I grew up eating a short stack (two pancakes) with butter, maple syrup, and thick-sliced, griddled ham at the Summit Diner in New Jersey. I get the appeal of this iconic American breakfast plate, but something late Los Angeles restaurant critic Jonathan Gold showed us stuck with me. His 2011 LA Weekly Pancake Breakfast line-up at the Petersen Automotive Museum went beyond buttermilk. Restaurants included Kobawoo House (Korean haemul pajeon), 101 Noodle Express (Chinese beef rolls), and Meals by Genet (Ethiopian injera). This range better reflected Los Angeles (and America). I’ve taken a similarly global approach to my guides over the years. Find my favorite Los Angeles pancakes since 2022.

Agnes Restaurant & Cheesery Sticky Toffee Pancakes – Pasadena ↓

Ahgoo’s Kitchen Signature Green Onion Sesame Pie – Temple City ↓

Breakfast by Salt’s Cure Oatmeal Griddle Cakes (OG + Pink Lady Apple) – Santa Monica + West Hollywood ↓

Danbi Scallop Pancake – Koreatown ↓

Doubting Thomas Seven-Grain Pancakes – Historic Filipinotown ↓

Friends & Family Buckwheat Pancake – Thai Town ↓

Gebang Sikdang Kimchi Pancake – Koreatown ↓

Grand Kitchen Sirniki – Glendale ↓

le dräQ Ricotta Pancake – DTLA ↓

Little Fish Cottage Cheese Pancakes – Echo Park (Temporarily Closed) ↓

Majordomo Bing (With Accompaniments) – Chinatown ↓

Mom, Please Deruny with Salmon – Playa Vista ↓

Mom, Please Syrnyky 50/50 (Berry Sauce & Custard) – Playa Vista ↓

Motto Tea Cafe Soufflé Pancake (Seasonal Momo Peach) – Pasadena + San Gabriel ↓

Soonheene Pork Meat Ball Pancake – Arcadia ↓

Yang’s Kitchen Cornmeal Mochi Pancake – Alhambra ↓