Best Brunch in San Diego: A Locals Guide

San Diego is famous for its sunny weather, beautiful beaches, and thriving food scene. With so many delicious restaurants and cafes, it’s no surprise that San Diego’s vibrant and unique dining experiences make it a great place to indulge in a fabulous brunch. Over the past few years, there have been many places that have stolen our brunch-loving hearts!

Whether you’re a local or just visiting, San Diego has plenty of amazing brunch spots to explore. From the trendy neighborhoods of North Park and Little Italy to the scenic coastal areas of Pacific Beach and La Jolla, there’s no shortage of great places to enjoy a leisurely Sunday brunch. Each neighborhood offers a unique vibe and culinary delights, making finding the perfect spot for your next brunch outing easy.

From cozy cafes in the heart of the city to beachside restaurants with ocean views, there’s a brunch spot for everyone in San Diego. So, grab your friends and family and get ready to enjoy a delicious meal and relaxed atmosphere at one of the many incredible brunch spots in San Diego. Cheers!

Little Italy + Point Loma

Cocina 35

Cocina 35 has been a staple in the South Bay community for years and they finally opened up a new spot in Point Loma. Adorned with the most beautiful interior design including a pink tree in the middle of the restaurant, this spot is perfect for a girl’s morning out brunch. Their food is so delicious, I dream of the chilaquiles daily (make sure to add the fried egg on top). They also have an array of Mexican drinks including the Mazapan + Cajeta Lattes. You can’t go wrong with either of those. Finally, they do not accept reservations so if dining on the weekend, get here early.

Morning Glory (Top Pick)

The star of the show when it comes to San Diego brunch. Morning Glory is the insta-famous brunch spot located in Little Italy. The decor is classic Consortium Holdings, cool, unique, and retro! Their claim to fame is their souffle pancakes which live up to the hype. Also, the fried rice and bloody marys are another fan favorite. Finally, be prepared to wait hours for a table (unless you get there first thing in the AM on a Tuesday/Wednesday) they do not take reservations but this San Diego local approves.

Address: 550 W Date St, San Diego, CA 92101

The Mission – East Village

For my East Village pick check out The Mission. Featuring healthy-inspired Latin American breakfast cuisine and a great lunch menu. This no-frills restaurant is a local favorite. Finally, they have another location in Mission Beach with the same great food and chill atmosphere.

Address: 1250 J St, San Diego, CA 92101

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La Jolla Brunch

Caroline’s Seaside Cafe (Top Pick)

This casual brunch spot is one of my favorites in San Diego because of the view. You are overlooking La Jolla shores beach and the people-watching (surfers galore) is prime. This is another local favorite with menu items such as acai bowls, smoked salmon on a bagel, and delicious pancakes. They also offer a refreshing ricotta crepe with citrus cream that perfectly complements their innovative brunch menu. They are open from 8 am to 3 pm and they also serve lunch. Finally, on the weekends this place gets busy so best to visit during the week.

Queenstown Village

This new and noteworthy spot opened up in the summer of 2023 and is now a staple in the La Jolla community. You may know Queenstown Public House in Little Italy for their New Zealand comfort food, well Queenstown Village is the same adorned with stunning plants all around the restaurant. Not only that but the food was incredible. Try the shrimp and grits or french toast. Both were very tasty! Finally, they have a coffee-to-go spot on the patio if you’re in a hurry.

The Cottage

The Cottage has been serving breakfast in La Jolla for 25 years and is a staple in the community. The restaurant is a small cottage, specializing in traditional California cuisine, which makes for a cozy dining experience. They serve fresh baked goods daily and have gluten-free options available. On the weekends it can be upwards of an hour to wait for a table but it’s worth it. Finally, they now have a second location located up in North County. While it’s not set in the cute “cottage” that dons their name they do offer the same delicious food with tons of parking availability.

Address: 7702 Fay Ave, La Jolla, CA 92037

Cody’s La Jolla

Cody’s La Jolla is the best brunch spot in La Jolla. Not only does it have delicious food, but the ocean views are incredible. Their famous dish is french toast and I highly recommend the avocado omelet. They are open most days from 8 am – 3 pm. Finally, the decor and tiled floors add to the charm of this restaurant and make you feel as though you’re in Italy.

