Walking into Great White on Larchmont, you immediately sense why it has become such a talked-about dining destination in Los Angeles: the light-filled, airy interior and relaxed indoor/outdoor vibe feel like they dropped in from a breezy Australian café onto a walkable neighborhood street. Drawing inspiration from the all-day café culture of Australia and coastal California, Great White has earned a reputation as a stylish brunch and lunch spot with strong coffee, fresh ingredients, and contemporary breakfast and lunch fare that leans into healthy takes without skimping on comfort.
Reviewed by Allan R. Ellenberger
Overall, reviewers and visitors agree that the café exceeds expectations. Reviewers and visitors commonly compliment the café's bright, relaxed atmosphere and expertly made beverages — especially iced lattes, matcha, and deceptively balanced brunch drinks — that perfectly accompany a leisurely weekend morning or a casual lunch. Highly recommended menu items mentioned repeatedly include burritos, avocado dishes, pancakes, and other brunch staples with a local, seasonal twist. Tripadvisor and Yelp reviewers frequently highlight the fresh, flavorful taste of the food and remark that, while the menu is small, it is not sparse, and the café is a good option for leisurely eating or a casual get-together.
My own experience confirmed much of that acclaim while also shining a light on what makes Great White a cultural phenomenon. I ordered the crispy chicken sandwich, which comes with a honey mustard-based “secret sauce,” cabbage slaw, pickles and a mountain of fries. It was undeniably delicious: juicy chicken with a crunchy exterior and a healthy heap of citrusy slaw to cut through the fattiness.
The sandwich was a little messy — not unexpected with anything saucy and hearty — but that is part of the joy of a sandwich when it’s done right. It’s filling and flavorful, built for the sharing of conversation as much as conversation-fueling calories. The Australian-inspired, California-coastal bent of the menu shows through in dishes that favor bold simplicity and fresh produce, which appealed to all taste profiles.
My friend’s overnight oats offered a contrast: a lighter, apparently healthier choice that he raved about, suggesting the menu has genuine range from indulgent to mindful. This balance of comfort and conscience helps explain why many Angelenos keep coming back despite frequent mention of higher price points. Indeed, both critics and casual reviewers often note that Great White can be pricey — typical for the Larchmont area and quality level, but price remains a frequent caveat in public feedback.
Service seems to be hit or miss. While a lot of reviewers mention the nice staff and lively brunch scene, some have noted slower service or a few mistakes during the weekend brunch rush when it's more packed. A few have also expressed annoyance with wait times to order or be seated, mentioning that they have gotten more popular than they can handle.
In the last few months, controversy has been circulating on the internet about the wider Great White brand (Venice flagship, plus Melrose and Brentwood), which has somewhat colored the wider reputation of the brand. Videos and social media posts purporting to show discriminatory seating policies at some of the chain's other locations, have been circulating online for months. (These have been roundly dismissed by the owners, who point out that the "White" in the name simply refers to the shark, and that the brand is about an open and welcoming environment.) However, these discussions have become a recurring part of the wider discussion about the business in late 2025, and have colored some diners' online discussions about the brand.
One notable quirk that stood out to me personally was Great White’s approach to beverages: they do not offer diet drink options. Whether intentional from a health standpoint or simply a menu choice, it’s curious — especially given that many of their signature drinks trend sweet. For some diners this won’t matter at all, but for those seeking a lighter beverage accompaniment to a heavy brunch, it may be an unexpected limitation.
Great White, at its best, can be the platonic ideal of a Los Angeles café: Insta-fabulous design, friendly but high-end food, and a mood that suits mellow mornings as much as lazy afternoons. And its foibles (price, uneven service, controversy) are the other half of an origin story that makes diners chatter as much as the meal. If you want a buzzy, feels-fresh brunch spot with a solid chicken sandwich, a light glass of lemonade, and a lively, if inauthentic, community vibe, Great White on Larchmont is still a good option…just be ready for a little chaos and a high bill.
GREAT WHITE ON LARCHMONT
Address: 244 N Larchmont Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90004
Website: www.greatwhite.cafe (for multiple locations)
Hours: Open Daily: 8:00 AM - 10:00 PM (Sun-Sat)
Have you had the pleasure of dining at any of the Great White locations? Please share your experiences and comments below.
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