Update: Sadly, Donny’s Breakfast Spot closed some time ago. It was replaced by one of Ludo Lefebvre’s posh joints. Much as I love a Ludo omelet, it isn’t Donny’s. I’m leaving the post published as homage to one of the best neighborhood B’fast spots in L.A.
LDonny’s Breakfast Spot opened their doors only a couple weeks before our first visit, so Ty and I didn’t expect much. New restaurants typically need a few months to find their “mojo.”
Donny’s is an exception. I’m beyond happy to report they exceeded my expectations by a mile and much more. The food was excellent: Perfectly cooked scrambled eggs, delicious paprika-scented home fries, thick Texas-style toast and fluffy, lighter-than-air pancakes.
Service was warm, helpful and responsive. Their staff gets to know customers like family and eventually caters to their personal tastes – things like having an iced coffee on the table the minute one local sits down; or serving another customer’s eggs on top of his potatoes. All these personal touches without needing to ask make Donny’s family feel like our own family – and breakfast in our own kitchen, but without the dishes.
Donny’s atmosphere is a modern version of an old-school diner with a super-cool counter, roomy booths, nice decor and great music ( classic R&B.) News is silent above heads on TV screens, but easily avoidable on those days when you want to maintain your healthy appetite. The crowd is diverse – a friendly and happily hungry crowd of newbies, regulars, locals and out-of-town guests.
On our first visit, we ordered simple eggs, potatoes, coffee and toast. Simple yes, but everything tasted SO much better than we expected. Sincerely. Since our initial visit, we’ve also many other menu items. Hands-down perfect and delicious, every single dish.
Donny’s is now our go-to breakfast place several times a week. Note: Weekends are busy for this little diner: Bring a Kindle and prepare for a 15-20 minute wait. Don’t expect to find easy parking, though they do have a valet in back. Regardless… Donny’s is WELL worth it.
On Lisa’s Clean Plate Rating scale (0-5), Donny’s gets a 4 – NOM NOM!!
Donny’s Breakfast Spot
13701 Ventura Boulevard, Sherman Oaks, CA 91423
(818) 510-0686
DonnysBreakfastSpot.com
Salt, Sweet, Spirits. 