This is but one installment of 37 Things a Man’s Gotta Do This Summer, our annual compendium of everything worth seeing, doing, eating, drinking and generally making time for in your neck of the woods between now and September. Stay tuned all month for more.
Brunch is the one-size-fits-all of dining out, a meal time so lenient it satisfies early risers and late sleepers alike.
But it’s also the perfect summer meal.
What better way to enjoy the sunlight, after all, than sipping a morning cocktail on a patio or under an airy bay window?
So today, we’re rounding up the five best new brunches in town, from an Israeli haunt baking fresh shakshuka to the eastside eatery cranking out LA’s best breakfast tacos.
Grab your shades and get to it.
HomeState
Highland Park
You’re here for: A more relaxed version of their Los Feliz concept, the Highland Park edition is bigger, more sun-drenched and loaded with buckets of morning cocktails.
You’re dining on: Tex-Mex style breakfast tacos in your choice of corn or flour tortillas.
5611 N. Figueroa St. (map)
Website
Orsa and Winston
Downtown
You’re here for: The most elevated brunch experience you can have this summer. This fine dining spot has been rocking for while, but the brunch is new. It’s fully indoors, so keep it in mind for really hot days or special occasions.
You’re dining on: Omakase brunch, which is a little of everything (or as Oscar Wilde says, just enough). Look at the menu, and you’ll find everything from uni porridge to shrimp sandwiches on milk bread.
Jaffa
West 3rd St.
You’re here for: A pleasant and flavorful brunch on a shady patio.
You’re dining on: A spicy Shakshuka with baked eggs that you soak-up with house-baked pita. Then a Jaffa shake, whipped up with tahini, almond milk, dates and chocolate.
Petit Trois
Sherman Oaks
You’re here for: The new Valley version of Ludo Lefebvre’s French bistro is bigger and more sun-soaked than the Highland Park mainstay.
You’re dining on: Ludo’s buttery omelettes aren’t to be missed, and you can couple them with French pastries like beignets or madeleines.
13705 Ventura Blvd. (map)
Website
Little Prince
Santa Monica
You’re here for: A casual and unique brunch experience a la Ari Taymor (Alma). His new pop-up in Santa Monica is only open on Saturday and Sunday, and it requires a reservation. The experimental menu will entice vegans and carnivores alike.
You’re dining on: If you dig a cow, get the smoked brisket with creamy Anson Mills grits. The pea pancakes are an interesting twist of on a brunch staple, and they’re blanketed in market greens (you can add a cracked egg or crispy bacon). The green chia pudding is a savory, healthy option for anyone with a sweet tooth.
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