Ask anyone in Brentwood for a lunch recommendation, and they are likely to reply “Coral Tree Cafe.” I say this because when I first arrived in Brentwood and asked people where I should go for lunch, and several were quick to reply “Coral Tree.” So as you can imagine, I was very down to give the restaurant a try. Prior to my visit, I was also told that Coral Tree was “Brentwood’s office,” and after going to the restaurant (on several occasions now) I couldn’t agree with this statement more. Tables were filled with diners on laptops, who were there for a good meal as they worked. As breakfast turned to lunch, tables were filled with even more laptops and larger groups escaping their offices for a casual, yet delicious lunch. I’m actually sitting at Coral Tree now as I type!…
Not only is the menu at Coral Tree extensive, but it is incredibly gluten friendly! For the brunch crowd, the famous egg scrambles and omelettes are served with toast, but gluten free baguettes are available! And the baguettes are delicious. If you’re a benedict person, sub out the English muffin and replace it with the GF baguette; the benedict is just as good! Before I really dive into the food and my top picks, I have to compliment Coral Tree Cafe on its value. Food is appropriately priced and the portions are HUGE. You know when you’ve been eating for a while, and you’re running out of steam, and then you look at your dish and it seems like it is all still there? That sums up my experience. For lunch, I highly recommend the kale salad with golden raisins, toasted almonds, and quinoa, all dressed in a lemon vinagirette. I ordered my salad nocheese, and added avocado instead, and it was delicious. I also ordered the grilled chicken panini on GF bread. This sandwich is one of the restaurant’s most popular orders and I understand why! All sandwiches and paninis can be made gluten free except for the turkey meatloaf sandwich, veggie wrap, and veggie burger. Lastly, I ordered the turkey bolognaise with the GF penne pasta. The turkey bolognaise was house made and a definite must order for all of the pasta lovers. Other nobread approved items I look forward to trying in the future: the brown rice bowl, cajun salmon, orchard salad with grapes and granny smith apples, and the farmer’s market vegetable omelette.
Lastly, I can’t end my post without mentioning their GF pancakes. Yes, Coral Tree serves GF pancakes! All pancake flavors can be made with the GF batter, and I hear they’re pretty amazing. Outdoor seating, perfect for dining solo or with a large group, casual ambiance, and incredibly nice waitstaff; it’s no wonder why Coral Tree Cafe is Brentwood’s go-to cafe. The cafe has two more locations in Encino and Century City, and both are worth checking out too!