Los Angeles is a city that knows how to do brunch. With year-round sunshine, a culinary scene shaped by countless cultures, and a lifestyle that practically demands long, leisurely weekend meals, LA has earned its reputation as one of the most exciting brunch destinations in the country. Whether you’re a first-time visitor mapping out a food-filled itinerary or a local looking for your next favorite weekend haunt, the city’s brunch offerings stretch from upscale dining rooms to cozy neighborhood favorites and everything in between.
Here’s a look at some of the standout spots worth adding to your list.
A James Beard Award Winner Sets the Standard
For a brunch that consistently tops best-of lists across the city, it’s hard to beat Republique. This perennial favorite draws crowds with a French-inspired menu, a bustling daytime vibe, and pastries that have earned national recognition.
The mastermind behind the pastry menu, Chef Margarita Manzke, won the 2023 James Beard award for “Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker” for her work at Republique. That distinction alone makes the restaurant a destination for anyone who takes their morning meal seriously. The James Beard Awards are widely considered among the highest honors in the American culinary world, so a stop here is a chance to taste award-winning craftsmanship firsthand.
Beyond the pastries, the creative menu blends gourmet brunch staples with seasonal California ingredients. It’s the kind of place where classic dishes are elevated with thoughtful, locally inspired touches — a hallmark of what makes dining in Los Angeles feel distinct from brunch scenes in other major cities.
Downtown Charm and Comfort Food
If you prefer a more intimate setting, Moonlark’s Dinette delivers refined brunch classics in a downtown location that’s perfect for cozy weekend gatherings. The atmosphere here leans toward quiet and approachable rather than loud and scene-driven, making it an ideal pick for smaller groups or couples looking to ease into the day.
Locally sourced, approachable comfort food dominates the menu at Moonlark’s Dinette. For diners who appreciate knowing that their meal reflects the region’s ingredients and producers, this spot checks that box while keeping things unpretentious. With its classic diner aesthetic, it’s the kind of neighborhood restaurant that rewards a relaxed pace — order a coffee, settle in, and enjoy a meal that feels both polished and personal.
All-Day Breakfast on Melrose
Over on Melrose, a stretch known for its shopping, galleries, and street-level energy, Fratelli Cafe offers a casual upscale cafe vibe while serving breakfast all day. That all-day format is a major draw for anyone whose weekend schedule doesn’t revolve around a strict morning timeline.
The menu at Fratelli Cafe is full of hearty brunch options, from their signature Croissant French Toast to classic waffles and coffee. It’s the type of place that bridges the gap between a quick bite and a full sit-down affair. It’s approachable enough for a solo visit, but substantial enough to anchor a morning out with friends or family. The Melrose location also means you can easily pair your meal with an afternoon of exploring one of LA’s most walkable and visually interesting neighborhoods.
Mimosas, Waffles, and Weekend Celebrations
For those who view brunch less as a meal and more as an event, Met Her At A Bar combines great food with spirited daytime vibes. This is the spot for group outings, mimosa flights, and weekend celebrations — the kind of brunch where the energy is high and the table is full.
Their authentic Belgian waffles are a must-order, offering a rich, satisfying centerpiece to a meal that’s as much about the social experience as it is about the food. If you’re planning a birthday brunch, a reunion with old friends, or simply a Saturday that calls for something lively, Met Her At A Bar delivers on atmosphere and flavor in equal measure.
A Soul Food Staple Worth Seeking Out
No guide to LA brunch would be complete without a nod to the neighborhood classics that give the city its depth and character. The Serving Spoon is exactly that kind of place — a spot where hearty soul-food brunch favorites like shrimp and grits and fried chicken and waffles offer a satisfying local experience for laid-back weekends.
The Serving Spoon represents a side of the LA dining scene that doesn’t always make the glossy magazine roundups but is deeply beloved by the communities it serves. For visitors hoping to go beyond the well-trodden tourist path and for locals who already know and love this kind of cooking, it’s a rewarding stop that showcases the diversity at the heart of LA’s food culture.
What Makes LA Brunch Worth the Trip
What sets Los Angeles apart as a brunch city isn’t just any single restaurant, it’s the range. The brunch scene there is as diverse and vibrant as the city itself, offering everything from classic California comfort food to upscale brunch destinations to hidden neighborhood gems.
Visitors and locals alike have turned LA brunch into a must-do activity, and it’s easy to see why. You can start your day with iconic Los Angeles brunch classics at spots that combine atmosphere with standout dishes. Across the city’s most talked-about brunch restaurants, you’ll find elevated twists on French toast, chilaquiles, and inventive mains that reflect the culinary creativity LA is known for.
Whether you’re brunching for celebrations, lazy Sunday mornings, or a foodie-centric day in the city, LA’s variety of gems means there’s a table waiting for every taste and every occasion. The hardest part may simply be deciding where to start.
