Famished Girl
The Victorian
One Summer evening when I first moved to Los Angeles, I came across this fabulous Victorian building on Main St. in Santa Monica. This traditional wooden house, was bejeweled with fairy lights and like a moth to a flame I was transfixed! Music drifted from inside and people gathered on the porch, eating and laughing, but when I tried to enter, I was informed that it was a private party! It looked like I would never get to see what this gorgeous venue had to offer!
Fast forward a few months and to my delight , I found out that the venue, named aptly The Victorian, had opened it’s doors to the general public from 8am to 2pm daily. Finally I could join this ‘members only club’. A couple of weeks ago, in dire need of good comfort food , I found myself in their exquisite dining room. The menu has a real southern flavor to it, in other words ditch the diet girls! There are so many delicious options, not to mention a signature frozen belini cocktail, that make The Victorian the perfect place for a long lazy lunch. I opted for the club sandwich with a side of sweet potato fries. I ended up getting half of it to go as I couldn’t finish it all and leave room for their wonderful deserts! Yes, my eyes are bigger than my belly! The Victorian is famous for their omelette’s and pancakes. If you’re looking for a hearty breakfast when in LA, then this is the place to go.
A lot of restaurants and cafe’s in LA are so concerned with their food being fat-free, that their dishes have no taste. So hurray for The Victorian who proudly display real food with authentic flavor. The staff are wonderful and will happily explain everything on the menu, as well as the history of the house, which is really fascinating. They have seating for over a hundred people outside and with it being right in the heart of Santa Monica, it’s a perfect location for a late Saturday breakfast.
Speaking of which, on Sunday’s there is a farmers market on their grounds, and while the main cafe is closed, they provide a great take-out from their bakery. The bakery, which is on the premises,makes the best scones and carrot cake that I have tasted in Los Angeles which, in my book, is quite an achievement!
The Victorian specialize in weddings and private parties. The venue also plays host to a great Jazz club on a Wednesday and Thursday night. The club is like a speakeasy, you even get a pass-word that allows you to enter!
All in all this wonderful quaint restaurant is well worth checking out. It is so rare to find a place in Santa Monica that combines old world charm, real home cooking and a jazz club thrown in for a midweek nite out!
The Victorian
2640 Main Street
Santa Monica, CA 90405
Tel: (310) 392 4956
Area: 