SALT | Marina del Rey, CA

When outsiders think about Los Angeles, they typically think of three things: movie stars, traffic, and the beach. When it comes to the reality of living in Los Angeles, the first two are certainly prevalent - it's impossible to count the celebrities we've seen over the years, and we've come to accept that half our lives will be spent behind the wheel - but the beach, for some of us, remains elusive. Many L.A. residents go weeks (months?) without seeing the Pacific, let alone do we find quality time to enjoy an ocean view over a nice meal. Ocean view brunches are just not a big thing here in L.A., and we think it's about time that changes. So, over the next few weeks, we're going to share with you our top picks for brunches by the beach - starting with SALT in Marina del Rey. 

Originally built in 1964, the Marina del Rey Hotel recently underwent a massive renovation, reemerging in early 2015 as a chic waterfront destination. To match, the hotel needed an equally chic and appealing restaurant, and Chef Mark Gold, formerly of Eva on Beverly, stepped up to the plate. As any proper hotel restaurant should, SALT offers three meals a day, as well as a happy hour each evening and brunch on weekends. Gold's cuisine highlights California's abundance of excellent produce, sourcing seasonal ingredients from local farmers markets, and as you might expect, also features a healthy amount of seafood. 

Like the rest of the hotel, the restaurant is beautiful; bright decor and light woods offer an upscale-beachy atmosphere, and marina-view patios on either side of the space provide an indoor-outdoor feel. Outside, cozy couches surround fire pits, and tables are lined up under giant heat lamps. There's not a bad view from any perch on the patio; it's easy imagine how romantic this must be at happy hour during sunset. 

At our recent brunch, SALT was lively but not packed, and felt a little bit like a spa for the senses - a perfect spot to ease into your day if you'd had a little bit too much "fun" the night before. The menu is surprisingly long, offering both the items you come to expect at a hotel restaurant (a "continental breakfast" with pastries, yogurt, and fruit; a caesar salad) as well as some more inventive selections (brûléed oatmeal, a Croque Madame, Shingoku oysters). There's also a healthy list of craft cocktails, though at 16 bucks a pop, this may not be your new go-to spot for marathon day drinking (it's perhaps a more choose-one-and-sip-it-slowly kind of place). Luckily, the coffee's good, and the staff is generous with the refills. 

While we attempted to come to terms with the massive menu, our server suggested a starter - the Avocado Hummus. Two undeniably delicious things mixed together, and it's dairy free (for my allergic husband, of course)? Sure, sign us up. This was a perfect way to ease into our meal - the hummus was creamy and light, and we loved the tang and crunch from the capers and seeds on top. The variety of vegetables is nice too, and I'm always a sucker for a caper berry. 

For our mains, we stuck to the breakfast half of the menu. First, a classic breakfast called the "All American Sailor" with cage free eggs, ham, roast potatoes, and toast, served with coffee or tea - a typical hotel-breakfast perk (and hey, we're not arguing with it). The flavorful ham was a real standout, and the eggs were perfectly cooked. While simple, this breakfast staple is satisfying and will fit the bill whenever you're craving good ol' eggs and potatoes. 

Next was SALT's take on the craze that just won't die: toast. This version started with a base of grilled country bread, then was topped with soft scrambled farm eggs and roasted wild mushrooms, and finished with brown butter and chive. The flavor combination was subtle and pleasant, with a lovely warmth provided from the roasted mushrooms and the brown butter. The heaping side of salad offered balance and lightness, resulting in an all-around satisfying meal. 

Finally, for something bordering on decadent, the Croque Madame. Bathed in sauce mornay, this gorgeous brioche sandwich featured Fra’mani ham, gruyere cheese, and a sunny side up farm egg. Again, the wonderfully flavorful ham was the real star of the dish, but it was complimented nicely by the sauce and cheese. Our egg was a bit overcooked, so we missed out on a #yolkporn moment, but the dish was still delightful. Besides, just look at that sauce mornay - maybe we can embrace it as #sauceporn instead. 

While SALT tends to be a little pricey, we love this spot for a special occasion or for entertaining out-of-towners. Its pleasing menu and modern elegance, coupled with that gorgeous view, will leave you feeling like you're finally living that glamorous L.A. lifestyle that everyone assumes you are. 

