Best breakfast in L.A.

[cajun_ribeye]

I'm always on a hunt for the best breakfast in town. I especially love restaurants that serve breakfast all day. French toast and eggs benedict are among my favorite items.

[poggibonzzi]

Lemon Moon on Olympic just west of Bundy serves a killer brioche French toast and good coffee but is open only M to F. Jar has an excellent eggs benedict with char siu and lobster. I also like Joe's, Original Pantry and Square One for brunch.

[kabob lover]

As much as I don't want to mention a chain, Mimi's Cafe has a great crab cake benedict and other interesting combos with great hot chocolate...

[josephnl]

I love Pain Quotidien on Melrose off La Cienega. True, it's not a full or traditional breakfast spot, but they have great coffee and bread, and pretty much anything else you would want. Atmosphere is super casual, but servers are great.

[420 Reasons to eat]

Le Pain has other locations I frequent the Studio City location Ventura & Coldwater. I really enjoy the soft boiled eggs with bread, the flax berry oatmeal, and if I'll splurge on occasion with their Belgium sugar waffle

[kessa]

I can't speak for the "all day" factor, but i'm partial to Julienne's in San Marino (pasadena area). It's a beautiful setting, and the food is fabulous. Of course, it's not your down home breakfast, it's more on the shishi side of things, but it's such a lovely place to take your mother or sister or someone who would love to sit in a quaint little place and eat a great, slightly off the beaten path breakfast or brunch.

[LPinCC]

Cafe Laurent on Overland in Culver City serves the best breakfast I know. The raspberry pancakes are to die for and all the omelets are delicious too. My cousin recently passed out with delight over the Nutella pancakes :-)

[BBQ101]

I would recommend HEARTS on Saticoy and Balboa in the Valley. They have a great breakfast and have been around for 20+ years. A bargin for the price...Also a great Wine place next door, Wine Depot or something like that...200+bottles of Tequilla.

[hpcat]

Is Hearts still there? I used to live around the corner and can attest that they have a good, very cheap breakfast. And, in addition, it's a great googie building.

[BBQ101]

yup, they are still around. The same family owns it and the food hasn't changed.

[Miketsu]

Mmm...I second your recommendation of Cafe Laurent. The best Eggs Benedict I have ever eaten, bar none. They use brioche instead of English muffin and the result is incredibly rich and tasty. I keep trying to get myself to order something else, but end up with the classic Benedict at least 80% of the time.

Service is friendly and occasionally a little slow, but never enough that it's bothered me. The hostess is a bit reserved and very French. The inside room is light and bright, while the outdoor patio is charming. And amazingly, we've never had to wait for a table, even for Sunday brunch.

[DiveFan]

Just remembered a classic diner / dive downtown - Nick's! LAPD hangout. Usually go for the ham and eggs. IIRC they have barbeque on Thursday.

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Nick's Cafe
1300 N Spring St, Los Angeles, CA 90012

[biancasmith]

The Grill on Sunset in Hollywood!

So. Freaking. Delicious.

[Servorg]

Are you talking about Sunset Grill, or is there another Grill?

Sunset Grill
7439 W Sunset Boulevard
Hollywood CA 90046
[phone]

Just saw that The Grill on the Alley has a Hollywood location (the things I learn here on CH every day). You probably meant this Grill (although they don't do breakfast - so I am a bit confused - which is no different that any other day of the year).

http://www.thegrill.com/

[foodientraining]

I love breakfast/brunch

My favs are:

The Coffee Company (Westchester)
Doughboys
Jer-ne
Uncle Bills (traditional, good breakfast)
The Kettle (not as much anymore, but worth a mention)

[mstinawu]

Uncle Bill's is OK, but the wait every morning because of it's beachy location is just not worth it. For 100x better pancakes and a shorter wait, go to the Original Pancake House in Redondo Beach.

[katydid13]

Cafe Verona (2nd & La Brea) has a delicious French Toast made with brioche, fresh fruit & a touch of cream cheese. Heavenly!

[rednyellow]

Sounds good. Ididn't know they had breakfast. I love their panini when Im in the area.

[nick_r]

I second Square One... the menu is mind-blowing. I want to order everything they have. Only been there once but man do they know food.

And in a differently mind-blowing way, the new Doughboy's on Highland has some of the most outlandishly indulgent breakfast dishes you could possibly conjure. (Even compared with the Doughboy's on 3rd.)

