Beachside Restaurant and Bar | Marina del Rey, CA

For the average Angeleno, a beachfront meal is a rare delight that occurs only once in a blue moon (unless, perhaps, you’re a paddle board yogi and you consider a sandy post-savasana protein bar a meal) - a fact that we’ve repeatedly lamented. It seems criminal that we bask so often in breezes chilled by our old friend the Pacific, yet meeting the majestic body of water face-to-face for a check-in over brunch is not a regular part of our routine. Fortunately, this transgression can be easily rectified, as we have stumbled upon another wonderful ocean-view brunch spot to add to our list: Beachside Restaurant and Bar in Marina del Rey. 

Beachside Restaurant & Bar at Mother's Beach, Marina del Rey, CA

Beachside Restaurant & Bar, Marina del Rey, CA

Beachside Restaurant & Bar, Marina del Rey, CA

As with many of the Marina’s most loved dining establishments, Beachside is nestled inside a hotel - in this case, the charming Jamaica Bay Inn, overlooking the picturesque Mother’s Beach. Stumbling across the honey-colored hotel and the little stretch of sand it borders is the most pleasant surprise; who knew there was a calm little wave-free bit of beach tucked in amongst the towering masts and sprawling pavement of Marina del Rey? And that just steps away, an inviting spot to enjoy a cocktail and soak in the afternoon awaits? And certainly no one knew that such vacation-like revelry could be achieved with free parking - if they did, it would be impossible to get a table at Beachside. 

Beachside Restaurant & Bar, Marina del Rey, CA

Beachside Restaurant & Bar, Marina del Rey, CA

Brunch spread at Beachside Restaurant & Bar, Marina del Rey, CA

Fortunately, for the moment, it’s not impossible, and an authentically beachside brunch is completely within your grasp. In fact, Chef Victor Gonzalez’s popular brunch menu is served each and every day, so even a Wednesday beachside brunch is completely within your grasp. As any good hotel restaurant should, Beachside offers staples to suit any taste: there are options for the health conscious, for those with dietary restrictions, and for those who prefer something simple. But amongst the staples there are creative twists to be found, as well: Frangelico custard makes an appearance in the French Toast, crab cakes provide a hearty base in the Benedict, herbed tomato confit mingles with mushrooms in the omelet. 

Beachside Restaurant & Bar, Marina del Rey, CA

Bloody Mary & Mimosa, Beachside Restaurant & Bar, Marina del Rey, CA

A trip to Beachside feels like a mini-vacation, so indulging in a brunch cocktail is pretty much mandatory. The classics are well-represented at Beachside’s bar, from the obligatory bubbly mimosa to the savory-meets-spicy-meets-alcohol enigma that is the Bloody Mary. For something unexpected, turn to the craft cocktail menu, where the libations are both creatively constructed and named (next time, we’re totally ordering the “Beach, Please”). For a taste of summer in a glass, we love the Strawberry Basil Martini, a simple and refreshing vodka cocktail loaded with fresh fruit and garnished with a fragrant basil leaf. 

Bloody Mary, Mimosa, and Strawberry Basil Martini at Beachside Restaurant & Bar, Marina del Rey, CA

Beautiful brunch spread at Beachside Restaurant & Bar, Marina del Rey, CA

Crab Cake Benedict at Beachside Restaurant & Bar, Marina del Rey, CA

Crab Cake Benedict at Beachside Restaurant & Bar, Marina del Rey, CA

Brunching near the ocean surely calls for some fruits de mer, and the Crab Cake Benedict will fit the bill - two light and tender jumbo lump crab cakes are topped with perfectly poached eggs and are drizzled with a delicate pink blood orange hollandaise, while baby asparagus and peppery arugula offer a bit of crunch and earthiness. Or, for something to fill the hungriest of bellies, there is the Three Little Piggies - an impressive twist on a breakfast sandwich. Served alongside a cast iron skillet-full of crunchy potatoes, this almost-burger is loaded with ham, prosciutto, and bacon, then layered with a fried egg, cheese, and avocado. A slathering of bright lemon aioli, some crisp arugula, and confit tomato balance out the rich flavors in this immensely satisfying dish. 

