10 Best Pecan Sticky Buns in Los Angeles

Rachael Narins

The Tasting Kitchen Sticky Bun

4. The Tasting Kitchen:
Warm, tender, baked sweet dough. Hot melted butter and brown sugar pooling onto the beautiful plate. Russet-brown bacon on top as a garnish. Did you need us to tell you anything else about this visually stunning brunch-only pastry? Do you need us to tell you how much we enjoyed that the pecans are toasted and chopped, ever so slightly, so it's that much easier to cut through? Kids, it's breakfast. Dig in. Then go kiss the pastry chef. 1633 Abbot Kinney Blvd., Venice; 310-392-6644.

Rachael Narins

Canelé Pecan Sticky Bun

3. Canelé:
Another brunch-only addition to our list, and a damn fine one. On weekend mornings after 11 a.m. (they aren't always ready just at opening; these things take time) the topaz-colored buns sit unassuming on a tiered tray on the bar, the rich glaze catching the soft light in the dim room and tempting all passers-by. Not too sweet, the pleasantly single-portioned buns are best warm, so if you take one home, make sure to heat it back up. 3219 Glendale Blvd., Los Angeles; 323-666-7133.

Rachael Narins

Manhattan Beach Post Pecan Sticky Bun

2. Manhattan Beach Post:
You can easily be blinded by the gorgeous presentations at Manhattan Beach Post, the pecan sticky bun in particular. It's served in a pretty steam-punk Staub cast iron pan, with the sugar-shock sauce still bubbling away as it's placed down, making the whole thing an art directors dream. It could come in a paper sack and still be one of the best things going. Enough for four people -- as are all of the "small plates" David LeFevre is known for -- the buttery, orange-scented topping cascades over a rich dough. Breakfast nirvana. 1142 Manhattan Ave., Manhattan Beach; 310-545-5405.

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