[tastycakes]

my vote is for square one, on fountain near edgemont. the smoked salmon benedict on potato panckaes is incredible, as is the brioche french toast - as light and fluffy as butter cotton candy. you have a choice of a cold or warm seasonal fruit topping, and the fruit is farmer's market and often different from what is offered in the fruit bowl. pancakes with orange supremes and sliced bananas in a citrus caramel syrup - yum. the baked eggs dishes are outstanding - but get the 5-grain bread (from breadbar) instead of the country-style. and some lardons on the side. they also have amazing sandwiches like grilled steak with caramelized onions, arugula, and bleu cheese hollandaise with killer potato salad. drool.....

[jonplaywright]

Yes, Square One is amazing. It's one of the few places where you can get a really great omelet with just the right texture, and the French toast is pretty much orgasmic. And bacon lovers will be in hog heaven here...

[jennp]

For french toast, I love the one at King's Hawaiian in Torrance (not really LA, but it's sooooo good).

For breakfast food: S&W Country Diner in downtown Culver City

[clairelouise]

The Farm (both locations) make a lovely benedict and I believe you can order them all day. Gardens on Glendon (in Westwood) also has really good benedict but is a bit expensive. Great Bloody Marys, too.

[billyd]

If you're in the Manhattan Beach area....Buffalo Bill's is always a good choice. Can be incredibly packed though on weekends so expect a wait.

[Diana]

Is the breakfast at Patrik's roadhouse as good as it looked on TV last night?

[PurpleTeeth]

I love eggs benedict as well and my fav right now is at

Beaujolais Boulangerie - more info »
1661 Colorado Blvd, Los Angeles, CA
[phone]

Their coffee is great and very french

[alwayshungry2124]

Bloom Cafe on Pico is supposed to be amazing. I also LOVE Square One Dining on Fountain, across the street from the Church of Scientology. They specialize in gourmet breakfast items using all organic and seasonal ingredients.

[miffy]

oh, and in addendum, there is nothing like New England breakfast like "over easy, home fries, toast, and some pancakes" here--
and in the fall it is apple pancakes with cinammon-- and bitter cold weather makes everything taste a bit better- do we have anything similar here?

[Das Ubergeek]

I can't help you with the apple pancakes -- I'm sure they're here, I just don't eat that sort of thing -- but every greasy spoon burger joint in Orange County serves two eggs over easy, potatoes, toast and pancakes -- try Burger Boy on State College and Howell in Anaheim, or (I think it's called) Felix's Burgers on Lemon near Commonwealth in Fullerton.

[miffy]

unfortunate thing is that I am not in OC - but what I meant was more about the "special" ingredient New Englad brought with the Fall season about those breakfasts- I guess I should not be posting this on Chow

[Das Ubergeek]

Well, if it's bitter cold weather you're after, wait a few months and go eat at the cafe on the left side of the main street in Big Bear. Or any of the places up in Oak Glen, where the apples grow.

[brandygirl]

I don't know if it's what the type you find in New England, but Rockenwagner's 3 Square Cafe in Venice has a fabulous apple pancake. It's not your typical pancake. It's shaped like a dome. It is great. I'll drive from the SFV for it.

[miffy]

Apple pancake- I think had some apple sauce, sour cream/yogurt in the batter, cinammon, a bit like a coffee cake, a bit like apple crumble, thick but not too sour, not too sweet- super filling

[miffy]

if you like Omlet- Omlet parlor in SM

[minnie]

Try Campanile on La Brea. They have incredible brunch on weekends and you can't beat that they serve La Brea Bakery fresh baked breads and pastries from next door. They take reservations so you don't need to wait.

[friedegg67]

I don't know why people keep raving about Campanile. The brunch has totally gone down hill. It used to be great. Now it's just so so. Coffee drinks are totally second rate and even the baked goods aren't what they were.

[riceflour]

The BF had a fabulous eggs benedict this morning at Monsieur Marcel in the Farmer's Market. I know most hounds avoid Farmer's Market, but I was pleasantly surprised to find the hollandaise on the benedict (benedict a la marcel, served on croissant) incredibly tasty. Nice hint of lemon juice, buttery and rich without that heavy mouthfeel that is so common. The poached egg looked to be cooked just to the BF's liking, and the croissant was light and airy, nicely layered and just a tiny bit sweet.

My nutella and banana tartine was really good, too. Monsieur Marcel seems only to have this brunch menu on Sundays. 11-1.

-----
Farmers Market
6333 W 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90036

[cleandaisy]

Maybe I missed it, but I don't think anyone mentioned Hugo's. Two locations (west hollywood and no. hollywood). Great food.

[aching]

I really like King's Road Cafe on 3rd Street and BLD on Beverly Blvd. for breakfast...

