11 Best Brunches in Southern California

Everyone loves breakfast food. Who could resist creme fraiche-topped stuffed French toast or juicy, crispy bacon atop a fried egg skillet? But when you’re on vacation, sometimes it takes too much energy to get out of bed before ten. Not to worry though, that’s what brunch is for, especially on the weekends. When your group is in Southern California next, a stop in any one of these brunch spots is well worth the expended energy.

 

Los Angeles

  • KTCHN DTLA

    • With brunch starters like brie grits with bourbon cherries and ginger granola, you know the entrees have to be mindblowing. This brunch specific location is only open Saturdays and Sundays so don’t miss your chance to try the Mexican inspired menu and the Sunday “Bottomless Bubbly.”

  • Primitivo Wine Bistro

    • This Mediterranean inspired patio bistro’s specialized brunch menu includes bottomless mimosas and an elderflower infused white sangria alongside stunning views of Abbot Kinney Boulevard. Try the bacon-wrapped dates, chorizo fresco hash, or the breakfast quinoa or stay for the lunch paella and other specialties.

  • BLD

    • An anagram for the three main daily meals, BLD is a master at it all. While they still have the classic mimosas, BLD is unique for their spiked milkshakes. Order one alongside one of the seven kinds of eggs benedict they offer, the spicy shrimp and fried eggs, or the wild mushroom frittata.

  • Inn of the Seventh Ray

    • This Topanga restaurant may be eye-catching for its new-age philosophies, gorgeous creekside views, and stunning outdoor seating areas but is just the start. Their brunch buffet comes with a glass of champagne or sparkling cider with tastes like strawberry English trifle, apple persimmon cake, and Alaskan king crab legs.

  • Eveleigh

    • Located on Sunset Boulevard, Eveleigh is L.A.’s premier farm-to-table restaurant with brunch plates like ‘bubble & squeak,’ corned brisket, cranberry potato, and a sunny side egg. But Eveleigh is really known for its brunch bar with drinks such as the chamomile infused tequila concoction known as Eveleigh Lemonade or the iced sherry tea.

San Diego

  • Wow Wow Waffle

    • At this waffle joint, you don’t have to wait until the weekend to try it out. Their waffles bake like bread, they say, and so it pairs beautifully with various combinations. Get it “plain and simple” or the “garden” with tomatoes, arugula, and goat cheese.

  • Snooze

    • With restaurants in three states, this “a.m. eatery” specializes in breakfast and brunch menus. A daily morning cocktail menu compliments plates of huevos rancheros, pineapple upside-down pancakes, or their excellent breakfast pot pie.

Also check out: Where to Stay, Play, and Eat in San Diego

Santa Barbara

  • Jeannine’s American Bakery

    • Though the brunch menu may seem standard with egg and pancake variations, don’t let that dissuade you. Kahlua French toast, lobster benedict, Irish oatmeal, and smoked salmon scramble raise the bar on classic recipes. Also, the outdoor patio seating is dog-friendly and the pastries are delectably delicious.

  • Tupelo Junction Cafe

    • Southern American cuisine and a 2:00 pm breakfast cutoff make this a daily brunch hotspot. Get the cinnamon apple beignets with creme Anglaise, you won’t regret it. If you want something better resembling a balanced meal, try the wild mushroom, asparagus, black truffle cheese scramble for a flavor explosion.

Orange County

  • Beachcomber Cafe

    • If views are what you’re looking for, you can’t get any better than this cafe sitting directly on the beach. They say “every day is Saturday” at the Beachcomber, making their breakfast menu a daily must with beauties like the breakfast panini, crabcake benedict, and coconut macadamia pancakes.

  • Ramos House Cafe

    • Located in San Juan Capistrano, the Ramos House is a historic site, built-in 1884 on the oldest street in the Los Rios district. Their menu, however, is not dated with a Southern infused contemporary style. Warm berry banana shortcake, beignets, and homemade caramel peach ice cream compete with the smoked bacon scramble with apple fried potatoes and the crab hash among others.

 

You need to eat, so why not eat a spectacular dish in a gorgeous setting? Don’t settle for a fast-food breakfast or a disappointing lunch when you’re touring Southern Cali with your group. Head to one of these excellent establishments and satisfy your tastebuds with flair.