Archer is now an all-girls school, however, the land initially served as an old woman’s home after its construction in 1931.  In 1999, it was converted into The Archer School for Girls. Historic landmarks are few and far between in a rapidly developing Los Angeles. One of these landmarks is still intact and serving as a restaurant: Tartine. Once a funeral home, it is now a quaint brunch spot.

Tartine immediately caught my eye as I drove past it, unique in its Victorian-style appearance and cascading plants that wrap around the walls and roof. I instantly knew I needed to try items from their brunch menu. 

When I got to the restaurant, there was a long line out the door to enter. Inside the building behind glass cases were fresh-baked pastries and bread. Dessert options included lemon tarts, croissants and hand pies. On the far side of Tartine is a clear wall, in which you can see into the kitchen and watch the bread baking process.

Tartine is known for its homemade bread, which is offered in various menu items. True to its name, the brunch spot offers several types of tartines, which come with a bread base and varying toppings. 

Around the outside of Tartine, picnic tables and benches sit on top of a trimmed grass lawn. My family and I sat underneath a tunnel surrounded by plants. The atmosphere was very peaceful, and the layout provided a private dining area. Even if you go to have a quick tea or coffee, you can appreciate the intricacy of Tartine’s architecture.

I noticed the diverse customer base at Tartine from dog-owners, to couples to large groups. I also noticed several people just enjoying a cup of coffee, rather than a full breakfast. Their drinks included coffees, chai lattes and a vast breakfast tea collection. 

I ordered a chocolate croissant, chai latte, avocado tartine and a side of crispy potatoes. The food and drinks came out within 15 minutes. The white dishes with a matte gray rim complemented the restaurant’s naturalistic design. All the food had a farm-to-table feel, as it all used very fresh ingredients and seasonings. 

The avocado tartine was delicious, topped with cashew salsa, cilantro, and micro greens, seasoned with nutritional yeast and lime. Amidst all the flavor, the bread was the real stand out. It was crunchy on the outside and soft and buttery on the inside.

After seeing the pastries on display, I knew had to try something from their bakery, so I purchased the chocolate croissant. It was flakey and buttery, and the chocolate added a nice sweetness to the pastry. 

The highlight of the meal had to be the potatoes. Crispy on the outside, the light fennel flavoring made them taste lightly sweet but still salty. I completely forgot about my other food while those potatoes were in front of me. These are an absolute must-get if you are checking out Tartine for breakfast. 

While this meal was not the most cost-effective breakfast option, it makes for an amazing special occasion brunch or family gathering. Together my portion of the breakfast cost around $30. 

I had an excellent time at Tartine. The service was fast and friendly, the food was delicious and the atmosphere was both beautiful and secluded. I would highly recommend this as a family-friendly breakfast location for an enjoyable and refreshing start to your day.