Address: 1025 Prospect St #210, La Jolla, CA 92037

North Park + Hillcrest Brunch

Madi (New + Noteworthy)

This new and noteworthy brunch spot opened in 2022 in Normal Heights and has easily become my go-to brunch spot. It’s the same owners of the popular Madison on Park restaurant. Since opening, I’ve personally visited 3 times and always love the food and ambiance. Favorites include the Ham Benny, Pancakes, Vanilla Bean Latte, and breakfast tacos. Being that it’s a newer spot it’s best to make reservations in advance.

Address: 3737 Adams Ave, San Diego, CA 92116

The Rose in South Park

This spot is a hidden gem and is a beloved local spot. Hence how small it is you can only imagine how long the wait line is on the weekends. I finally checked it out this year and it did not disappoint. They offer brunch on the weekends from 10 am to 2 pm. The highlights of the menu include the seasonal quiche, strawberry + ricotta toast, and carnitas hash. It is quite busy on the weekend with patio dining available but well worth the wait!

Flap Your Jacks (Kid Friendly)

This new North Park gem is the perfect casual restaurant for kids! Each table has a griddle in the middle and you can pick your batter and order all the toppings to quite literally “Flap Your Jacks”. The brunch menu was surprisingly very good and they have a full bar for the parents to enjoy.

Address: 3020 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92104

Cafe 21 (Top Pick)

Cafe 21 is a farm-to-table brunch spot with multiple locations around San Diego. They serve health-conscious meals and offer gluten-free and vegan options. It is loved by locals and tourists alike. Menu favorites include the tiramisu pancakes and lavender mimosa. Finally, they are open from 8 am to 3 pm Wednesdays – Sundays.

Address: 2736 Adams Ave, San Diego CA 92116

The Vibe Normal Heights

This brunch spot that opened up in 2024 is quite The Vibe. Known for its margarita flight and unique menu offerings. The space is large so it’s great if you have a celebration or a large group. Our favorite menu items included the Benni Burro, which is their rendition of an Eggs Benedict, chilaquiles, and the acai bowl. Not to mention their coffee is delicious as well. Get the Mexican Mocha and thank me later!

3250 Adams Ave, San Diego, CA 92116

Cocina de Barrio

A newer brunch spot located in the heart of Hillcrest. Serving modern Mexican cuisine. They are known for their delicious chilaquiles, loaded French toast, and delicious brunch cocktails. The lime popsicle margarita was so fresh! And their most delicious dish is the chilaquiles – stick to that when visiting! Finally, they offer happy hour specials throughout the week if you just want to grab a cocktail.

Address: 3707 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92104

Great Maple

A retro dinette located in Hillcrest, Great Maple is another great family-friendly restaurant. Their claim to fame is their french toast logs, pigs and a blanket, and Cerrillos Chilaquiles. They also have multiple pancake topping options for the kids to enjoy. We recommend beef brisket hash and beignets. There are two locations in San Diego (Hillcrest and UTC) however, the Hillcrest location is the OG. Finally, they have a full-on Bloody Mary + Mimosa menu for the parents.

Address: 1451 Washington Street, San Diego, CA 92103

Pacific Beach + Shelter Island

Konos (#1 Top Pick)

This hidden gem is located at the end of PB Pier and is my favorite breakfast spot in all of San Diego. For many reasons. One is their casual atmosphere. Two are their huge portion sizes and finally their secret patio view. I have been coming here since 2006 and it hasn’t changed much including the sign where they state “we haven’t raised our prices in X days” and some of the same employees working since 2006. Konos does a great job making it feel like home. Finally, the food is amazing (order the Big Breakfast #2) and they have a small coffee cart on the patio serving artisanal coffees.

Pro tip: to find the secret patio with a view of the beach – walk past the wind chimes shop located across from the entrance.

Address: 704 Garnet Ave, San Diego, CA 92109

JRDN Restaurant – Tower 23

Another brunch spot with incredible views of the ocean (and a little more upscale) is JRDN located at the Tower 23 hotel. They serve local farm-to-table menu items daily from 9 am to 11 am. They have several unique cocktails to choose from. Finally, their egg rancheros are amazing and the morning bun is mouth-watering!

Address: 723 Felspar Street, Pacific Beach, 92109

Palmy’s (Casual Pick)

Set in a Victorian home, Palmy’s is a new and noteworthy spot in the PB area. Featuring healthy brunch options, smoothies, and delicious coffee. The outdoor vibes remind me so much of Tulum. It can be hard to find a table during peak hours but this casual spot is a great option if you’re in the area!

