Republique

Walking into Republique feels like stepping into a piece of Los Angeles history. The stunning two-story dining room on La Brea Avenue, with its soaring arched ceilings, rustic wooden tables, and provincial street lamps, creates an atmosphere that’s nothing short of magical. This building once housed Charlie Chaplin’s offices and later became home to the legendary Campanile under Nancy Silverton. That rich heritage seeps into every corner of this beloved French institution.

The real star here is brunch, particularly the pastry case that stops guests in their tracks. Behind the glass sits an overwhelming array of kouign amanns, chocolate bombolinis, cake donuts with pink icing, and elaborate ube coconut bundt cakes. Beyond the sweets, the hot breakfast menu delivers silky shakshuka with roasted tomatoes and velvety eggs, kimchi fried rice, and herb-flecked gruyere omelets. And whatever you order, make sure a baguette with that glorious mountain of golden butter makes it to your table.

This is the kind of place that makes visitors understand why they came to LA. The combination of incredible architecture, French-inspired cuisine, and that unmistakable energy of a restaurant that’s earned its legendary status creates an experience you won’t soon forget. Mornings here feel like being transported to a bustling French marketplace in some impossibly charming village.

While dinner service has become somewhat inconsistent over the years, brunch at Republique remains essential eating. Come early on a weekend, prepare to be dazzled by the pastry selection, and soak in the ambiance of one of the city’s true architectural wonders. For breakfast and special occasions with out-of-town guests, few places in Los Angeles can match what Republique offers.