Three Little Piggies breakfast sandwich at Beachside Restaurant & Bar, Marina del Rey, CA

Greek Yogurt & Fresh Berries at Beachside Restaurant & Bar, Marina del Rey, CA

Keeping brunch light and sweet doesn’t always amount to boring, as Beachside’s take on Greek Yogurt & Fresh Berries proves. Thick, creamy greek yogurt is dressed up with plump blackberries and strawberries, plenty of lightly toasted sliced almonds, and a drizzle of fragrant lavender honey. With two crunchy biscotti on the side, this surprisingly substantial meal is exactly the kind of breakfast you’d want on vacation (especially on day three or four, after you had indulged in French Toast a few too many times).

Greek Yogurt & Fresh Berries at Beachside Restaurant & Bar, Marina del Rey, CA

French Brie Omelet at Beachside Restaurant & Bar, Marina del Rey, CA

If greens and protein are more up your vacation-meal alley, the French Brie Omelet provides plenty of healthy veggies and protein, along with a bit of rich, creamy brie to make it feel special. We loved the heaps of shiitake mushrooms, confit tomato, and spinach tucked inside the envelope of fluffy egg, and were predictably pleased to see a generous helping of green salad on the side (as always, balance is key, brunchers). 

French Brie Omelet at Beachside Restaurant & Bar, Marina del Rey, CA

Breakfast Enchiladas at Beachside Restaurant & Bar, Marina del Rey, CA

Our favorite dish of all came to the table looking like a mountain of delicious confettisurrounded by a moat of thick red sauce. The base of that mountain was, in fact, Breakfast Enchiladas: three crisp tortillas chock-full of scrambled eggs, potatoes, and chicken chorizo. The confetti, of course, was mounds of salsa, fresh guacamole, shredded cabbage, and sour cream. Dressed with a savory, slightly spicy red sauce, there is simply nothing to argue with in this dish - it is beautifully presented, incredibly satisfying, and packed with flavor. 

Breakfast Enchiladas at Beachside Restaurant & Bar, Marina del Rey, CA

Fried Chicken & Frangelico Custard French Toast at Beachside Restaurant & Bar, Marina del Rey, CA

For the bruncher who is ever plagued by the choice between sweet or savory, Beachside offers their twist on chicken and waffles: Fried Chicken & Frangelico Custard French Toast. Triangles of soft, creamy, hazelnut-scented French Toast are dusted with a hint of powdered sugar and a sprinkling of fresh berries. On top is a pat of luscious cinnamon honey butter, and on the side, crisp fried chicken tenders offer hearty, savory contrast. Once drizzled with a bit of maple syrup to marry the flavors together, you’ve got heaven in a bite. 

Fried Chicken & Frangelico Custard French Toast at Beachside Restaurant & Bar, Marina del Rey, CA

Ending brunch with cookies is never a bad idea - chocolate chip cookies at Beachside Restaurant & Bar, Marina del Rey, CA

Beautiful views of Mother's Beach from Beachside Restaurant & Bar, Marina del Rey, CA

When the long brunch lines and jumbled parking signs of inland Los Angeles have got you down, remember that a mini-vacation is well within reach at Beachside - and that the Pacific Ocean has been waiting patiently for you to join her for brunch. Don't leave her hanging. 

