Breakfast is all about optimism. The sun is shining as we sit down to our meal — be it a decadent plate of eggs and bacon or a virtuous little bowl of fruit and chia seeds — and, for a moment, whatever went down the night before or waits for us in the day to come is irrelevant. L.A. is rich in places offering great breakfasts every day of the week, so you don’t have to wait for Sunday brunch to roll around to enjoy an excellent morning meal. Whether you’re meeting up with friends or taking your toast alone (just you and your Instagram followers), these 50 spots will have you starting the day strong.

1. Amara Kitchen

Highland Park

Amara Kitchen has something for every breakfast lover, even the vegan, gluten-free, and paleo-dieting one. Everything in the cheery spot is certified organic, as well, but with options including pumpkin pancakes and saucy egg pots, you won’t feel like the healthiness comes as a compromise on taste.

2. 189 by Dominique Ansel

The Grove

Ah, at last, Los Angeles got a taste of the Dominique mystique. After we watched from afar as the Cronut craze devoured the sanity of NYC (at the height of the madness, scalpers were allegedly charging $100 a pop for the coveted, crispy pastries), we now have our very own Cronut sanctuary nestled in The Grove. But while pastries are Ansel’s claim to fame, head to 189 for the bonafide breakfast dishes. You’ll find the softest scrambled eggs, some of the best pancakes in town, perfectly cooked salmon, and the lamb merguez sausage of your dreams.