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 most important meal of the day: breakfast! Whether you’re into savory bacon and eggs or sweet Belgian waffles, there’s surely 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 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 restaurants in San Diego for 2023.
Cody’s La Jolla
Must-Order: Javi’s French Toast
The ocean view at Cody’s La Jolla should be enough to get you up and at ‘em. This breezy brunch spot sits near the heart of La Jolla Village and overlooks the stunning Scripps Park and La Jolla Cove. The space itself is buzzing with atmosphere and features both indoor and outdoor places to kick back, relax and indulge in some clever comfort food (their specialty!). The menu is chock-full of favorites like the Javi’s French Toast with candied walnuts, fresh strawberries and mascarpone honey butter. On the savory side, the chilaquiles are also a must-try and include tortilla chips, housemade Mexican tomato sauce, over medium eggs, black beans, queso fresco and crème fraiche. If you’re a seafood lover, however, you can’t go wrong with the rich and hearty crab cake benedict—a fan favorite! But whatever you choose to nosh on, be sure to pair it with a bloody mary or espresso martini. When it comes to brunchin’, you have to stay hydrated!
Local Insight: Cody’s La Jolla has a full walk-up bar on the outdoor terrace, so you can get your boozy fix with local brews, cocktails and sparkling wine.
Location: La Jolla
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 his menu to reflect the freshest ingredients of the season, sourced from the farmers market and nearby purveyors in North San Diego. Try the flavorful Everything but the Bagel Flatbread—it’s salmon (smoked in house) on scratch-made flatbread with cream cheese, smoked onions, capers and dill.
Location: Oceanside
Crushed
Must-Order: Cinnamon Roll Pancakes
What’s better than mimosas? A flight of mimosas. Toast to a tasty (and Instagram-worthy!) breakfast experience in the sunshine at Crushed with your pick of three fun mimosa flavors, ranging from Lavender Love and Elderflower to Rosemary Grapefruit and Dragonfruit. Save room for a full spread too. Sweet tooths can satisfy their cravings with Cinnamon Roll Pancakes, which blend your two favorites in the form of three rolled pancakes stuffed with indulgent cinnamon and brown sugar, all drizzled with a delicious glaze. Or, opt for the Stuffed French Toast Sticks, which are filled with mascarpone and jelly. For a savory experience, order the Cali Asada Burrito, packed with carne asada, eggs and soyrizo hand-cut fries. Don’t stress if you’re gluten-free—this San Diego staple can make most dishes safe for you to eat! This Pacific Beach eatery recently opened a new location in North Park, so you can indulge in breakfast bites and sips no matter what area of the city you’re perched in.
Locations: Pacific Beach, North Park
The Hen House
Must-Order: Chicken & Waffles or Chilaquiles
Last July, The Hen House opened its doors, and it was about clucking time! San Diegans eagerly awaited the opening of this buzz-worthy breakfast spot in Crown Point, and it has not disappointed. The Hen House team has fine-tuned and perfected the art of comfort food, offering a scrumptious twist on the classics. From punch bowl fountains to buttermilk pancakes and unique Bennys, there’s something for everyone at this elevated brunch hub. Stop by and enjoy a space where the San Diego community is invited to “coop up” and enjoy crave-worthy food and beverages from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m, Wednesday through Sunday!
@localemag You up? #thehenhousesd #sandiego #sandiegobrunch #pb #pacificbeach #missionbeach #localemagazine #sandiego #sdfoodie #localemagazine 🎥: @trendyspotsofsocal ♬ Caught Up – Usher
Location: Pacific Beach
Westerly Public House
Must-Order: Corned Beef Hash
For a true Aussie-inspired breakfast, head down (under) to The Monsaraz San Diego’s Westerly Public House! This Point Loma restaurant was inspired by the similarities sunny San Diego share with the eastern coast of Australia and is the place to head for quality coffee, delicious a.m. eats and boozy brunch cocktails! The interior is coastal-chic, while the exterior features a spacious patio complete with comfy lounge-style furniture, a wall of greenery and an expansive lawn. At Westerly Public House, laid-back beach vibes come to life, offering visitors a true taste of the Gold Coast. In terms of food, the prosciutto kale omelette with blistered tomatoes, feta and smoked Roma salsa is a must! The Corned Beef Hash (two eggs any style with housemade hash and beer mustard) will also make your mouth water. For those in the mood for a morning sipper, the Yacht Club Spritz and signature Daisy Mae are two cocktails that’ll win you over!
