The Mimosas, Marys and Maple Syrup Are Calling Your Name!
While we know there’s no shortage of hot-spot eateries in San Diego, it’s time to take a look at ones that feature the two most important meals of the day: breakfast and brunch! Whether you’re into savory bacon and eggs or sweet Belgian waffles, there’s something for every breakfaster to enjoy—even those who claim they don’t eat breakfast (crazy, we know). It’s time to wake up and smell the pancakes; these amazing San Diego breakfast and brunch spots are calling your name. And if the food isn’t enough to grab your attention, there are always mimosas! So raise a glass to the best breakfast and brunch restaurants in San Diego for 2024.
ARLO at Town and Country Resort
You know you’re in for a treat when your brunch spot fills its soufflé pancakes with lemon curd and drowns its croffles in a Drunken Monkey Sauce. Never heard of a croffle before? Add it to the list of reasons ARLO should be at the top of your San Diego brunch bucket list. Let’s just say regular waffles weren’t good enough for this eclectic eatery; they had to infuse croissants into the mix, and now you’ll find them front and center on their Flat Top Famous menu. But don’t worry—ARLO never neglects its savory eaters, coming in hot with a stack of crave-able classics, including avocado toast, biscuits and gravy, and the Arlo Benedict—plus elevated offerings like the Morning Wagyu Burger, charcuterie and melons and savory shrimp and grits. Add the fun beats of a live DJ and bottomless mimosas and you’ve got a brunch remixed every Saturday and Sunday. Curated for the California lifestyle, this trendy outpost at the beautiful Town and Country Resort in Mission Valley, keeps things local when it comes to ingredients, sourcing nothing but the freshest finds for its kitchen. ARLO embraces al fresco dining on its palm-lined patio while leaving plenty of room for the San Diego sunshine to filter into its vibrant dining space. An added bonus? Parking is free!
Location: Mission Valley
Parakeet Café at The Forum Carlsbad
Parakeet Café is a wellness girl’s and brunch enthusiast’s dream come true. After their trending turmeric lattes and sprouted avo toast first took flight in 2017, this stylish cafe garnered a cult following across SoCal. The cafe’s 10th location landed at The Forum Carlsbad, and North County San Diegans are rejoicing over their new stylish neighborhood hotspot! With farm-to-table dining as the cornerstone, breakfasting at this organic oasis ensures you’ll get a healthy morning dose of nutrients in each forkful. Topping it off, their chilaquiles, charcoal waffles and artisan lattes are just as colorful as the flock that inspired its moniker. And when you’re not snapping pics of their food for the ‘Gram, you’ll definitely want to capture the perfectly pink interior. Tropical wallpaper, neon graphics and lush greenery coalesce in an idyllic space that guarantees some fun photo ops. And, of course, life is just too short not to indulge in a little post-brekkie retail therapy. The Forum Carlsbad is a buzzing lifestyle center with a montage of high-end boutiques and luxury labels, including Alo, Anthropologie, gorjana, Madewell, Outerknown, Sur la Table, Vuori and more. Shop around this season for some wardrobe staples, and be sure to check their calendar for fun upcoming events!
Location: Carlsbad
Coco Maya
Just as a SoCal sunrise never fails to brighten your day, neither will the Dulce French Toast from Coco Maya. Inspired by the flavors of Latin America, this Insta-worthy eatery will have you licking every last graham cracker crumb off your plate. Dine in style underneath their canopy of pastel vintage umbrellas, adorable pink neon signs and tropical wallpaper.
Location: Little Italy
Flamingo Deck
Looking for a place to flamingle with friends over omelets and coffee? Between their uber-trendy lounge patio, tropical ambiance and trendy breakfast plates, Flamingo Deck sets the bar high for a girls’ morning out. This bougie San Diego breakfast bar doesn’t play around with the most important meal of the day, and their croque madame truffle spinach Benedict steals the show.
Location: Pacific Beach
Morning Glory
Looking for a picture-perfect San Diego breakfast? This hip, ‘80s-inspired diner is flamboyant, chic and unapologetic in its design. Featuring iridescent windows, glossy blush accents and a pink champagne vending machine, you’ll be hard-pressed to not whip out your phone for a pic. Indulge in everything from the Japanese soufflé pancakes and the breakfast carbonara (an ode to pasta lovers) to the Turkish eggs on toasted levain bread. Oh, and they have five different flavors of cocoa to match your morning latte.
