The best breakfast spots in Los Angeles

What is it? An all-day Cali-French café, bakery and dinnertime spot where it is nigh on 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 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 weekday breakfast (available until 2pm), Walter swaps the seasonally inspired bistro cuisine for gourmet staples, including beef short rib kimchi fried rice, a cheesy lobster omelette and a Belgian waffle. Best of all, the breakfast menu is almost identical on weekends and weekdays.

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 are also available starting at 9am—which makes for a delightful Asian American spin on breakfast. 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. 

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) breakfast 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 a bowl of almond milk-soaked oatmeal topped with red currants or 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 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 morning 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 menu 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

What is it: The newer, larger second location of Vivian Ku’s beloved fast-casual Taiwanese eatery in Silver Lake. 

Why we love it: Compared to the original, Pine & Crane Downtown offers a seriously major menu upgrade: Taiwanese breakfast staples like purple rice fan tuan, daikon rice cakes and chive-and-egg pockets, all served from 8 to 11am. Luscious thousand-layer pancakes stuffed with basil and cheese, plus a smattering of other dishes from Highland Park’s Joy on York, are available as well. My favorite item, by far, is the vegan-friendly breakfast rice porridge set, which comes with your choice of braised pork belly or bean curd and six different toppings for your congee. The Downtown outpost’s expansive open-air patio, plentiful seating and relatively central location make for a wonderful, centrally located Taiwanese breakfast—and if you arrive just before 11am, you can turn it into an early brunch as well. 

Time Out tip: Order a mug of soy milk. While you can order it plain, you can also amp up the flavor with black sesame or make it a savory snack with a mix of pork floss, youtiao (cruller doughnuts), preserved vegetables, scallions, vinegar and chili oil.

Address: 1120 S Grand Ave Unit 101, Los Angeles, CA 90015

Opening hours: Daily 8am–10pm

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 breakfast hours, 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 several variations on eggs, from scrambled to fried to Moroccan-style with tomato sauce and merguez sausage. 

Time Out tip: On sunny mornings, 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: A no-frills, budget-friendly Taiwanese breakfast spot in a Monterey Park strip mall.

Why we love it: Huge Tree Pastry isn’t the only Taiwanese breakfast spot in the San Gabriel Valley, but it’s one of the most affordable, long-running options in the area. This cash-only spot has all the classics of the genre, from fantuan—bundles of sweet purple or white wrapped around scrambled egg, fried youtiao (cruller doughnuts), pork floss and pickles—to scallion pancakes, pan-fried radish cakes, baked sesame bread and full-sized youtiao, which are perfect for dipping into a cup of steaming hot soy milk (available in both sweet or salty). These days, the family-run restaurant has reopened its modest dining room for on-site dining, so you can enjoy your meal right there on the spot.

Time Out tip: If you’re coming for lunch, order some of the dumplings, a pork chop rice plate or a bowl of noodle soup.

Address: 423 N Atlantic Blvd, Monterey Park, CA 91754

Opening hours: Mon, Tue, Thu–Sun 7am–3pm

What is it: A mini-chain of bakery-cafés with a focus on naturally leavened sourdough breads and pastries. 

Why we love it: Founded in a backyard by Alexander Phaneuf (who’s since left the company) and Or Amsalam, this once-humble bakery pop-up focused on naturally leavened breads has grown into a best-in-class breakfast destination in its own right. The same detail-oriented baking process goes into Lodge Bread’s excellent coffee cake and other pastries, as well as toasts and sandwiches, and the tea and coffee are top-notch as well. Indulge in their humongous cinnamon rolls slathered with cream cheese icing, or opt for the toast topped with ricotta and jam; for those who prefer savory over sweet, the luscious eggplant hummus with the Jerusalem bagel or a warm piece of pita will more than satisfy.

Time Out tip: The cinnamon sugar toast makes for a decadent morning treat.

Address: Culver City: 11918 Washington Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90066; Woodland Hills: 20929 Ventura Blvd #22, Woodland Hills, CA 91364; Beverly Hills: 295 S Robertson Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90211.

