Places for the Best Brunch San Diego – what can be better than a relaxed Sunday brunch with family or a fun boozy brunch with friends? Have a look at our list of the best places for brunch in San Diego.
Snooze
3435 Del Mar Heights Road, Suite D3, San Diego, CA 92130
Snooze promises creative twists on breakfast. They have a large selection of Eggs Benedict and offer a Ham Benedict, Chili Verde Benedict and even a Steak and Eggs Benedict. Or you could go for French Toast, Blueberry Danish Pancakes, Pineapple Upside Down Pancakes or Sweet Potato Pancakes. They also have a range of plant based, light options, breakfast burritos and Shashuka. If you are looking for a Boozy Brunch then they have a great selection of Mimosas and Bloody Marys.
Lazy Dog Restaurants
1202 Camino Del Rio N, San Diego, CA 92108
Lazy Dog serve a weekend brunch from 9am until 2pm. Choose from dishes such as The Breakfast Club (fried egg, smoked bacon, avocado, cheddar, tabasco mayo, housemade buttermilk biscuit, choice of hash browns or fruit), Country Chickens + Biscuit (crispy fried chicken, housemade chicken sausage, two sunny side up eggs, housemade buttermilk biscuit, cajun gravy, spiced maple syrup), Cheesy Eggs + Avocado Toast (scrambled eggs, cheddar, jack, sea salt, red pepper flakes + crushed avocado on grilled french bread, choice of hash browns or watermelon) or Bacon Candy (bacon baked with brown sugar, crushed red pepper chili flakes, black pepper). They also offer DIY Mimosas (1 bottle of Freixenet sparkling wine + 10 oz fresh squeezed orange juice) and DIY Peach Bellinis (1 bottle of Freixenet sparkling wine + Kerns Peach Nectar juice).
Hash House a Go Go
3628 Firth Ave, San Diego, CA 92103
Hash House a Go Go serve “twisted farm food and crafted cocktails and we’ve been bringing you Midwest inspired food for over two decades. Visit us for the full Hash House experience. It’s a Midwest thing. And there’s nothing else like it.” Choose from their ‘Big O’ Pancakes’ selections with options such as Blueberry Pancake, Apple Cinnamon Pancake, Snickers Pancake, Chocolate Chip Pancake and Butterscotch Almond Pancake. Or what about ANDY’S WORLD FAMOUS SAGE FRIED CHICKEN BENEDICT (The best Benedicts ever begin with a set of crisp biscuits and a foundation of mashed potatoes. Topped with our delectable sage fried chicken, eggs, and special sauce, this breakfast is sure to fill you up and keep you going) or SAGE FRIED CHICKEN SALAD (Tossed mixed greens in a mango vinaigrette with green apples, caramelized pecans, crumbled blue cheese, and tomato all crowned with a sliced sage fried chicken breast).
Brigantine
2725 SHELTER ISLAND DRIVE, SAN DIEGO, CA92106
Brigantine is San Diego’s gathering spot for fresh, flavorful surf and turf. Brunch classics include dishes like NEW YORK STEAK & EGGS (Fire-grilled 8oz New York steak, charred asparagus, two eggs & red wine demi, served with breakfast potatoes – Gluten free), AVOCADO TOAST (Toasted squaw bread, crushed avocado spread, poached eggs, pickled red onion, cherry tomatoes & micro greens), COCONUT-MACADAMIA CRUSTED FRENCH TOAST (Maple syrup, mixed berries, two eggs any style, choice of bacon or sausage; breakfast potatoes) and CLASSIC EGGS BENEDICT (English muffin, Canadian bacon, poached eggs, hollandaise; breakfast potatoes – can be modified gluten free). For something a bit different you could try their LOBSTER TEMPURA TACOS (Marinated cucumber-jicama salad & cilantro remoulade on blue corn tortillas, garlic truffle fries & house vegetables), GRILLED SONORAN SPICED SWORDFISH TACOS (Cabbage, salsa fresca, cheddar, ranch dressing, corn tortillas – Gluten free) or even choose 3 GRILLED OYSTERS (Shallot-shoyu butter & wonton crunch – can be modified gluten free) from their Oyster Bar.
The Broken Yolk Café
1851 Garnet Avenue, San Diego, CA 92109-3353
The Broken Yolk Café serves brunch of all varieties. If you are looking for a healthy breakfast/brunch then you could choose from the vegetarian Wellness Wrap (Scrambled egg whites, sautéed spinach, red bell pepper and Feta cheese wrapped in a spinach tortilla. Served with fresh fruit) or Feta Avocado Toast (Thick sliced artisan grain bread lightly toasted and topped with fresh avocado, arugula, cherry tomatoes, feta cheese, and a balsamic drizzle). What about an American Breakfast (Two eggs any style with your choice of bacon, sausage or corned beef hash. With Applewood-smoked bacon) or Betty’s Southern Biscuit & Gravy (A homemade buttermilk biscuit smothered with country gravy and topped with bacon or sausage. Topped with two crispy fried chicken strips). If eggs are more your thing, how about a Golden State Benedict (A toasted English muffin topped with grilled tomato, avocado, applewood-smoked bacon, poached eggs, hollandaise sauce, and a sriracha drizzle) or Sope Benedict (Two extra thick and crispy corn tortillas filled with shredded beef and topped with poached eggs, homemade ranchero sauce, sliced avocado, fresh salsa, cotija cheese and sour cream).
