Los Angeles' Best Morning-After Brunch 2008

Upscale rustic design and a down-to-earth vibe set the stage for lingering at this Northern California-style bistro that feels worlds away from the Melrose Avenue madness.

Reviews:

• “Best breakfast panini I’ve ever had”
• “Risotto Lover!”
• “Awful service, mediocre food.”
• “Good food, horrible customer service”
• “1/2 Price wine on Mondays!!”

Tips: During lunch when there is no valet, you’ll have to navigate the cramped parking lot or the metered spots along this busy stretch of Melrose.

Taste on Melrose or email Taste on Melrose

French cafe serves a variety of traditional items, including salads, sandwiches, seafood and meat dishes and more.

Reviews:

• “Lovely place, great food, good prices”
• “Not worth going back”
• “Private Patio make this place unique”
• “one of my favorite french restaurants in town”
• “Fantastic food at terrific prices”

Tips: Order a drink from the bar which serves wine, martinis and beer.

Lilly’s French Cafe & Bar

A charming breakfast and lunch spot for homey, soul-warming favorites.

Reviews:

• “A “Top Chef” in our Heart!"
• “great spinach scramble”
• “Great and original brunch menu”
• “Frankly it’s somewhat overrated”
• “Really Unimpressive”

Tips: The restaurant is usually packed from 12pm to 2pm, so if you’re pressed for time, call ahead for a takeout lunch.

Grub or email Grub

Find your healthy flavor at this organic and environment conscious restaurant in West Hollywood.

Reviews:

• “I had to do business with the general manager…”
• “My favorite Breakfast Place – Good for Lunch too!!”
• “Used to be good…sort of gone downhill…”
• “Hugo’s is a “No-Goes” for us"
• “Love the Skirt Steak Vera Cruz”

Hugo’s West Hollywood or email Hugo’s West Hollywood

Innovative Cal-French cuisine that won’t break the bank.

Reviews:

• “exceptional service”
• “Lucky Experience”
• “pretty good but not great”
• “Pricey but worth it.”
• “over rated”

Tips: Experience Joe’s at bargain prices: Go for lunch and order the three-course prix-fixe meal, a steal at $14.

Joe’s

Classy, casual Wilshire institution still serves Beverly Hills’ prime power lunch.

Reviews:

• “Just a Glorified Diner”
• “wasn’t impressed…”
• “EVERYTHING IS DELICIOUS!!!!!!”
• “Great for brunch and the Burger is AMAZING”
• “This place is so great and really lives up to it’s reputation!”

Tips: Brunchers, take note: The restaurant will happily accommodate any special diet by using nonfat milk, egg whites or vegetable spray. Just ask your server.

Kate Mantilini or email Kate Mantilini

Light and bright sidewalk cafe pairs healthy breakfast and lunch with sinful desserts.

Reviews:

• “More ‘Toast,’ please!”
• “Has potential…”
• “Great breakfast!”
• “Not impressed at all”
• “Toast – average to good food in a dirty hole!”

Tips: This dog-friendly joint provides complimentary doggie treats and water bowls for your favorite four-legged friend.

Toast Bakery Cafe

Los Feliz shabby-chic cafe serves up strong coffee and big salads to morning hipsters.

Reviews:

• “Gross Baby Incident”
• “Romantic, cozy, blissful pastries”
• “good food and healthy too :)”
• “I am in LOVE”
• “great food”

Tips: The pastry menu includes such specialties as amarena cherry almond cake, German chocolate cake and lemon coconut cake.

Alcove Cafe & Bakery

The name changed, but everything else is the same: This charming bakery still serves heavenly croissants, sandwiches and cookies.

Reviews:

• “Best little Cafe in town”
• “LOVE LOVE THE PANINI’S "
• “Selection was a little limited”
• “Great Desserts, BUT THE MOST TERRIBLE CUSTOMER SERVICE!!!!”
• “heavenly baked goods”

Tips: Large orders should be placed at least 24 hours in advance.

Susina Bakery

Gourmet all-day breakfasts and lunches unfold in this popular artsy Silver Lake cafe.

Reviews:

• “ZZZZzzzzzzzz SPLAT!!”
• “:( …Now I’m not so sure…”
• “Okay food, slow service”
• “Perfect Sunday Breakfast!”
• “Fresh clean food”

Tips: Beware of split charges, but also be advised that gourmet add-ons and a la carte items are very reasonable; most dishes come with a choice of sides.

Square One Dining

Popular Silver Lake patio bistro serves upscale omeletes and Benedicts for breakfast, sandwiches and salads for lunch.

Reviews:

• “Central to the Silverlake/Los Feliz breakfast scene.”
• “Strike 2”
• “Cute, cozy and sophisticated bistro”
• “Fulfilling breakfasts!”
• “Yummy & Funky”

Tips: Once a popular corkage-free dinner spot, the restaurant is now closed at night, probably permanently.

Madame Matisse

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