First Stop: Los Angeles

The vibrant city of Los Angeles is known not only for its eclectic art scene, museums, and coastal charm—but also for its diverse culinary landscape. From cozy cafés in the Arts District to stylish brunch spots in Beverly Hills, the city offers a flavorful way to start your day.

Little Dom’s

Two words: ricotta pancakes. This small Italian restaurant in Los Feliz has gained a loyal brunch following thanks to its iconic sweet dishes, including light & fluffy blueberry hotcakes. For savory lovers, the breakfast pizza with eggs and meatballs takes things up a notch, especially when paired with a refreshing Spritz.

Address: 2128 Hillhurst Ave.

Phone: +1 323 661 0055

Petit Trois Le Valley

For a late brunch with French flair, Petit Trois is a must. The standout dish is Chef Ludo Lefevre’s signature omeletmade with peppery Boursin cheese. Don’t miss their vanilla crème anglaise French toast or the exceptional pastry selection featuring croissants, beignets, and muffins.

Address: 13705 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks

Phone: +1 323 468 8916

Ryla

Weekends at Ryla mean a creative fusion of Taiwanese and Japanese flavors in classic brunch form. Think egg crêpes, fried rice with Chinese sausage, and unique takes on eggs Benedict—with pork belly or blue crab and yuzu hollandaise. The standout? The Hong Kong French Toast filled with peanut and coconut cream, topped with condensed milk.

Address: 1220 Hermosa Ave. (Pier Ave.), Hermosa Beach

Phone: +1 424 247 9881

Damian

This acclaimed Mexican restaurant brings bold flavors to brunch every Saturday and Sunday from 11 am to 2 pm. Highlights include scallop aguachile, machaca chilaquiles, and artisanal pastries like the blue corn concha and kouign-amann with cajeta. Don’t miss the inventive cocktails, like the smoky highball or the mezcal + Aperol Daydream.

Address: 2132 E 7th Pl.

Phone: +1 213 270 0178

Redbird

Housed in a former 19th-century Catholic cathedral downtown, Redbird boasts an open-air dining room and tranquil garden courtyard. Led by Chef Neal Fraser, the globally inspired brunch menu includes everything from salted caramel cinnamon rolls to duck confit chilaquiles. Pair it with wine, beer, or a classic cocktail. 

Address: 114 E 2nd St.

Phone: +1 213 788 1191

Openaire

Located in the greenhouse patio of The LINE Hotel, Openaire offers a lush setting by two-Michelin-starred chef Josiah Citrin. Dishes like lobster chilaquiles and a mango & passion fruit crêpe cake with coconut crumble and lemon sorbet create a garden-to-table experience like no other.

 Address: 3515 Wilshire Blvd.

Phone: +1 213 368 3065

Poppy + Rose

For comfort food classics, this downtown favorite serves brunch seven days a week. Enjoy staples like chicken and waffles, biscuits with gravy, or go all-in with the Lumberjack Breakfast: buttermilk pancakes, sunny-side-up eggs, hashbrowns, and bacon. Don’t miss the customizable mimosa kits.

Address: 765 Wall St.

Phone: +1 213 995 7799

Next Stop: Chicago

In the Windy City, brunch is a full-on culinary celebration. From classic diners serving stacked pancakes to gourmet restaurants putting a twist on eggs Benedict, Chicago’s brunch scene is packed with flavor and personality.

LeTour

Recently opened by Amy Morton and Debbie Gold, this French-Moroccan-inspired spot offers bold brunch creations like spicy shakshuka with goat cheese and griddled semolina cakes with Medjool date jam. Inside, the interiors are just as memorable—think forest-themed tapestries, a large cherry blossom tree, and a stylish wood-paneled bar.

Address: 625 Davis St, Evanston

Phone: +1 224 999 7085

The Publican

Located in West Loop, The Publican delivers with hearty dishes like steak and eggs, chicken schnitzel with mushrooms, and waffles with honey butter and jam. The bakery offerings are just as tempting, including cheddar biscuits with ricotta and a ginger-cinnamon roll.

Address: 837 W Fulton Market

Phone: +1 312 733 9555

Kasama

One of Chicago’s hottest brunch destinations, Kasama is a Michelin-starred Filipino restaurant and café. Expect a wait—but it’s worth it for standout dishes like pork belly adobo, breakfast sandwiches, and truffle croissants.

Address: 1001 N Winchester Ave.

Phone: +1 773 697 3790

The Duck Inn

Sundays are made for this retro-chic favorite, featuring inventive dishes like s’mores French toast and rotisserie duck hash. The bar also serves a wide range of Bloody Mary variations to pair with your meal. 

Address: 2701 S Eleanor St.

Phone: +1 312 724 8811

Little Goat Diner

This all-day breakfast spot serves up crowd-pleasers like avocado toast with pickled veggies and corned beef hash with eggs. Don’t miss the fresh monkey bread, rich milkshakes, or grab-and-go options from their Grab & Goatcounter.

Address: 3325 N Southport Ave.

Phone: +1 773 819 7673

Obélix

Run by the team behind Le Bouchon, this modern French bistro serves weekend and Monday brunch with dishes like foie gras McGriddles and lobster + mushroom crêpes. The in-house pastry program, led by Chef Antonio Incandela, shines with a superb selection of croissants.

Address: 700 N Sedgwick St.

Phone: +1 312 877 5348

Pompette

Part café, part wine bar, Pompette offers standout brunch fare Wednesday through Sunday. Don’t miss the crab croquettes with saffron aioli, smoked salmon tartine, or sweet corn pancakes. Their signature Cozy Americano—espresso with browned butter rum and banana cream—is a must.

Address: 1960 N Damen Ave.

Phone: +1 773799 8072

Maple & Ash

Here, brunch meets decadence. Dine on lobster avocado toast, Steak n’ Eggs with maple-glazed bacon, or opt for the $175 tasting brunch, complete with caviar, a seafood tower, and a bottle of champagne for the table. The espresso martinis flow freely.

Address: 8 W Maple St.

Phone: +1 312 944 8888

Text by: Ainhoa García

Photos: Courtesy of the restaurants