Did your mother, like so many moms, teach you that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, one that you never skip? Or, like me, are you more of a brunch person? Either way, there is no shortage of restaurants, large and small, in Southern California where you can start your day off well enough. But there is one place that has stuck with me since I first tried it, and I can tell you that, if you are a fan (or even a connoisseur) of Belgian waffles, you will find the absolute best waffles in Encino, California. Trust me, they are worth finding.

More Than Waffles is tucked in the back of a little shopping center in Encino, below street level. To find it, you enter the Encino Town Center and take the stairs or elevator down, then cross the open courtyard to the far left corner.

The tiny family-owned restaurant has been here - in the first-ever shopping center on Ventura Boulevard - since 1975. The menu has expanded over the years, from waffles and crepes, as has the loyal customer base, which has led to taking over a good part of the courtyard as an extended dining area.

A balanced breakfast should come with a Belgian waffle, don’t you think? Do not let the fact that there are some 19 different waffle options on the menu fool you into thinking that these babies need to be hidden below a ton of toppings. They are delicious plain or with a classic butter and syrup combo.

More Than Waffles specializes in the “Gaufre,” or authentic Belgian Waffle. While all so-called Belgian waffles are thick, these have a particularly light, airy texture that doesn’t get soggy even when they cool.

Who says you can’t have dessert before noon? As long as it’s a waffle, it’s breakfast, right? You can most certainly get a plain waffle with syrup, but you can also indulge your sweet tooth (and your inner child) with a decadent chocolate-dipped, ice cream-topped, whipped cream-smothered, caramel-drizzled masterpiece. Your choice.

There are Bacon and Cheddar waffles, Baconutella, Caramel Apple, Mint Chocolate Chip, Ghirardelli Dark Chocolate, Pumpkin Pecan, Peanut Butter Cup, and a lot more combinations to choose from.

My absolute favorite (the one I keep coming back to despite the several I have tried over the years…) is the Lemon - sweet and tart lemon pudding, whipped cream, and a dusting of powdered sugar. It is addictive.

Be sure to try a cup of the house special “gourmet coffee with almonds drenched in vanilla,” or any of the delightful options from the Cappuccino Bar.

You do not HAVE TO love waffles to enjoy an amazing breakfast here. After all the name is not “Just Waffles!” The menu has about 21 omelets and nine Benedicts (some with a savory waffle in place of the traditional English muffin!), pancakes, toasts, crepes, sandwiches, and more.

So, a waffle stacked with fruit, ice cream, whipped cream, and chocolate drizzle seems a bit much for early morning? Whatever you order, from the main menu, the “Healthy Menu,” or the Gluten-Free menu, it will be made fresh and served with a smile. And it will be delicious.

This breakfast will spoil you for other waffles, I promise. Have you eaten at this hidden gem in Encino, California? Which waffle is your favorite? For more information, photos, hours, etc., visit the More Than Waffles website. Feel like taking a gorgeous stroll after breakfast? I highly recommend heading over to The Japanese Garden, just about three miles from the restaurant. You won’t regret it!

Craving more food inspiration? We have plenty! Check out our collection of some of the best and most unique places to eat in SoCal.