The best brunch restaurants in Los Angeles

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 fried chicken and waffle. 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

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 jalapeño bacon biscuits, 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 housemade hashbrown, plus the option to add coffee or toast for a dollar more.

Address: 112 W Main St Alhambra, CA 91801

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

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: Daily 8am–3pm

What is it? A breathtaking beautiful Downtown restaurant run by longtime L.A. culinary veteran Neal Fraser.

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–10pm; Sun 10am–9pm

What is it? A ranch-to-table breakfast spot in Hollywood 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 Hollywood original, 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: Multiple, including Hollywood, West Hollywood and Santa Monica

Opening hours: Varies by location

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, 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

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 crab and 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

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 8am–10:30pm

What is it: An (in)famous European-style bistro in Hollywood known for its excellent cocktails, decadent cuisine and yes, a bit of scandal.

Why we love it: By night, this see-and-be-seen joint largely functions as a signifier of cultural capital for the bicoastal elite that happens to have great, if slightly pricey, brasserie fare. On Sunday mornings, however, the restaurant offers a far more laidback atmosphere alongside an indulgent brunch menu, complete with unique cocktails. The late morning sun streams through the main dining room’s skylight, which features a baby-blue equine mural, and it’s far easier to get a table as a walk-in. Even the oatmeal here tastes like dessert, courtesy of brown sugar brulée, so lean into a lazy, over-the-top aspect of brunch with the banana walnut sticky bun, boudin blanc sausage and egg and a standout tortilla española sprinkled with speck. You can also order evening staples like smoked salmon lavash, cheeseburger and the house Caesar, which uses endive in place of romaine lettuce. Above all, however, I recommend ordering the crispy, crepe-like pancakes, which only need a drizzle of lemon juice and a pat of butter to shine—but the restaurant will provide maple syrup upon request. Wine, beer and cocktails available.

Time Out tip: Given the strength of the cocktail program (I particularly liked the peach bellini and Bloody Mary), Horses is the place to do boozy brunch right now. It’s also one of the few places in town that makes a pornstar martini.

Address: 7617 W Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90046

Opening hours: Wed–Sat 5:30pm–1am; Sun 10am–2:30pm, 5:30–11pm

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 a zesty, jet black aguachile tatemado, fried chicken tacos 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 La Fresa (bar director Max Reis’s take on a michelada) 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: If you’re not a fan of tequila and mezcal, opt for the La Sonodora, a gin-based clarified milk punch.

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

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

What is it: A rooftop restaurant inside a luxury fitness club that serves globally inspired wellness cuisine. 

Why we love it: With purportedly healthy “functional” ingredients, a stylish rooftop atmosphere and bottomless rosé, weekend brunch (11am–3pm) at celebrity chef Michael Mina’s Mother Tongue offers an ideal mix of ambience and cuisine. Executive chef Fernando Darin’s $39 prix-fixe menu—which includes your choice of starter and entrée—includes a host of delicious, often vegan-friendly items that don’t compromise on flavor; think shiitake mushroom larb, striped bass crudo and a turmeric-yellow tofu scramble with sweet potato hash browns and black kale. When the weather’s warm, the striking outdoor patio is the perfect place to kick back with a watermelon sage mimosa or two, plus some oysters or Mother Tongue’s signature spreads and flatbreads for the table. A newer Bloody Mary and michelada program also features garden blends by Mina’s wife, Diane. Wine, beer and cocktails available.

Time Out tip: Not a fan of mushrooms or tofu? The whole grain bowl and egg sando are also great brunch entrée options.

Address: 960 N La Brea Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90038

Opening hours: Daily 11am–9pm

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 Tart, made with fresh strawberries from the Santa Monica Farmers’ Market. 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

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

What is it: A longtime Vietnamese fusion restaurant in Beverly Hills beloved for its garlic noodles and ritzy atmosphere. 

Why we love it: For birthdays and other special occasions, the ambience, service and tasty Asian-inspired dishes at Crustacean make brunching in Beverly Hills feel worth every penny. The weekend brunch menu (available from 11:30am to 3pm) includes a vibrant ube soufflé pancake, filet mignon hash brown “benedict” and “an sum,” a dim sum-inspired menu of dumplings and other small bites delivered via an old-school steel cart. I also enjoyed the breezy brunch cocktails, particularly the “pop-lini” (a bellini crowned with a peach purée popsicle) and the Turmeric Mule, a bright yellow, gin-based take on a Moscow mule. If you’re in the mood for more lunch than brunch, you can still enjoy Crustacean’s famous garlic noodles with shrimp or Dungeness crab, plus other longtime dinner favorites. Wine, beer and cocktails available.

Time Out tip: Skip valet and park across the street in the relatively affordable public parking lot at 461 North Bedford Drive.

Address: 468 N Bedford Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90210

Opening hours: Tue–Fri noon–2:30pm, 5–10pm; Sat, Sun 11:30am–3pm, 5–10pm

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

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

What is it: A local Tex-Mex breakfast taco chain with seven outposts across the city, excellent margaritas and some of the city’s only 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: Varies

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

What is it: An upscale soul food restaurant in West Adams run by Watts native Keith Corbin and Bay Area fine dining veteran Daniel Patterson.

Why we love it: With the recent closure of Post & Beam, I’ve been searching for a place to fill the soul food brunch-shaped hole in my heart. With classics like shrimp and grits, fried catfish and cornbread with honey butter, Alta Adams is the obvious next best option. The newer weekend brunch menu includes many of the dinnertime staples—though I still can’t really recommend the fried chicken on its own—and a stellar plate of cornmeal pancakes served with brown butter caramel syrup and honey butter. Prices here run on the higher side, but the polished atmosphere and attentive service typically help bridge the gap. The biscuits here get the job done, as does the $62 mimosa flight, which allows parties of two or more to try all four seasonal mimosa flavors with an entire bottle of Prosecco. 

Time Out tip: Don’t come here for a light meal—this is stick-to-your-ribs fare.

Address: 5359 W Adams Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90016

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

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

What is it: A Venice brunch destination known for high-quality pastries, smoked fish and its sky-high prices.

Why we love it: Brought to you by the same folks behind Gjelina, you might miss Gjusta if you don’t know what you’re looking for. Operating out of a nondescript warehouse near Gold’s Gym, this high-end deli and bakery usually has a small crowd waiting outside. Step inside and you’ll find a long, narrow corridor with glass cases of sweet and savory treats on the left, and a working bakery behind it. On the sweet side, slices of fruit are folded into sugar-glazed dough for a morning indulgence; a banana chocolate tart, while pricey, is worth a post-lunch splurge. On the savory side, sandwiches and salads make for an ideal lunch spot, with cuts of meat and fish, whether served to-go or in Gjusta’s limited indoor seating or quaint, plant-filled patio area. Note: There’s also a mandatory 20% service charge for dining in, as well as 15% for takeout orders, though you don’t need to tip on top of that.

Time Out tip: When available, order the baklava croissant and the tahini brownie. 

Address: 320 Sunset Ave, Venice, CA 90291

Opening hours: Daily 7am–4pm

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 three locations in Venice, Larchmont and Melrose, plus a soon-to-open fourth location in Brentwood, 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 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: Varies