The Best Breakfast & Brunch Restaurants in San Diego

When you’re in beautiful San Diego on the weekend with the weather sitting right at 70 degrees and not a cloud in sight, there’s only one thing to do to start your day. And that is to grab a cup of coffee and get your day started with some amazing food. Below is a list of what we consider some of the best brunch spots in San Diego.

1. Sugar and Scribe

7660 Fay Ave Unit 1, La Jolla, Ca 92037
(858) 274-1733

Located in beautiful La Jolla, Sugar and Scribe features Chef Maeve who won Food Networks Holiday Baking Championship. The property itself has sit down dining, a coffee bar, and a grab and go bakery counter with some of the most complex, yet adorable pastries you can find. Between the mimosa flights, and lemon curd pancakes if you have a sweet tooth – you’re at the right place but for those looking savory, Sugar and Scribe will surprise you with luxurious options such as Beef and Guinness Pie that has perfectly flakey puff pastry with savory beef, potatoes, carrots, and tasty Guinness gravy. The food and pastries taste as good as they look and they are sure to bring a smile to your face and with a delicious coffee bar to boot – you can be sure to start your day off the right way.

2. Wayfarer Bread & Pastry

5525 La Jolla Blvd, La Jolla, CA 92037
(858) 454-1924

Bread, bread, bread. Bread so good that it made the list. Wayfarer is much more of a grab and go type of place with pastries aplenty including a deliciously decadent Kougin Amann. The Ham & Cheese croissant is the lone real savory option to enjoy unless you come on the weekend and get one of their pizzas, but for those of you with a sweet tooth and not too much time,  you can preorder yourself one of their incredible pastries and get on with your day. If you can, make sure to indulge in the Passion Fruit Cream Cheese Bun because you will not be disappointed.

3. ATypical Waffle Company

3519 30th St., San Diego, CA 92104
(619) 806-0345

Waffle fanatics meet your paradise as ATypical Waffle Company serves waffles, and nothing more. Because the waffle is what the entire restaurant is built upon – the lengths they go to create their version of the perfect waffle is extreme, highlighted by the fact that it is a two-day process as they use yeast to naturally rise the waffle. ATypical has both sweet and savory options with the savory “the number seven” leading the way as they take one of their waffles and pile it with smashed avocado, goat cheese crumble, and tasty smoked candied bacon. For you vegetarians, their “veggie melt” waffle comes with avocado, mozzarella, arugula, mayo, and salt and pepper for a very tasty option. For those of you with a sweet tooth, the “fresh & light” comes with house-made vanilla whipped cream, fresh strawberries, and powdered sugar. 

4. Nomad Donuts

3102 University Ave., San Diego, CA 92104
(619) 431-5000

Donut lovers of San Diego, we have found your food temple as Nomad Donuts has mastered both the donut and its relative, the bagel. With an ever-evolving menu – if you’re looking for something in particular it’s important to pre-order it the day before because of how quickly Nomad sells out but for those of you that are looking for a delicious treat, you will enjoy everything that Nomad has to offer. For the more casual donut lover, the Ube Taro Coconut donut is a unique option that will melt in your mouth. If you’re looking for something more substantial, Nomad has delicious bagel sandwiches, including a great non-traditional Cubano, smoked beef brisket bagel sandwich, and many more. Nomad also has variations of eggs Benedict, poutine scrambles, and even coffee and jam at your fingertips. If you go to Nomad, go hungry and enjoy everything they have to offer.

5. Cafe 21 Gaslamp

802 Fifth Ave., San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 795-0721

If you’re looking for a true farm-to-table experience then Cafe 21 has you covered as they use only locally sourced produce and hormone-free meat, as well as hand made sourdough bread. The menu has a little something for everyone as they have a rather expansive menu that is also available gluten-free, or vegan, upon request. The idea is essentially tapas, but done breakfast style. The short rib crumpet is a great option as it comes with a nice amount of deliciously cooked short rib, an egg, beer sauerkraut, and caramelized onions. The banana caramel dutch pancake is extremely decadent and rich tasting and is sure to fulfill the sweet tooth you have. The omelets are also a great option with the lamb kufta omelet mixing together lamb with eggs, peppers, tomato, mozzarella, and goat cheese. The PBJ uses their hand made sourdough with peanut butter and delicious wild blackberry jam.

