There is no more common question in LA on Saturday and Sunday mornings then, “where should we get brunch?” Brunch in LA is more than a meal, it is an activity. One of my favorite things to do on the weekends is catch up with friends or family over an (oftentimes) gluttonous, hours-long meal. Sometimes, you’ll find a group of us at the same restaurant for so many hours, that the sun is down by the time we leave.
There is always these tried-and-true brunch spots that stand the test of time, like Cecconi’s, Soho House, Republique and the Four Seasons Los Angeles, which never fail or disappoint, though they can be a bit of a scene and feel more formal, as if you need to plan way ahead for that occasion and put on your Sunday’s best. There is a now a newer crop of more low key restaurants serving up casual brunch fare that rival the classics in a more down-to-earth setting, where you can leave your heels at home. Here, a list of the best new places in Los Angeles to grab a quick, casual brunch on the weekend.
Gjusta
Gjusta is possibly the best modern deli in the city. If you go, prepare to wait, but know the line is worth it. It’s the kind of place where everything looks good, and you need to seriously strategize before ordering. Gjusta is essentially a juice bar-bakery-deli-pizzeria-coffee shop-smokehouse all in one, so there is something for everyone, and that something chosen will inevitably be great.
Highely Likely
Highly Likely has the bright, airy, vibrant vibe of a classic Australian cafes. You’ll find Californian takes on breakfast classics on the menu, all of which are very good, but standouts include the fish sandwich, made with locally caught, tempura-battered fried fish and kosho tartar sauce, or the Japanese porridge bowl with housemade pickles, dashi broth, Okinawa potatoes, mushrooms, greens, miso granola, and a soft boiled egg.
Kismet
Kismet is a bright, minimalist restaurant in Los Feliz that offers an eclectic Middle Eastern/Mediterranean style brunch made with super fresh ingredients. If you go, don’t miss the scone with lemon cream and cinnamon babka toast.
Huckleberry
With a line wrapping around the corner most mornings, it’s not easy snagging a table at Huckleberry on the weekend. The focus on seasonal, locally sourced dishes and friendly staff seem to make the westside wait more than worth it.
Little Ruby
New York City’s widely loved Ruby Café opened a Los Angeles outpost—Little Ruby, and it’s just what downtown Santa Monica needed. The westside location serves up a selection of Australia-inspired dishes including Vegemite toast, chia muesli, and sweet corn fritters for “brekkie,” which is best enjoyed overlooking the Pacific from the restaurant’s casual outdoor patio.
Croft Alley
Croft Alley may be one of my favorite places to have brunch on the weekends in Los Angeles. Originally opened in the alley of Melrose Place, behind the famous Farmers Market, is an indescript little restaurant that feels more like your own kitchen at home than a restaurant. Croft Alley’s food is simply authentic and Californian with delicious items like chlorophyl yogurt with berries, avocado toast, and truffle eggs. The most exciting news to come about Croft Alley this year? They just opened a new location in Beverly Hills, as well!
Ladurée
You may be familiar with the famous Ladurée, the luxury French bakery that has now opened multiple locations in the U.S. Although I am not plant-based, many of my friends are, so I was excited to learn that Ladurée Beverly Hills recently partnered with chef Matthew Kenney to create a fully vegan menu – a first for Ladurée. Now you can enjoy a plant-based decadent brunch, complete with yummy dairy-free macarons, eggless omelets and more.
Edo at The Grove
I was so excited when I found out that one of my favorite chefs, Edoardo Baldi, who has the restaurant E.Baldi in Beverly Hills (which I have loved for years) opened a new, more casual dining experience at The Grove called Edo by Edoardo Baldi. The restaurant serves up Tuscan fare in a relaxed setting in the heart of the shopping and entertainment destination by Caruso. Don’t miss out on the avocado toast, buratta with truffle pizzette, or the sweet corn ravioli. Yum!
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