Location: Little Italy
Lilian’s at The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe
Wagyu steak and eggs, buttermilk pancakes with vanilla chantilly and the chef’s seasonal quiche—need we say more? Nestled in one of San Diego County’s most storied inns, breakfast is served with a view in this posh eatery. Quality always comes first at Lillian’s, where they use nothing but the finest local organic ingredients for their innovative breakfast bites.
Location: Rancho Santa Fe
Malibu Farm
A waterfront gem, Malibu Farm combines coastal-chic dining with farm-fresh fare. What began as a farmer’s market sensation in the streets of Santa Monica is now a flourishing organic oasis in Seaport Village. Everything from the salmon scramble to the fried egg sandwich is made with good-for-you ingredients. You will leave feeling as good as their Swedish pancakes taste!
Location: Seaport Village
Cody’s La Jolla
Cute n’ coastal, breakfast at Cody’s La Jolla needs no introduction, as the dishes speak for themselves with monikers like “Awesome French Toast” (which it is). Beyond their breakfast bubbles and chicken biscuit sandy, the breezy balcony overlooking La Jolla’s coastline is reason enough for this oceanside breakfast nook to take the crown for one of the best breakfast restaurants in San Diego.
Location: La Jolla
Palmy’s Cafe
Every bit the local surfer’s secret, you can most likely count the number of steps from the water’s edge to the warm, breezy patio at Palmy’s Cafe. Breakfast burritos, prosciutto toast and breakfast sandos will be there to greet you on your way from the shores, along with a soulful selection of signature smoothies and all the espresso staples.
Location: Pacific Beach
California English
Fancy a spot of tea with your scone? California English will surely satisfy your breakfast cravings while leaving you hungry for a taste of the English countryside. This adorable brekkie spot is full of British charm, yet knows how to speak to SoCal locals with trendy dishes like “Hot” Scotch Eggs, The Full American and Scones and Gravy.
Location: Sorrento Mesa
Cafe Topes
We can’t get enough of the vibes at this hyper-local Carlsbad cafe. Vintage fringed umbrellas, reclaimed textiles and abundant greenery will have you wondering if you’re dining inside or out. Their menu might be a mile long, but there really is no debate over what to order at Cafe Topes: Mom’s Famous Cinny Roll is the only way to go!
Location: Carlsbad
The Mission
This place is on a mission, all right—a mission to serve you the best breakfast of your life! With an extravagant collection of edible art pieces, try and hold back from diving head first into The Mission’s baked banana caramel French toast, lemon curd pancakes and chicken apple sausage frittatas, all served straight from the griddle.
Locations: Mission Beach, North Park, East Village
Molly’s Mission Beach
More than your communal coffee shop but with the same soothing ambiance, Molly’s is a haven for sunshine and mimosas. Their menu sings with a sweet symphony of flavors, from OG acai bowls to egg white frittatas. Looking for a coffee to pair with that pastry? Both are made fresh in-house, and we guarantee the cookie butter latte will be your new fav! Be sure to snag a seat on the rooftop patio and snap a photo under the “Here for the Mimosas” neon sign.
Location: Mission Beach
Farmer’s Table
Let’s get straight to what Farmer’s Table is all about, shall we? There’s a reason their ten-pound Bloody Marys were voted as the best in America. Topped with a whole roasted chicken, they are certainly a sight for weary eyes. World-famous cocktails aside, their brioche French toast, Oreo waffles and chilaquiles are more than capable of standing out on their own.
Locations: La Mesa, Little Italy, Chula Vista
The Vibe
Breakfast is served with a side of good vibes at this modish breakfast lounge in Normal Heights. With artsy decor and a whimsical color palette, The Vibe will satisfy both your morning hunger pangs and your aesthetic Insta feed. Of course, let’s not forget about their Bliss Out Bowls and 24 Carat Classics. Their bacon baby Benedict and Plantiful bowl are calling your name!
