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Breakfast is not the most important meal of the day. Brunch is. In Los Angeles, this laid-back, often indulgent meal can be enjoyed year-round on an outdoor patio, sipping cool Bloody Marys and hot matcha lattes. Given the VegNews editorial headquarters are in LA, we’re certainly biased, but after countless late mornings spent dining al fresco, we believe this city has some of the best vegan brunch spots in the country. From casual to chic and pancakes to Benedicts, here are the best vegan brunch spots in Los Angeles. 

Get the lemon poppyseed pancakes—we just had to get that out of the way. They’re delicate yet full of flavor, and while some shared plates may go unfinished, this is a menu item that will surely be devoured by the end of the meal. Beyond these fluffy, lemon-scented delights, you can’t go wrong with a wonderfully flaky croissant and addictively good homemade butter and strawberry jam. On the savory side, the Apple Sandwich—essentially a vegan charcuterie board encased between grilled sourdough bread—is a delicious brunch option you won’t find anywhere else.  Find out more

Flore has been through a lot in its 15-year history. The popular 15-year-old dive was displaced by its original landlords, resurfaced less than a mile away after a successful crowdfunding effort, only to be faced with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. And yet, it still serves a spectacular brunch. The kitchen makes some of the most affordable, generously portioned, and satisfying vegan brunch items east of the 101. You can’t go wrong with one of the enormous breakfast burritos, tofu scrambles, or “Chicken & Waffles,” but somehow we can never stray from the Country Breakfast. The meal comes with two silver dollar pancakes, a biscuit with gravy, roasted potatoes, and juicy seitan slices. Pro tip: swap the potatoes for steamed kale—it adds a bit more color to the plate and goes so well with the biscuit and gravy.  Find out more

Leave your laptop at home. This charming Highland Park eatery is about staying present and enjoying the company of others, which is why you won’t find wifi here. The vegetarian (and mostly vegan) restaurant is open for breakfast and lunch all week, offering everything from vegan-friendly chilaquiles to breakfast sandwiches and snickerdoodle pancakes. Everything is exceptional, which can lead to a bit of decision paralysis. To try a bit of everything, order two Silver Dollar Specials off the kid’s menu. This gives you six silver dollar pancakes and your choice of four tiny sides. We tend to order the tofu scramble, two mushroom sausages, and fruit. Pair that with a soy cafe au lait and you’re set for a perfectly cheerful morning.  Find out more

You can’t beat the atmosphere at this upscale vegan Mexican restaurant. Whether you’re seated indoors or outside on the open patio, you’re bound to feel like a VIP. You’ll likely see a few bonafide celebrities, too; Gracias Madre is a Hollywood hotspot for those in show business. Not to be outdone by the ambiance, the food and beverage program here is on point. We highly recommend splurging on a brunch cocktail—this place is known for its libations. Food wise, the Queso Fundido with plant-based chorizo is a must for the table. It’s a cast iron skillet of spicy, portabello mushroom-infused, gooey cheesy goodness. Leave room for any of the Mexican-leaning dishes on the Mains side of the menu—the Breakfast Burrito, Chilaquiles, and Wet Burrito are all standouts.  Find out more

Brunch on a Tuesday? You can at Margo’s. This Santa Monica spot considers brunch a daily affair, offering breakfast pizzas and pancakes from 9am to 3pm, seven days a week. Like Gracias Madre, Margo’s is known for its cocktails, from Peach Bellinis to Espresso Martinis. Drink in hand, dive into the Jumbo French Toast Sticks, Frittata Espinola, or the incredible Breakfast Pizza (also available gluten-free). For something sweet, stroll by Erin McKenna’s Bakery on your way to the beach (it’s just one block down and across the street). The vegan and gluten-free bakery makes some of the best allergen-friendly doughnuts, sweet breads, and crumble cakes this side of the 405.  Find out more

Now open in the Los Feliz neighborhood, Seabirds Kitchen is bringing the best of Orange County vegan brunch to the LA area. The breezy restaurant delivers outstanding eats, complete with over-the-top Birdy Marys and truly unique dishes. Our tip is to dine with a crowd and try everything, literally. The menu is tight and easily conquered by a group of four. If you’re dining solo, get the Porque Maria, no questions asked. It’s the kitchen’s take on a Monte Cristo, made by sandwiching house-smoked tofu, creamy vegan gruyere, and arugula between toasted sourdough bread, dusted with powdered sugar, and served with homemade strawberry jam. It is the absolute perfect balance of sweet and savory.  Find out more 

While located in Long Beach—about a half-hour south of Los Angeles proper—this daytime eatery still technically resides in Los Angeles County. Born from a pop-up, The Wild Chive’s decadent menu has earned itself a prime corner spot on a busy street in Long Beach. When dining here, it’s best to go big. Try the Chick’n & French Toast, made with thick slices of caramelized, powdered sugar-dusted potato bread, crispy beer-battered vegan fried Chick’n, and served with country gravy and maple syrup. The Monte Cristo and Grilled Burrizo are two other excellent choices. A nap after a trip to The Wild Chive is certainly valid. Find out more

When you think “Italian restaurant and wine bar,” “great brunch” doesn’t typically come to mind. However, this West Hollywood and Redondo Beach restaurant knows how to flex its range by way of delivering a brunch menu just as stellar as its evening menu. The morning items are infused with an Italian touch, from the Almond Ricotta Pancakes to the Aurora Breakfast Pizza. Those with a serious appetite should look at the Buongiorno Calzone—an everything bagel-seasoned monstrosity of dough stuffed with housemade ricotta and mozzarella, tofu scramble, roasted red peppers and potatoes, caramelized onions, and jalapeños, all drizzled with cilantro cream.  Find out more

Sprouted from the same music executive-turned-restaurateur, Nic Adler, Nic’s on Beverly is a cool mixed space venue with a bold brunch menu. The options lean heavily toward savory, including a selection of vegan egg dishes, breakfast sandwiches, and combination plates. The restaurant’s signature Detroit-style pizzas are also available during weekend brunch hours. Just want a waffle? They have that, too, albeit slathered in vanilla cream, berries, slivered Marcona almonds, and blueberry maple syrup.  Find out more

Don’t tell Just What I Kneaded founder Justine Hernandez to stay in her lane—she’ll create a Pop-Tart after you, shaming your unsolicited advice by way of sweet pastry glaze. Yes, this Frogtown bakery is known for its sweets (including those political Pop-Tarts), but it does so much more. In addition to cinnamon rolls, danishes, and giant cookies, this café offers a full savory menu of thick bagel sandwiches, stuffed breakfast burritos, and flavorful frittatas along with a robust espresso program. There’s a good amount of seating outside, so fill your pink pastry box before the goodies run out then linger a while over a soy milk latte and herbed biscuit sammie.  Find out more

Chef Tal Ronen is heralded for bringing the white tablecloth to the LA vegan dining scene. Known for its swanky dinner menu and celebrity clientele, Crossroads brings that same chef mentality to its brunch menu. Skip the items made with Impossible meat and opt for the truly chef-created plates such as the Khachapuri—a traditional Georgian pastry stuffed with cheese and egg, reincarnated in a vegan kitchen. The Janns Bagel and Stuffed French Toast are also solid choices.  Find out more

For more on vegan California hot spots, read:  Best of LA Awards: The 34 Best Vegan Food Spots to Try The Ultimate Vegan California Road Trip 15 Best Vegan Restaurants in San Diego

Tanya Flink is a Digital Editor at VegNews as well as a writer and runner living in Orange County, CA.

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