Opening hours: Daily 8am–4pm

What is it: A casual Hong Kong-style café in San Gabriel and Rowland Heights that serves an affordable, top-notch Cantonese breakfast.

Why we love it: Available from 8 to 11am, the breakfast menu at Tam’s Noodle House offers all the greatest hits of a Cantonese morning meal. This includes congee with various toppings and a few variations on cheung fun (steamed rice rolls), which come to your table soft, velvety and ready to be doused with sweet soy sauce. Wake yourself up with Hong Kong-style milk tea or coffee and an extra helping of carbs in the form of soy sauce chow mein or a sugary pineapple bun. Of all the Hong Kong-style cafés I’ve tried in the San Gabriel Valley, Tam’s is also the most consistent across the board, whether you’re stopping by in the morning or coming here for dinner. You can also find a similar menu in the mornings at HK Macau Bistro in San Gabriel, which is run by the same family behind Tam’s.

Time Out tip: I don’t recommend coming here with more than six; unlike Chinese banquet-style dining rooms, the tiny no-frills space isn’t particularly suitable for large groups.

Address: San Gabriel: 120 N San Gabriel Blvd #J, San Gabriel, CA 91775; Rowland Heights: 19035 Colima Rd, Rowland Heights, CA 91748

Opening hours: San Gabriel: Daily 8am–9pm; Rowland Heights: Daily 8am–10pm

What is it: A counter-service breakfast 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 weekdays, when you’ll also get a chance to breathe at this Santa Monica counter-service stalwart while still enjoying equally delicious food. 

Time Out tip: For a more formal sit-down breakfast situation in Santa Monica, head to Loeb and Nathan’s other restaurant, Milo + Olive, which features market-fresh takes on all the classics plus an egg-topped polenta bowl.

Address: 1014 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90401

Opening hours: Daily 7am–3pm

What is it: An iconic LAX-adjacent diner that’s one of the city’s leading examples of Googie architecture. 

Why we love it: This Westchester daytime staple offers impeccable retro vibes—you’re literally stepping into a piece of L.A. history—and some of the best fried chicken and waffles in the city. The high-quality service and straightforward fare has kept morning crowds at Pann’s thick since the diner first opened in 1958, and the location makes it fairly convenient for travelers flying in and out of LAX—at least if you’re departing or arriving in the morning or early afternoon. Beyond fried chicken, Pann’s also serves the increasingly hard-to-find ham steak, pancakes, omelettes and pancakes. The hefty country-fried steak, which comes with a fluffy biscuit, is another menu standout. For lunch, look towards the patty melt, cornmeal breaded catfish and a slew of sandwiches and salads. 

Time Out tip: If you’re in a rush, Pann’s also offers takeout, but I really recommend taking the time to dine in.

Address: 6710 La Tijera Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90045

Opening hours: Daily 7am–3pm

What is it: A no-frills diner inside an inland South Bay bowling alley with destination-worthy homestyle takes on Hawaiian local food.

Why we love it: The South Bay is home to a sizable Japanese American population, including many who moved to L.A. from Hawaii. As such, there are plenty of eateries serving “local food”—a term for fusion-style island cuisine informed by Chinese, Japanese, Filipino, Puerto Rican and Portuguese immigrants. While Gardena Bowl serves the usual American breakfast plates, this no-frills neighborhood joint is best known for local food breakfast staples like the Hawaiian Royal (a teriyaki-laden mix of sausage, chashu, green onions and scrambled eggs over rice) and French toast made with Hawaiian-style sweet bread. If you’re arriving closer to lunch hour, order the loco moco, served with a classic beef patty or kalua pork; a comforting bowl of saimin noodle soup; or one of the teriyaki rice plates. The bowling alley crowd and a steady stream of regulars keeps Gardena Bowl fairly busy, however, so steel yourself for a wait if you’re arriving on the later side of the morning on weekends.

Time Out tip: If you’re not able to get down to the South Bay, the longtime Rutt’s in Culver City will hit the spot—though I think the breakfast at Gardena Bowl is still slightly better.

