A simple way to start the day? Not on your life! Breakfast may be the most hotly debated meal in this early-rising city. I could weigh-in on who’s got the best omelettes, pancakes, chicken-and-waffles, coffee, but much of that is a matter of taste. Instead let me offer a Haute 5 of fine places to have a morning meet.

Huckleberry Bakery and Café

This side-business of the husband and wife team behind Rustic Canyon Wine Bar has endeared nearly everyone since the day it opened. Organic and market-driven whenever possible, the menu is highlighted by their green eggs & ham (with La Quercia proscuitto and pesto), Niman Ranch brisket hash, maple-bacon biscuits and Vahrhona chocolate croissants. Phew!

Huckleberry Bakery and Café is located at1014 Wilshire Boulevard, Santa Monica, 310.451.2311

Barney Greengrass

Atop the Barney’s New York store in Beverly Hills sits a power-meeting outpost of Manhattan’s storied Sturgeon King. Naturally, smoked fish takes up half the menu, but you can also get matzoh brei, a bialy, apple pancake, cheesecake (why not?), or if you insist, a tofu scramble.

Barney Greengrass is located at 9570 Wilshire Boulevard, Beverly Hills, 310.777.5877

Musso & Frank’s

Perhaps because they never open before 11 AM, few people think of this historic Hollywood haunt for breakfast. But for the creative types who venerate this place (myself included), their Swedish-thin flannel cakes (above), char-crisp bacon and simple omelettes—best enjoyed at the grill counter—are as good as it gets. An enduring classic.

Musso & Frank’s is located at 6667 Hollywood Boulevard, 323.467.7788

Lamill Coffee

Set in ground zero of the Silver Lake neighborhood, the mid-century regency-recalling café is obsessive about everything from their coffees and teas to their Michael Cimarusti-created menu. Vegetarian hen eggs, Niman Ranch bacon, fingerling potatoes, cinnamon-vanilla brioche French toast…you get the idea.

Lamill Coffee is located at 1636 Silver Lake Boulevard, 323.663.4441

Bob Morris’ Paradise Cove Beach Café

Nothing whets the appetite like an ocean breeze, and the classic Paradise Cove Beach Café certainly has that. With a menu offering carrot cake waffles, macadamia coconut pancakes, house smoked salmon and Ramos gin fizzes, you’ll have a memorable repast…and beach access, to boot.

Paradise Cove Beach Café is located at 28128 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, 310.457.2503