The top 7 brunch spots in Los Angeles

With its laid-back culture and multitude of world cuisines, LA has a host of game-changing brunch spots. Whether you’re on holiday looking for a must-do or you’re a local looking for a new spin on your brunch favourite, here are seven of the city’s best late-morning meals.

Blu Jam’s crunchy French toast is its pride and joy, so it’s not surprising that the batter recipe is a secret. Which means that you won’t be able to recreate it at home – all the more reason to visit and try this grilled French brioche treat for yourself, with its delectable topping of vanilla bean sauce and fresh berries. The café now has locations all over the city, including in Hollywood, Sherman Oaks, Calabasas and Downtown LA, so you have plenty of opportunities to try the extensive menu. The Charlie West Hollywood (once home to Charlie Chaplin) is a historic, handsome mansion in West Hollywood, close to Blu Jam Café's flagship branch.

With a geometric tiled floor, exposed brickwork and high ceilings, République is one for the Instagrammers. Indulge in cream-filled brioche with bacon, pecans and maple syrup, or go savoury with the kimchi and sesame fried rice with egg and short ribs. The luxury Central Apartment is just a few blocks from République, with private sun terraces and an outdoor pool.

On the rooftop of LA’s Line Hotel, you’ll find Openaire; a spacious, leafy greenhouse with sunlight streaming through, casting shadow patterns over the earthy green and wooden decor. This restaurant serves breakfast every day from 7am, with celebrated Michelin-starred chef Josiah Citrin at the helm placing the emphasis on seasonal California fare. But the weekend brunch buffet is the real indulgence with cornflake-crusted French toast with caramelized bananas and mint, and the lobster chilaquiles with molcajete salsa, jack cheese and avocado. Stay downstairs at The LINE Hotel and enjoy wonderful bedroom views over LA.

If you’re looking to branch out from your usual avocado toast, Japanese fusion brunch spot JiST is the place to go. It’s been run by the same Japanese family for over 70 years, having won over locals with its popular ‘Chashu Hash Skillet’ (marinated pork belly chashu with eggs and potatoes) and ‘Lucky Ducky’ (shredded duck breast with green onion pancake). You will find your obligatory LA brunch contenders, like thick choc chip pancakes and the ‘Faux Frenchman’ croissant sandwich. But naturally, what makes this place really stand out is the Asian-inspired fare. Stay at the highly rated Omni Los Angeles Hotel, just around the corner.

This tiny, Italian-style corner café – partially obscured by a flowering tree – is a fabulous find. While you will have to wait for a table, that’s to be expected in LA and Sqirl does well in managing a fairly swift turnaround. It’s known for its baked goods, particularly its inventive variations of thickly cut toast; the ricotta toast, with burnt brioche coated in house ricotta and a choice of seasonal jam, has a deservedly stellar reputation. The highly rated Silver Lake Pool & Inn is just a 2-minute drive from Sqirl (you might want to hire a car to get around LA).

Gjusta is first and foremost a bakery, set in a vast renovated warehouse in Venice, LA. The sourdough sandwiches and banana chocolate tart are exemplary. Gjusta also serves as a deli, where you can pick up a freshly baked loaf of bread or cuts of meat. Its casual, friendly atmosphere and industrial decor make it an ideal spot for a long, lazy weekend brunch. On a sunny day, you can sit outside with a smoothie in the courtyard furnished with pot plants and wooden benches. Located in a Venice beachfront building, Venice Breeze Suites is just a few minutes' walk from Gjusta.