combine for the most aesthetically pleasing (and delicious) brunch menu in town. Helmed by the same critically acclaimed chef behind Vespertine and Meteora, Destroyer never fails to draw a crowd on late weekend mornings, so be prepared to wait for a seat to eat your strikingly plated food—and to jockey for the limited street parking in the area. Those who have the time and patience, however, will be treated to the joys of unearthing a bite of beef tartare from underneath a tangle of microgreens or digging into a luscious avocado confit—a fine dining-esque experience without the sky-high prices. Destroyer’s menu offerings usually change with the seasons, but you can usually find a comforting koshihikari rice porridge anointed with roasted leeks, burnt onion rings, black garlic and puffed rice; a seasonal French toast; and a bowl of fruit-topped coconut yogurt layered with tapioca pearls and vanilla-almond oil.

Time Out tip: Don’t make the pastries the main event. They’re solid if you’re in the mood for a croissant or a cookie, but not the reason to come to Destroyer. 

Address: 3578 Hayden Ave, Culver City, CA 90232

Opening hours: Mon-Thu 8am–3pm; Fri-Sun 8am–4pm

Advertising
  • Contemporary American
  • Santa Monica
  • 4 out of 5 stars
  • Recommended

What is it: A counter-service brunch destination in Santa Monica from the same group behind Milo + Olive, Rustic Canyon and Birdie G’s. 

Why we love it: The weekend scene at Josh Loeb and Zoe Nathan’s Huckleberry can be intense, so it’s worth stopping by early, if you can, to peruse the daily specials in the pastry case and decide whether you want to pair your huevos rancheros with Valrhona dark chocolate-studded pancakes or something a little more savory, like a farmers’ market vegetable quiche. If you’re in the mood for umami, it’s hard to go wrong with the fried egg sandwich that features the trinity of Tillamook cheddar cheese, applewood smoked bacon and housemade aioli on country toast. These days, you can also find the same menu on the weekdays, when you’ll also get a chance to breathe at this Santa Monica counter-service stalwart while still enjoying equally delicious food. Wine and beer available.

Time Out tip: For a more formal brunch situation in Santa Monica, head to Loeb and Nathan’s other restaurant, Milo + Olive, which also features an excellent cast iron cinnamon roll.

Address: 1014 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90401

Opening hours: Daily 7am–3pm

  • Contemporary American
  • Downtown Arts District
  • price 3 of 4
  • 4 out of 5 stars
  • Recommended

What is it? The Arts District outpost of Top Chef winner Stephanie Izard’s popular Chicago restaurant. 

Why we love it: This airy, plant-filled restaurant serves a destination-worthy Sunday brunch (10am–2pm) that breathes new life into the nebulous dining genre known as “creative, globally inspired small plates.” An offshoot of a pre-existing concept in the Midwest, the Girl & the Goat here in L.A. serves an array of maximalist, occasionally Asian-inspired breakfast items, including a Yucatan pork belly omelette and the potato crepe, an ultra-cheesy hash brown riff on Vietnamese banh xeo. Other highlights include the goat belly confit, a sweet-savory mashup topped with candied pecans and sweet-and-sour sauce and the spiced apple sourdough pancakes topped with oat streusel. Wine, beer and cocktails available.

Time Out tip: If you’re coming here in a group of four or more, the cinnamon roll here is a must-order. 

Address: 555-3 Mateo St, Los Angeles, CA 90013

Opening hours: Mon, Tue 5–9:30pm; Wed–Sat 5–10pm; Sun 10am–2pm, 5–9:30pm

Advertising
  • Cafés
  • Hollywood
  • price 2 of 4
  • 4 out of 5 stars
  • Recommended

What is it: A trendy, extremely popular design-forward café in East Hollywood.

Why we love it: 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 Cafe Telegrama a worthwhile destination for a casual, slightly chaotic weekend brunch. The restaurant 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 still not all the way.

Time Out tip: To avoid the crowds, come for breakfast instead of brunch.

