Australian holidaymakers flock to Santa Monica for its laid-back beach vibes and rooftop bars, Venice for its quirky crowd and epic sunsets, and WeHo for its fab nightlife and chic locals – so it makes sense that Aussies have invaded and brought their love of brunch with them!
As we all know, Australia is the brunch capital of the world, so it was only a matter of time before our superior flat whites took an overseas trip of their own. Rejoice that when you travel the States’ west coast, you can keep caffeinated and munch on avo toast to start the day right.
Great White | Venice
Great White channels the beachy vibes of Byron Bay to Venice Beach with it’s light, bright casual decor. Opposite the famous Venice sign, iconic eatery Eggslut, and just a block from the beach, Great White manages to create an appealing local vibe in the heart of Venice. With a wide marble counter, large wicker lampshades, and bags of Vittoria coffee on the shelves, you’ll feel right at home. Their simple, healthy menu is somehow SO Aussie but also SO LA, like the insta-worthy Blue Smoothie Bowl. The breaky burrito (there’s potato gems inside!) and the truly epic Scramble Bowl with soft scrambled egg, house-made pesto, goat’s cheese, bacon, wild rocket and grilled sourdough will have you coming back for more.
Élephante | Santa Monica
Make it a boozy weekend brunch at Élephante, an exclusive rooftop beach house in Santa Monica offering coastal Italian vibes. Every detail of this rooftop oasis has been meticulously planned to be aesthetically pleasing, from the handmade terracotta tiles to the copper beer towers and matte black espresso machines. Get your avocado toast with crispy chilli, lemon, cherry tomatoes and herbs with a side of Santa Monica ocean views.
Bluestone Lane | Venice
Bluestone Lane cafes are popping up across the US, including this cute neighbourhood eatery in Venice. Located on Rose Ave, striped umbrellas signal you’ve arrived somewhere special. The whole look is inspired by the Tamarama SLSC in Sydney, where locals congregate for a pre-beach avo smash. Even better, the brekkie board features a half portion of both avo smash and granola – genius! The all-day menu features light, seasonal dishes influenced by the Australian dining scene; we even spotted Lamingtons on the counter.
Roo Coffee | Silver Lake
This Aussie owned café has put everyone’s favourite childhood party food, fairy bread, back on the menu and people are losing their minds! The perfect spot to break up a Silver Lake vintage shopping spree, order your avo toast with a side of Iced Vovo smoothie if you’re feeling nostalgic for Oz.
Little Ruby | Santa Monica
Little sister to Manhattan’s Ruby Café, Little Ruby offers casual Aussie eats in the heart of Santa Monica. The modern, minimalist space has a long banquette along one wall and sunny terrace out the front with glimpses of the Pacific. The all-day brekkie includes a Green Egg Bowl of soft scrambled eggs, spinach, kale, peas, avocado and salsa verde that feels pleasingly nourishing.
Pollen | Echo Park
Detour to neighbourhood LA café Pollen, brought to you by the owners of Brisbane’s Red Hook and Coppa Spuntino. The neighbourhood café and wine bar has plenty of Aussie favourites, like their fried egg sandwich, and gets a little LA with vegan options like a vegan Benedict.
Whether you’re passing through and tired of diner pancakes, looking for a place to introduce American pals to the finer brunches of Down Under, or an expat with a hankering, these Aussie-owned cafes will make you feel right at home.
Words by Sally Scott of Alluxia.
