It used to be that brunch was the time for chefs to get rid of leftovers from the week's service, but now restaurants are going above and beyond to deliver extravagant spreads with the freshest local ingredients on Saturday and Sunday mornings. Thanks to our mild weather this morning mealtime hybrid is something we can enjoy both indoor and out practically year-round. Here are our favorites.



Polenta, asparagus and soft eggs at AOC (Photo by Krista Simmons/LAist)

AOC

The stunning Spanish-style patio at the new location of AOC looks out onto a lemon tree-lined street, making you feel like you're a world away from the L.A. crazy. Chef Suzanne Goin's brunch menu showcases market-fresh fruit and veg, including items like grilled asparagus with polenta, spring vegetables and soft egg; and meyer lemon french toast with pistachios, blueberries and candied meyer lemon; and the signature breakfast sandwich of arugula, proscuitto and a sunny side up egg on top of a thick slice of brioche. An added bonus is that their specialty cocktails are only $10 each, meaning you can get a little nip of the hair of the dog at a decent rate. Brunch goes from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

AOC is located at 8700 W 3rd St Los Angeles, (310) 859-9859

BARBRIX

We could stop at the mention of $5 bottomless mimosas, but that would be selling this Silver Lake restaurant's brunch short. Their menu has something for everyone, but our personal favorites are the blueberry cornmeal pancakes topped with a berry compote and served with Vermont maple syrup. If you're after a savory dish, go for the perfectly-seared prime hanger steak and eggs or the blue crab hash. Their charcuterie and cheese selections are always winners, too.

Barbrix is located at 2442 Hyperion Avenue in Silverlake, (323) 662-2442



Breakfast Pizza with speck and egg at Little Dom's (Photo by foodwolf via the LAist Featured Photos pool on Flickr)

LITTLE DOM'S

This little Italian eatery is our go-to spot for Sunday brunch, namely because they offer $10 bottles of prosecco and excellent baked farm house eggs. They also have fantastic salads, like their raw Tuscan kale with currants and Now, the wait is admittedly long on weekends, but you can bring your dog along and go for a walk down Hillhurst in the interim. (A close runner-up in the area is Dusty's, who makes a variety of fabulous mimosa riffs and a killer bloody mary. Or if you're thinking of more of a greasy spoon/diner situation, head over to the Brite Spot.)

Little Dom's is located at 2128 Hillhurst Ave. in Los Feliz; (323) 661-0055

THE CHURCHILL

If you think of brunch like you do real estate, The Churchill on West Third is the place to be. In addition to its prime location, you'll get great cocktails, quality people-watching, and scrumptious eats in a stylish setting. The menu ranges from healthy, like steel cut oats or granola, to the more indulgent dishes like short rib hash or poached eggs and proscuitto. A seat by the outdoor fireplace is the perfect place to perch yourself during the winter months.

The Churchill is located at 8384 W. 3rd Street, West Hollywood, (323) 655-8384

CAFE STELLA

Speaking of awesome locations, it doesn't get much more hip than brunch time at Cafe Stella. Diners look like they're straight off the pages of The Satorialist as they nosh on dishes like Moroccan eggs made with stewed tomatoes with cumin, zatar, spicy Merguez sausages, and little pita toast points served in a little cast iron skillet—a personal favorite. It might take a while to get a table on the courtyard patio, but it's worth it.

Cafe Stella is located at 3932 W Sunset Blvd, Silverlake, (323) 666-0265



TRES

Chef Jose Andres can pretty much do no wrong in our book. The Bazaar is still one of our favorite restaurants in L.A., and a stop at China Poblano is practically requisite for every trip to Vegas. So it's no big shocker that Tres at the SLS Hotel has a special place in our hearts. Just as things are at the Bazaar, dishes range from the traditional, like a Russ & Daughters smoked fish platter, to the more modernist, like the fabulous SLS Eggs Benedict made with eggs cooked at 63 degrees, toasted brioche and hollandaise air. Make sure to order up a round of Spanish Cava mimosas or a Brazilian Screwdriver made with freshly pressed tangerines while you're there.

Tres is located at 465 S. La Cienega Blvd., Beverly Hills, (310) 246-5555



Eggs benedict with bacon cheddar buttermilk biscuits, arugula, prosciutto and hollandaise (Photo by nomsnotbombs via the LAist Featured Photos pool)

MB POST

Chef David LeFevre's Manhattan Beach restaurant has the best sticky buns in town, and their bloodies are to die for. Not to mention their bacon buttermilk biscuits served with a side of maple butter, which are worth the drive alone. The poached egg on polenta with asparagus and ricottta-stuffed French toast are also hits.

MB Post is located at 1142 Manhattan Avenue in Manhattan Beach, CA; (310) 545-5405

HUCKLEBERRY

Zoe Nathan's bakery in Santa Monica serves all sorts of egg sandwiches alongside items like the house-cured salmon platter, Green eggs & ham with La Quercia prosciutto, pesto & arugula on English muffin, and house made granola. They don't serve booze, but to be honest a nice dose of fresh Santa Monica ocean air is a better cure for a hangover anyhow.

Huckleberry is located at 1014 Wilshire Boulevard in Santa Monica; (310) 451-2311