Last updated: 2025-04-07
From the iconic King’s Hawaiian Local Place to the beloved Gardena Bowl Coffee Shop, this South Bay city serves up some of LA County’s most satisfying brunch spots. The Pan’s famous breakfast skillets and Cork and Batter’s creative morning fare draw weekend crowds from across the South Bay.
Nestled between Torrance and Hawthorne, Gardena’s brunch scene blends traditional American breakfast classics with unique local flavors. Whether craving The Strand House’s coastal views or IHOP Gardena’s familiar comfort food, these spots define morning dining in the South Bay.
Explore South Bay’s best morning bites below!
Featured Brunch Spots in Gardena
- The Strand House (Manhattan Beach)
- Bazille - Nordstrom Del Amo (Torrance)
- Eatalian Cafe
- El Torito (Hawthorne)
- King's Hawaiian The Local Place Bakery & Cafe
- Cork and Batter (Inglewood)
- The Pan
- IHOP Gardena
- 85C Bakery Cafe
- Gardena Bowl Coffee Shop
85C Bakery Cafe
What to Expect
Taiwanese-style bakery with innovative pastry and beverage selections
Description
85°C Bakery Cafe offers a vibrant Taiwanese-inspired bakery experience featuring an extensive selection of fresh-baked breads, pastries, and specialty drinks. Their menu highlights include innovative items like the Walnut Crumble loaf with rich cream filling, Taro Mochi Boroh, and signature Sea Salt Coffee. The cafe combines European and Asian baking techniques, creating unique fusion treats that blend traditional and contemporary flavors.
Where: Gardena | More Info: 85C Bakery Cafe
Bazille - Nordstrom Del Amo (Torrance)
What to Expect
Nordstrom in-store restaurant with contemporary American cuisine
Description
Bazille offers a contemporary American bistro experience nestled inside Nordstrom at Del Amo Fashion Center. The restaurant serves bold, flavorful dishes including appetizers, brick oven pizzas, and handcrafted cocktails. Guests can enjoy a stylish dining atmosphere with convenient curbside pickup and a menu featuring salads, sandwiches, entrees, and house-made desserts.
Where: Torrance | More Info: Bazille - Nordstrom Del Amo
Cork and Batter (Inglewood)
What to Expect
Rooftop weekend brunch near major Inglewood entertainment venues
Description
Cork and Batter offers a vibrant weekend brunch experience in Inglewood's entertainment district, strategically located near SoFi Stadium and Kia Forum. Their Saturday and Sunday brunch runs from 11am-2pm, featuring a diverse menu with dishes like roasted half chicken and creative small plates. The multi-level restaurant boasts a rooftop dining area perfect for enjoying weekend meals with panoramic views of the surrounding sports and entertainment venues.
Where: Inglewood | More Info: Cork and Batter
Eatalian Cafe
What to Expect
Glass-enclosed kitchen with live culinary preparation
Description
An authentic Italian cafe in Gardena offering artisanal culinary experiences with traditional cooking methods. Specializing in handcrafted Italian dishes prepared in full view of diners, Eatalian showcases fresh mozzarella, homemade pastas, and wood-fired pizzas. Their open kitchen concept allows guests to watch skilled chefs transform simple ingredients into sophisticated Italian cuisine using imported ovens and signature open stoves.
Where: Gardena | More Info: Eatalian Cafe
El Torito (Hawthorne)
What to Expect
Tableside guacamole and flame-grilled fajita preparations
Description
El Torito offers an authentic Mexican brunch experience with an All-You-Can-Eat Sunday Brunch featuring a carving station with ham and tri-tip. Their tableside guacamole preparation and flame-grilled fajitas highlight fresh ingredients and bold flavors. The restaurant provides a lively atmosphere with weekly specials like $3 Taco Tuesdays and vibrant weekend celebrations.
Where: Hawthorne | More Info: El Torito
Gardena Bowl Coffee Shop
What to Expect
Hawaiian cuisine served inside a bowling alley
Description
Hawaiian-inspired cafe nestled inside Gardena Bowl, serving local favorites like Spam Musubi and Hawaiian Royal Spam Fried Rice. This unique bowling alley restaurant offers a casual dining experience with authentic island-style breakfast and lunch options. Known for hearty Hawaiian comfort food in an unexpected venue, it attracts locals seeking delicious, no-frills meals.
Where: Gardena | More Info: Gardena Bowl Coffee Shop
IHOP Gardena
What to Expect
All-day breakfast and extensive pancake variety
Description
Classic American chain restaurant offering an expansive breakfast menu with signature buttermilk pancakes and hearty brunch classics. IHOP Gardena delivers consistent, family-friendly dining featuring crowd-pleasing options like their famous Rooty Tooty Fresh 'N Fruity pancakes, fluffy Belgian waffles, and customizable breakfast combos. Casual dining atmosphere welcomes families and groups seeking reliable, affordable morning meals.
Where: Gardena | More Info: IHOP Gardena
King's Hawaiian The Local Place Bakery & Cafe
What to Expect
Hawaiian sweet bread-inspired brunch menu
Description
King's Hawaiian The Local Place in Gardena offers an authentic Hawaiian brunch experience featuring their world-famous sweet rolls. Specializing in Hawaiian-fusion breakfast classics like Loco Moco, Portuguese sausage plates, and Hawaiian-style French toast, this bakery-cafe combines traditional island flavors with California comfort. Their signature sweet bread transforms traditional brunch dishes into unique culinary experiences.
Where: Gardena | More Info: King's Hawaiian The Local Place Bakery & Cafe
The Pan
What to Expect
All-day breakfast menu with comprehensive dining options
Description
The Pan serves American comfort cuisine with an all-day breakfast approach in Gardena. Specializing in hearty morning classics like fluffy pancakes and savory egg dishes, this casual restaurant offers a welcoming atmosphere for diners seeking satisfying meals throughout the day. Their commitment to 'where hunger meets comfort' translates into generous portions and classic American diner-style cooking.
Where: Gardena | More Info: The Pan
The Strand House (Manhattan Beach)
What to Expect
Oceanfront dining with panoramic Pacific Coast views
Description
Oceanfront brunch destination in Manhattan Beach featuring panoramic Pacific views and California coastal cuisine. The Strand House specializes in elevated weekend brunch with signature dishes like Dungeness Crab Benedict and locally-sourced seafood-infused breakfast plates. Their expansive windows and beachfront patio offer stunning shoreline dining experiences with contemporary American culinary techniques.
Where: Manhattan Beach | More Info: The Strand House
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