After a long hard week, what a better way to cut loose and celebrate than with a laidback coastal brunch in the city with year-round sunshine? San Diego is known for its breakfast and brunch culture that offers stunning New American restaurants with excellent brunches, delicious breakfast burritos, and fantastic breakfast from no frills spots, and here, we’ve highlighted our favorites. Bookmark this page because we’ll be adding more to this list. With that being said, happy brunching this weekend!
1. Shorebird
If you’re looking for front-row views of the bay while you sip on a Bloody Mary or Espresso Martini, look no further. At this ‘coastal experience rooted in culinary excellence’, you won’t find a can, or a frozen bag in the kitchen. Shorebird’s chef is proud to prepare everything from scratch, every single day. You’ll find something for everyone on their brunch menu, with classics such a steak & eggs, chicken & waffles, and all sorts of delicious eggy meals. But they truly shine when it comes to seafood! Start with the spicy tuna roll, add some Hokkaido scallops…and take it from there.
2. Kindred
Kindred is a visual and culinary stunner, located in the eclectic South Park neighborhood. It’s famous for its “gothic-chic” aesthetic, with pink walls, marble countertops, and heavy metal playing (softly) in the background. It’s a strictly vegan establishment, but even carnivores flock here – don’t toss it till you try it! Try the Banana Crusties (French toast sticks with banana custard) or The Forenoon (country-fried sausage with shiitake mushroom gravy).
3. Shorehouse Kitchen
Shorehouse Kitchen has an amazing breakfast, brunch, and lunch menu – you won’t go wrong no matter what you choose. The dishes are absolutely delicious, not too filling, and very nicely balanced. We love the Pork Carnitas Benedicts here, beautifully laid on poblano cornbread. They also make a super refreshing Margarita, and a fresh Mimosa with Valenican oranges. There may be a bit of a wait, but we think it’s worth it.
4.Serẽa Coastal Cuisine
Serẽa Coastal Cuisine is located in the iconic Hotel Del Coronado. Their menu includes ocean-friendly seafood and seasonal locally grown ingredients such as Maine Lobster And Chorizo Scramble!
Location: 1500 Orange Avenue
5.Dija Mara
Dija Mara is a gorgeous Balinese-inspired restaurant that has been offering takeout since the start of the pandemic. They now have a weekend brunch available 11 am – 2:30 pm on the weekend, is also available. Some brunchtime hits include grilled roti, Thai sausage hash, and the restaurant’s memorable kaya French toast.
Location: 232 S Coast Hwy, Oceanside
6. Morning Glory
As good as it is aesthetic, Morning Glory plays into the fun of its brand with its pink decor and the names of their boozy, brunch drinks. From Certified Lover Girl to the Morning Wood Old Fashioned. They’ve even got some NA drinks for anyone participating in Dry January. Their food menu is unique with breakfast carbonara, signature ginger fried rice, lobster omelettes, and big fluffy pancakes.
Location: 550 W Date St, San Diego
7.Parc Bistro Brasserie
A Bistro Brasserie sounds like an ideal place for a family outing! This award-winning restaurant has been a staple for locals for many years serving up delicious French cuisine! Their brunch menu includes Duck Confit and Wild Mushroom Ravioli. We particularly recommend their new delicious and crispy Fried Chicken and Waffle!
Location: 2760 Fifth Avenue
8.Toast Gastrobrunch
This brunch favorite serves a delicious brunch all day! Toast Gastrobrunch is in Carlsbad, and this spot has a perfect outdoor dining area. They have a variety of toasts topped with favorites like pork belly and smoked salmon. They also serve up breakfast classics like pancakes and French toast. We highly recommend their coconut pistachio kanafeethe with shredded phyllo, ricotta, and mozzarella filling.
Location: 5970 Avenida Encinas, Carlsbad
9.Flagships Cruise
Feeling adventurous? Then perhaps you and some friends should head on over to Flagships Brunch Cruise! There you will enjoy a two-hour scenic cruise on San Diego Bay along with favorites and complimentary champagne and mimosas!
Location: 990 N Harbor Dr
10.Harley Gray Kitchen & Bar
This contemporary American gem serves up delicious a la carte brunch on weekends. Their Benedicts selection including classic, veggie, and lobster! They also offer avocado toast with feta, macadamia nut banana pancakes, and chilaquiles, and so much more. Their Brunch-goers can also order free-flowing Champagne or mimosas.
Location: 1250 Prospect St
11.Mexipino Craft
Mexipino Craft is a Mexican and Filipino-inspired restaurant with a wide array of fresh food like huevos rancheros, chilaquiles, milanesa & eggs, traditional Filipino, the classic, giant pancakes, french toast, and Belgium waffles! There is limited outdoor dining space and takeout options. Mexipino is open from 8 am to 3 pm every day.
Location: 1660 Broadway #14, Chula Vista
12. Breakfast Republic
A breakfast spot that’s gotten quite the reputation in San Diego, Breakfast Republic has locations in Carmel Valley, Encinitas, and HillCrest to name a few. The vibes are rustic, as well as the plates and dishwear you’re served your breakfast bacon mac and cheese. Spin-offs on traditional breakfast is the fare here, with the very San Diegan breakfast burrito making an appearance, 8 sweet varieties of pancakes plus a pancake flight, a whole subset of the menu tailored for vegans, and several healthy protein options for good measure. The restaurants are always cute and the food tasty, a no brainer. Location: various locations
13. Farmer & The Seahorse
A restaurant that values simplicity and farm-fresh ingredients, Farmer & The Seahorse is a year-round favorite for its ample indoor and outdoor seating at their La Jolla location. The menu is smaller than a powerhouse like Breakfast Republic, but it’s still mighty. Their benedicts come in 3 varieties: a classic bacon, avocado, a roast beef, and a miso-cursed salmon. House specialties include Bananas Foster French Toast, a Harvest Bowl with toasted buckwheat and ample veggies, and a rosemary-cheddar waffled topped with buttermilk chicken called their Sunrise Over Nashville. Where: 10996 Torreyana Rd Ste 240, San Diego
14. Trust
You can find Trust on the San Diego Michelin Guide, making it a breakfast spot that’s been given its props. Trust that the chef knows what he’s doing at this place that specializes in small bites and huge flavor. For their brunch menu, you can find a variety of options, from Albacore Tartare, Wood-Grilled Burgers, Smoked Pork Shoulder Hash, Chilaquiles Rojos, Smoked Salmon Toast, and more. Location: 3752 Park Blvd, San Diego
15. Hash House A Go Go
Got a bit appetite? Then there’s no better destination that Hash House. They serve twisted farm food and crafted cocktails, bringing Midwest inspired food to your plates. Their most famous choice is ‘Andy’s World Famous Sage Fried Chicken’ – and honestly, if this doesn’t scream brunch, we don’t know what does. Their burgers and pancakes are equally good!
