Sandwiched between Venice Beach and Malibu, hippie-chic Santa Monica is bursting with brunch options. Well-known for its commitment to sustainability as well its popularity with celebrity crowds, there are plenty of organic and nutritious options for health junkies. But there’s also plenty to indulge in, waffles and bottomless mimosas included. From beach bars to downtown bakeries, here are the best brunches in Santa Monica.
Best Brunches in Santa Monica
1. Farm Shop
For prime ingredients, seasonal-inspired dishes and a stylish setting, Farmshop delivers. You’ll find it nestled in the heart of historic Brentwood County Mart, on the eastern edge of the city. Champions of the farm-to-table movement, Farmshop prides itself on telling the stories of California, from fishmongers to bakers. Food is served all day, but brunch is best. Try the brioche french toast or the buttermilk biscuit. It’s Californian cuisine at its finest.
Take note though, the food here is no secret and you’ll have to get there early to grab a spot.
2. FIG
FIG is the kind of place that invites you to kick back and keep the mimosas flowing. Or you could go for the ‘keggs and eggs’, which offers any brunch item with sangria or beer on tap. Tuck into foraged mushrooms with black truffle, pizza pies and brisket hash. If you’re a sharer, pick up a few of the sharing platters, which include buttermilk donuts and Mexican shrimps ceviche. Seating is mostly indoors, but if you’re quick you might be able to nab a bistro table next to the pool.
3. Huckleberry Cafe & Bakery
Huckleberry is perfect for a casual low-key brunch, as long as you’re happy to wait. Fans are really prepared to queue for those sweet treats. They’ve nailed the country kitchen vibe, with large wooden tables and spindle-legged chairs. But it’s the food we really want to talk about, specifically *that* fried egg sandwich. Think perfectly runny yolk, thick organic bacon and fresh rocket, encased in two still-warm slices of freshly-made bread. Yum.
4. Herringbone
‘Fish meats field’ at Chef Brian Malarkey’s upmarket restaurant, Herringbone. Dishes combine line-caught seafood, high quality meats and locally sourced produce, like the oft-Instagrammed Lobster Cob Salad. The Ocean Avenue hotspot offers plenty of seating indoors and outdoors, with an open kitchen, raw bar and a lively bar and lounge. And you can add unlimited rose wine for $25 per person too.
5. Bru’s Wiffle
If you’ve got a sweet tooth and you’re partial to a Belgian waffle, Bru’s Wiffle is for you. There’s an extensive range of waffles on the menu, from banana split to red velvet to a chocolate ‘waffle party’. If you prefer your brunch savoury, there’s plenty of options to choose from too. Why not shoot for something off the wall, like ‘waco waffle’, with crispy chicken, mozzarella and jalapenos? Or you could go for something a little more mainstream, like avocado on toast — a Santa Monica brunch staple. There’s something for everyone.
6. 1 Pico
For beach views, head to 1 Pico. Inside, floor-to-ceiling windows overlook the palm tree lined beach, offering spectacular ocean views. Decor is nautical themed, all white-wash walls and blue stripes. It’s a little more upmarket than most of the restaurants on this list (men will need to wear a shirt), but if you’re not properly attired, the cloakroom can kit you out free of charge. In true Santa Monica style, you can have your fill of lobster, oysters and clams.
7. Urth Caffé
Urth Caffé has been whipping up delicious organic goodies and coffee since 1989. It’s so popular, that the brand has also opened its doors in Japan, Dubai and Saudi Arabia. The brunch menu is extensive, with everything from panini to Acai bowls to huevos rancheros. But it’s the coffee that really sets this place apart. Urth is widely considered the first coffee roasting company in the United States to offer exclusive organic grown, heirloom coffee. Choose from a variety of roasts and blends to find your perfect cuppa’. Just remember to take a few packs home with you!