SALT at Marina del Rey Hotel
13534 Bali Way
Marina del Rey, CA 90292

Dudley Market | Venice, CA

It's safe to say that Los Angeles is now officially a "foodie town." We're no longer living in the culinary shadow of Northern California; we've got our own loud, colorful identity and it's finally being reflected in our restaurants, as well. From pop-up restaurants to fine dining establishments, chefs across the city are pulling out all the stops, showing off not just our region's incredible produce but their own capacity to innovate and entertain with food. 

Dudley Market is a perfect example of the changing landscape in Los Angeles' food culture. It's a little food oasis, hiding in what feels like a back alley just steps from Venice Beach. It's the kind of place you'd happen upon after taking a wrong turn while looking for someplace else. But once you'd soaked in the welcoming exterior, the pretty gold logo etched on the massive windows, and the tempting menu by the door, it's also the type of place that would charm you into forgetting wherever it was you were supposed to go. And then, you'd taste the food, and you'd start to wonder if it was here that you were meant to be all along. 

In the rustic, light-drenched space that was once a convenience store, Chef Wesley Barden is cooking up delicious, inventive cuisine that makes the most out of the bounty of produce he finds at local farmers markets. By day, Dudley Market feels welcoming and relaxed, serving home-baked pastries, comforting breakfast and lunch dishes, and grab-and-go snacks and drinks to locals as they wander off the beach. By night, it becomes a romantic, candlelit bistro, alive with conversation and laughter as diners savor elegant cuisine and thoughtfully selected wines.

The breakfast menu during the week is short but sweet; its six items somehow manage to cover all the bases. It would be hard to top the Smoked Salmon dish as a perfect, contained breakfast (unless, of course, you added an egg on the side... which I did). The homemade bagel is perfect, and the caraway kefir provides a light and tangy alternative to a basic cream cheese. The vegetable accompaniments make the dish feel special, providing freshness and sharp contrasts in both flavor and texture. But the star of the dish is, of course, the gorgeous and vibrant house-smoked salmon, delicately flavorful and tender.

During weekend brunch, the menu doubles in size, adding stick-to-your-ribs breakfast dishes and classic lunch fare, as well as bottomless mimosas. The Shrimp & Grits dish certainly falls under the stick-to-your-ribs category; it's hearty and comforting, but somehow doesn't feel heavy. The rustic cheese grits have a texture almost like buckwheat or oatmeal, and are thick, creamy, and oh-so-satisfying. On top, spicy shrimp, runny fried eggs, and a sweet onion marmalade create a harmonious flavor profile that elevates a simple country dish into something distinctive and memorable. 

The Farro Bowl was an unexpected surprise, combining a kitchen sink's worth of different textures and flavors into something surprisingly harmonious. Perhaps the most unusual component is the sieved egg, which is impossibly fluffy and light and melts into a salty creaminess when it hits the tongue. The farro is as nutty and firm as you would hope it to be, tossed in a light vinaigrette that offers just a hint acidity, and the radish slices add a satisfying crunch to each bite. There are also chunks of tangy citrus, earthy roasted mushrooms, and flecks of fragrant rosemary. What brings this all together is the luscious smear of whipped goat's cheese on the side of the bowl; it's lemony and bright and yet still savory, and it's so light and fluffy that it's almost cloud-like. We both agreed that we'd be satisfied with a bowl of this cheese alone, or maybe with a nice slice of baguette. It's divine. 

And because no good brunch goes without a bit of decadence, there are the Seany Cakes. This should probably be called simply Seany Cake, what with there being only a singular enormous cake, but the Seany Cakes are all about challenging your expectations. In fact, nothing about this dish is what you'd expect; the cake is thick and crispy on the outside, incredibly moist and steaming in the center, and sports a robust, yeasted flavor that barely approaches sweetness. On top, deliciously tart, syrupy blackberries and a mound of soft, sweet whipped cream that melts the moment it makes contact with the steaming hot cake. This is exactly the kind of dish that Sundays were made for. 

As the Los Angeles food culture continues to explode, deciding where to brunch next can be overwhelming - but perhaps we needn't look much farther than our own backyard. Hidden gems like Dudley Market are out there, offering something special and unique (and downright delicious) to their communities. Taking the time to discover them can be an adventure in itself - and hey, if at the end of the adventure there are some bottomless mimosas, we certainly won't complain. 

