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10 Best L.A. Restaurants for Gluten-Free Brunch
Comments (2)By Bianca Douglas
Fri, Oct 24, 2014 at 8:00 AM
Categories: Brunch, Gluten-Free
Brunch. You'd think it was invented in Los Angeles, the way we revere this epic, midday meal. Come the weekend, we line up for it on unshaded sidewalks, among the crowds of sunglasses and messy hair, and we wait patiently, determinedly, like we're in line for Prince tickets. There's a bevy of brunch restaurant round-ups out there, including our list of the best spots in L.A. And sure, even if you're gluten-free you can find the antidote to Saturday night's transgressions at any of these places — typically something scrambled or fried, hold the toast. But you don't want to eat huevos rancheros and goat cheese omelets every. single. weekend.
Thankfully, a truly satisfying gluten-free, carb-full breakfast is easier to come by these days. Sweet, savory, from the griddle, or in a mini cast iron skillet — the options are almost as endless as the wait time. So, when eggs just aren't gonna get the job done, here are 10 brunch finds that will.
10. John O'Groats
If you were one of those kids who lived and breathed Eggo waffles, or at the very least considered a day without them not a very good one... If you delighted in filling every perfectly square crevice with salty butter and sweet, sticky Mrs. Butterworth's... If you had your own method of cutting the waffles up, in perfect pie-slice triangles or four by four squares... If they're the one childhood favorite you still stare longingly at in the grocery store freezer section, and pine for while eating the less-than-worthy frozen GF waffles you had to buy instead... Then it's time to turn your sad little frown upside down, because John O'Groats, the West L.A. institution of minimalist diner food with polish, makes a nearly identical version that is crispy, eggy and blessedly gluten-free. Oh, and they have killer GF pancakes, too. 10516 W Pico Blvd., West L.A.; (310) 204-0692.
9. Larchmont Bungalow
If you're of the "Nutella makes everything better" mindset (who isn't?), then grab your fat pants and head over to Larchmont Bungalow. The brunching equivalent of a middle finger to raw/vegan/sensibly portioned hotspot Cafe Gratitude up the block, the Bungalow offers gluttony for every dietary persuasion. The lengthy menu runs the gamut from light and healthful to downright shameful, and offers several gluten-free options. Not to be missed is the signature LB French Toast (a k a your Sunday morning Everest), a generous serving of egg-battered GF toast stuffed with Nutella and plantains, slathered with more Nutella and plantains, and garnished with hazelnuts and a light hazelnut syrup — which truthfully, you may not even need, because… Nutella. 107 N. Larchmont Blvd., Hancock Park; (323) 461-1528.
8. Bru's Wiffle
Crowds flock to this busy Santa Monica cafe on the weekends for their waffles-every-which-way concept. Roscoe's may be the famous original, but Bru's Wiffle one ups the soul food chain with their gourmet-ified version of chicken and waffles that can also be made gluten-free. (Fair warning for those with a severe allergy — the GF chicken is fried in the same oil as the non-GF.) The large Belgian waffle is ever so slightly crisped on the outside and fluffy on the inside. Resting on top are two crispy, plump and juicy chicken breasts, which are breaded in the same garbanzo and potato starch flour mix used to make the waffles. The dish is served with ranch and hot sauce for dipping, but you'll want to douse the whole thing in maple syrup, because these waffles are made for soaking. 2408 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica; (310) 453-2787.
Thankfully, a truly satisfying gluten-free, carb-full breakfast is easier to come by these days. Sweet, savory, from the griddle, or in a mini cast iron skillet — the options are almost as endless as the wait time. So, when eggs just aren't gonna get the job done, here are 10 brunch finds that will.
10. John O'Groats
If you were one of those kids who lived and breathed Eggo waffles, or at the very least considered a day without them not a very good one... If you delighted in filling every perfectly square crevice with salty butter and sweet, sticky Mrs. Butterworth's... If you had your own method of cutting the waffles up, in perfect pie-slice triangles or four by four squares... If they're the one childhood favorite you still stare longingly at in the grocery store freezer section, and pine for while eating the less-than-worthy frozen GF waffles you had to buy instead... Then it's time to turn your sad little frown upside down, because John O'Groats, the West L.A. institution of minimalist diner food with polish, makes a nearly identical version that is crispy, eggy and blessedly gluten-free. Oh, and they have killer GF pancakes, too. 10516 W Pico Blvd., West L.A.; (310) 204-0692.
9. Larchmont Bungalow
If you're of the "Nutella makes everything better" mindset (who isn't?), then grab your fat pants and head over to Larchmont Bungalow. The brunching equivalent of a middle finger to raw/vegan/sensibly portioned hotspot Cafe Gratitude up the block, the Bungalow offers gluttony for every dietary persuasion. The lengthy menu runs the gamut from light and healthful to downright shameful, and offers several gluten-free options. Not to be missed is the signature LB French Toast (a k a your Sunday morning Everest), a generous serving of egg-battered GF toast stuffed with Nutella and plantains, slathered with more Nutella and plantains, and garnished with hazelnuts and a light hazelnut syrup — which truthfully, you may not even need, because… Nutella. 107 N. Larchmont Blvd., Hancock Park; (323) 461-1528.
8. Bru's Wiffle
Crowds flock to this busy Santa Monica cafe on the weekends for their waffles-every-which-way concept. Roscoe's may be the famous original, but Bru's Wiffle one ups the soul food chain with their gourmet-ified version of chicken and waffles that can also be made gluten-free. (Fair warning for those with a severe allergy — the GF chicken is fried in the same oil as the non-GF.) The large Belgian waffle is ever so slightly crisped on the outside and fluffy on the inside. Resting on top are two crispy, plump and juicy chicken breasts, which are breaded in the same garbanzo and potato starch flour mix used to make the waffles. The dish is served with ranch and hot sauce for dipping, but you'll want to douse the whole thing in maple syrup, because these waffles are made for soaking. 2408 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica; (310) 453-2787.
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