Run by all-things-L.A. expert Lynn Garrett, Hidden Los Angeles and the Hidden Los Angeles Foodie Fan Facebook page is a meeting place for over 230,000 Angelinos, passionate about our fascinating city, to meet online and share L.A.'s hidden gems with each other.
Join in on the conversation and LIKE Eye on L.A. on Facebook to find out about cool places to go, things to do and see in L.A.!
Paradise Cove Beach Café
The fan pick for the most beautiful brunch spot is the Paradise Cove Beach Café. Located right on the sand on one of the most beautiful and secluded beaches in Malibu, Bob Morris' Paradise Cove Café is one of the most unpretentious, relaxed and stunning spots to brunch in Southern California. With large portions of delicious dishes at incredibly reasonable prices, not to mention a beach experience that simply can't be beat, Paradise Cove is truly a paradise!
Jinky's Café
If splurging and variety calls your name and breakfast is your thing, then Jinky's Café is your kind of place! With more than 300 breakfast combinations, Jinky's runs the gamut on choices from every kind of omelette you can possibly think of to yummy desert-like creations, like their red velvet pancakes and Nutella pancakes. Plus, don't be surprised if you run into some famous faces at Jinky's, known for their huge celebrity clientele, you may end up having breakfast next to Brad and Angelina.
Breakfast date spots
Forget dinner and a movie! If you really want to get to know someone, take them to brunch! Some Foodie Fan recommended breakfast and brunch date spots include The Tasting Kitchen in Venice, Cliff's Edge in Silver Lake and Sagebrush Cantina in Calabasas.
Donuts to die for
The Hidden L.A. Foodie fans are very passionate about their donuts! Here are a few doughnut places fans were particularly excited about and the must-haves at each location. At Nickel Diner in downtown L.A., their Maple Bacon donut takes two days to make and it's worth it. Over at Bob's Coffee and Donuts at the Original Farmers Market, check out their chocolate caramel nut creation. At Stan's Donuts in Westwood, fans boast this is the best donut joint in town and out! Hundreds of devoted fans have Stan's donuts shipped to them weekly across the U.S., so if you can't stop by for a taste, just ask Stan to ship it to you. Don't forget to include their most popular exotic selling donut in your order- the peanut butter-filled chocolate donut [Watch video].
Over-the-top Sunday brunch spots
When it comes to over-the-top brunches, Geoffrey's in Malibu was voted the fanciest, Gordon Ramsay at The London in West Hollywood is the best over-the-top brunch in the city and Royal/T is tops for an over-the-top experience.
Best neighborhood spots
Eye on L.A. stopped by some of the best neighborhood breakfast spots around town. From mom-and-pop diners like Jack's Family Kitchen in Los Angeles, to local comfort-food places, like Pann's restaurant in L.A. [Watch video].
Castaway in Burbank
Fans of Eye on L.A. and Hidden Los Angeles suggest Castaway in Burbank for "top brunch with the best city view." Owned and operated by Specialty Restaurants, which specializes in the most unique concepts in dining experiences around the country, the Castaway is a definite must-do for anyone in the mood to be impressed with our gorgeous city.
Best pancakes
Some of the best breakfast options are mobile, like the variety of seasonal pancakes from the Buttermilk Truck. Another hot pancake spot is Flappy Jack's in Glendora. The Griddle Café's Red Velvet Pancakes also have a following all their own and there's a secret item on the menu! To learn the secret password, go to the Eye on L.A. fan page and LIKE us on Facebook.
Best waffles, french toast and other pastries
While some are passionate about their pancakes, others will not waffle from their waffles. Shaky Alibi in Mid-Wilshire is an up-and-coming restaurant offering a great selection of European-style waffles. For French toast, the Starling Diner in Long Beach is a local favorite, and the Clementine, Brooklyn Bagel Bakery and The Larder at Tavern offer other baked goods to drool over [Watch video].
Hair of the dog
For a new twist on a brunch all-time favorite, the Bloody Mary, head over to Fig restaurant at the Fairmont Miramar Hotel. They've created an innovative "Mary" menu with creations like the Bloody Maria, made with tequila and the Tomato-Watermelon Mary.
Inn of the Seventh Ray
To experience a little bit of nature and some delicious all-natural food in a very romantic setting, visit Inn of the Seventh Ray in Topanga Canyon. Dishes include wheat free, gluten free, all natural menu items, but don't be fooled! This is not health food. It's good food that's good for you! They also have two dog-friendly tables, but you should reserve them ahead of time.
Best globetrotter breakfasts
For all you globetrotters out there in the mood for something a little more exotic, we found out a few of the best spots to find traditional ethnic breakfasts from around the world. Elite Restaurant in Monterey Park, India Sweets and Spices in Atwater Village and Zaatar Factory in Burbank are just a few out-of-the-box options for your morning meal [Watch video].
See the complete list of all of the places featured on this week's episode.
[Original air date: Jan. 28, 2012]
