"Breakfast: it's the most important meal of the day." This mantra has been as true as the dawn, especially for busy professionals everywhere. For Rocky Xu, it's a focal point to a healthy, creative lifestyle here in Los Angeles.
Rocky Xu has dipped his hands in fashion and music since the mid-2000s, having worked with powerhouse brands like Nike and Converse, Beats By Dre, Awake NY, the local-favorite Family Style Food Festival and more. His latest venture – Rocky's Matcha – is ushering a new wave of health and awareness of the age-old Japanese tea leaf powder. His brand of matcha and matcha drink has been hitting the streets of major cities since 2022, working with boutiques and cafes across the United States and even in the U.K.
To foster your pleasant mornings, Rocky has shared with us his favorite locations across Los Angeles for breakfast and coffee/tea/matcha, with some staple spots highly familiar and a few under-the-radar joints as well. The list is sure to cater to health-focused individuals, while also not ostracizing those looking for mornings with downright delicious starts too.
Check out the list below, and click here to save all of them on Google Maps for the next time you're in LA.
Community Goods
"Go early to avoid the lines [at Community Goods]. My breakfast recommendation would be the pistachio toast and breakfast sliders with an iced matcha latte or decaf coffee."
Community Goods
710 N Edinburgh Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90046
Gjusta
"If you find yourself on the west side, Gjusta Bakery is a staple. Grab a number and get in line. You can’t go wrong with anything on the menu from the pastries to the fresh squeezed juices."
Gjusta
320 E Sunset Ave
Venice, CA 90291
Fountain Coffee Room
"If you’re in the mood for a treat, drive over to the Beverly Hills Hotel, an iconic architectural landmark in LA, and grab a seat at the Fountain Coffee Room for their silver dollar pancakes and hash browns."
Fountain Coffee Room
9641 Sunset Blvd
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
Jon & Vinny's
"The original location on Fairfax is arguably my favorite place to take a breakfast meeting, thanks to the natural light that beams through the roof.
While J&V are known for lunch and dinner, the breakfast is actually amazing…pancakes if you’re feeling sweet and breakfast pizza if you want something savory. If you’re looking to do something healthy, get the avocado, eggs, bacon, and fresh market berries."
Jon & Vinny's
412 N Fairfax Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90036
Courage Bagels
"Hands down the best bagel. I love coming here for a Burnt Everything bagel with salmon. Courage bagels is also known for running specials from time to time; a past favorite of mine was the Ghetto Gastro collaboration that featured Ghetto Gastro’s spicy maple syrup on a hot buttered bagel."
Courage Bagels
777 Virgil Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90029
Sqirl
"Across the street from Courage Bagels is another LA staple, Sqirl. The must order item on the menu is any of their toasts but I also love their bowls for something more savory (arguably more healthy).
When you’re done eating you can walk over to Sqirl market next door to pick up some pantry items."
Sqirl
720 Virgil Ave #4
Los Angeles, CA 90029
Erewhon
"I’ll probably get ostracized for putting Erewhon on my list, but i love the plant based breakfast burrito and I’m picking up a ginger turmeric shot almost every other day at this point."
Erewhon
7660 Beverly Blvd A
Los Angeles, CA 90036
Holey Grail Donuts
"I’m not sure this qualifies as breakfast but if you’re in the mood for a treat, Holey Grail Donuts will definitely satisfy that craving. Originally founded in Hawaii, Holey Grail Donuts has two permanent locations in LA and pride themselves on making every donut fresh with a taro base."
Holey Grail Donuts
148 N Larchmont Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90004
République
"While République does serve an amazing lunch and dinner menu, their breakfast has become what they’re known for with lines stretching down the block on weekends for breakfast / brunch.
For those who are looking for a meal either before or after they hit La Brea (UNION, Stüssy, UNDEFEATED, Carhartt WIP, Y-3, etc.), look no further."
République
624 S La Brea Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90036
Nate'n Al's
"A landmark Jewish deli that is always busy for breakfast. The perfect place for corned beef, matzo ball soup, cheese blintzes and so much more."
Nate'n Al's
414 N Beverly Dr
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
Huge Tree Pastry
"When I’m in the mood for a traditional Chinese breakfast, I’ll make the commute out to Huge Tree Pastry in Monterey Park for soybean milk and youtiao (Chinese fried cruller)."
Huge Tree Pastry
423 N Atlantic Blvd
Monterey Park, CA 91754
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