Location: Point Loma
Ranch 45
Must-Order: Avocado Toast
Head to Ranch 45 for local farm-to-table bites! A modern take on casual dining, all of the menu items are locally sourced and high-quality—just what we like to hear. Their avocado toast is a fan favorite; it features heirloom tomato relish, lemon zest and sea salt on grilled housemade sourdough. Pro tip: add a fried egg to kick it up a notch! The breakfast power bowl with scrambled Eben-Haezar egg whites, quinoa, spinach and seasonal vegetables will leave you fueled and ready to go. As for drinks, you can’t go wrong with the white mocha or a glass of cold-pressed OJ.
Location: Solana Beach
Breakfast & Bubbles
Must-Order: Oreo-Stuffed French Toast
Breakfast & Bubbles brings an over-the-top dining experience to Park Blvd with an all-day champagne brunch and lots of pink. Your squad will love the cheeky drink names and photo-worthy presentations along with the luxurious sweet or savory “towers.” Check out the Oreo-stuffed French toast topped with chocolate and ricotta and delight in the crushed Oreo cookies hidden inside! If you’re looking for something to put some pep in your step, try the “best part of waking up”—bourbon and bourbon cream with espresso and a coffee cube, topped with a graham cracker rim and roasted marshmallows.
Location: Hillcrest
Flap Your Jacks
Must-Order: Leonardo Benedict
While the tabletop griddles at Flap Your Jacks will grab your attention, there is much more to their menu than the Flip Your Own pancakes! This daytime eatery brings lots of breakfast favorites to North Park, from French toast to huevos con chorizo. Try the Leonardo Benedict, which tops toasted whole-wheat bread with poached eggs, mornay sauce, sautéed spinach and green chile-avocado hollandaise; it’s served with breakfast potatoes and a roasted tomato.
Location: North Park
Adelaide
Must-Order: The Breakfast Bone Broth
Adelaide offers both unique breakfast dishes as well as the classics, so you can try something new or order an old favorite. Set between the renovated lobby area at L’Auberge Del Mar and the Pacific Ocean, the restaurant features beautiful scenery that befits its delicious menu. A twist on a health-centric ingredient, Executive Chef Nick Green’s breakfast bone broth is prepared with lemongrass, turmeric, kombu, coriander and poached egg. The dish offers an innovative take on the way bone broth is traditionally served, combining it with complementary flavor profiles to create a nourishing, one-of-a-kind breakfast dish. Adelaide is a stellar spot for some of the best breakfast in Del Mar.
Location: Del Mar
Farmer’s Table
Must-Order: Short-Rib Benedict
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Farmer’s Table has four locations across San Diego: Bay Park, Chula Vista, La Mesa and Little Italy. At each, you’ll find charming vintage decor (like a 1940s tractor!) and farm-to-fork cuisine. Using a base of family recipes with Sicilian roots, their menus offer fresh flights made with locally sourced ingredients. For breakfast, try the short-rib Benedict, featuring tender short rib that is braised for over 12 hours, served with a unique lemongrass polenta and fresh herb hollandaise sauce.
Locations: Bay Park, Chula Vista, La Mesa, Little Italy
PB Shore Club
Must-Order: Chorizo Plate
A local beachfront restaurant and bar, PB Shore Club sits in the heart of Pacific Beach, making it a killer après-surf spot. And while this buzzy upstairs bungalow may be known for its nightlife scene, it should not be skipped for breakfast (or the view!). Aside from serving all the a.m. classics, you won’t want to miss out on the chorizo plate with Mexican chorizo, scrambled eggs, Spanish rice, beans, mixed cheeses and corn or flour tortillas. Cue your stomach grumbling.
Location: Pacific Beach
Waverly Restaurant & Lounge
Must-Order: Crème Brûlée French Toast
The Waverly, in beautiful Cardiff-by-the-Sea, serves up what they describe as “progressive American cuisine with a European influence.” Chef Brian Redzikowski’s delicious all-day menu shines while the boho-chic design created by the Sisters of Design 4 Corners, an Encinitas-based sibling duo, captures the laid-back vibe of Cardiff. For a sweet treat, try the crème brûlée French toast that’s topped with seasonal fruit, whipped cream and maple syrup.