6. Harry’s Coffee Shop

7545 Girard Ave., La Jolla, CA 92037
(858) 454-7381

Considered the best diner in San Diego according to San Diego Magazine, stepping into Harry’s Coffee Shop is like stepping into Americana because of the classic diner aesthetic and it is the oldest family-owned restaurant in La Jolla. The menu is classic diner food with classic burgers and milkshakes, but the breakfast really stands out. The California Carne Asada Breakfast Burrito comes with a heaping amount of well-seasoned carne asada, with scrambled eggs, American cheese, hashbrowns, onions, tomatoes, and guacamole all wrapped in a giant flour tortilla. The corned beef hash and eggs is also a winner that combines classic corn beef hash with eggs and hashbrowns. Harry’s also has nine different types of omelets, the superfecta which partners three pancakes with eggs, bacon, and hashbrowns, and six different signature pancakes and french toast including a strawberry banana oreo french toast that will quench anybody’s sweet tooth.

7. Breakfast Company 

551 J St., San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 937-3074

This spot has absolutely everything you could want in a breakfast restaurant. Great portion sizes, savory and sweet options, and a great vibe and aesthetic. The colorful interior of this restaurant is super relaxed and inviting. The menu here has some of the breakfast favs you know and love like steak and eggs and banana bread pancakes, but they also have some unique items as well. Try their mashed potato waffle with cheese sauce, spicy sausage, green onions, and two eggs your way for a unique and savory meal. Make sure to check out what specials they have and order a fun brunch cocktail! 

8. Breakfast & Bubbles 

3831 Park Blvd, San Diego, CA 92103
(619) 269-6281

If you’re looking for an incredibly picturesque and memorable brunch, check out Breakfast and Bubbles. The interior is covered in all things pink, flowers and more. And what’s better than a cute restaurant and gorgeous looking food? Delicious tasting food, too! With a name like Breakfast and Bubbles, obviously you have to start off with something sparkling to drink. Try one of their beautiful and creative mimosas, or try the “xoxo gossip girl” for some spiced chai and vanilla vodka action. To eat they have all the goods from eggs, pancakes, breakfast burritos and more to try. 

9. The French Oven

10299 Scripps Trail suite e, San Diego, CA 92131
(858) 536-8706

In need of a one stop shop for all of your pastry and coffee needs? Check out The French Oven for some delicious treats. All of their bread is made in house daily so you know that breakfast sandwich on a croissant is going to hit the spot. They’ve got all kinds of treats from chocolate twists to lemon tarts. You can also stock up on your bread for the week with their fresh challah or jalapeno cheddar sourdough. Or stop in for a tasty lunch with options from soups, salads, and sandwiches. With all of the freshness going on, you are sure to love whatever you get. 

10. Studio Diner

4701 Ruffin Rd, San Diego, CA 92123
(858) 715-6400

Who doesn’t love a good diner? For starters, they have anything you could be craving, and there’s all kinds of fun decor to look at. This diner is designed as a movie studio, hence the name, and has all kinds of cool behind the scenes movie props as their decor. Once you get past the novelty of it all, check out the menu and you’ll be even more glad you ended up here. Start off with the Blockbuster Combo Platter coming with onion rings, fries, fried pickles, chicken wings, mozzarella sticks and two dipping sauces on the side. For the main course, people love their Grip Burger, and surely you can guess why that’s the name they gave it. Or go for a breakfast item like their omelets or breakfast burrito. 

Editors Note: This article was originally published on January 21, 2021 and last updated on July 7, 2022. Please refer to restaurant websites and social media pages for the most up-to-date information.