Beachside Restaurant & Bar, Marina del Rey, CA

Beachside Restaurant & Bar
4175 Admiralty Way
Marina del Rey, CA 90292

Note: this post was created in collaboration with Beachside Restaurant & Bar.
As always, all opinions are our own! 

a.o.c. | Beverly Grove, CA

It’s important to have a lottery plan, so that if you're ever fortunate enough to hit it big, you'll know exactly what to do with all that newfound cash - otherwise, you may find yourself aimlessly buying Ferraris with nowhere to put them. It should come as no surprise that my lottery plan does not include even one Ferrari, and instead involves abandoning the hustle and bustle of city life and moving into an ancient farmhouse in Provence. I’d wake up with the sun each morning, learn how to grow my own food, drink lots of wine, and practice my French until it was flawless. Over time, I'd be able to convince my neighbors to invite me over for dinner (I’m a dreamer, but I’m not completely out of touch - I’d need to win them over, of course), and we'd enjoy incredible home-cooked food in their picturesque garden, sipping wine under the stars, to the soundtrack of a bubbling fountain. Sure, this plan is basically the plot of one of my favorite books, but I never claimed to be original - I’m a basic American Francophile, and I’ve made peace with that. 

While my odds of winning the lottery remain painfully low, taking a mini-trip into my French garden dream life is completely feasible - in fact, I recently discovered that it’s as simple as booking a patio table at a.o.c. in Beverly Grove. The dreamy outdoor space at Suzanne Goin and Caroline Styne’s Mediterranean small plates and wine bar concept is like something out of an impressionist painting: white stucco walls covered in vibrant green ivy are accented with warm red brick, clusters of elegant cushioned metal chairs surround simple wooden tables, French-style windows and doors are propped open to let the late-summer breezes flow. Here, you are transported away from the hectic, congested streets of Los Angeles and into the pastoral European countryside, where time passes slowly, good wine flows freely, and food is impossibly fresh and delicious. 

When a.o.c. first opened its doors 15 years ago, those doors were actually about one mile east of where they are today. After finding success in their first collaboration, Lucques, Goin and Styne felt the itch to create something new - this time, a menu designed for the grazer: a long list of market-driven small plates to be shared with the table, paired with a robust list of wines by-the-glass perfect for sampling. The concept was well-received, and is credited with launching the small plates trend that continues to sweep the city. After ten years in a small location near the Original Farmers Market, a historic and beloved restaurant space became available (beloved especially by Styne, who frequented the space with her mother back when it was the power-lunch spot Orso), and a relocation felt like it was meant to be. New life was breathed into the restaurant, and its alluring patio opened up an opportunity for the addition of lunch and brunch service. Today, a.o.c. can be found on nearly every list of top Los Angeles brunch destinations, revered not only for its enchanting atmosphere, but for its inventive and distinctive cuisine. 

If you’re a frequent visitor to our blog, you’ll recall that just a few weeks ago, we visited another of Goin and Styne’s restaurants: a.o.c.’s younger sister, Tavern. Details like flawless service, a sprawling biodynamic wine list, and Goin's signature French-meets-California cooking style make the two restaurants’ shared parentage somewhat obvious, but they're also each distinctive in their own way. While Tavern achieves a refined and quiet elegance, a.o.c. feels decidedly more familial and bucolic: perhaps it's the small shareable dishes that make their way around each table, or the casual plate lunches piled high with cheese, roasted vegetables, and slabs of rustic bread, or maybe it's the ever-present large groups laughing together over a bottle of wine. If Tavern is the sister who invites you up for brunch at her impossibly luxurious penthouse in the city, a.o.c. is the one who invites you to spend the week in the European countryside with her entire family, cooking meals together and drinking the local wine. 

About that wine... our recent meal at a.o.c. made us realize: why aren't we drinking more wine at brunch? With our server's expert guidance, we sampled several wines that were begging to be sipped alongside brunch fare. Our choice, a Sciacarello rosé from Corsica, was crisp and bright with a subtle, earthy complexity that paired particularly well with the roasted vegetables in our meal. Try getting that from a citrus-drenched mimosa. 