Dudley Market
9 Dudley Ave
Venice, CA 90291 

The Cannibal Beer & Butcher | Culver City, CA

In a city that runs mainly on green smoothies, kombucha, açai bowls, and turmeric lattes, The Cannibal doesn't quite fit in. And that's really not a bad thing. Located in the hip new Platform complex, The Cannibal is paradise for those who like their meals a bit meatier, who prefer beer over 'booch, and who aren't afraid to come face-to-face with their dinner. Literally. 

The Cannibal is the West Coast outpost of a popular New York City eatery by the same name, founded by Christian Pappanicholas and Cory Lane, with executive chef Francis Derby. The space is comprised of two separate sections: on one side, a sit-down restaurant, and on the other, a casual sandwich and butcher shop. Described as "a butcher's restaurant," The Cannibal offers creative dishes designed to highlight the wonders of meat in all its forms. In fact, the team embraces the head-to-tail approach, utilizing the entire animal whenever possible - you can even arrange a feast for a large group, featuring an entire pig or lamb. 

At a restaurant with a dinner menu featuring massive hunks of steak, an entire pig's head, and hundreds of different beers, you may not expect to find a brunch menu at all - let alone one with any redeeming qualities. And yet, Cannibal offers us a pleasant surprise by offering a brunch menu full of delicious options ranging from riffs on the classics to almost hilariously over-the-top concoctions (see: the "Double Down," a breakfast sandwich stuffed with three kinds of meat, in which the bread has been replaced with bricks of hashbrowns - unfortunately none of my group were daring enough to order it). The menu is compact, but not without variety - from the German Breakfast (essentially a charcuterie plate) to the Gruyere Omelette to the Fruit & Granola, there's actually something for everyone. I daresay you could bring a vegetarian along, and he'd be pleased as punch. 

I was lucky enough to come for brunch with a sizable group, so we were able to cover a healthy portion of the brunch menu. There are a number of tempting starters available (including the famous Everything Pretzel, which I'll need to come back on another day to try), and we chose to start the meal off with a bit of sweet: the Cinnamon Bun and the Warm Butter Biscuit. 

The Cinnamon Bun was a well-executed version of the classic - puffed and yeasty with a bread-like texture, and accented with a generous helping of cream cheese frosting. This was light, subtle, and not too sweet. 

With the Warm Butter Biscuit, things were turned up a bit. While the biscuit is obviously another classic treat, Cannibal's version raised the bar - it was incredibly flaky and buttery, and was perfectly baked. And when you smear that sea salt caramel on top, it's absolute salty-sweet heaven. It's large enough to share, but you might not want to. Order it. Seriously.

Now, on to the mains. Luckily, there are plenty of brunch selections that allow you to take full advantage the chef's meat-cooking prowess. Most obviously, the Steak & Eggs - offered in the form of hanger steak, New York strip, or aged ribeye. The steak was cooked to absolute perfection, and it was accompanied by a delicious carrot-walnut romesco sauce. 

For the brunch purists of the world, there's a Two Eggs Any Style, served with ultra-crispy, fully rendered bacon. On the side were potatoes, crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and a little bit spicy.

The Baby Gems Salad was a favorite at our table. It's easily customizable with the addition of hanger steak, grilled chicken, or even an egg and some bacon if you're feeling creative. The standout component was the champagne dressing; flavorful, tart, sweet, and applied generously. 

The Sweet & Spicy Chicken Biscuit is like a fun take on chicken n' waffles, and with that aforementioned flaky biscuit as the base, it's got a lot going for it. Flavor-wise, this is on the mellow side - we expected it to be a bit more punchy based on its description, but the flavors were really good and the fried chicken was perfectly cooked. The shredded lettuce added some nice freshness, and that biscuit was, well, perfection.

And because every brunch needs a good indulgence item, there's the Stuffed French Toast. This beauty is made of buttery brioche and is stuffed with rich Nutella filling, then is topped with a mound of whipped cream and tons of crunchy toasted hazelnuts. It's decadently delicious, and it is not on your Whole 30. It should, without a doubt, be a dessert. And because it's on a brunch menu as a main course, you should eat dessert for brunch. It's the right thing to do. 