Location: Cardiff by-the-Sea
Best Breakfast San Diego
Breakfast Bitch
Must-Order: Boujee Bitch
Breakfast Bitch is your saucy and sassy brunch spot in Hillcrest where you can get your eggs, pancakes, biscuits and bacon fix. Choose from “Main Bitch” dishes like croissant-based breakfast sandwiches or “Skinny Bitch” favorites like avocado toast and fruit salad. For an “extra” take on breakfast, try the Boujee Bitch with succulent North Atlantic lobster and a basted egg over a bed of fresh spinach on a flaky croissant, served with a choice of hollandaise or cilantro lime sauce.
Breakfast Bitch
Location: Hillcrest
@breakfastbitch_sd
Morning Glory
Must-Order: Japanese Soufflé Pancakes
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 the Japanese soufflé pancakes or the Belgian waffle topped with berries and cream and revel in the glory of this picture-perfect brunch stop.
Location: Little Italy
The Henry
Must-Order: California Breakfast Bowl
This neighborhood nook in Coronado is a place where the servers know your order by heart—a place that feels like home. Feast on light bites like the California breakfast bowl or simple avocado toast, or go big with a bloody mary and their smoked salmon bagel. Everything about this neighborhood restaurant is charming and delicious!
Location: Coronado
Serẽa Coastal Cuisine
Must-Order: Farmers Market Scramble
Located at the stunning Hotel Del Coronado, Serẽa Coastal Cuisine overlooks the sand and sea, offering light breakfast dishes that complement the breezy beachfront ambiance. Try the Farmers Market Scramble with scrambled eggs, roasted seasonal vegetables, marinated feta and baby arugula. If you want to offset your healthy scramble with something more decadent, start with the cinnamon and sugar cruffin served with housemade jam and honey butter.
Location: Coronado
Atypical Waffle Company
Must-Order: Chicken Nugs & Waffles
Hey waffle aficionados—this one’s for you. Tucked behind 30th Street Coin Laundry, this laid-back brunch spot whips up a variety of fluffy Belgian waffles, each one filled with one-of-a-kind Belgian pearl sugars. Choose among the Squirl Jam, Waffles & C.r.e.a.m., Chicken Nugs & Waffles and many more! These waffles will blow both your mind and your taste buds.
Location: North Park
Best Breakfast San Diego
Richard Walker’s Pancake House
Must Order: The Dutch Baby Pancake
Since 1948, the Walker family name has polished its supreme reputation for delicious pancakes and some of the freshest coffee in Southern California. But aside from their flapjacks and rich, full-bodied brew, this eatery features an extensive menu of decadent breakfast items that are sure to please your palate. From oven-baked omelets and gourmet griddle cakes to Belgian waffles and crafty crêpes, Richard Walker’s is an established breakfast spot for San Diego locals and visitors alike.
Locations: Carlsbad, Del Mar, La Jolla, Downtown San Diego
The Seventh House
Must-Order: Divorcée Eggs
Breakfast with a side of tarot? Sign us up. North Park’s newest whimsical spot, designed with art nouveau and mysticism in mind, will be your new go-to for Baja and French fusion dishes. The Seventh House’s famed Divorcée Eggs include fried eggs, beans, roasted pork belly and green and red chili sauces. Other menu highlights include the Lobster Benedict and the Vanilla Bean French Toast, which includes vanilla ice cream and candied pecans. If you’re with a crew, order the wow-worthy Let Them Eat Cake Tower, which includes bottles of champagne, vodka punch, fresh fruit, a cake and pastries.
Location: North Park
The Cottage
Must-Order: Crab & Prosciutto Benedict
The Cottage has been a longtime local hangout for a reason. With locations in both La Jolla and Encinitas, this laid-back, cozy spot boasts beach-inspired decor for the ultimate California vibe. Known for nailing the classics, The Cottage’s menu features a broad selection of omelets, Benedicts, pancakes and, of course, coffee. Try the flavorful Crab and Prosciutto Benedict, which includes Indonesian blue crab, crispy prosciutto and Old Bay hollandaise over rosemary and olive oil bread for a savory taste. For something sweeter, we recommend the fluffy Lemon Ricotta Pancakes.