While the small plates mentality is king during dinner service at a.o.c., it can either be politely ignored or warmly embraced at brunch. We, of course, cannot help ourselves when presented with the opportunity to sample as much as possible, so we ordered a few items to share. We began with a "Plate Lunch": a board of cheese, meats, dips, bread, and other small bites perfect for sharing. Ours was the Farmer's Lunch, a vegetarian spin on the concept that included beautifully roasted peppers and eggplant, a cloud of soft burrata cheese, mounds of savory muhammara and chickpea puree, and expertly-dressed fresh greens and tomatoes. On the side were two thick slices of lightly charred sourdough, just waiting to be piled high with toppings. While this dish is simple in concept, there's something incredibly satisfying about being able to create a new flavor combination with each bite: some were soft and mild, others intense and spiced. The muhammara was absolute heaven; we would have taken a gallon home with us if given the chance. 

For a breakfast that truly evokes the feeling of a quiet morning in the country, there is the Grilled Asparagus with Polenta. At the base is a hearty serving of thick, creamy polenta, perfectly seasoned and buttery. On top, a mound of roasted vegetables and greens, long spears of asparagus, a halved boiled egg with soft jammy yolks, a touch of cream, and a sprinkling of bright green chives. We especially loved how the rich, caramelized flavor of the roasted vegetables paired with the soft, velvety quality of the polenta and eggs. This is heartwarming food, immensely satisfying in both flavor and texture - the sort of thing you'd make at home if you could cook as well as Suzanne Goin. 

Finally, there was the dish that knocked our socks off: the Vanilla Bean French Toast. As certified brunch experts, we have tasted a lot of French Toast in our careers. And while we're certainly fans of good bread soaked in a sweet, eggy mixture and fried until crisp on the outside and soft on the inside, it's a rare day that a bite of French Toast produces an audible reaction from either one of us. Maybe it was the light and creamy whipped mascarpone, or perhaps it was the subtly sweet mixed berry compote, or the satisfying crunch of chopped marcona almonds. Whatever it was, we were giggly with joy as we slowly savored each vanilla-scented bite, hoping to commit its exquisiteness to memory. If a sweet brunch is your thing, this is an absolute must-order - we're currently working out an excuse to return as soon as possible and devour it all over again. 

While a idyllic setting or a superb meal can each be evocative and compelling in their own right, a.o.c. proves that when combined, they have the power to transport you to another place - a place of comfort and calm, where the allure of your lottery plan is somehow dwarfed by the promise of a nice glass of rosé, a cozy perch by the fountain, and a heaping pile of French Toast. 

a.o.c. 
8700 W 3rd St. 
Los Angeles, CA 90048
 

Crossroads Kitchen | Los Angeles, CA

Ten years ago, Los Angeles looked a little bit different. The differences weren’t drastic, but it was decidedly not the vibrant food lover’s playground that we know and love today - and it was a lot less friendly to those with dietary restrictions. Dining out as a vegan in those days meant one of two things: either you’d order a disparate collection of side dishes (holding the butter, of course) while you watched your pals chow down on meaty entrees, or you’d drag your open-minded friend to one of the handful of vegan Thai restaurants in town and have yourself a soy- and wheat-laden feast (orange crispy “chicken” still haunts my dreams in all the best ways). And while a fine dining experience was available if you were willing to travel, celebrating a special occasion with a memorable meal was a very rare occurrence - and in many cases, that same restaurant would be gone by the time you were ready to return for your next birthday (RIP Ubuntu, Cru, Madeline Bistro). More often than not, a vegan foodie was forced to rely on the good graces of a chef at a “regular” restaurant to create something free of animal products for them, silently hoping that someone in the kitchen actually knew what vegan meant, and that their meal wouldn’t contain any hidden chicken broth, gelatin, or fish sauce. 

