Best Of: Southern California Brunches

Unlimited Mimosa’s and Bloody Mary’s, noshing  on everything from made to order omelettes and the freshest seafood buffets as you sit in the California sunshine enjoying great conversation with friends and family. These things are what make up a great brunch. I’ve been to plenty my life and I’d love to share some of my faves with you from time to time on the blog. There are so many great options to choose from around Los Angeles so I’ve narrowed down my faves (in no particular order) by judging them on- yumminess, ambiance, service, and overall experience. Here are a few of my selections…

 The Queen Mary Long Beach

A Long Beach staple – The Queen Mary offer’s everything from haunted tours, hotel stays and live entertainment. My favorite however, is their Sunday brunch series. A little pricey at around $50.00 per adult the buffet features 50 dishes from around the globe, unlimited champagne and live harpist. My favorite offering at the old cruise ship has to be the carving station where you can expect the juiciest prime rib and leg of lamb. So what if you have to pay $7.00 for parking, you’ll probably stay well over the validated time just getting through all that grub!

 

 

 

 

 

Luminaria’s Restaurant

Nestled in the hills of Monterey Park, this brunch buffet is the perfect mix of delicious food, great scenery and relaxed fun. Throw in unlimited champagne and a Latin influenced menu and you’ve struck brunch GOLD! The snow crab, poached salmon and made to order sushi are nothing to frown at either.

Cici’s Cafe

If you love a spot that can put a creative spin on an age old breakfast item, then Cici’s Cafe in Tarzana is the place for you! Cici’s has a massive breakfast selection and is known for their decadent pancakes (their tiramisu and green tea are crowd faves), and while I love a good breakfast selection their lunch and dinner menu is off the charts as well!

Starling Diner

So if you don’t know already I hail from the city of Long Beach. Home of Snoop Dog, Polytechnic High School, affordable beach living and the cutest cafe’s California has to offer. Starling Diner is a prime example. A locals joint that sits in one of Long Beach’s cutest neighborhood’s, (if you didn’t know it was there you’d miss it). Known for it’s french toast (it doesn’t even need syrup it’s so good) flower infused mimosa’s and my favorite the salmon crostini, this place is everything I love about my hometown-chill, unassuming, and full of charm.

 

 

 

 Catalina Kitchen at Terranea Resort

   Extravagant, picturesque, Incredible are the words that come to mind when I think of this swanky brunch location. In the hills of Palos Verdes, Tereanna offers ocean views and a  variety of food that will break your heart from the shear deliciousness of it all! They even have a cinnamon roll french toast they dub the “Best Ever Cinnamon Roll French Toast”. Seriously, you’ll never want to leave…

Taps Fish House and Brewery

I have to say before I ate here I was more than unimpressed by the name. Taps Fish House and Brewery? It sounded like a place that would smell of fish and stale beer and I all I could picture was a lobster tank with lobster being carried off to slaughter at the reception area. Boy was I wrong! Not only is this brunch super delicious it has a variety of food that is out of this world AND it doesn’t break the bank($31.00)! People this place is GOLD! Plus the service is amazing and the staff are SO FRIENDLY! I was recently there with a girlfriend and we sat next to a 90 year old gentleman celebrating his birthday and he couldn’t stop raving about each dish that was presented to him. If it’s good enough for a man in his 90’s than it’s good enough for me!

So there you have it folks! My first “Best Of” post here at Weekends With Winter. This by no means is the end of my favorite brunches list. The list is constantly growing and there are so many other great places I didn’t include (in the interest of time and space) and that I hope to spot light in the future. So tell me, which spot do you think you’ll visit and why? Are there any places that you can suggest? I always love to hear your feedback! Until next time, as always, keep the party goin…

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