Location: Normal Heights
Madi
Life’s too short for breakfast to be anything but tasty and cute, ya’ know? Madi brings this vision to life, capitalizing on vintage vibes and a nature-rich dining terrace. The flamboyant food fits right in, with their Cool Cat Cakes, Ham Benny and Waffle Churro Sticks instantly elevating the breakfast game for all the brunch girlies out there!
Location: Normal Heights
The Cottage
The Cottage keeps things quaint and cozy for breakfasters leisurely easing their way into the day. Reminiscent of sweet, slow summer mornings, their beachy dining patio is the only place to sip your Cottage Mocha. You’ll never run out of options at this San Diego breakfast spot, with everything from griddled French toast and pancakes to crafty classics like scrambles and Benedicts.
Locations: La Jolla, Encinitas, Del Mar
Communal Coffee
A local haven for prospering creatives and coffee connoisseurs, few things speak to the soul like breakfast at Communal Coffee. Cozy bites are on repeat at this coffee house, with specialized small plates, like granola bowls, bagel sandos and avo toast. Our advice? Order the latte flight and leave with some fresh stems from the flower bar for a sweet self-care treat.
Locations: North Park, South Park, Oceanside
Stratford Court Cafe
This cottage-style breakfast abode will have you reminiscing about a coastal New England vacay. Stratford Court Cafe’s white-washed patio and twinkling lights offer a side of summer vibes to pair with your Stratford Scramble. They’ve got all the organic goodies, from bagel boards to smoothie bowls. Oh, and their Milky Way espresso will surely stir up some sweet childhood memories.
Location: Del Mar
Cocina De Barrio
Okay, so you may not be brunching in Oaxaca, but you’ll forget all about that when you sit down at this stylish cantina. Feast on the flavors of Mexico at Cocina De Barrio—think enmoladas, churros French toast and arroz con leche pancakes. Their morning-time cocktails always come in hot, led by the Fuego de Pasion.
Locations: Hillcrest, Point Loma, Encinitas
Manna
Ah, Manna—the blessing you didn’t know you needed in your a.m. routine! You’ll find blessings here indeed, in the form of innovative breakfast bites, vitality tonics and all the coffee drinks you crave. This modern-day atelier in Encinitas has perfected the art of breakfast, painting with exotic flavors that translate into pioneering brunch staples, like Manna porridge, Turkish eggs and Torrija Spanish French toast.
Location: Encinitas
Rustic Root
Welcome to New York! Oops, we mean the Gaslamp. Yet with its high-rise rooftop, stylish surroundings and urban ambiance, Rustic Root gives the impression of an NYC cafe. Vibes are high at this whimsical, two-story outpost, planting deep roots in the downtown community with a montage of comfort food classics, like banana pancake parfaits, chicken and waffles and chocolate pancakes.
Location: Gaslamp
Cocina 35
There’s really only one San Diego brunch option in Liberty Station—and that’s Cocina 35! Known for serving the best chilaquiles in town, don’t blame us when you leave absolutely addicted. This breakfast cantina prides itself on old-school Mexican fare, bringing a bit of Oaxaca to sunny San Diego—with a sense of style, we might add!
Location: Liberty Station
bica
Artsy, innovative and oh-so delicious—bica is your Normal Heights go-to brunch spot! This “little cafe” is the entire breakfast package, with a seasonal, Portuguese-inspired menu that changes daily. Sign us up! Not to mention the backyard patio is always vibing with locals who are eagerly awaiting their morning coffee fix!
Location: Normal Heights
Parkhouse Eatery
What’s that smell, you ask? If you’re anywhere along Park Blvd, chances are breakfast is cookin’ at Parkhouse Eatery. From grilled breakfast pizzas and challah bread French toast to eggscettera and more, (don’t) try and stop yourself from ordering seconds. As a side note, Parkhouse Eatery loves to get fancy when it comes to coffee—or should we say Irish Coffee?
Location: University Heights
The Henry
The Coronado Bridge isn’t just a gateway to one of San Diego’s best beaches—it’s also the access point to your new fav brunch spot. Allow us to introduce you to The Henry, a neighborhood staple that boasts Gatsby-era elegance. With breakfast bites like the Irish oats, Flower Child scramble and avo toast with bacon, our Coronado weekends are reserved exclusively for The Henry.