Address: 15707 S Vermont Ave, Gardena, CA 90247

Opening hours: Mon–Thu 8am–9pm; Fri, Sat 8am–10pm; Sun 8am–9pm

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 40-plus years, 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 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 a week. Come by Clark Street Diner on weekdays for more of a laid-back breakfast—the heavy weekend crowds can disturb the sanctity of the most important meal of the day. Besides, who can resist the lure of perfectly flaky kouign-amann alongside a cup of hot coffee and some soft-fried eggs?

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 cash-only diner in Culver City that’s keeping the greasy spoon tradition alive on the Westside. 

Why we love it: If your ideal breakfast consists of hearty dishes like biscuits and gravy, country-fried steak or a stack of platter-sized pancakes, S&W Country Diner is the place for you. Founded in 1997, essentially every dish and drink here is classically executed, from the mugs of diner-style drip coffee to the Belgian waffles generously studded with chocolate chips or blueberries. I also like the corn beef hash, chicken burritos and build-your-own omelettes here. Plus, unlike most other breakfast spots in L.A. these days, the restaurant’s retro ambience and everyday crowd dials way, way back on the tryhard L.A. vibes, making this locals’ only spot our favorite place to let our hair down before 2pm.

Time Out tip: For extra sugar to start your day, order Sam’s Special Hot Coffee—a mix of hot chocolate and vanilla nut coffee topped with whipped cream and cinnamon.

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

Opening hours: Daily 8am–2pm

What is it: The Echo Park brick-and-mortar of cult-favorite fish sandwich pop-up.

Why we love it: After years of slinging gourmet, McDonald’s-inspired fried fish sandwiches around town, Anna Sonenshein and Niki Vahle now oversee a takeout window with limited outdoor seating operating out of Dada, an upscale grocery store, restaurant and bar on Sunset Boulevard. The vegan-friendly sandwiches and salads make for a solid lunch if you find yourself in the area, but the chef-owners truly distinguish themselves with their breakfast items. Available until 11am on the days Little Fish is open, the menu consists of two mouthwatering congees (one made with striped bass, the other vegetarian); a classic breakfast sandwich that uses Lowry Hill Provisions ham; a Bub and Grandma’s smoked fish tartine; pillowy cottage cheese pancakes served with sour cream and housemade jam; and a whimsical shrimp-based breakfast sausage sandwich served on coconut bread sourced from Silver Lake’s Café Tropical. I also loved the Norwegian-style brown cheese toast, which delivers nutty, almost caramel-like undertones for a standout—though slightly decadent—breakfast.

Time Out tip: If you prefer matcha over coffee in the morning, head here. The drinks here use Rocky’s Matcha, one of the city’s top ceremonial-grade purveyors. 

Address: 1606 W Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026

Opening hours: Wed–Sun 8am–4pm

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 before 10am.

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

Opening hours: Daily 8am–3pm

What is it: A no-reservation breakfast and lunch counter inside the Beverly Hills Hotel.

Why we love it: From Marilyn Monroe to Bad Bunny, the Fountain Coffee Room has seen and served them all—and while the classic diner fare isn’t anything special, the Pink Palace’s Hollywood history and old-school feel have long made the Fountain Coffee Room a great place for a destination-worthy, slightly pricey L.A. breakfast. In the morning, you can’t go wrong with the famous silver dollar pancakes or a classic eggs Benedict, but locals who stop by during lunch also swear by the faithful array of no-frills sandwiches and banana splits made with housemade ice cream. Of course, given the area code, you can also snack (or sip) on lighter, more health-conscious fare like made-to-order fruit and vegetables juices, a “healthy” basil pesto Benedict and steel-cut oats with seasonal fruit compote. 

Time Out tip: To save some cash, you can park on Crescent Drive just outside the hotel—just keep in mind the two-hour time limit, which is enforced daily from 8am to 6pm.

Address: 9641 W Sunset Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90210

Opening hours: Daily 7am–4pm

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 of 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 breakfast spot 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.

Time Out tip: This is one of more inclusive breakfast options in town, with a handful of offerings 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