[Kris P Pata]

In no particular order:

PDC Downtown (The ONLY location worth going.) for roast beef hash, Eggs Sardou or the Eggs Hussarde.

JOHN O'GROATS for steel cut oatmeal, lemon curd pancakes and bacon.

BRUDDAH'S for Loco Moco, Portuguese sausage and eggs or French toast made with King's Hawaiian Bread.

BACK HOME IN LAHAINA for Leiato (bacon fried rice) with crisp Spam and eggs.

DuPAR'S for real corned beef hash and hotcakes.

SPIRES (yes, SPIRES!) for hamburger steak and eggs. A REAL flavorful steak at a pittance over what you'd pay at a top steak house.

NORDIC FOX for real Gravlax scramble (off menu item).

RUBY'S Seal Beach Pier for the seaside air and view.

[woofer]

the pantry is the best bet for your money. you will never walk out of there hungry.
also, quality, john o'groats & jinky's are favorties.

[adevejian]

I'm surprised no one has mentioned Original Pancake House yet. That would be my all-time favorite, but then again, I am a pancake nut.

-----
Original Pancake House
1418 E Lincoln Ave, Anaheim, CA 92805

[mstinawu]

I agree. They got HANDS DOWN the best pancakes ANYWHERE! Light, fluffy, not too sweet. Just beautiful.

[Diana]

I can't eat there, they use peanut oil instead of butter on the griddle. I am allergic to it. GRRRRRR

[Servorg]

Diana, are you certain you have a reaction to the oil?

[Diana]

Oh, Hell yeah :( And the peanuts, which I know is actually a rare thing. And tree nuts. But not pine nuts (are they seeds?) nor beans (which are legumes like peanuts).

My allergies are odd and trying to kill me.

[Das Ubergeek]

I'm all about Snug Harbor, on Wilshire and... um... 19th? 20th? in Santa Monica. A real old-school luncheonette. Down in OC, my vote goes to Burger Boy, on State College and Howell.

[CucumberBoy]

Come up to Van Nuys (aka "the New Silverlake") and have an all-day breakfast at Nat's Early Bite (northwest corner of Burbank and Hazeltine). You will NOT be disappointed.

I swear, I had the absolute best denver omelette EVER last weekend (we eat at Nat's pretty much every week). The green peppers were SO juicy and sweet, the onions delectable, the ham flavorful and plentiful, the eggs done to perfection. Throw in some great home-style potatoes, homemade salsa (hot!), homemade orange marmalade and strawberry jam, an english muffin, and a hot coffee and BAM! Best breakfast in LA.

Is it me, or is John O'Groats merely "decent"? I'd heard raves about this place for decades...used to work right around the corner and shared many a breakfast with my co-workers there...always found it to be just "ok" but not really mind-blowing, actually not much better than a standard Denny's. I've never really understood the raves.

Then again, there's a lot of things I've never understood.

[Diana]

It's just you :)

[Das Ubergeek]

I used to live near Nat's Early Bite. It's tasty.

[mollyomormon]

Das Ubergeek, what do you order at Snug Harbor? I had a really terrible breakfast there a few months back but people seem to love this place so maybe we ordered the wrong stuff. Oh, it's at Wilshire and 23rd, I think.

[Das Ubergeek]

Waffles, and omelets runny (they may push back on you about this; persevere!)

[SauceSupreme]

Not quite LA, but Joe's in Redondo Beach is a great breakfast spot.

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Joe's Diner
400 N Pacific Coast Hwy, Redondo Beach, CA 90277

[Goochybird]

That was the perfect place to eat breakfast and ditch morning classes in High School. If you're in the South Bay--try Martha's in Hermosa Beach. More types of "benedicts" then you can shake a stick at and it's got a great view. Cheap too!

[dublinchef]

I love Bread & Porridge, Wilshire Blvd,. Santa Monica. I've been going there for years and have never been disappointed. If on a Saturday or Sunday go early as you'll have a good 30 minute wait otherwise.

[iknowfood64]

My favorite breakfast is served at a little diner in East L.A. called Burger basket. I order a polish sausage, egg and cheese omlette, with country potatos, and when you order, you have the option to have chili served on your plate. The chili is delicious, and I always asks for it on my potatos. This place also makes a very tasty salsa that goes good with everything on the menu. Before I rediscovered this place a while back, The Pantry was my spot for breakfast, don't get me wrong The Pantry is good, but Burger Basket is what does it for me. I highly recommend this place for breakfast, it is located on Atlantic Blvd South of Olympic Blvd in East L.A.