Address: 737 N Western Ave Suite A, Los Angeles, CA 90029

Opening hours: Daily 8am–3pm

  • Mexican
  • Highland Park
  • price 1 of 4
  • 4 out of 5 stars
  • Recommended

What is it: A local Tex-Mex breakfast taco chain with eight outposts across the city, excellent margaritas and some of the city’s best queso.  

Why we love it: Home to award-winning flour tortillas, immaculately crafted daytime cocktails and always-trusty, fairly affordable breakfast tacos, HomeState is the living, breathing definition of what Angelenos really want for brunch. Started by a homesick Texas transplant, the mini-chain offers no-frills tacos stuffed with scrambled eggs and various meat or bean fillings, plus little boats of migas, quesadillas and rotating “band tacos” whose proceeds go to local charities and mutual aid organizations. While we’d forgo the “anytime” taco options in favor of your closest street stand, any of the breakfast tacos on a flour tortilla are easily one of our favorite roll-out-of-bed bites in the city. For drinks, margaritas, palomas and ranch water—a refreshing blend of Topo Chico, tequila and lime—make for a too-easy slide from morning into afternoon if you’re in the mood for day drinking. Beer and cocktails available.

Time Out tip: For optimal seating, head to Sherman Oaks or Highland Park. Otherwise, it can be a little tough to find a table during peak weekend hours. 

Address: Multiple, including Los Feliz, Culver City and Sherman Oaks

Opening hours: Vary by location

Advertising
  • Californian
  • Hollywood
  • price 3 of 4
  • 4 out of 5 stars
  • Recommended

What is it? A ranch-to-table breakfast spot with fast-casual pancake-oriented offshoots in WeHo and Santa Monica.

Why we love it: Though its ranch-to-table ethos might no longer generate as much buzz today, Salt’s Cure and its pancake-oriented spinoff, Breakfast by Salt’s Cure, have remained one of the best quick, no-fuss brunch options in the city, particularly when we’re not looking for a scene. Head to West Hollywood and Santa Monica for chef-owner Chris Phelps’s effortlessly delicious griddle cakes and a casual order-at-the-counter situation. Once you take a bite, you’ll immediately understand why people love them; somehow salty, sweet, doughy and crispy all at the same time, they give normal pancakes a run for their money. Oh, and there’s no syrup served with the griddle cakes. You’ll get over it after the first bite, we promise. At the Santa Monica location, the hearty, full-service brunch also includes sandwiches, salads and plenty of protein. Either way, Salt’s Cure has become our favorite laidback breakfast and brunch destination to keep in our back pocket—and hopefully, it’ll soon be yours too.

Time Out tip: Bring all your friends with dietary restrictions: Salt’s Cure pancakes can be made gluten-free or vegan.

Address: 7494 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90046; 714 Montana Ave, Santa Monica, CA

Opening hours: Vary by location

  • Japanese
  • Hermosa Beach
  • price 2 of 4
  • 4 out of 5 stars
  • Recommended

What is it: A Hermosa Beach dining destination that blends laidback South Bay vibes with approachable Japanese American cuisine.

Why we love it: On the weekends, this chef-driven Japanese American dinner hot spot serves one of the South Bay’s most interesting (and delicious) brunch menus. While you’ll find standards like steak and eggs and a thoughtfully composed breakfast sandwich, the Asian breakfast dishes—like the breakfast fried rice and Taiwanese-inspired egg crepe—are what make Ryla stand out from other brunches in the area. Savory starters like the tuna poke tostada, white sesame Caesar salad and various fusion-style sushi rolls appeal to anyone craving more lunch-worthy fare. If you’re into sweets, order the fluffy, soufflé-like Japanese pancake topped with blueberry compote and housemade Pop-Tarts, with seasonal preparations like brown sugar cinnamon and cream cheese icing. Throw in the bottomless mimosa deal and hangover-curing ramen bowls, and you’ve got the makings of your next beachside Sunday Funday. Wine, beer and cocktails available.

Time Out tip: Ryla is the kind of restaurant that’ll most likely end up in your regular rotation. On your first visit, don’t try to order everything at once; you’ll be back before you know it.

