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SunCafe
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
SunCafe
8.4
Upscale 100% plant-based restaurant in a converted 1920s duplex with multiple patios and full bar. Since 2009, chef Ron Russell has crafted scratch-made vegan versions of comfort classics, earning recognition as one of LA's Top 10 restaurants by OpenTable for its ambitious execution of everything from nachos to shepherd's pie.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lettuce Leaf Tacos with SunChorizo, Mac and Cheese, Belgian Waffles
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.5
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Sophisticated vegan cuisine with house-made cheeses, butter, and chorizo from scratch
Who should go: Diners seeking upscale plant-based brunch regardless of dietary restrictions
When to visit: Weekend brunch for full menu; arrive by 11am
What to order: Sun Breakfast Plate with BeLeaf Bacon, Lettuce Leaf Tacos, Crispy Waffle
Insider tip: Valet parking available on weekends; extensive wine and cocktail program
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet available weekends ($12-15 typical), street parking on Cahuenga Blvd but fills quickly by 11am
Dress code: LA casual to smart casual - sundresses, nice jeans, button-downs common; athleisure acceptable
Noise level: Moderate indoor, quieter on patios - easy conversation at most tables
Weekend wait: 30-45 min without reservation Fri-Sat after 7pm, reservations strongly recommended
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait weekday lunch, 15-20 min weekend brunch peak (11am-1pm)
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: 100% vegetarian - entire menu is plant-based
Vegan options: 100% vegan - all dishes free of animal products including honey
Gluten-free options: Extensive options - GF waffles, tacos, many entrees; kitchen knowledgeable about modifications
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent choice - relaxed upscale atmosphere, multiple seating areas from intimate indoor tables to airy patios, full bar for cocktails, and sophisticated food that impresses both plant-based and omnivore dates without feeling preachy
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekday lunch/dinner usually fine for walk-ins. Weekend brunch is trickier - arrive right at 10am opening or after 2pm, otherwise expect 20-30 min wait. Friday/Saturday dinner, make a reservation or have backup plans
Is it kid-friendly? Yes, especially for brunch - casual vibe, high chairs available, and kids enjoy familiar comfort foods like waffles, nachos, and mac & cheese. Not a dedicated kids' menu but most items work for ages 5+. Patio seating gives families more flexibility
Will my non-vegan friends enjoy this? Absolutely - this isn't health food, it's indulgent comfort food that happens to be plant-based. The BeLeaf Bacon and house-made cheeses convert skeptics regularly. Many omnivore regulars eat here without thinking about it being vegan
How long should I plan for a meal? Budget 75-90 minutes for leisurely brunch, 60 min for weekday lunch. Service is attentive but not rushed - this is a sit-and-enjoy spot, not quick-service
Best For
Better for: Most sophisticated vegan brunch in Studio City, full bar with craft cocktails (rare for plant-based spots), beautiful historic setting with multiple patios, scratch-made execution beats typical vegan cafes. Choose over Crossroads Kitchen for brunch specifically, over Sage for ambiance and drinks
Skip if: You want quick casual (Cafe Gratitude faster), traditional diner brunch with eggs (try Hugo's), or you're on tight budget ($$$ pricing adds up). Also skip if you specifically want meat-based brunch classics - this excels at vegan versions but won't satisfy a bacon craving with the real thing
SunCafe
8.5
Established vegan destination since 2009 transforms plant-based cuisine into indulgent comfort food with housemade cheeses, chorizo, and butter. The weekend brunch menu features creative takes on benedicts and French toast, while the multi-level patio with fire pits creates an inviting outdoor atmosphere.
Must-Try Dishes:
Sun Breakfast Plate, Vegan Mac & Cheese, French Toast
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 8.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: 100% organic vegan restaurant making everything from scratch including dairy alternatives
Who should go: Vegans, vegetarians, and health-conscious diners seeking elevated plant-based meals
When to visit: Saturday or Sunday for the full brunch menu
What to order: Sun breakfast plate with BeLeaf bacon, organic nachos, kale milkshake
Insider tip: Valet parking available Friday-Sunday; lots of metered street parking nearby
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet available Friday-Sunday ($10-12). Plenty of metered street parking on weekdays; spots fill up by 11am weekends
Dress code: Casual LA - athleisure totally fine, you'll see yoga pants and sundresses
Noise level: Conversational - lively brunch buzz but you can hear across the table
Weekend wait: 20-30 min for patio tables Friday-Saturday evenings
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait - usually seated within 5-10 minutes
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Everything is vegetarian - 100% plant-based menu
Vegan options: Entire menu is vegan - they make their own cheeses and butter
Gluten-free options: Yes - multiple GF options including pancakes and sandwiches with substitutions
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, especially for brunch dates. The multi-level patio with fire pits creates intimate seating areas, and the creative menu gives you something to talk about. Bonus: choosing a vegan spot shows thoughtfulness
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekdays yes, walk-ins are fine. Weekends are trickier - arrive before 10:30am or after 1:30pm to avoid the peak brunch rush. They don't take reservations for parties under 6
Is it kid-friendly? Very kid-friendly. Outdoor patio seating is forgiving for noise, they have high chairs, and kids love the 'mac & cheese' and pancakes. Best for ages 3+ who can sit through a meal
Will non-vegans like it? Yes - the food is designed to satisfy omnivores. The breakfast plates with BeLeaf bacon and housemade cheeses don't taste 'diet-y'. Skeptical friends are usually converted by the nachos
Is it actually healthy or just vegan? Mix of both. While everything is plant-based and organic, dishes like nachos and French toast are indulgent comfort food. Plenty of lighter options like smoothie bowls and salads if you want clean eating
Best For
Better for: Best vegan brunch in Studio City with the most extensive housemade alternatives (cheeses, meats, butter). Choose this over Sage or Crossroads when you want a relaxed patio vibe vs trendy scene, and when you want traditional breakfast comfort food done vegan
Skip if: You're looking for innovative fine dining vegan (go to Crossroads), need quick counter service (Monty's Good Burger), or want non-vegan options for mixed groups (try Hugo's or Good Neighbor). Also skip if you hate crowds - weekend brunch gets packed