Doubting Thomas - Los Angeles, California

yousef

Somewhat unexpectedly on a fairly bustling main street, this place proves you don’t need a prime location to serve up top notch breakfast and lunch fare.

The seven-grain pancakes were a triumph—soft, fluffy, and almost impossibly moist, with just the right balance of sweetness. The roasted apples and maple cinnamon butter elevated them to dessert-for-breakfast territory, but without overload. Simply put, they were good pancakes—the kind that make you close your eyes after every bite.

Next up, the corned beef hash. Hearty and satisfying, it was everything you want on a morning that demands something substantial. Chunks of tender corned beef mingled with potatoes, smoky poblanos, and a hint of green garlic. The duck fat infused each bite with savory depth along with the sunny egg on top.

Then there’s the doubtless breakfast burrito, a golden-toasted beauty stuffed with tender braised pork shoulder, white cheddar, and potatoes. The sunny egg was a nice twist from the usual scramble, and the smoky chili and tomatillo salsa added layers of flavor. It’s a burrito you’d doubtlessly order again.

To round things off, I couldn’t resist a piece of banoffee banana cream pie and it did not disappoint. Moist, balanced, and not overly banana-forward or creamy.

While the location might not be the most glamorous, Doubting Thomas is the kind of spot that turns skeptics into believers—one pancake, burrito, or slice of pie at a time.

Dev C.

I had such a pleasant experience at this restaurant! From the moment we arrived, the staff was incredibly warm and attentive, making us feel right at home. The food was served promptly, and every dish was really tasty. But the real highlight was the pastries! They were unique and delicious. I highly recommend this place!

Clara C.

I really liked this coffee shop in historic Filipinotown. The main issue is parking is hard to find. The streets are busy, so jay-walking takes patience.

I wish I got a pastry, but this just means I need to make another visit. I got the doubtless breakfast burrito $16, and it was so so good. I got it take away, so they packed the salsa in a separate little container. I thoroughly enjoyed this burrito.

The coffee I got was the fig leaf cream cold brew. The fig leaf smelled so good, but I think I would rather enjoy cold brew without heavy cream.

I would come back! The server was really nice. He was smiling a lot.

I saw a lot of people working on laptops and maybe spotted a few outlets here and there.

Imaan

Hands down best brunch/lunch I have had in LA. Worth a line if there is one. Was even more impressed after reading about the head chef, her dedication to using locally sourced and seasonal ingredients. We had a crispy tuna rice dish, the cast iron herbed chicken sandwich and a diplomat pastry (with mulberry). All superb. the coffee is really good too.

I will note the lack of plentiful seating: on a Sat/Sunday it's pretty hard to find a spot indoors and outdoors, lots of laptop surfers taking up spots I think. I also wish they were open for dinner but c'est la vie.

Victoria A.

It's our second time here, everything is so tasty. Loved the Lomo Saltado burrito🌺 also the aesthetics are so cute. Service is friendly and warm! Worth checking out!!

Babs S.

Stopped by after an intense workout… this place hit the spot.

I really loved the cold brew with the lavender cream. The Thomas breakfast was great, enjoyed the French omelette and the tomatoes (yum) while I cooled down from my hot yoga session.

They also have some good looking pastries. Especially the passion fruit tart.

Oh also ask what the seasonal citrus juice is- had the fresh squeezed tangerine. So. Good.

Annie A.

With all of the food choices, we have in Los Angeles, hands-down, Doubting Thomas is in a league of its own. This independent, woman owned -breakfast, brunch, lunch oasis has the best of all worlds; delicious food, friendly and warm staff and esthetically beautiful surroundings. You can either sit in the dining room that has floor to ceiling windows or outside on Temple under a covered patio. I'll probably post a lot of photos of the food I've eaten over the years! The menu has something for everyone whether it's vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free or for pork belly or beef lovers. And the daily handmade desserts are not only mouthwateringly delicious for your stomach, but a feast for the eyes!

The doubtless breakfast burrito you can order anytime, I especially like it and order it with a runny egg. It's made some of LA's best burritos list. If you want a vegetarian version there is one available. The tomatillo sauce along with the fermented veggies that come on the side are unforgettable. Simple salad is not simple at all, it is absolutely delicious and really an entire meal in itself. Kale salad has become a favorite of my out-of-town friends because it is so fresh and towering. The chef shops at the santa monica farmers market weekly and the care that she puts into choosing the produce is really apparent. Eggs always have the brightest orange yolks. I could go on and on about the food, but you can read about other choices and the other reviews!

I love the fresh made berry iced teas and lemonades and often ask for an Arnold Palmer. Especially if I'm not too too late and they haven't run out of tea or lemonade! The fig leaf cold brew is also a favorite and everyone swears by the coffee.

I'm always amazed that the seating is always self regulating. Well, there may be a short line in front of the cash register. You can always seem to find a seat either at the bar facing Temple St, the communal table or the tables for two inside or out.

As soon as you walk in, you are faced with 2 yards of pastries in a pastry case. ALWAYS ORDER A PASTRY, even if it's to go! Passionfruit pie, banana, bread, banoffee pie, the cookies, the gorgeous cake for those who want something not too sweet.

There is no table service though it's always nice to be greeted by a friendly staff person who will take your order. You'll get a number to take to your table and a member of the staff will bring you your meal. Please TIP GENEROUSLY!

Ramisi C.

Doubting Thomas never misses. I was so disappointed this time because I came late and they were out of the passion fruit pie, which I am passionate about! We love the house breakfast burrito, one of the best in LA, and tried the pastrami version which was incredible, though I prefer their house version. I tried the mushroom rice bowl and I think this might be my new favorite dish! The fermented hot sauce on the side was so flavorful and delicious and the oyster mushrooms were perfect. 10/10 will be back again and again.