Address: 1220 Hermosa Ave, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254

Opening hours: Mon–Wed 5–10pm; Thu, Fri 5–10:30pm; Sat 10am–10:30pm; Sun 10am–10pm

Advertising
  • Cafés
  • Venice
  • price 1 of 4
  • 4 out of 5 stars
  • Recommended

What is it: A beachy, all-day Australian-style café chain known for its smoothie bowls, wood-fired pizzas and tater-tot-laden breakfast burrito.

Why we love it: With five locations in Venice, Larchmont, Melrose, Brentwood and Studio City, Great White offers a straightforward, consistently better-than-average take on brunch in multiple neighborhoods. I wouldn’t say Great White’s culinary offerings are truly impressive, but the menu gets the job done in a neutral, aesthetically pleasing atmosphere with friendly, efficient staff. There are Aussie staples such as flat whites, plus L.A.-tailored items like the algae-packed smoothie bowl, naturally teal-hued with the help of blue spirulina; red snapper fish tacos dressed with Thai-style nam jim; and, of course, avocado toast. Since the restaurant doesn’t take reservations before 4pm, it’s the ideal spontaneous brunch spot—though you may need to wait 45 minutes or more during peak weekend hours. Throw in the vegan and gluten-free options, well-made cocktails, and a long list of natural wines, and you’ve got yourself a conveniently located crowdpleaser.

Time Out tip: If you’re coming here on the lunch side of brunch, order one of the wood-fired pizzas. 

Address: Multiple, including Venice, Larchmont and Melrose

Opening hours: Vary by location

  • Cafés
  • Fairfax District
  • 3 out of 5 stars
  • Recommended

What is it: A popular local brunch chain known for its signature cornflake-encrusted French toast.

Why we love it: Fighting the brunch crowds at any Blu Jam Cafe’s six locations—Melrose, Downtown, Brentwood, Woodland Hills, Sherman Oaks and Atwater Village—requires a special kind of patience, but that should clue you in: Blu Jam is the kind of fun, decadent and (most importantly) approachable brunch that can’t be beat. The menu here is mostly straightforward, with all of the genre’s greatest hits: French toast, crepes, hashes, chilaquiles, salads and sandwiches. But what truly sets Blu Jam apart is the kitchen’s unflagging consistency. Between the three variations on eggs Benedict that make the corners of your mouth involuntarily turn up and their signature crunchy-coated French toast that’s hard to turn down, the restaurant is well worth the lengthy weekend wait. All-around fantastic service adds a neighborhood feel to the local mini-chain, which first opened its doors on Melrose in 2006. Wine, beer and cocktails available.

Time Out tip: This is one of the more inclusive brunch options in town, with a handful of options for vegans and those with other dietary restrictions.

Address: Multiple, including Melrose, Brentwood and Downtown

Opening hours: Mon–Fri 9am–2pm; Sat, Sun 9am–3pm

Advertising
  • Diners
  • Westside
  • price 2 of 4
  • 3 out of 5 stars
  • Recommended

What is it: A longtime Westside daytime staple known across the city for its biscuits, fried chicken and family-friendly atmosphere. 

Why we love it: For the past four-plus decades, John O’Groats has offered the best no-frills breakfast and lunch on the Westside, plus some of the best biscuits, fried chicken and fish and chips in town. Weekend morning waits might get long, but the friendly staff and generally relaxed crowd of families and locals keep the process of dining at this beloved daytime eatery from feeling far less stressful as some others on this list. Everything is simple and made with care, but what we like best of all is the utter lack of pretension on display here, every day of the week. Take a seat at the counter or grab a table if you’re in a larger group, but note that service is fairly quick here—given how popular John O’ Groats is, this isn’t the place for lingering. Wine and beer available.

Time Out tip: Other menu standouts include the buttermilk pancakes, tuna melt and savory bacon and cheddar waffle.

Address: 10516 W Pico Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90064

Opening hours: Daily 8am–3pm

More brunch options in L.A.

Advertising
Recommended
    Latest news
      Advertising