Eggs in L.A.: The Hard-Boiled Truth

139 1/2 N Larchmont Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90004 (map)

Everyone knows that the key to the 'Benedict' style of eggs is the hollandaise sauce. And the Eggs Florentine at this bustling French bistro is worth the wait. Served on a toasty English muffin with perfectly wilted spinach, the slightly tangy, not-too-thick sauce is a real kicker. Plus, it all somehow tastes better when it's being served by a cute guy with a French accent.

8350 W Third St, Los Angeles, CA 90048 (map)

Less is more: The soft-boiled egg at this airy market-cafe is without a doubt one of my all-time breakfast faves. It might seem simple, but just try boiling an egg to acheive the right level of egg white hardness and yolky drippiness. Not so easy, is it? A large brown organic egg is set atop a small ceramic holder with a tiny spoon for cracking. As the yellow juice drips down the side of the shell, I like to sop it up with the accompanying fluffy slice of buttered sourdough. And at $4, it's the cheapest breakfast in town.

2006 Sawtelle Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90025 (map)

Okay, so this might not be an egg-specific dish (and it's not on the menu every day), but the tuna tartare at this always-busy Sawtelle dinner spot is both delicious and unusual. It's topped with pine nuts, scallions and ... a raw quail egg. The thought of salmonella did cross my mind, but the yoke is no joke--mix it in with your chopsticks and the tartare takes on a slightly more textured, creamy consistency. Asian fusion at its best.

1111 Second St, Santa Monica, CA 90403 (map)

First things first: This gorgeously designed space on the 18th floor of the Huntley Hotel offers the best views in town. Seriously. And now with a new brunch menu, things are looking better than ever. The huevos rancheros are a must-try. Served atop black beans and a crisp corn tortilla, the over-medium eggs are topped with a flavorfully spicy salsa with chunks of garlic and onion as well as a side of fresh sour cream, pico de gallo and guacamole. Bonus: While this place is crawling with scenesters at night, chances are you'll have a serene experience during the morning hours.

2400 Main St Ste A1, Santa Monica, CA 90405 (map)

Can't decide between breakfast and lunch, but don't feel like a fancy brunch? This tiny European cafe/German market is one of those rare city finds with a small-town vibe, no-nonsense yet friendly service and yummy food at delicious prices. While the menu is fairly big, I can't help but always order the BLT, which is the perfect combo of morning food (crispy bacon and soft scrambled eggs) with a thick leaf of lettuce, tomato and sourdough bread slathered in mayo. You can also order it as a wrap, which comes with a green tortilla instead of bread.