Swami’s Cafe Carlsbad
2920 University Ave. San Diego, CA 92104
Swami’s are a “family owned restaurant and offer some of the best food in the area. Always extremely helpful, as well as prompt, we strive to make your dining experience special. At Swami’s Cafe our unique menu, great atmosphere, and friendly staff all combine to create an excellent dining experience.” The menu includes items like the Garlic chicken omelet (marinated chicken breast in garlic sauce with Swiss cheese), Authentic Mexican burrito (sautéed tomatoes, Cheddar cheese, onion, jalapenos, guacamole, and bell pepper) and pancakes, waffles and French toast. Their breakfast specials include Lobster Benedict (two poached eggs with lobster, asparagus, green onions on an English muffin, Hollandaise sauce served with a choice of fruit, cottage cheese or home style potatoes. They also do a kids menu.
Country Waffles
5252 Balboa Ave #101, San Diego, CA 92117
Country Waffles – as you would expect – do a fine line in waffles but they sell every other type of breakfast or brunch food too. Signature waffles include Double Chocolate (Chocolate chips baked-in and topped with more chocolate chips and chocolate drizzle), Apple Bacon Cheddar (Crumbled bacon & cheddar baked-in. Topped with cinnamon apples) or Banana Fosters (Caramelized bananas atop our golden waffle). Or you could go for Chicken and Waffle Benedict (2 waffle quarters topped with crispy chicken tenders, poached eggs and hollandaise sauce. Served with fruit), Croissant Breakfast Sandwich (Ham, or turkey, eggs and cheese layered on a grilled croissant. Served with fruit or country potatoes) or Breakfast Wrap (Scrambled eggs, chorizo, cheddar cheese and potatoes. Wrapped in a flour tortilla, topped with sour cream and avocado. Served with fruit).
Cheesecake Factory
The Cheesecake Factory serves Saturday and Sunday brunch from opening until 2pm. You can choose from such items as the GIANT BELGIAN WAFFLE (Available with Strawberries, Pecans and Chantilly Cream), CARAMEL APPLE PANCAKES (Buttermilk Pancakes with Glazed Apples, Crispy Caramel Pecans and Chantilly Cream. Served with Our Maple-Butter Syrup), BRULÉED FRENCH TOAST (The “Best” French Toast Ever! Thick Slices of French Bread Grilled Golden Brown Topped with Powdered Sugar and Served with Maple-Butter Syrup) and the BRUNCH COMBO (Two Eggs with Two Slices of Bacon and Two Buttermilk Pancakes). Or what about GREEN CHILAQUILES WITH CARNITAS AND EGGS (Tender Slow-Cooked Pork or Chicken with Roasted Poblano Peppers, Cheese, Onions, Cilantro and Crisp Corn Tortillas. Garnished with Tomatillo-Chile Sauce, Tomato and Sour Cream), FRIED CHICKEN & WAFFLES BENEDICT (Our Belgian Waffle Topped with Crispy Fried Chicken Strips, Poached Eggs and Hollandaise. Served with Maple-Butter Syrup), or the KIDS’ BRUNCH (Kids 10 and Younger. A Small Order of French Toast, Bacon and Strawberries).
Panera Bread
5620 Balboa Avenue, San Diego, CA 92117
Panera Bread is a counter service restaurant that serves breakfast before 11am. “At Panera, we invite you to experience freshly prepared, wholesome meals in a warm and welcoming environment, served by people who care. To us, this is what good eating is all about and why we love what we do. Our approach to good food is guided by our values: We believe in ‘food as it should be;’ we are transparent; we deliver freshness; and we serve food that we feel good about serving our own families.” Breakfast options include Chipotle Chicken, Scrambled Egg & Avocado Wrap, Sausage, Scrambled Egg & Cheese on Brioche, Avocado, Egg White & Spinach sandwich, Spinach and bacon souffle and Greek Yogurt with Mixed Berries Parfait.