[snooze button]

Wow.... I didn't think anyone else on here knew about this place. I like their patty melts and french toast too...

[iknowfood64]

That is cool Snooze button, are you from the area?

[snooze button]

yup... I love how I'm able to get good chow from ELA and the SGV... it's a great life!

[ZoeZ]

Thanks for Burger Basket rec. will report back. I LOVE breakfast and partner goes out to the VA in East Los every week so always looking for new places.

Coral Tree in Brentwood has amazing almond stuffed french toast.

[dunzoe]

definitely try the omelette parlor in santa monica. i think it's off main. try sitting out on the back padio on a nice day, great food

[bulavinaka]

Has anyone had breakfast at Amandine's?

[nosh]

I had a tasty wedge of quiche at Amandine -- crust was wonderfully flaky and buttery, and a large ratio of vegies to egg custard in the filling. They bake the best croissant I've had in L.A.

[bulavinaka]

Thank you - I may have a chance for a shot at Amandine's this friday...

[bruinike]

Yes went there 2 weeks ago and had a fantastic omelette (chicken, tomato, basil, mushrooms). Came with fruit and a nice thick slice of toasted white bread - Delish!

[Bon Vivant]

I'll add a place that hasn't been mentioned yet: Duke's Coffee Shop on the Strip just west of the Whiskey. I've always thought that this place had great breakfasts.

http://myculinaryadventures.blogspot.com

[Frank_Santa_Monica]

Tally Rand in Burbank (Hey, I like it)
Shutters Santa Monica (although I'm no longer a customer there, after eating there at least 3 times a week!)
Four Seasons BH
Doughboys on 3rd

Too bad we don't have a Waffle House here.

[mollyomormon]

I really love Bloom Cafe and Square One for breakfast.

[ipsedixit]

What do you recommend at Bloom Cafe?

I tried it once for their eggs and chorizo and was not blown away ....

www.go2bloom.com

[mollyomormon]

I very much enjoy their huevos rancheros. I love how they don't overcook the fried eggs on top. The side of chicken apple sausage is very good and I also like their pancakes, especially the granola almond ones.

[rednyellow]

The Pacific Dining Car has FAB breakfast. It's not cheap, but 24/7 and it is great. I think they have the best eggs bennidict, eggs sardou, and they make their own sausage, grilled over mesquite.

[anothernotch]

For all arould breakfast food, John O'Groats on Pico, hands down. For pancakes I'm partial to Du-pars.

[LisaStitch]

Oooo, I forgot about John O'Groats - definitely one of my favorites!

[Barbara Ladden]

I think John O'Groats is worth forgetting. Been there twice and can't understand the attraction.

I've been to The Pantry downtown and The French Quarter on Santa Monica Bldv. many times for breakfast and never disappointed.

[nosh]

Tried John O'Groats recently and was disappointed -- prices on the high side for a diner and the vaunted biscuits were very dry and bland.

My reliably best breakfasts with eggs properly cooked, crisp hashbrowns, good values and tasty, hefty pancakes are at S & W, on Washington in downtown Culver City.

[anothernotch]

I agree with you about the pricing . . . a bit high for a diner. But when I go I tend to get the Huevos O-Groats, a fantastic dish, or the artichoke benedict. Both worth the splurge.

[kabob lover]

I went to John O'Groats becasue I heard they had great bacon and I was very impressed. I also had a cajun eggs/hamburger patty with taosted bread and sauce and it was delicious. My wife's huevos rancheros was just OK.

[LisaStitch]

Yes Griddle Cafe rocks for breakfast foods. Know that they close at 4pm though. And expect a long wait on the weekends. I heard that they also have some kind of special "secret" French toast - you have to go once and order the regular French toast and they give you a password for the secret version for next time.

The best breakfast I've had in LA though was at the Polo Lounge at the Beverly Hills Hotel. Pricey, but I had really great & fresh scrambled eggs, bacon (they actually asked me how I'd like them done), toast, and potatoes. A friend had a great eggs benedict and another friend had wonderful fresh fruit and granola. And you can't beat the relaxed atmosphere and that they will take reservations - whereas most breakfast places don't take reservations, so you stand around and wait for an hour, then they sit you on top of someone else and rush you in and out.

[rds246]

I've heard that about the french toast too! The one time I went there I just had to go for the pancakes though, and the friend who I was with got french toast, but no secret password. Does anyone know what the deal with this is?

