San Diegans take their brunch seriously. Whether it’s eggs and pancakes, or you want to start the day with a breakfast California burrito, we asked our SanDiegoHumor followers for their favorite brunch spot in San Diego. We asked, and you answered!
Whether you’re in the mood for a farm-fresh feast or a sugar-spun indulgence, get ready to elevate your morning with a tour of the best brunch in San Diego that are sure to satisfy your brunch cravings. Tallying up the votes from our latest Instagram poll, we’ve got the scoop on where locals love to linger over lattes and linger longer over eggs Benedict.
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Breakfast Republic (65 votes)
You can’t talk about the best brunch in San Diego without mentioning Breakfast Republic, the reigning supreme in the hearts of our local pollsters. Breakfast Republic has many locations in San Diego including Pacific Beach, La Jolla and Downtown San Diego.
Breakfast Republic is a must-mention for San Diego’s best brunch. Their Oreo cookie latte will put a smile on your face. It ends with the savory Jurassic Pork bacon. For hash brown aficionados, their bacon hash browns are unmatched. The place buzzes with quirky, egg-themed decor and vibrant energy. It quickly turns newbies into regulars. It proves breakfast here is not just a meal; it’s an imaginative feast.
Snooze A.M. Eatery (46 votes)
Snooze A.M. Eatery, takes the runner-up spot on our best brunch in San Diego leaderboard, but don’t let its second-place finish fool you; this spot is a dream for those looking to wake up their taste buds. With a retro-futuristic vibe that’s as colorful as its menu, Snooze invites diners to step into a world where breakfast is reinvented daily.
The pancake flight is a journey of fluffy, syrup-laden discovery, while their benedicts come with a twist that will have you rethinking everything you thought you knew about hollandaise. Snooze is more than a place—it’s a brunchtime revolution, one perfectly poached egg at a time, served up in a setting that makes every visit feel like a celebration of the morning.
Morning Glory (39 votes)
Morning Glory, San Diego’s own slice of breakfast paradise, shines with its Instagram-worthy interiors and a menu that’s a love letter to the most indulgent of morning feasts. It’s not just a meal; it’s a spectacle—complete with plush pink seats and a sparkling golden bar.
Their soufflé pancakes are the stuff of legend, rising like the morning sun and just as golden, while the chilaquiles offer a hearty homage to San Diego’s rich Mexican culinary influences. At Morning Glory, brunch is more than just a mid-morning indulgence—it’s an experience that captivates with both its bold flavors and its equally bold design. This place doesn’t just serve breakfast; it serves drama, flair, and a little bit of that morning glory.
The Great Maple (32 votes)
Great Maple is a modern American eatery that delivers a sophisticated twist on comfort food classics. Known for their commitment to quality and locally-sourced ingredients, they offer a menu that’s both refined and approachable.
The Great Maple is celebrated for its decadent maple bacon doughnuts—a sweet and savory revelation that’s become a brunch staple. Their truffle fries are a side dish turned star, and the hearty, flavorful omelets are a testament to the kitchen’s prowess. With its sleek, mid-century modern decor, Great Maple provides a dining experience that’s as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate, ensuring every visit is memorable.
Hash House A Go Go (29 votes)
Hash House A Go Go brings the farm to table with a twist, serving up hearty, Midwestern-inspired portions that could easily double as a day’s worth of calories—but who’s counting? Known for their famous sage fried chicken and waffles towered high with bacon, this spot is a paradise for those who believe breakfast is not just the first meal of the day but the most monumental.
With dishes bold enough to match their tractor-sized platters, Hash House A Go Go is the go-to for those who aren’t afraid to indulge in a plate that spills over the edge with flavor and fun. It’s comfort food cranked up to eleven, where every bite is a reminder of why brunch in San Diego is an event not to be missed.
Sugar and Scribe (27 votes)
Sugar and Scribe embodies the sweet intersection of Irish heritage and California flair. This La Jolla jewel box, helmed by Food Network star Chef Maeve, is where pastries are not just baked; they’re crafted with the kind of care usually reserved for fine art. Indulge in a Queen Maeve Quiche or dive into the decadent layers of the Fairytale French Toast.
And for those who like a little savory with their sweet, the bakery’s array of pies and artisanal sandwiches offers a perfect counterbalance. At Sugar and Scribe, every bite tells a story of culinary passion, making it a must-visit for those who believe that brunch should be as beautiful as it is delicious.
Brockton Villa (24 votes)
Perched with a view that rivals the beauty of its cuisine, Brockton Villa stands as a beacon of coastal dining charm in San Diego’s brunch landscape. This historic cottage turned restaurant offers not just a meal, but a panoramic experience of the La Jolla Cove, where the waves provide a serene soundtrack to an exquisite dining affair. Renowned for their “Coast Toast,” a soufflé-like French toast that has enchanted patrons for years, Brockton Villa serves up a menu that’s as refreshing as the ocean breeze.
Each dish, from the savory seafood selections to the hearty breakfast classics, is crafted with a nod to local flavors and a bow to culinary excellence. Dining at Brockton Villa is more than just eating; it’s savoring each moment against the backdrop of one of the most breathtaking views San Diego has to offer.
The Lodge (22 votes)
The Lodge at Torrey Pines stands as a testament to luxury and culinary excellence, nestled against the backdrop of one of San Diego’s most scenic golf courses. This isn’t just a place to eat; it’s a destination where every meal is an event, and the views are as carefully curated as the menu. Executive chefs craft dishes that are as beautiful as they are flavorful, drawing from the region’s rich agricultural bounty and the Pacific’s fresh catch.
Dining at The Lodge is an immersive experience, where the craftsman-style architecture harmonizes with the natural beauty of the Torrey Pines State Reserve. Whether you’re indulging in a leisurely brunch overlooking the 18th hole or savoring a farm-to-table masterpiece, The Lodge at Torrey Pines elevates every meal into a memorable occasion, blending gastronomic innovation with unparalleled ambiance.
The Mission (22 votes)
The Mission Cafe stands out as a beacon of simplicity and flavor in San Diego’s brunch scene, offering a refreshing take on morning classics with a focus on healthy, nourishing ingredients. This beloved spot, with its minimalist decor and laid-back vibe, invites diners to start their day on a bright note. The menu is a vibrant palette of Latin-inspired dishes and contemporary Californian cuisine, where each item is crafted with care and intention.
From the chilaquiles that pack a flavorful punch to the zen-like tranquility of their quinoa bowls, The Mission makes it easy to indulge without the guilt. It’s the kind of place where the coffee is strong, the pancakes are fluffy, and every bite feels like a morning ritual worth savoring. At The Mission Cafe, it’s not just about eating; it’s about experiencing the joy of breakfast crafted with purpose and passion.
Cocina 35 (20 votes)
Cocina 35 stands out as San Diego’s homage to authentic Mexican breakfast and brunch, serving up a taste of tradition with every dish. Renowned for their unapologetically bold flavors and a menu that pays tribute to the heart of Mexican cuisine, this spot is a sanctuary for those who crave the comfort of homemade chilaquiles, huevos rancheros, and omelets with a twist.
The atmosphere is as vibrant as the plates, with colorful decor that mirrors the liveliness of Mexico’s street markets. Cocina 35 prides itself on creating a dining experience that feels like a warm embrace from an old friend, offering a hearty welcome to anyone looking to start their day with a bit of spice and a lot of soul. It’s not just breakfast; it’s an experience that transports you straight to the heart of Mexico, one savory bite at a time.