Prices here do run a touch higher than your average brunch, but there's so much going right: between the gorgeous industrial-meets-modern-cabin interior, the fantastic and incredibly friendly staff, the impressive cocktail list, and even outdoor seating on a spacious patio, it's worth every penny. So, when you finally grow tired of green smoothies and whatever it is that people make with Sun Potion, know that there is some delicious, decadent brunch waiting for you at The Cannibal. 

The Cannibal Beer & Butcher
8850 Washington Blvd
Culver City, CA 90232

Go Get Em Tiger | Los Angeles, CA

If G&B Coffee in Grand Central Market is the posh, outspoken, sexy, sophisticated sister, then Go Get Em Tiger on Larchmont is the mellow, down-to-earth, quietly beautiful one who, if you're lucky, might also invite you over for an incredible home-cooked meal. The second brainchild of Los Angeles coffee powerhouses Charles Babinski and Kyle Granville, "GGET" both compliments and contrasts their first permanent coffee shop with its more relaxed, comfortable vibe. While G&B is like a sleek, neon beacon amidst the chaos of the market around it, GGET is a calm, minimalist retreat snuggled into one of the most charming neighborhoods in the city. It fits into the Larchmont neighborhood well, its beautifully designed space and expertly crafted offerings are exactly what you'd hope to find on this dreamy, tree-lined street. 

It's clear that this place is very popular, but even when it's buzzing with people, there's still room to sit down and relax or lean up against the bar and chat with a fellow coffee enthusiast. The crowd is mixed; there are film industry types, students, hippies, moms, and plenty of Instagrammers, but it doesn't feel so much like a place where locals hang out. Instead, you get the feeling that this is a destination, and that the mobs of people are here because they've heard just how good (and hip) it is. That floating astronaut painted on the wall behind the bar does make for a rather compelling photo for the 'gram, you must admit. 

GGET utilizes many of the same concepts that were set forth by Granville and Babinski at G&B, including the bar-style ordering system, rotating coffee selections based on frequent blind tastings, and an emphasis on consistency in their coffee through automation - a concept that is not embraced in most coffee shops. Rather than having a barista grind each espresso shot individually and then determine when to stop extraction by eye, things here are broken down like an assembly line: espresso shots are ground ten at a time to a precise measurement, then an automated machine cuts off each shot at the exact spot for ideal quality and flavor. This streamlined operation allows for optimal speed and efficiency, getting customers their excellently crafted coffees in record time. 

My cappuccino lived up to the high standards set at G&B; the flavorful 49th Parallel espresso shone through and the foamed milk was perfectly smooth. The espresso's flavor was bold, reminding me of charcoal and dark cherry. The drink was presented beautifully in the same glass cups used at G&B, showcasing the gorgeous line where foam meets coffee as well as some impeccable latte art on top. 

I also indulged in some of GGET's food offerings, as my visit fortunately occurred within acceptable brunching hours. When I visited G&B a few weeks ago, the smell of the malted waffles being made right in front of me was so tempting that it was permanently seared into my brain - so you know I had to start there. But since a waffle does not a balanced meal make, I also ordered a salad. 

This waffle was delightfully unique. I can't say I've had too many yeast-raised waffles in my day (despite my being an avid waffle-lover, so shame on me), so perhaps this is exactly what a yeast-raised waffle should be - no matter, it's delicious. Mine was served warm, with a big dollop of ricotta cheese in the center, a generous sprinkling of fresh berries, and the most delicate drizzle of honey on top. The flavor combination was just right; the malty, almost beer-like flavor of the waffle was light and just barely sweet (sounds weird, but it's so good), and it paired so nicely with the creamy ricotta, tart berries, and the light touch of honey. For the purists out there, for a dollar less you can also enjoy this waffle with butter and maple syrup, which I'm sure is also mouthwateringly delicious. 

