L.A.’s Best Healthy Brunch Spots
Got big plans for the weekend? If you live here in L.A., then I’m guessing brunch is on the menu (uber-creative pun).
Everyone in L.A. knows that come 11 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday, your favorite lunch locations are transformed into boozy hotspots for hungover hipsters regaling each other with last night’s escapades over their hair of the dog, and hot-bodied fitness enthusiasts enjoying well-deserved splurge meals after sweaty Bikram classes.
But when most menus are packed with hollandaise-slathered Eggs Benedict and Pancakes covered in whipped cream and butter, it’s hard to stick to your healthy diet while partaking in this mandatory L.A. tradition. We all know, you’ll never be able to “out-Spin” that Colossal Belgium Waffle.
Never fear my Ray Ban-sporting brunchers, I have recruited the most in-the-know, ladies-who-brunch to fill us in on the hot spots where you can have your mimosa and drink it too.
I hope you’ll enjoy today’s guest post from Kate of L.A. Brunchers.
L.A’s Top Spots for Brunching Babes
Although we all deserve to splurge a little on the weekend (especially when it comes to brunch), that doesn’t necessarily mean you have to splurge on the calories. We scoured the city for the best brunch spots in Los Angeles that allow you to enjoy all of the joys of brunch, without the regret that sometimes follows one too many helpings of hollandaise.
1. Hugo’s (West Hollywood).
A healthy, brunch staple in West Hollywood, Hugo’s offers one of the largest menus in Los Angeles with tons of gluten-free and vegan options. We love the option to sit outdoors with your pup while chowing down on your almond energy pancakes – and phew, it includes alcohol on the menu, even a vegan Bloody Mary!
This is the perfect place to bring even your meat and gluten-loving friends who are sure to find a healthy alternative that suites their appetite. What’s even better is that the atmosphere is casual and no-frills. And, you don’t have to expect a large wait on the weekends.
Some favorites? The Go Green Frittata ($13), made with egg whites, organic mixed greens, spinach puree, broccoli, zucchini, asparagus, quinoa, garlic and extra virgin olive oil. Topped with alfalfa sprouts and an apple-mango-mint sauce. Served with breakfast potatoes, turmeric rice, or fresh fruit. Or try the Tofu Scramble ($12.25): organic tofu scrambled with sweet potatoes, green onions, tomato, spinach, garlic and mushrooms with ginger-soy sauce. Served with breakfast potatoes, turmeric rice, or fresh fruit.
Brunch served from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sat. & Sun.
8401 Santa Monica Blvd. West Hollywood, CA 90069
2. Another Kind of Sunrise (Venice).
Alright, we cheated a little by including this on our list since the menu doesn’t offer booze so is not technically “brunch.” But we couldn’t help ourselves. Right by The Tasting Kitchen on Abbot Kinney, Another Kind of Sunny is tucked away in a skinny breezeway. The bright and sunny café describes itself as a “cereal-centric takeaway specializing in high quality, organic food and drink.”
The menu is simple and organic. There’s Handsome coffee, cold-pressed juice by Moon Juice, and bowls of organic cereal devoid of refined sugar (offering such favorites as Rice Crispies, Frosted Flakes, Corn Flakes). You can pick your type of milk (or yogurt), whether it be from a cow or from an almond (by Mylkman), with your choice of topping. The other three bowl options are a Chia Porridge, a Paleo Granola Bowl with yogurt, or an Acai bowl.
Hours: Tuesday -Friday 7:30 a.m. to 1:30p.m. and Saturday – Sunday 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
1629 Abbott Kinney Blvd., Venice CA 90291.
3. Flore (Silverlake).
Flore is an organic, vegan restaurant boasting “a deli counter and sit down indoor/outdoor services.” They guarantee that they only use the highest quality, organic ingredients available. We love that it offers “breakfast classics,” in the form of Griddle Cakes ($10.95) (both soy-free and gluten-free) and even a Cranberry Walnut French Toast ($10.95).