As a former vegan, memories of meals like those flooded back as I eyed the menu at Crossroads Kitchen, L.A.’s first full-on-fancy plant-based restaurant. It’s easy to imagine how refreshing a visit to Crossroads must be for a longtime vegan; here, the world is your [artichoke] oyster, and the entire Mediterranean-style small plates menu is fair game. And that menu is exciting: by applying traditional French cooking techniques to healthful vegan ingredients, founder and chef Tal Ronnen's cuisine breaks free of the dreaded "hippie food" reputation that most vegetarian cuisine suffers from. Complete with a robust cocktail program and glamorous old-Hollywood style interiors, Crossroads provides an opportunity for vegans to indulge in the same decadent nights on the town that their carnivorous friends do. The icing on the cake? The food is delicious enough that said carnivorous friends will gladly come along for the ride, if they’re aware at all that their entire meal is animal-free.

While plant-based dining options are becoming more abundant as the movement gains traction, a satisfying vegan brunch still remains somewhat elusive. Casual cafés with avocado toasts and almond milk lattes are a dime a dozen, sure, but what of those beloved leisurely brunches spent sipping mimosas with good friends? To enjoy such a luxury, a vegan is often relegated to a bowl of plain oatmeal and fruit, or a bagel if she’s lucky. Fortunately, Crossroads offers reprieve on weekend mornings, as well, with a brunch menu replete with vegan versions of all the good stuff: Bloody Marys, “Chicken” and Waffles, French Toast, Shakshuka. 

Crossroads’ small-plates concept carries over to its brunch offerings, which, if you share our point of view, really just translates into a good excuse to try more dishes. For something sweet, we began our meal with the Kolache, a Czech sweet bread stuffed with jammy blueberries and drizzled with a bright lemony icing. As much as this little beauty may look like a donut, do not be fooled: the Kolache’s dough is dense and almost bread-like, which while surprising at first, offers a satisfying counterbalance to the sweet, almost syrupy filling. 

The Savory Crepe was certainly the most visually impressive of the group, stuffed with vibrant green peas and drenched in a luscious, creamy sauce, then sprinkled with micro greens and chopped herbs. A traditional crepe’s eggy, elastic quality is absent here, but is not missed - this version’s crisp edges and thick, savory center recall a chickpea socca, and offer an absorbent canvas for the cheesy Chardonnay sauce. Inside are mounds of crisp English peas, delicate pearl onions, and soft, nutty morel mushrooms, offering both depth of flavor and a lively contrast in texture. 

For reformed fast food lovers, there is the Impossible Breakfast Sandwich: a vegan answer to the Egg McMuffin if there ever was one. Palm-sized, portable, and immensely satisfying, this is the kind of thing we’d dream of eating on our way out the door in the morning (pssst, Tal, consider setting up a grab-and-go breakfast café - we’ll be first in line!). The sausage patty is by far the most convincing meat substitute we’ve encountered (which is no surprise, considering the hype surrounding the Impossible Burger), and the crisp layer of chickpea panisse is reminiscent of a deep-fried hashbrown. To seal the deal, a thick slice of vegan cheese (one of Ronnen’s many fortes), melts gently below a fresh, soft English muffin. 

If you’ve got room for dessert (and we almost always do, let’s be honest), the Cookies and Milk is a charming throwback to a favorite childhood treat. Our plate included a decadent fudgy brownie, a cacao-chip cookie with a spot-on ratio of salt to sweet to bitter, and crumbly fig fennel thumbprint cookie that was just a little bit salty and absolutely melted on the tongue. For dipping, it came with a little glass of vanilla coconut milk that made for a delightfully creamy accompaniment. 

If a trip to Crossroads Kitchen can teach us anything, it's that brunch needn't include eggs and bacon to be satisfying. So every once and a while, do your vegan friend a solid, and take her to a place where she can order something other than oatmeal - you may just enjoy it yourself, too. 

