Ah, spring! The brief and beautiful phase of the year when we can bronze under the California sunshine without being completely scorched while inhaling the sweet scents of blooms decorating the city. So what does one do in the town when the weather is perfect and your hunger is ravenous? Why, an al fresco brunch, of course.
This essential activity entails soaking up that vitamin D in the sunshine, loading up on vitamin C with bubbly mimosas, and filling up on anything from waffles to breakfast burritos. Whether you prefer it with a side of panoramic views of the waves crashing on the shores below, you’ll find something to satisfy your eyes and palate.
1. Fia, Santa Monica
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FIA is a gorgeous oasis located in a hidden garden in the heart of Santa Monica with a menu as lush as the setting. It’s easy to find yourself sipping on pre-dinner libations and feasting on seasonal offerings until the fairy lights begin to twinkle for evening service. You’ll find an all-inclusive $49 brunch menu conjured up by celebrated Chef Brendan Collins, which includes a basket of pastries and tons of delicious options like the Black Truffle Cheesy Scramble Bourbon Bacon Jam. There are also classics like shakshuka, Belgian waffles, and loco moco to accompany the bottomless mimosas.
Location: 2454 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica, CA
Website2. République, Mid City
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- Credit: @republiquecafebakery / IG
Republique, owned by chefs Walter and Margarita Manzke, could be considered the brunch cathedral of Los Angeles. It makes every brunch hitlist and occupies the stunning historic building that legendary actor Charlie Chaplin constructed. While the interior space is undeniably the most significant wow factor, you can also indulge in their French-inspired brunch menu on the new patio. If you can’t decide between the lobster omelet, potato pancakes, and Croque Madame, you can’t go wrong with the perfect pastries or a simple french butter on toast.
Location: 624 S La Brea Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90036
Website3. Malibu Farm Pier Cafe, Malibu
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Perched at the end of the Malibu pier, this gorgeous laid-back cafe brings the countryside to the coast with a side of an unbeatable ocean breeze. Treat yourself to the delicious views and drool-worthy plates filled with beautiful, locally-sourced produce. Here the season is celebrated as a wholesome meal with the sun kissing your skin and salty Pacific air filling your surroundings.
Location: 23000 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265
Website4. Bacari, Silver Lake
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Hang out at what’s easily Silver Lake’s most stunning outdoor patio, dine on eclectic plates like the shakshouka or salatim, and make the most of the bottomless breakfast libations. You can sip away on mimosas, bellinis, spiked sangria, or Bloody Marys until the twinkling fairy lights illuminate this lunch haven.
Location: 3626 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026
5. Beverly Hills Polo Lounge, Beverly hills
- Credit: Beverly Hills Polo Lounge / Google Maps
This Hollywood haven is an iconic spot that never fails to impress when it comes to quality and charming, old-world glamor. Sip on classic cocktails and dine on eggs benedict amongst the swaying palm trees and bougainvillea cascading from every corner.
Location: 9641 Sunset Boulevard, Beverly Hills, CA 90210
Website6. Lady Byrd Cafe, Echo Park
Find a spot in a cute greenhouse in Lady Byrd’s dreamy outdoor setting where you can enjoy delicious farm-to-table brunches all day long. This Echo Park oasis offers a long list of eggs, salmon, and additions like avocado with the options of vegan substitutes. But you can’t go wrong with the lemon ricotta pancakes with homemade jam, whipped cream, and honey.
Location: 2100 Echo Park Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90026
Website7. CARA Hotel, Los Feliz
- Credit: Cara Hotel
If you like to enjoy your eggs in what feels like an exotic escape, then the Cara hotel’s jaw-dropping patio is the place to come. Take a seat in the courtyard alongside a sparkling aqua pool and treat yourself to a mini staycation (even if it only lasts for brunch). With menus centered around seasonal, you could be enjoying the Spring Kale and Endive Salad or warm banana bread with Valhrona chocolate and walnuts this month and something completely new the next.
Location: 1730 N Western Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90027
Find out more here.8. The Trails, Griffith Park
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Humble and wholesome eats at the bottom of the iconic hiker’s paradise of Griffith Park. Sit amongst the foliage and fairy lights before you hike to the Art Deco observatory or the Hollywood Sign, where you can take in the arresting views.
Location: 2333 Fern Dell Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90068, United States
9. Hornblower Cruises, Newport Beach
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If you’re looking to depart from your usual outdoor brunch in L.A., then allow us to turn your attention to this luxurious champagne cruise from Newport Beach. There’ll be live jazz, sweeping ocean views, free-flowing bubbly, and a tasty brunch buffet to feast on.
10. Cafe 27, Topanga
This American-style diner is not only immersed in nature but there’s a strong environmental theme that runs through the entire eatery, from the menu to the decor. You’ll find yourself surrounded by wooden beams, exposed trusses, and carved countertops with gnarled railings, all reflecting the natural surroundings. You can brunch on avocado toast topped with radish, sesame and ginger with fresh fruit and take in incredible canyon views. Find out more about this mini escape from the city here.
11. Jonah’s Kitchen, Santa Monica
Celebrity chef Jonah Johnson’s Santa Monica brunch gem features a menu of casual woodfire-grilled, California-style fare with a Latin and Caribbean flare. Tuck into delicious ceviche truffle tacos or huevos ranchos and sip on the most elaborate Bloody Mary under the palms on Wilshire Boulevard while you do some people-watching. Find out more here.