Angelenos take brunch culture very seriously. Whether you’re craving a traditional brunch complete with eggs and waffles, or you’re craving Thai or Mexican food, it’s all accessible in Los Angeles.
Brunch: One Meal to Rule Them All
It’s not quite breakfast and it’s not quite lunch. For those of us who would eat breakfast any time of the day, brunch is easily the highlight of the weekend. Depending on whether you’re closer to DTLA or West L.A., the city is replete with brunch options to fit any craving.
1. Joan’s On Third
If you’re in search of quality, traditional brunch cuisine, Joan’s On Third in West Hollywood is a local favorite. Founded by Joan McNamara, the restaurant is family-owned and operated. The venue is replete with wide, open spaces and follows a white color scheme with simple accents of black. Some of the more popular brunch items on their menu include the New York Breakfast Sandwich, Bonne Femme Omelet, Scottish Smoked Salmon, and the Turkey Sandwich on Baguette. For those with a sweet tooth, the freshly baked morning buns, scones, raspberry crumb squares, and decadent brownies are not to be missed. Additionally it is also a marketplace, café, and offers a full catering and event planning services.
Find out more about Joan’s On Third via its website.
2. Eggslut
Eggslut’s egg sandwiches are probably the most popular breakfast sandwiches on social media–especially since acquiring one requires waking up at 6 a.m. to beat the lines. Although the restaurant is opening more stores in Glendale and New York, the original is located in DTLA’s Grand Central Market. Aside from their unique recipes, Eggslut has garnered a large following because of their use of high quality ingredients like cage-free eggs and freshly baked bread delivered daily. In the words of the company, their menu is “a balance of comfort and innovation, celebrating food that appeals to both novice and extreme foodies through classic comfort fare with a twist, all-encompassing our key ingredient, eggs.” The restaurant specialties are the “slut,” which includes a “cage-free coddled egg on top of a smooth potato puree, poached in a glass jar, topped with grape salt and chives, served with slices of baguette;” and the “buttermilk biscuit,” a “house-made buttermilk biscuit served with butter and maple syrup.”
Find out more about Eggslut via its website.
3. The Little Next Door
An extension of The Little Door, The Little Next Door is ideal for a French brunch. The restaurant is a French Brasserie “featuring farm-fresh seasonal fare.” Weekend brunch hours are generously set from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and feature a variety of flavors for any palette. Brunch favorites include the Poached Eggs Basquaise, Ham and Gruyere Croissant, and Moroccan Merguez Wrap. For those in search of a heavier food, the restaurant’s Steak Frites and Pecan-Crusted White Fish are not to be missed. Cocktails made with either cremant or champagne combined with Mimosa, Hibiscus, or Kir Royale make delectable additions to any brunch.
Find out more about The Little Next Door via its website.
4. Wolf
For those craving an Asian brunch, Wolf is the spot. The restaurant describes its cuisine as “Modern Californian” but it has Thai and Korean influences as well. Many of the restaurant’s ingredients are locally sourced from organic family farms, since the restaurant insists on using only the freshest ingredients. Wolf’s head chef, Marcel Vigneron, was also a runner up in Top Chef and was also featured in Top Chef All-Stars, and Iron Chef. Local favorite from Wolf’s menu include the Herb Omelet and Crispy Potatoes. Heartier alternatives include Chicken and Waffles, the 10k Burger, and Steak and Eggs.
Find out more about Wolf via its website.
5. Mercado
Sometimes a breakfast burrito is all that will do. Mercado on W. 3rd St. specializes in Mexican food that is authentic and fresh. Its décor is rustic with an industrial edge: Distressed wooden furniture, marble counters, white puebla brickwork, and wide windows combine Mexican tradition with a relaxed Californian aesthetic. For brunch drinks, locals love the Guataba Mimosas, Mercado Margarita, and the Chipotle Bloody Mary. Mercado’s hearty brunch options include Choriqueso, Rompope French Toast, Jicama Shrimp Tacos, and Chef Jose’s Breakfast Burrito.
Find out more about Mercado via its website.
Looking for Adventures After Brunch?
For more insider tips on the best places to explore, take a look at our guide to the best day trips in Los Angeles.