Best Brunch Restaurants in Sawtelle Japantown (90025)
9 hand-picked restaurants, AI-analyzed and critic-validated
Notable Picks
8.4
A Westside brunch mainstay with big menus and crowd-pleasing riffs on classics. Expect globally-leaning flavors, generous portions, and a steady hum of regulars that signals dependable quality.
Must-Try Dishes:
Crunchy French toast, Eggs Benedict trio, Breakfast burrito
What makes it special: Large-scale brunch competence with creative twists that still feel familiar.
#2
Cafe Belen
8.3
A bright, all-day brunch spot on Santa Monica Blvd that leans into Mexican-American comfort with a health-minded edge. Regulars come for hearty plates and smoothies that travel well, plus a steady, neighborhood-friendly vibe.
Must-Try Dishes:
Belen Breakfast Sandwich, Salmon Benedict, Iced Horchata Latte
What makes it special: Day-to-night brunch menu with standout Latin-leaning comfort plates.
Vibes:
Brunch Bliss Spots
Sweet Treats Escapes
Business Lunch Power Players
Instagram Worthy Wonders
A bright, French-Japanese patisserie and café that’s become a Wilshire corridor staple for all-day pastries and light savory plates. The croissant program is the anchor, while brunch classics and composed salads keep locals returning throughout the week. It’s more café than formal bistro, but execution and reliability are destination-level for the neighborhood.
Must-Try Dishes:
Almond croissant, Ham & cheese croissant, Croque monsieur
What makes it special: A rare Westside café where serious French viennoiserie meets reliable all-day dining.
#4
Hermanito
8.1
A bar-forward Sawtelle spot that blends Mexican comfort with subtle Japanese neighborhood nods, anchored by excellent Sonoran-style tortillas. The cocktail program and weekend brunch make it feel like a hangout you can also take seriously for dinner.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carnitas Tacos, Pescado Tacos, Buñuelos
What makes it special: Mexican cooking with Japanese-influenced cocktail and design cues.
8.1
A bright, neighborhood cafe that nails comforting brunch staples without fuss. It’s a steady go-to for fluffy pancakes, classic bennies, and friendly service in a low-key Brentwood-adjacent setting.
Must-Try Dishes:
Buttermilk pancakes, Eggs Benedict, Salmon breakfast plate
What makes it special: A polished neighborhood brunch with reliably well-executed basics.
8.0
A compact Sawtelle counter-service cafe where waffles and breakfast burritos lead the charge. It’s quick, friendly, and dependable for a casual start before strolling the boulevard.
Must-Try Dishes:
Waffle Combo, Breakfast Burrito, Caprese Avocado Toast
What makes it special: Waffle-forward breakfast with fast, no-fuss service.
Worthy Picks
7.9
A modern counter-service cafe with a serious coffee program and strong breakfast burrito culture. The menu leans clean and California-casual, making it a reliable pick for quick brunch fuel or laptop-friendly hangs.
Must-Try Dishes:
Dialog Breakfast Burrito, Protein Bowl, Croissant & Latte Set
What makes it special: Fitness-friendly breakfast that doesn’t sacrifice flavor.
#8
Tuscan Son
7.8
An Italian cafe-restaurant with a bakery backbone, offering a polished, farm-to-table take on breakfast and brunch. Expect hand-baked pastries, composed egg plates, and panini-style morning sandwiches in a relaxed space.
Must-Try Dishes:
Prosciutto & Eggs Panino, House-Baked Pastry Basket, Breakfast Frittata
What makes it special: Italian bakery + brunch plates under one roof.
#9
Ray's
7.7
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Comfort Food Classics
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Old-school West L.A. counter joint where straightforward charbroiled burgers and melts are the point. The patties come hot off the grill with classic toppings, and the breakfast-burger crossover energy is part of the charm. No-frills seating and a loyal neighborhood crowd keep the focus on the food.
Must-Try Dishes:
Double Western Cheeseburger, Mushroom Swiss Burger, Patty Melt
What makes it special: Neighborhood grill burgers that taste like L.A. used to.