From breakfast burritos, waffles filled with espresso to the best vegan restaurants: Find here the selection of our favorite food spots in West Hollywood, Venice, Silverlake and Santa Monica which we found on our road trip through California.
Venice
Café Gratitude
Seriously, the best vegan food I’ve had in my entire life. Feel free to order one of their tasty sandwiches, or their organic spaghetti bolognese – even though it’s not a common brunch dish – or share one of their amazing milk shakes for dessert. But besides the great food, the idea behind the empire of Café Gratitude is very special. The menu is divided into affirmations and feelings. So instead of ordering your food by calling out the normal name of the food, you say for example “I Am Bright-Eyed,” which is the synonym for the cereal with coconut and pecan milk from the menu. And when the server repeats back to you “you are bright-eyed” you’re order is received. They also ask you a question of the day, like, “What can you give yourself today?” to keep the conversations going on the table.
Café Gratitude Venice Location, 512 Rose Ave, Venice, CA 90291, USA
Butcher’s Daughter
One of the famous outposts of the New York-based organic café is another true classic in Venice when it comes to breakfast and brunch. Besides their stunning decoration and bright, bleach-wooded interior, this venue is also the go-to-place in Los Angeles if you’re craving the perfect avocado toast, breakfast burrito and a peanut smoothie. One of our all-time-favorites: the gluten-free caramelized banana bread.
Butcher’s Daughter, 1205 Abbot Kinney Blvd, Venice, CA 90291, USA
Flake
Another well-known brunch spot in the area where you don’t suffer a shortage of great breakfast ideas: Flake. There, you’ll find a delicious cereal bowl with 24 available toppings (yes, it’s called “cereal art”!), a breakfast sandwich with delicious veggie sausage and a secret sauce or you go for our favorite: the egg burrito with bacon. Another advice: Add an extra avocado on top.
Flake, 513 Rose Ave, Venice, CA 90291, USA
West Hollywood
Farmers Market West Hollywood
With more than 100 vendors and food spots, here you’ll get the best breakfast and all-organic food. The farmers market takes place each Sunday between 8am and 1pm on Ivar and Selma Avenue. Just wander around and find your favorite meal, from falafel to sweets. Our favorite one for dessert: The signature Waffleshot at Zia Valentina. It is an espresso shot, served in a waffle cone that’s hand-dipped in dark chocolate.
6333 W 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90036, USA
Cofax
Smoked potatoes, chorizo, cheese, and eggs – sounds like a perfect burrito, doesn’t it? But besides this famous dish at Cofax, you should really order a coffee and give the doughnuts a try, that come in creative flavors like honey sea salt, lemon pistachio, and spiced crumb.
Cofax, 440 N Fairfax Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90036, USA
Silver Lake
Dinette
Open for breakfast and lunch only, you find this pleasantly laid-back little spot at Echo Park that has everything you need for a perfect morning at Silver Lake. Some delicious pastries from the bakery counter, or you go for a classic breakfast such as waffles, pancakes and the obligatory avocado toast.
Dinette, 1608 1/2 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026, USA
Lamill Coffee
Definitely an upscale coffee shop in the hipster area of Silver Lake, which offers decadent coffee options and a selection of typical Californian dishes – but always with a twist. Try the fried chicken and sage waffle along with one of their signature coffees or go for a salmon sandwich and your perfect morning is set. And if you are all in: Go for the Lamill Burger.
1636 Silver Lake Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026, USA
Intelligentsia
One of the spots you have to visit, if you’re either into great coffee or people watching in Silver Lake. Hipster, writer, coffee-snobs, you’ll find them gathered all here in this cult coffee bar. Actually I didn’t pay much attention to the pastries, that can be bought there too. But the matcha croissant is said to be worth a try. But seriously, get a coffee there – it’s amazing.
3922 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90029, USA
Santa Monica
Blue Daisy Café
These crepes will always be on my mind. To be honest, from the outside the Blue Daisy Café doesn’t look like the the hippest place in Santa Monica. But their food is really great! Ty to sit in their backyard, it’s more a pub-like restaurant with a terrace. Some wooden tables and lanterns for decoration. Go for the bacon crepe, you can thank me later.
609 Broadway, Santa Monica, CA 90401, USA