Republique (restaurant)

I visited Republique for breakfast this week. Their pastry selection bows to no one. I’m a frequent customer and I have my favorites. A typical breakfast there, for me, starts with a slice of the basque cheesecake: a truly heavenly, creamy cheesecake, with none of the tough graham cracker crust that you are forced to fight to break off. If I don’t get a montadito, I strongly recommend the montadito to whomever is there with me. Someone’s gotta enjoy that beautifully petite baguette with ham, brie, and french butter. It’s the perfect amount of food at any time of day, and keeps pretty well if you can’t finish it (because you decided not to share any of your cheesecake). Their drip coffee comes in a little carafe with a small, narrow mug which allows the coffee experience to feel fresh while you’re sipping. Their cream pies are always a treat, especially the summer flavor: mango and passionfruit. Tart, creamy, refreshing. My typical recommendation to anyone who’s never been there - take a minute to browse the pastry case while the rest of your party waits in line and pick whatever sounds good to you; it’ll likely be amazing. Nothing is ever over-sweet or cloying and the ingredients are fresh. They have a wide range of flavors and options, from sweet (the creme brulee bomboloni is a delight) to savory (the rotating hand pie flavors are always a fun treat to try), serving whatever mood you’re in.

From their breakfast menu, I love the koshihikari rice. I’ve had the kimchi fried rice before and the koshihikari rice has a better blend of flavors. I used to order the potato pancake exclusively, but in the past few years, they’ve changed up the way they cook the pancake and it’s just not the same. Plus, the extremely soft poached eggs on the pancake are a little too soft. If you do choose to get the pancake, ask them for the eggs to be a little less soft. Trust me, sometimes even the whites are barely congealed. I’ve tried the lobster omelette too, but the main draw of that dish is the delicious baby green salad. If I’m particularly ravenous and I’ve strategically waited until 11 am, the fried chicken sandwich on the lunch menu is delicious.

The restaurant is spacious and the runners always manage to find your table, no matter where you end up sitting. You’ll order at the counter and get a numbered mug, and if you’re paying separately but sitting with a group, they can put you all on the same mug number, just let the cashier know. The service is kind and anticipatory. If you’re looking for somewhere to sit and there’s good weather - definitely follow the curve of the restaurant to the right and sit in the beautiful abundant patio. Lightly shaded, open, and gives out of towners a real taste of that classic SoCal weather.

Republique is also open for dinner, but that’s its own review. It’s a different experience than the bright and lively breakfast. I personally prefer Republique in the morning.

Movie Recommendation: No Reservations (2007). Because at the end of the day, even if you’re the most masterful chef, your best project is breakfast.