Crossroads Kitchen
8284 Melrose Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90046

Tavern | Brentwood, CA

There is a little bit of magic that happens each weekend at Tavern: just before the brunch rush arrives and the sun has reached its peak, the subtly elegant atrium is flooded with gentle, soft light, and it is quiet. In this moment, you can nurse a strong cup of coffee slowly, under the shade of an olive tree, and share in a conversation held barely above a whisper. There is plenty of space and a palpable sense of calm - and amongst Tavern’s lush, comfortable surroundings, it feels like pure luxury. 

Eventually, the sunlight will begin to intensify, and with it hordes of hungry brunchers will wander in: extended families with kids, sophisticated couples, old friends, groups of young socialites. Before you finish your coffee, the room will be full, and a parade of decadent avocado toasts will begin to file out of the kitchen. Suddenly, Tavern will have transformed into a lively, communal celebration of what makes a late Sunday brunch so special: delicious food and drink, shared leisurely with good companions. 

Since its opening eight years ago, Tavern has become the essential Westwood brunch spot, luring locals and celebrities with the promise of fresh pastries, expertly-crafted salads, and lemon ricotta pancakes. The driving force behind this mainstay is none other than the superhero duo of the Lucques Group: chef Suzanne Goin and sommelier Caroline Styne. The pair joined forces back in 1998 when they opened Lucques, a much-acclaimed restaurant that almost 20 years later continues to hold a top spot in Los Angeles’ fine dining scene. Their next collaboration, a.o.c., opened in 2002, and Tavern followed in 2009. Today, Goin and Styne’s reach extends far beyond fine dining - they’ve opened several casual-dining spots called The Larder and a wholesale bakery under the same name, they’ve taken over the food and beverage program at The Hollywood Bowl, and they host the successful L.A. Loves Alex’s Lemonade fundraiser every year. That’s not to mention the multiple James Beard awards, the award-winning cookbooks, the winemaking, or the fundraising dinners prepared for the Obama family. If you’re feeling a little under-accomplished after reading this paragraph, you’re not alone. 

If you’ve had the opportunity to visit Goin and Styne’s other restaurants, Tavern will feel somewhat familiar - the duo’s impeccable taste shines through in the restaurant’s elegant styling and polished service. The olive tree in the atrium recalls the cozy gardens of both Lucques and a.o.c., and the menu and wine list reflect Goin and Styne’s shared commitment to sustainability. Goin’s signature French-meets-California style is present as well, with a menu that deftly pairs vibrant local produce with decadent cheeses, freshly made pastries, and plenty of butter. What’s unique to Tavern is its three-in-one concept: at the front of the space is The Larder (the casual grab-and-go café), in the center is a dark and intimate bar that hosts daily happy hours, and at the back is the glamorous atrium with its more upscale offerings. 

We were lucky enough to experience Tavern in all its Sunday-brunch-glory from a coveted corner seat - a comfortable, tufted perch perfect for a bit of people watching while devouring the string of brunch delicacies that made their way to our table. It all began with a little something to drink, and with such a robust beverage menu, we were hard-pressed to choose. For something healthy and bright, we enjoyed The Cali from Juice Served here, a vibrant citrus blend with pomegranate and tangerine oil. When choosing a cocktail, our knowledgeable server pointed us in the direction of the Astronomer, a delightful combination of fresh strawberries, amaro, and aperol that was bubbly, bright, and even a little unexpected. 

Tavern’s brunch menu offers a few variations of fully-loaded toast, a brunch trend that we can't imagine we'll ever get sick of. We started off with the Peanut Butter & Banana toast, an old-school flavor combination that recalls warm memories of childhood. Tavern’s version begins with a lightly toasted and buttered seeded sourdough that is topped with a generous layer of creamy peanut butter, a river of fragrant honey, thick slices of banana, and a sprinkle of salt. For added crunch, whole roasted peanuts are sprinkled on top. As simple as it sounds, this dish is somehow complex - it's elevated comfort food at its finest. 

