Published on: May 21, 2016.
Why hello darling!
This is Monica, from Gisele Chic Blog. I’m so excited to share my favorite brunch spots in Santa Monica! As a lifestyle blogger and twenty-something in Los Angeles I am always on the hunt for great spots to meet with girlfriends on the weekend. I’ve rounded up my most classic and beloved places to throw on some sunnies, drink a mimosa and recap the week’s highlights. Enjoy!
Photo: Monica Gisele
I can’t say enough wonderful things about this place. As indicated, it’s right on ocean avenue in Santa Monica, a hop, skip and jump from beautiful outdoor views of the shore. It’s as if the The Beverly Hills Hotel became a beach club. With the consistent prestige in service and food as all the other Ivy locations, but with a more summer like aesthetic. A great place for a celebration with girlfriends or nice brunch with parents. The smoked salmon benedict is my favorite menu item there and don’t forgot to order the yummy red velvet cake or take home the cookies to go (that come in an adorable box for all the aesthetic obsessed like myself)!
- Coast at Shutters on the Beach
Photo: Shutters on the Beach
As promised, Shutters brings the East coast style right to the West coast. You literally can eat the best lobster roll in Los Angeles and see those Cali surfer boys at the same time. It’s a great spot for brunch but also a perfect place to enjoy a sunset glass of rosé. I love their oysters and they serve sweets from my favorite LA bakery, SusieCakes right on site. Make sure to wear a preppy cover up and sandals for an obligatory post meal walk on the beach!
- Groundwork Coffee
Photo: Monica Gisele
It’s a super easy and causal brunch spot with the best truffle avocado toast! I love the outdoor seating and how close the bikes from the Santa Monica Bike Share are. A perfect place to grab a bite with girlfriends before running Saturday errands on Montana, like my monthly wax at Frilly Lilly, cute boutiques and a bike ride to the beach nearby. It’s also a great spot to grab a latte and do some work. I love the clean open space and people watching during the week.
- Salt Air
Photo: https://www.instagram.com/saltairvenice/
So this spot is next door to Santa Monica, on Abbot Kinney in Venice. It’s an amazing restaurant with some of the best seafood in town. I am obsessed with their tomato soup (see here on my Instagram), which I know isn’t a super brunch-like order but trust me when I say it’s so worth it! It has a cheese foam pour that is to die for and for anyone who loves grilled cheese and tomato soup from childhood, I can assure you it checks all boxes, and then more! It’s a very pretty, beachy, clean space with beautiful light at brunch time. My other favorite order is the gravlax with a crispy poached egg. The pea toast is also a crowd pleaser, sounds weird, but everyone at the table will love!
- Blue Plate
Photo: https://www.instagram.com/blueplatesamo/
Another lovely spot on the amazing Montana Ave in Santa Monica, far from the touristy third street promenade and walking distance from the Frilly Lilly boutique. It’s a very simple menu with table service and good eats. It’s perfect for kids and has all the standard brunch and lunch items you and your guests might want. I love this place because I can come in whatever attire. Whether it be lululemon pants or a cute sundress and still feel completely accepted by the casual chic Santa Monica style. They also have another seafood restaurant nearby on Ocean Avenue for lunch/dinner that I am obsessed with, Blue Plate Oysterette, with the most amazing mac and cheese!!!
Hope you enjoyed my favorite brunch spots in Santa Monica,
-M
Let’s be friends,
Blog: GiseleChic.com
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