Locations: La Jolla, Encinitas
Madi
Must-Order: White Bean Shakshuka with Carnitas
Breakfast takes center stage everyday at Normal Heights’ Madi. This light and airy spot is decked out with retro pastel and midcentury modern design touches as well as cozy diner-style seating for an inviting neighborhood feeling. Try the White Bean Shakshuka with Carnitas, which is prepared with onions, peppers, tomatoes, garlic, white beans, Mediterranean spices, carnitas and feta and served alongside a fresh, fluffy pita and herby yogurt. If you’re in a hurry, stop by the walk-up coffee bar for your handcrafted favorites from Mission Hills’ Heartwork Coffee Bar.
Location: Normal Heights
Stratford Court Cafe
Must-Order: Stratford Scramble
Served up on the airy, sunshine-filled, bright-blue tile-lined back patio of a cozy white cottage steps away from the Pacific Ocean, breakfast in Del Mar at Stratford Court Cafe is a must-try experience. Test out the namesake Stratford Scramble, which includes avocado, bacon, cheddar, potatoes and toast. If you have a sweet tooth, opt for the Coconut Cream Waffle (gluten-free option available!), served with whipped cream cheese and mascarpone, apple marmalade and meringue. This quaint spot is dog-friendly, so feel free to bring Fido along for the ride!
Location: Del Mar
Cocina De Barrio
Must-Order: Chilaquiles Verde
Experience your below-the-border favorites at Hillcrest and Point Loma’s Cocina De Barrio. Chef Jose Flores’ Chilaquiles Verde is a must-order menu pick. This craveable dish is served with crisp corn tortilla strips, refried beans, salsa verde, 10-hour braised beef, queso fresco, pickled red onion and sour cream. Cocina De Barrio is known for its tequila and mezcal bar, so the brunch cocktail menu does not disappoint. The Agave Maria offers a twist on the brunch classic with the addition of mezcal and Tajin. Cheers!
Locations: Hillcrest, Point Loma
Communal Coffee
Must-Order: Toast Flight
Is there a cuter place in San Diego for breakfast than Communal Coffee? The jury is still out. Known for its minimal, neutral design and floral-lined walls, Communal Coffee boasts an extensive coffee menu, which includes our favorite: the Lavender Honey Latte. Coffee, however, isn’t the only must-order item at Communal. Try the Toast Flight for a full flavor tour. This unique foodie flight includes the Communal Avocado Toast, Raspberry Basil Toast and Burrata Tomato Confit Toast. With locations in North Park, South Park and Oceanside, you can get your caffeine and breakfast fix wherever you’re headed.
Locations: North Park, South Park, Oceanside
Nutmeg Bakery & Cafe
Must-Order: Stuffed French Toast – Mixed Berry Compote
Recently featured on Food Network’s “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives,” Nutmeg Bakery & Cafe is a family-owned North County staple specializing in local, organic and sustainable food and sweets. Cozy up at this quaint restaurant in either Scripps Ranch or Sabre Springs for a delicious breakfast. Since the spot is known for its artisan baked goods, you can’t go wrong with the Stuffed French Toast, which features local brioche dipped in a cinnamon-ginger custard and stuffed with spiced ricotta filling. Don’t forget the powdered sugar and syrup!
Locations: Scripps Ranch, Sabre Springs
Honey’s Bistro & Bakery
Must-Order: Coconut Battered Nutella Stuffed French Toast
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Breakfast in North County just got sweeter. Head to Honey’s Bistro & Bakery, located along the bustling 101 in Encinitas, for your morning bites. Soak up the sun on the breezy patio while opting for breakfast classics like the ABC Omelette, crafted with avocado, bacon and cheese, or the signature Coconut-Battered Nutella Stuffed French Toast, prepared with grilled bananas and sinful pecan maple syrup. Be sure to check out the restaurant’s specials board for rotating dishes too!
Location: Encinitas
Sunday Breakfast Society
Must-Order: Birriaquiles
This new Chula Vista hot spot will have you dreaming in pink. Step into the glitzy and pink suede-adorned atmosphere at Sunday Breakfast Society for fresh takes on San Diego breakfast favorites. TikTok’s viral pancake cereal gets a spot on the menu with Sunday Breakfast Society’s Sunday Cereal, featuring mini pancakes, berry compote and maple syrup. But, don’t leave without trying the Birriaquiles, loaded with crispy chips, sizzling birria, pickled onions, cilantro, green salsa and sour cream. Top off the meal with a cup of Cafe de Olla, a Mexican spiced coffee.
Location: Chula Vista