Because no Los Angeles brunch is complete without it, there should be no surprise that a big, beautiful slice of avocado toast appeared at our table. Piled high with salty prosciutto, hefty chunks of avocado, halved soft-cooked eggs, soft pillows of burrata, and bright green harissa, this is certainly one of the sexier avo toasts we've encountered. The thick slice of sourdough bread is a crisp vehicle for the dish's indulgent toppings; its edges lightly charred and its center brushed with a hint of oil. There's a reason why this dish comes with a fork and a really big knife: this is not a pick-it-up-and-eat-it kind of avo toast. You'll need to come at it with some strategy to achieve a well balanced bite every time, but your efforts will be well worth it. 

We're suckers for a good hollandaise, so we knew we needed to try The Tavern "Benedict." The quotes here correctly indicate that this version is a little bit unconventional - instead of an english muffin, Tavern's version starts with a thick, buttery slice of brioche that almost melts in your mouth. On top of the bread is a layer of gooey, melted gruyere, a handful of fresh greens and herbs, and slice upon slice of soft, salty prosciutto. Two perfectly poached eggs are layered on next, then the whole affair is bathed in a deluge of hollandaise - and this is not just any hollandaise. Tavern's version is brightly acidic; the unexpected tang of fresh lemon offering an exciting contrast to the sauce's rich, buttery texture. This combination of flavors is the ultimate in decadence - which is really what a good brunch is all about. 

Finally, there was the Sweet Tea-Brined Fried Chicken - a stick-to-your-ribs breakfast if there ever was one. A hearty portion of crispy fried chicken is served atop a homemade biscuit with buttermilk gravy and a sunny-side up egg, and in true Suzanne Goin style, is finished off with some fresh greens and herbs. The chicken is perfectly seasoned with a crisp, light breading that saves this dish from being too heavy (those aforementioned greens help, too). The gravy is also lighter than you might expect; subtly herbaceous and even a little bit acidic. The base of the dish - the biscuit - is buttery, crumbly, and a little bit sweet, offering a simple counterpoint to the stronger flavors and a perfect vehicle for scooping up any leftover gravy.  

With impeccable service, artfully-crafted food, and quiet, comfortable sophistication, Tavern has carved out an identity as an essential brunch destination in Los Angeles. Its lively atmosphere provides a perfect opportunity to see and be seen, or to gather and linger with your favorite people over an elegant brunch feast. The commitment to quality and consistency that Suzanne Goin and Caroline Styne have made themselves known for over their almost twenty years of collaboration shines brightly at Tavern - a place that now feels just as essential to the fabric of L.A. as its owners do. 

Tavern
11648 San Vicente Blvd
Brentwood, CA 90049

Doma Kitchen | Marina del Rey, CA

Angelenos are notoriously adventurous eaters. Perhaps it's our cultural melting pot of a population; a never-ending stream of multi-cultural cuisines has somehow conditioned us to crave the new and unusual. A quick flip through Yelp will prove that the options are indeed never-ending: Mexican, Indian, Italian, Venezuelan, Brazilian, Ethiopian, Thai, Greek, Afghan, Korean, Japanese, Lebanese, Chinese… there are even a couple of Himalayan restaurants in town. One cuisine we don’t too often encounter is Eastern European - and while latkes, plov, and schnitzel may not be on your regular DoorDash rotation yet, Doma Kitchen may tempt you to reconsider. 

Tucked away in a quiet corner of a sizable complex in Marina del Rey, Doma Kitchen is a classic diamond-in-the-strip-mall find. The comfortable, rustic-meets-modern space is the third iteration of the restaurant, opened a little under a year ago after outgrowing its two previous locations in the South Bay. Even in this new larger space, the restaurant buzzes with activity on weekend mornings as Marina del Rey residents gather over mugs of Red Bay Coffee and Chef Kristina Miksyte’s fresh, handmade pastries. They look just about as cozy as they might if they were in their own living rooms, which feels appropriate given that the name of the restaurant means “home” in the Slavic language. Miksyte and owners Angelika Corrente and Stanislav Mayzalis have infused the place with plenty of homey touches, from adorable little knick-knacks displayed above the pastry station to pretty handwritten chalk signs inviting you to “dine at our home.” 