If you’re looking to “brunch light,” they offer “Light & Fresh” options, including the Farmers Market Breakfast, with roasted vegetables from the Silver Lake Farmers Market, sliced tomato, avocado, toasted focaccia and potatoes ($10.95). Yum!
Brunch is served Saturdays & Sundays from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
3818 W. Sunset Blvd. Silverlake, CA 90026
4. SQIRL (Silverlake).
Given glowing reviews by both the Refinery29 and Thrillest, be sure to check out this cutting edge, organic (and healthy) brunch eatery.
Saturday and Sunday 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
720 N Virgil Ave, Ste 4, Los Angeles, CA 90029.
For more Los Angeles brunch suggestions from brunch gurus Kate Roland and Leah Smith, check out LABrunchers.com, and follow them on Facebook and Twitter for the latest brunching updates!
Gillian @ That's G says:
My fav is actually Tiara Cafe in DTLA — they have a mix of healthy and inventive options (my favorite is their breakfast pizette).
Kate says:
Hi Gillian! Great recommendation, can’t wait to try that place out! Happy brunching!
Whitney English says:
Yum! I may just have to make the trek down there and check it out! Thanks for the rec.
Ashley @ BrocBlog says:
Brunch is my favorite meal of the day (#soLA). Hugo’s is great, they have a second location in studio city walking distance from my house, so that’s amazing.
Whitney English says:
Haha it IS #soLA isn’t it?! When I first moved here, I couldn’t wrap my head around it. I was like “wait, isn’t it just the same as lunch?” But no, it’s so much more :)
Looking forward to trying Hugo’s soon!
Claudia Rosenbaum says:
New places to try. Thanks Whit!
Whitney English says:
You got it! We’ll have to hit one up together soon!
Abe Tabaie says:
You forgot about Blue Jam!!! It even has a calorie count for many healthy options!!!
Whitney English says:
Good catch! You know that’s one of my favs :)
GiGi Eats Celebrities says:
OMG YES! Such delicious place! I love the Olympus plate!!
GiGi Eats Celebrities says:
I used to love brunch, but now that I don’t eat eggs….. Sad day in the neighborhood! I used to really like Hugo’s! They are really great for people who have food allergies and preferences! But I do like going for some yummy salads – Nicoise are my favorite.
Whitney English says:
Very sad day :( Well, we’ll just have to go for din then!
Davida @ The Healthy Maven says:
Brunching is basically my job (more like an unpaid internship, but you get it!). So basically is it cool if I jump on a plane now and join you both so we can spend the next two days brunching? cool.
Whitney English says:
Please do! I’ll have a mimosa in hand, waiting for you :)
Ellen says:
I wish I liked brunch since everyone else does. But the idea of food in the morning grosses me out. I know, breakfast is good for you but I never could do it. Pluis the idea of prying my insomniac body from bed in the morning and having to look cute and pay a lot for food I could make at home is not appealing. Although, say, a 2pm mimosa may be a brunch more my speed;)
Whitney English says:
Haha, that’s the great thing about brunch. I’m pretty sure it spans the entire morning, afternoon, and right up until dinner!
zozo says:
Love Another Kind of Sunrise & definitely an extra spicy bloody mary for me please!!
Whitney English says:
I love bloodys too but def can’t handle the spice :( Mimosa girl over here!
Bethann Wagner says:
Another Kind of Sunrise is on my list now. Can’t wait for my next visit to LA!
Whitney English says:
Me too! Let me know when you’re here and we can go together! xo
Kristina @ Damn Ten Pounds says:
Ok, I am writing all of these down and making my best friend take me to one (or all) of these next time I’m in La La Land. That latte at SQIRL is perfection. I’ve been to Toast and Cafe Gratitude in Hollywood and they were both really good. I liked Toast a smidge better.
Whitney English says:
I LOVE Toast and Cafe Gratitude! Toast for b-fast/lunch and Gratitude for din :) May I also suggest Joan’s on 3rd and Doughboys. Hope you visit soon!