Los Angeles, a city known for its diverse culinary scene, offers a delightful array of waffle and crepe havens. Whether you crave the crispy squares of a Belgian waffle or the delicate, thin embrace of a French crepe, LA has something for every sweet tooth. This guide explores 12 of the top waffle and crepe restaurants, highlighting their unique offerings and atmospheres.
Discovering LA's Best Waffle & Crepe Spots
Finding the perfect waffle or crepe can be an adventure, but this list cuts through the noise, offering a curated selection based on quality, uniqueness, and overall experience. We've considered factors like ingredient freshness, menu creativity, ambiance, and customer reviews to create this definitive guide.
1. The Waffle House (Multiple Locations): A Classic Comfort Food Experience
The Waffle House isn't exactly known for its ambiance but is definitely a LA staple for late night cravings. They offer a simple menu of classic waffles, often served with various toppings like butter, syrup, and fruit. Expect a no-frills, down-home dining experience.
- Specialty: Classic waffles, simple toppings.
- Ambiance: Casual, diner-like.
- Price: $
2. République (Mid-City): Upscale Elegance Meets Delicious Crepes
République elevates the crepe experience to an art form. Their crepes are made with high-quality ingredients, showcasing both sweet and savory options with inventive flavor combinations. Expect a sophisticated atmosphere and impeccable service.
- Specialty: Savory and sweet crepes, elegant presentations.
- Ambiance: Upscale, sophisticated.
- Price: $$
3. Little Dom's (Los Feliz): Italian-American Influence on Waffles and Crepes
Little Dom's blends Italian-American flavors into their waffle and crepe offerings. This creates a unique fusion of familiar and unexpected tastes. They are known for their creative seasonal variations, reflecting the freshest ingredients.
- Specialty: Creative fusion crepes and waffles, Italian-inspired toppings.
- Ambiance: Trendy, neighborhood gem.
- Price: $$
4. Urth Caffé (Multiple Locations): Organic Delights & Coffee Pairings
Urth Caffé focuses on organic and sustainable ingredients. Their waffles and crepes are crafted with fresh, high-quality produce, making them a healthy yet indulgent option. Pair your waffle or crepe with one of their many organic coffee drinks.
- Specialty: Organic ingredients, coffee pairings.
- Ambiance: Relaxed, organic-focused.
- Price: $
5. Blu Jam Cafe (Multiple Locations): Brunch Favorite with Unique Waffle Options
Blu Jam Café is a popular brunch spot known for its extensive menu of waffles. They offer a variety of sweet and savory options, with many unique and inventive combinations. Expect a busy, yet enjoyable brunch atmosphere.
- Specialty: Extensive waffle menu, creative toppings.
- Ambiance: Lively, brunch-focused.
- Price: $
6. Angel City Brewery (Downtown LA): Industrial Chic with Sweet Treats
While primarily a brewery, Angel City Brewery also offers a surprisingly delicious selection of desserts, including some tasty waffles. The industrial-chic ambiance provides a unique backdrop for enjoying a sweet treat.
- Specialty: Waffles and brewery atmosphere.
- Ambiance: Industrial-chic, brewery atmosphere.
- Price: $
7. Cafe Gratitude (Multiple Locations): Gratitude Focused Menu with Healthy Options
Cafe Gratitude focuses on healthy and organic food. Their waffle and crepe options often use whole-grain ingredients and fresh fruit. They're known for their positive vibes and vegetarian-focused menu.
- Specialty: Healthy, organic waffles and crepes.
- Ambiance: Relaxed, positive vibes.
- Price: $
8. Gjelina (Venice): Rustic Charm with Gourmet Crepes
Gjelina is a popular Venice restaurant with a rustic-chic vibe. Their crepes are often part of their seasonal menu, showcasing the freshest ingredients of the moment. Expect a bustling, trendy environment.
- Specialty: Seasonal crepes, rustic-chic ambiance.
- Ambiance: Trendy, rustic-chic.
- Price: $$
9. Sqirl (Silver Lake): Hipster Hotspot with Unique Waffle Creations
Sqirl is a beloved Silver Lake spot known for its hip atmosphere and creative dishes. Their waffle and crepe variations are always a highlight, known for unexpected flavor combinations and artful presentations.
- Specialty: Creative and unique waffles and crepes.
- Ambiance: Trendy, hipster-chic.
- Price: $$
10. The Original Farmers Market (Fairfax): Diverse Options & Classic Treats
The Original Farmers Market offers numerous vendors, including several that specialize in waffles and crepes. This is a great option for variety and experiencing different styles in one location.
- Specialty: Variety of vendors, diverse styles.
- Ambiance: Bustling, market atmosphere.
- Price: Varies
11. Grand Central Market (Downtown LA): A Foodie Paradise with Waffle & Crepe Gems
Similar to the Farmers Market, Grand Central Market boasts multiple vendors offering waffles and crepes. This makes it a perfect destination for those wanting diverse choices in a historic setting.
- Specialty: Diverse options from various vendors.
- Ambiance: Historic, bustling market.
- Price: Varies
12. Bestia (Arts District): Italian-Inspired with Unexpected Treats
While known for its Italian cuisine, Bestia sometimes features unique, Italian-inspired desserts, including waffles or crepes, that often change depending on seasonal availability.
- Specialty: Unexpected Italian-inspired desserts (availability varies).
- Ambiance: Industrial-chic, Italian-inspired.
- Price: $$
This list provides a starting point for your LA waffle and crepe adventure. Remember to check individual restaurant websites for hours, menus, and potential wait times, especially during peak hours. Enjoy exploring the sweet side of Los Angeles!
