By Sabrina Gibson

 

There are so many yummy brunch spots in Southern California and let’s admit … who doesn’t love Brunch? We in SOCal are especially fond of brunching because in addition to trying some of the best restaurants in the country, many come with a bonus view! Check out our faves just to get you started.

 

  1. Bottega Louie (700 South Grand Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90017)

Located on 700 South Grand Avenue in the heart of DTLA, enjoy the ambience of this European inspired restaurant for your next weekend brunch. For those with a sweet tooth, their scrumptious raspberry beignets will leave an indelible impression on you. An additional must try are their Portobello fries and their Farmers Market Breakfast, which includes poached eggs, baby potatoes, and vegetables sprinkled with feta cheese. Their marble counter tops, pearly white walls, and high ceilings exude an elegant feel that will be the perfect touch to your Sunday brunch.

 

  1. Hot Hot Food (654 N Hoover St, Los Angeles, CA 90004)

Ever order a plate of food only to want to sample the dish of the person who ordered after you? Not to worry, Hot Hot Food knows how to give you what you want. This American meets Asian fusion diner serves fried rice with every topping you can imagine from Jidori chicken, to braised pork carnitas, and crispy tofu tempura. Feeling sweet? This 70s style café also serves unique desserts including a Fluffernutter, a peanut butter, banana, and marshmallow fluff sandwich drizzled in chocolate ganache sauce. You can also find on the menu everything from burgers, to avocado tostadas, and salads. This neighborhood bistro isn’t afraid to wow your taste buds with a little bit of everything.

 

  1. Wilma’s Patio Restaurant (203 Marine Ave, Newport Beach, CA 92662)

If you find yourself in the Newport area, reserve a couple of hours to catch the ferry to Balboa Island for breakfast at this family owned eatery. Their experienced cooks dabble in dishes from seafood to American, and even Italian delicacies. Sample their seasonal pumpkin pancakes or go big with one of their Balboa Belly Bombers, a miniature French bread stuffed with your choice of Italian, Jalisco, or original Ham & Cheddar egg scramble. Try one of their Mexican dishes such as their famous Egg Enchilada, paired perfectly with their well-seasoned braised carnitas.

 

  1. Huckleberry Bakery and Café (1014 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90401)

Get your fair share of seasonal treats and pastries from this lovely café. Only using ethically raised and locally grown ingredients, Huckleberry will amaze you with their constantly evolving menu. From their selection of artisan pastries, sandwiches, and handmade breads, there is something for everyone to enjoy.  Special favorites include their organic quinoa served with two sunny-side up eggs alongside caramelized onions and chimichurri. Don’t be afraid to celebrate your inner child and order their green eggs and ham accompanied with prosciutto di Parma and organic basil pesto.

 

  1. Breakfast Republic (2730 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92104)

Kick back at this innovative breakfast joint that takes breakfast as seriously as it gets. They take a new spin on classic American breakfast favorites such as their Oreo Cookie Pancakes, Breakfast Bacon Mac ‘n Cheese, and their good ol’ Mr. Presley French toast, a peanut butter stuffed French toast, topped with banana fosters and bacon – peanut butter fanatics galore. Their wide beverage menu consists of everything from antioxidant shots to beer flights for a little something for everyone. Check out any one of their six locations spread throughout the San Diego area!

 

  1. Zinque (600 Venice Blvd, Venice, CA 90291)

Known for their ambience, French restaurant, Zinque, is your next best bet for having Sunday brunch done right. Soak in fall’s crisp morning air on their relaxed outdoor patio. Sample their well-known Le Bowl, served with chicken and Prosciutto quiche or delve into their classic salmon tartine. If you’re in the mood for a warm, flaky dessert, enjoy any of their freshly made pastries from sweet apple almond tarts to a classic chocolate croissant made from locally sourced ingredients. Open until 12:00 a.m., come back to sample their famously known wine bar as well!

 

  1. Scarlett Begonia (11 W Victoria St #10, Santa Barbara, CA 93101)

Enjoy a lovely brunch in a courtyard setting while dining at this adorable restaurant. Bask in Santa Barbara’s charm while tasting their Biscuit Sampler, a maple bacon and flaky buttermilk biscuit with a dash of seasonal jam and butter. Another main dish that is a must try is their Endless Summer Scramble which include softly scrambled organic eggs seasoned with arugula topped with caramelized onions and sautéed squash. They always like to spice up their twist on brunch by changing items on the menu weekly. This is one place that will surely never be a bore.

 

  1. Destroyer (3578 Hayden Ave, Culver City, CA 90232)

Think minimal. Black. White. Clean. Professional. This is exactly the type of environment you will find in Destroyer. Their open kitchen allows for guests to view the cooking behind the scenes. Minutes later, dishes that are of Michelin quality are served to your table while still managing to hold a casual ambience in their restaurant. Go for one of their favorites, the Chicken Confit, with the perfect amount of cheese to compliment the dish, served with Yukon Gold potatoes. Top the meal off with their raspberry dessert covered in semi-sweet Bavarian cream. Oh dine in, won’t you?

 

  1. Marston’s (51 E Walnut St, Pasadena, CA 91103)

Located in downtown Pasadena, Marston’s has been serving its citizens for years with sweet and savory breakfasts reeling them right back in weekend after weekend. In this cozy setting, relax with loved ones while trying their signature “Fantastic French Toast”. Thick slices of sourdough dipped in batter and rolled in corn flakes served with a side of sweet, fresh berries accompanied with authentic maple syrup. For those who don’t prefer sweets, you can’t go wrong with any of their ten options for omelets. Stay warm on a lovely fall morning too with their endless coffee cup!

 

  1. Stacks Pancake House (14421 Culver Dr, Irvine, CA 92604)

A fusion of Hawaiian, Japanese, and American, Stacks Pancake is sure to have something on the menu to please everyone. From their Banana Macadamia Nut Pancakes to Korean Kalbi Ribs and Japanese Fried Rice Omelets, their dishes reflect an authenticity of each of these different cultures. Pulling inspiration from the islands, coconut syrup is offered with all of their pancakes, but let’s not neglect the fact that they like to put a twist on classic dishes, too. Try their Fruity Pebbles French Toast or even their Coconut Pineapple Pancakes. You’ll feel right at home at this comfy eatery sampling foods from different walks of life.