Location: Coronado
The Waverly
The Waverly’s aesthetic alone should be enough to get you out of bed and in line for breakfast! Organic modern textiles and pastel color tones create a dream-like setting where your phone will definitely eat first. When placing your order, don’t skip on the Funfetti pancakes, Turkish poached eggs or Cardiff Fog—and order seconds if you must.
Location: Cardiff by The Sea
Wonderland Ocean Pub
This place has got us in Wonderland, all right! How could their Haupia pancakes and Woco Moco not? Paying homage to the glory of Ocean Beach’s OG community, Wonderland Ocean Pub invites diners to toast to the sunshine and waves with their famous SkrewBrew—an elevated take on your morning coffee with peanut butter whiskey, Counterflow cold brew and whipped cream shaken over ice!
Location: Ocean Beach
Claire’s on Cedros
Farmer’s market fanatics will feel right at home at Claire’s on Cedros. Their kitchen is always locked and loaded with fresh-squeezed orange juice, locally sourced eggs and house-baked pastries. Of course, their specialty waffles and hash brown potato cakes were never meant for a solo brunch out. So bring your pups along, because Fido’s Finest and the California K-9 create a rebarkable duo to share alongside your four-legged friend!
Location: Solana Beach
Piper at The Seabird Resort
Must-Order: Everything but the Bagel Flatbread
Piper, located at the beautiful Seabird Resort in Oceanside, relies on culinary talent to create farm-fresh plates. Executive Chef Kurtis Habecker curates both the breakfast and weekend brunch menus to reflect the freshest ingredients of the season, sourced from the farmers market and nearby purveyors in North San Diego. Start with a Sunrise Mimosa or Piper’s Garden Bloody Mary, then dig into the malted pancakes or apple crisp oatmeal with brown sugar streusel.
Location: Oceanside
Farmer & The Seahorse
Can we start with a shout out to the blueberry stracciatella toast? It’s our jam for sure, topped off with walnuts, mint and lemon zest! Farm-fresh fare served with a side of sea breeze is what Farmer & The Seahorse is all about. This San Diego breakfast and brunch restaurant’s Daybreak burrito and quiche Florentine are exquisite, no doubt, as are the pastry baskets we just can’t get enough of!
Location: Torrey Pines
Maggie’s Cafe
Eggcellent omelets, breakfast skillets and Belgian waffles—all we can say is we’re suckers for the classics, and so is the crew at Maggie’s Cafe. Both locations are family-owned and locals love these no-frills spots for knocking back a few Bloodys and catching a sports game on one of the many TVs. Cure your cravings with something savory like the Tex-Mex Omelette or Brunch Potato Skins, or cream Stuffed French Toast with cheese, bananas and strawberries.
Location: Barrio Logan, Serra Mesa
Saint James French Diner
French baguette, anyone? Or perhaps some French toast served alongside a French rolled omelet? You get the picture—Saint James French Diner looks and tastes like an authentic French bakery. Between the nostalgic old-school accents and whimsical color palette, it’s really a toss-up between a set for a Wes Anderson movie or a cozy cafe in the heart of France.
Location: Gaslamp
Ponto Lago at Park Hyatt Aviara
Located in the elegant Park Hyatt Aviara, Ponto Lago is the upscale brunch restaurant in San Diego you’ve been searching for. With an emphasis on Baja-inspired cuisine, their rotating menu capitalizes on classic brunch favorites. Breakfast is served buffet-style, with brunch stations sorted into sweet and savory. Chilaquiles, smoked salmon tostadas and concha French toast are all part of this decadent spread!
Location: Carlsbad
20|Twenty at The Westin Carlsbad Resort & Spa
Get your brunch and booze on at 20|Twenty, a modern American breakfast lounge that adds a funky flair to SoCal’s coastal cuisine. They love to source local and yet aren’t afraid to integrate flavors from around the globe. From bite-sized starters and brunch boards to griddled favorites like pancakes and waffles, this will certainly be a meal for the books!
Location: Carlsbad