As for other places, I love the Mustard Seed Cafe on Hillhurst in Los Feliz, really yummy breakfast stuff and quite a variety of items. I also recently went to the French Market Cafe on Santa Monica, and while the food wasn't exceptional, it was tasty and my eggs were cooked perfectly (I am sooooo picky about eggs). Plus I always prefer having a variety of items for breakfast and my eggs came with a side of fruit And potatoes And a Carrot muffin! hooray!

[TailbackU]

Mustard Seed Cafe does have excellent breakfast. Also check out Alcove right across the street. The outdoor patio is great and great people watching.

[jonahlee]

I really have to agree with the Alcove, the food is excellent and always an interesting crowd, though the seats could be more comfortable, and it can sometimes be a chore finding a seat. It is best to go with multiple people so someone can hold a table while another orders.

http://www.whaleofatale.net/wordpress...

[dodus]

I too eagerly await some more information about this "secret" French Toast. But until we've all got the password, I'd go with the Peanut Butter Bubba.

[ipsedixit]

Consider BLU JAM CAFE. www.blujamcafe.com

Breakfast all day. Several types of eggs benedict and the banana nut pancakes are wonderful.

Not saying they are "the best" -- just a good option to try.

[Skunk2Racer]

The Pantry......HUGE Ham Steak & Eggs with fried potato 1/2 inch thick and HUGE! All for $7.95 served ALL day long...

[TomSwift]

The Pantry's grilled sourdough toast and potatoes (both ordered well done, or the potatoes "brown")) are superb and make the breakfast. They will do your eggs up and easy, with gloriously runny yolks. But don't be fooled. The ham steak looks SO great, with char marks and crispy edges. However, the looks promise more than the meat can deliver, IMHO. I find the ham to be watery, flacid and without any real ham flavor. A slice of country ham it is not. The same is true for the ham in the combination ham/cheese omlette. I now opt for bacon (5 slices of reasonably thick meat) ordered medium-well. Then again, 2 eggs, toast and potatoes is a very reasonably priced breakfast. Except that The Pantry is within walking distance of my office, I'd go to the Dining Car. A much superior menu and higher prices to boot. Not nearly the people-watching atmosphere, though.

[Burger Boy]

26 Beach for french toasts til 3, really great, i like the peaches & cream and the go bananas, i add a scoop of ice cream and it is like a bananas foster !

[cajun_ribeye]

sounds great guys. i can't wait to try these out. has anyone tried Kate Mantellini's (sp?). a friend of mine mentioned they have great french toast as well.

[rickym13]

haven't been there in a long time but kate does have great brench toast...its huge but very light.
need to go back..its been few years

[Bite Me]

I haven't tried the french toast but their pancakes are the best in town in my opinion and served with real maple syrup. The pancakes are very thin and just delicious! Egg dishes are good too.

[dodus]

I keep hearing about their French Toast but haven't made it over there because it's so far away! Apparently they have some PB and chocolate pancakes as well! :o

[Emme]

Try Pann's if you haven't.

The Griddle Cafe for decadent french toast or griddle items.

[Xericx]

pann's is great. I also like the steak and eggs with sourdough french toast at the Pantry. Hurry before the area gets too gentrified with the LA Live project!!!!

I really like Jack n' Jills too...(SM and Beverly hills locations)

[MeowMixx]

I love Jack n Jill's.

And I also agree about Griddle Cafe - i LOVE their french toast

[jwn]

yuck, jack n jills. i went there once, their beverly hills location. gawdawful. i had a biscuit (looked gorgeous but tasted like it came out of a freezer pack) and an omelet which tasted average. a friend ordered a burger and she also said that the bread tasted of chemicals, like it had been frozen or something.

i love the griddle cafe! their banana pancakes and french press coffee is all i need.

[Bite Me]

I tried Jack n Jill's for lunch in BH recently and I just don't get it. The corn bread was very stale. The cobb salad was below average.

[Rockgrappler]

Went to Jack n Jill's in SM last weekend - baked good are truly bland and over-priced (had a blueberry muffin & coffee cake to go - $6), they were dry, flavorless and uninspired. I don't get it either, I would have prefered baking my own with Pillsbury premade.

[ns1]

my current fav breakfast spot would be the little cafe in tarzana. wonderful little breakfast spot with very reasonable prices. their corned beef hash is damn tasty, and their fries are oh so good.

2nd would be sunday brunch @ cheesecake factory. steak and eggs.

I've been to the pantry a few times. while the bread is good, the rest is very average especially considering the price.

[TomSwift]

The Little Cafe is an excellent choice. It's always packed, even on weekdays, but the food is solid. My advice is to get there EARLY. Very noisy, though. Their hash is delicious.