FOOD BUZZ: Top Los Angeles Brunch Spots

Whether it’s celebrating a special occasion or just catching up with friends over a leisurely meal,  a great brunch is the perfect weekend indulgence. Here are our favorite spots in Los Angeles for the first meal of the day.

Axe
1009 Abbot Kinney Blvd.,
Venice, CA 90291
(310) 664-9787

Pronounced “Ah-chay”, this tranquil space on Abbot Kinney offers a diverse selection of organic and locally sourced brunch items ranging from scrumptious whole grain pancakes and organic eggs with pesto, to global items like Korean scallion pancakes.  Arrive early because the minimalist space fills up quickly with hip Venice locals and die-hard foodies who make the cross-town drive.

Gjelina
1429 Abbot Kinney Blvd
Venice, CA 90291
(310) 450-1429

There is still a two-month wait list for weekend dinner reservations at this Venice hotspot, so try weekend brunch instead. Although the line still snakes out the door if you don’t call ahead, the wait is worth it. Enjoy traditional breakfast items like slow-cooked oatmeal with raisins or dive into gastronomical hits like the wood fired pizza with smoke mozzarella and eggplant, exotic chickpea stew, or the melt-in-your-mouth burratta with marinated artichokes.

La Conversation
638 North Doheny Drive
Los Angeles, CA
(310) 858-0950

This cozy restaurant serves the best fresh baked croissants in town and on the weekends each table gets a complimentary basket of mini croissants and muffins to enjoy while they wait for delicious brunch items like delectable pumpkin pancakes, fluffy omelets, and scrumptious eggs benedict served on a croissant. The owners are true Francophiles, which explains the kitschy flowered wallpaper and Eiffel tower statues that add to the charm of this gem.

Casa Del Mar
1910 Ocean Way
Santa Monica, CA 90405
(310) 581-5533

The soaring floor to ceiling windows offering panoramic views of the Pacific are just the entree to the Sunday brunch at the Veranda, a true Southern California experience. Savor the three-course brunch menu with items like watermelon salad and smoke salmon platter before moving on to a main course of lemon ricotta pancakes, ham and Gruyere omelet, or steak frites. Sip a Bellini and gaze out at the crashing waves and Santa Monica pier before moving on to dessert, including a twice baked chocolate soufflé or warm raspberry custard that is not to be missed.

Comme Ca
8479 Melrose Avenue
West Hollywood, CA 90069
(323) 782-1104

Enjoy brunch classics with a French twist at David Myers’ cool West Hollywood spot, including yummy crème brulee French toast or rich quiche Lorraine. For heartier fare, try the steak tartare, Comme Ca burger, or the warm and juicy French Dip. Don’t miss the handcrafted cocktails or linger over a carafe of wine.