Miksyte’s menu marries traditional Eastern European staples she enjoyed while growing up in Lithuania with contemporary Californian concepts, like using local, farm-to-table produce and sustainably raised meats. While the lunch and dinner menus feature plenty of Eastern European standards, the breakfast offerings provide a clever new spin on them: Eggs Benedict is served atop latkes, Belgian waffles are piled high with dulce de leche and fresh berries, smoked salmon is layered upon cream-cheese-smothered Bavarian bread. 

We were recently treated to a spread of some of Doma Kitchen’s brunch favorites, and we loved every moment. We were seated in the second dining room, a long room that displays local artwork and doubles as a private event space (when the brunch rush isn’t underway, of course). It’s light and airy inside; morning light floods the room from large windows along the front walls, and there’s enough space between the tables that you won’t feel crowded in with your neighbors. Out front, a dog-friendly patio offers even more seating to those who prefer their brunch al fresco. After warm greetings from Chef Kristina Miksyte and Owner Angie Corrente, we tucked into our coffees and awaited the delights that were yet to come. 

First up was the Brighton Beach Benedict, a perfect example of Miksyte's east-meets-west style: at the base, a pair of perfect, crisp latkes tell the story of the chef's roots. On top, heaps of fresh arugula, thin slices of smoked salmon, delicate poached eggs, and a generous pour of buttery hollandaise sing the praises of modern California cuisine. The flavors are well-balanced: creamy potato centers of the latkes absorb slightly-sweet hollandaise and rich egg yolks, while arugula adds a peppery bite and capers provide a briny tang. On top, a generous sprinkle of fresh dill conjures a memory of that perfect bagels-and-lox flavor combination. This dish seamlessly brings together three decidedly different breakfast concepts, resulting in a combination that is as satisfying as it is beautiful. 

Next were the Ricotta Cheese Pancakes, a dish inspired by a traditional Eastern European dish that Miksyte ate growing up - only in this version, she has replaced traditional farmer's cheese with the more readily available ricotta, and has paired the tiny pancakes with a scoop of Nutella to ensure its crowd-pleasing status. Not that these little rounds need the Nutella - with their crisp outsides and soft, creamy insides, they're plenty pleasing on their own. A homemade berry sauce drizzled artfully on top provides tart, floral notes while a scattering of fresh fruit and a sprinkling of powdered sugar lend a touch of sweetness. Their size makes them a perfect dish for sharing, although you may not want to - they're satisfying enough to stand as a meal on their own. 

Finally, there was dessert - as if we really needed dessert after that pair of intensely satisfying dishes - a gorgeous strata of tiramisu. Layers of espresso-soaked ladyfingers hold up thick, creamy mascarpone cheese and a heap of fresh strawberries. A layer of cocoa powder graces the top, while crispy chocolate crumbles scatter across the plate. The robust coffee flavor made us wonder: why isn't tiramisu served more often at brunch? It's like a perfect marriage of our favorite brunch flavors, all packed into one satisfying little dessert. Doma Kitchen's version is just about as good as tiramisu gets - it's clear that Chef Miksyte knows her desserts. (Side note: we'll be returning shortly for a taste of the homemade Russian Honey Cake. Will it live up to the slice of heaven we sampled in San Francisco? TBD - we're on the edge of our seats!)

While a hungry Angeleno may have seemingly endless ways to eat around the world at dinnertime, finding a brunch inspired by anything other than American or Mexican cuisine can be a bit of a challenge. Fortunately, Doma Kitchen is able to satisfy both our early-morning tummy rumbles and our culinary wanderlust.

Doma Kitchen
4325 Glencoe Ave #8
Marina del Rey, CA 90292