With the sun beaming down onto the patio, lovely servers enthusiastically taking orders and filling portions, More Than Waffles is forever my number one choice.
Over spring break, I declared that it was a must to visit my beloved breakfast and brunch spot nestled in the Encino Town Center in Los Angeles: More Than Waffles. When I first stumbled upon this hidden gem, the name alone sparked my curiosity. My initial thought was, “How could any place promise more than waffles”? This restaurant delivers a comforting and warm dining experience with a menu filled with a variety of items, leaving a little something for everyone.
The lovely couple operating this cozy restaurant is Ika and Greg Taft. Although this restaurant has been the neighborhood favorite since 1975, Ika and Greg Taft purchased the restaurant in 1998 from the previous owner, Joe Levoff. More Than Waffles manages to remain snuggled away from the chaos of the city while still remaining easily accessible. The most notable element of this spot is the care and tenderness that they put into everything. For instance, all recipes are made from scratch (and with love), ingredients are always fresh and their dishes are consistently delicious. Most entrees fall in the $13–$18 range, with waffles starting around $12, and the specialty plates are closer to $16–$20.
Inside the restaurant, the atmosphere is inviting and homey, with vintage decor, warm wood, and my personal favorite scent of their house-brewed fresh coffee. On my visit, I ordered the Nutella Waffle topped with fresh-cut strawberries, bananas, and a dollop of vanilla ice cream. It was crisp on the outside, soft and fluffy on the inside, and the waffle absorbed all of the vanilla ice cream… making it even more scrumptious. For a savory dish, I ordered the Ultimate Burrito, a crispy and warm tortilla filled with eggs, bacon, ham, house potatoes and cheddar cheese. The portions were more than generous and every single dish fulfilled a craving I never knew I had.
So, is More Than Waffles worth visiting? Without a doubt. This culinary experience is not just the place you return to because of the delicious food, but for the warmth it brings to the heart. This place is perfect if you are looking for a cozy spot to spend time with friends or if you are in search of a classic breakfast. Of course, the waffles are all the rage. However, it is the environment and atmosphere that make it so much more than waffles.