Bali Hai (Top Pick)

Bali Hai is known for its epic Sunday Brunch buffet and stunning San Diego skyline views. This Polynesian-themed buffet is a local legend and it lives up to the hype! Serving a full seafood bar along with breakfast favorites such as baked goods, build-your-own omelets, and carved ham. There are so many options! It’s best to make a reservation as they are known to book up weeks in advance.

• Adults are $62, Children 6- 12 $20, and Kids under 5 are free
• Only served Sundays 9:30 am – 2 pm
• Address: 2230 Shelter Island Drive

Coronado Brunch

The Henry

Known as the neighborhood restaurant, The Henry is a newer open dining spot located on Orange Avenue. They serve artisanal coffees and brunch classics. It’s popular for brunch on the weekends due to its amazing cocktails (get the grapefruit mimosa). Finally, if you’re looking for to-go food to take to the beach – they have a walk-up window where you can order baked goods and coffees to-go.

Address: 1031 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA 92118

Little Frenchie

Parisian style bistro serving brunch Friday – Sunday 9 am – 3 pm. They use locally sourced ingredients and serve French favorites such as Bruléed Pain Perdu, freshly made crepes, and Croque monsieur. Finally, make sure to get here early as the weekends can be their busiest times.

Address: 1166 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118

Hotel Del (Special Events)

The iconic crown room has served presidents, celebrities, and even the Prince of Wales since 1911. Suffice it to say Sunday brunch at the Crown Room is a treat! Before the pandemic, it was every Sunday but now they reserve it for special events such as Easter, Mother’s Day, Christmas, etc. They serve seafood bars, carving stations, and all of the breakfast classics. For more information check out their website.

Gaslamp Quarter Brunch Spots

The Nolen Rooftop

The Nolen is a rooftop bar high atop the 14th story in Downtown San Diego. With sweeping views of the city that stretches from the Coronado Bridge to Point Loma, this weekend brunch spot is a vibe! They have a small menu that serves the classics as well as a few vegan options. Since The Nolen is only open for brunch on Sundays, reservations are encouraged. Finally, our top pick is the French Toast it was so delicious!

Address: 453 Sixth Ave #7007, San Diego, CA 92101

The Corner Drafthouse

Located in the heart of the Gaslamp Quarter, The Corner Drafthouse is a popular spot for brunch and beer enthusiasts alike. Their menu features a range of delicious options, including souffle pancakes, breakfast tacos, and a mouth-watering bloody mary bar. With its lively atmosphere and extensive beer selection, The Corner Drafthouse is the perfect spot to enjoy a Sunday brunch with friends.

Some popular dishes at The Corner Drafthouse include:

• The “Morning Glory” breakfast burrito, featuring scrambled eggs, chorizo, and goat cheese
• The “Huevos Rancheros” dish, with fried eggs, chipotle hollandaise, and caramelized onions
• The “Whipped Cream Waffle” sandwich, features a crispy waffle, whipped cream, and fresh fruit

Whether you’re in the mood for something classic and comforting or adventurous and new, The Corner Drafthouse has something for everyone. So why not stop by and see what all the fuss is about?

North County San Diego Brunch

The Waverly

The Waverly is a newer spot located in the Cardiff community. It’s part of the nationally acclaimed restaurant group SDCM and its decor is hands down the prettiest on this entire list. The executive chef, Brian Redzikowski, has won the Michelin Bib Gourmand Award. Finally, they serve a mix of health-conscious meals (smoothies, acai bowls, grain bowls) and sweet breakfast classics (funfetti pancakes + creme brulee toast).

Address: 2005 San Elijo Ave, Cardiff, CA 92007

Parakeet Cafe

We are Parakeet Cafe stands on this blog! Another favorite of this list and lucky for you they have multiple locations. Serving organic whole foods with ethically sourced ingredients. Our favorite menu items are the acai bowl, avocado toast, and the Belgian waffle. Finally, the One Paseo location is the best since it’s located amongst other cute shops so you can make an afternoon out of it!

Address: 3745 Paseo Pl #820, San Diego, CA 92130

Stratford Court Cafe

The most charming cafe is set in the garden of a 1900s home. Located near Seagrove Park in Del Mar this spot is perfect for a casual brunch or lunch. I loved the bagels and acai bowls. Finally, there is a beach down the way called Tabletops and it’s one of my favorites.

Well, there you have it fam! Thank you for reading my “Ultimate Guide to the Best Brunch in San Diego”. Do you have any spots that you love that I need to add to the list? Drop them below and make sure to check out my Best San Diego Restaurants Guide!

XO,

Courtney

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