In nearly any brunching situation, when a waffle is paired with a salad, you're going to expect the salad to be sad and boring in comparison - there's no way it can live up to the delicious decadence of a waffle, right? So, so wrong. I went for the Chopped Salad, comprised of Napa cabbage, seasonal vegetables, black sesame, and samal-miso vinaigrette, with an addition of shredded chicken - this was such a delicious and satisfying meal, that I'm still dreaming about it days later. The textures were varied and balanced - there was a satisfying crunch from the cabbage, thinly sliced radish, sesame seeds, and crisped rice. The chicken and the seasonal vegetables, which were roasted carrots and potatoes, were perfectly tender. And to round everything out, the mix was topped with the flavorful samal-miso dressing, which was decadently creamy, and offered a sharp kick of ginger. 

There are a lot of opinions out there about whether or not Go Get Em Tiger lives up to its hype, and for me, it does. This is a triple (maybe quadruple?)-threat that fits perfectly into the utopian Larchmont Village, offering excellent coffee and food, in a beautiful environment, with excellent service. So let's embrace this place for what it is: eat something fun and flavorful, post your photo of that astronaut on the wall to Instagram, and go get yourself some delicious coffee. 

Go Get Em Tiger - 230 N Larchmont Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90004

Mardi | West Hollywood, CA

Los Angeles is, in some ways, a place to see and be seen. Many restaurants are designed with visibility in mind, perfect spots to debut your new arm candy or your fresh balayage dye job for all the world to see. Or, for us normal folks, perfect spots to sit around and gawk at wannabe celebrities (and occasional actual celebrities). This kind of overexposure can, however, be exhausting, leaving you longing for a little peace and quiet - but not without sacrificing a bit of Los Angeles luxury, of course. When the reclusive mood strikes, look no further than Mardi, a secluded indoor/outdoor restaurant tucked inside the Palihouse hotel in West Hollywood. Its garden setting is Parisian chic and California bohemian all at once, mixed with an old-world charm. It's luxurious and exotic - pretty much what you would imagine your second home in the South of France would look like. 

Part of Mardi's appeal is how secluded and quiet it is; even at prime brunch hour on a weekend, it's mostly open, offering a sense of ease and comfort (and eliminating that fear that your server's silently judging you for lingering over your mimosas for too long).  But be sure to appreciate its sense of calm now, because with so much delicious food and so much Instagram-worthy decor, the secret's bound to get out sooner or later. 

Mardi is helmed by Kris Tominaga, famous for his work at The Hart and the Hunter, a very popular restaurant serving up seasonal Southern cuisine inside the Palihotel Melrose. Mardi is relatively new on the scene at less than a year old, but has received much positive feedback for its European-style cuisine and family-style dinners. And as it's officially a hotel restaurant, Mardi is open for three meals a day, making it a lovely spot for weekday breakfast, as well. The weekend brunch menu features a wide variety of delights sure to please even picky eaters - from healthy dishes like salads and avocado toast to more indulgent fare like eggs benedict or steak and eggs. There's a lot to choose from, and it's all delicious.

We took advantage of the varied menu and sampled a wide range of dishes. To start, we shared the Pulled Chicken Salad, a light, refreshing dish with subtle fresh flavors - it was a excellent excuse to sneak in a few extra greens. Next, the chia seed overnight oats, which were light, creamy, and sweet, and the perfect option for those who prefer a lighter start to their day. We especially enjoyed the coconut flavor in this dish, which paired so nicely with the fresh berries. 

For main dishes, we were all feeling a bit savory - we went for the grilled salmon, baked eggs, and the pork chop. The grilled salmon is a great choice for those who are looking for something filling, but also healthy - paired with potatoes, fennel, and greens, this was simple yet flavorful, and very satisfying. For those looking for something a bit more indulgent, consider the pork chop: smothered in sauce and topped with two sunny side up eggs, this exactly the type of thing that makes weekend brunch so magical. Finally, the baked eggs. Served in an adorable little cast iron skillet and with a generous side of crispy toast, these were perfectly cooked and decadently creamy. The inclusion of the mushrooms is unexpected and delightful, and loads of fresh parsley add a bright, fresh flavor. 

Mardi was a lovely spot to rest, catch up with friends, and linger over delicious food. It's a perfect hideaway from the hustle and bustle of West Hollywood, offering some beauty and calm in a secluded environment. Like splurging on a fancy hotel for a night, a brunch at Mardi will infuse your normal, mundane life with a little bit of luxury! Enjoy it - you deserve it!

Mardi - at Palihouse, 8465 Holloway Drive, West Hollywood, CA 90069