Richard Walker’s Pancake House
520 Front St, San Diego, CA 92101
Who loves pancakes? What about Richard Walker’s Pancake House? “Since 1948, the Walker family name has become synonymous with quality family dining. The family has since perfected its reputation for outstanding gourmet pancakes and breakfasts.” At Richard Walker’s you can expect dishes such as Blueberry And Sour Crème Crepes (Juicy blueberries mixed with sour cream and a dash of Triple Sec makes this a true berry delight; sprinkled with powdered sugar and served with a side of blueberry compote), Chocolate Explosion (Smooth imported chocolate wrapped delicately in a warm crepe and topped with thick whipped cream and fresh strawberries on top), or Cherry Kijafa Crepes (Tart Montmorency cherries are simmered in sweet Danish Kijafa wine and stuffed inside crepes; more cherries Kijafa on top and dusted with powdered sugar). Or what about San Diego French Toast (Grilled until golden brown and garnished with the freshest sliced bananas, strawberries, and blueberries; real whipped cream on the side) or the quirkily named Pigs In A New Car (By any other name, it’s still three sausage links rolled up in three pancakes and sprinkled with powdered sugar; tropical sauce and whipped butter on the side).
Denny’s
10430 FRIARS ROAD, SAN DIEGO, CA 92120
Denny’s has always been a brunch favourite. They have a seriously huge breakfast/brunch selection. You can go all in with a ‘Slam’ like the LUMBERJACK SLAM® (Buttermilk pancakes, grilled ham, bacon strips, sausage links, eggs*, hash browns and choice of bread), ALL-AMERICAN SLAM® (Three scrambled eggs with Cheddar cheese, bacon strips, sausage links, hash browns and choice of bread), or the FIT SLAM® (Egg whites scrambled together with fresh spinach and grape tomatoes, plus turkey bacon strips, an English muffin and seasonal fruit.) which can be made gluten-free. For those with a sweet tooth you could opt for pancakes like the DOUBLE BERRY BANANA PANCAKE BREAKFAST (Buttermilk pancakes cooked with blueberries and topped with fresh seasonal berries, bananas and whipped cream) or SALTED CARAMEL & BANANA CREAM PANCAKE BREAKFAST (Buttermilk pancakes cooked with shortbread pieces and topped with vanilla cream, bananas and more shortbread pieces. Served with a pitcher of warm salted caramel for drizzling). There are some fabulous Crepe choices too such as BANANA CHOCOLATE HAZELNUT (One crepe folded with vanilla cream and topped with fresh seasonal berries, strawberry sauce and powdered sugar) or what about the vegetarian option of the LOADED VEGGIE OMELETTE (Fresh spinach, sautéed mushrooms, sautéed zucchini & squash, tomatoes and Swiss cheese).
The Original Pancake House
3906 Convoy Street, San Diego, California 92111
The Original Pancake House is all about (as you might guess!) pancakes! “The Original Pancake House was founded in Portland, Oregon in 1953 by Les Highet and Erma Hueneke. Drawing upon their many years of experience in the culinary field, and their extensive working knowledge of authentic national and ethnic pancake recipes they were able to offer without compromise this unique and original menu which has gained national acclaim.” You can indulge your passion for pancakes with some dishes as Blueberry Pancakes (Buttermilk pancakes filled with plump blueberries and lightly dusted with powdered sugar. Served with whipped butter and hot blueberry compote) and Three Little Pigs in Blankets (Our special links wrapped in light buttermilk pancakes and lightly dusted with powdered sugar. Served with whipped butter and hot tropical syrup). If pancakes are not your thing, then why not try an Apple Waffle (Our golden brown waffle baked with fresh Granny Smith apples and lightly topped with pure Sinkiang cinnamon sugar. Served with whipped butter and hot homemade apple syrup).
Coco’s
3444 College Avenue, San Diego CA 92115
Coco’s are a California classic. “Born along a sunny stretch of the Pacific Coast Hwy in 1948, Coco’s history is rich with food made the right way, in a place as comfortable as your own kitchen. We pride ourselves on our clean fresh fare, our slow roasted meats, and our delicious California inspired healthy-happy options.” Breakfast and Brunch is served until 11am. You can choose from traditional dishes like the Lumberjack Breakfast (Light and buttery brioche French toast dusted with powdered sugar and served with a generous amount of applewood smoked bacon, ham, country sausage links or turkey sausage, and two farm-fresh eggs.* Served with syrup and choice of country potatoes, hashbrowns or fresh fruit.), or the Triple Mega Breakfast (Served with three eggs* any style; 3 strips of applewood smoked bacon; 3 country sausage links or 2 turkey sausage patties; country potatoes, hash browns or fruit; and 3 buttermilk pancakes.). Or what about a sweet treat Belgian Waffles (A crisp Belgian waffle served with syrup) or Fresh Banana, Walnut and Caramel Waffle (A golden, malted waffle, dusted with powdered sugar, topped with sliced bananas and walnuts and drizzled with rich caramel. Served with syrup.). For the pancake lovers, you can choose from Raspberry Cheese Pancakes (Three raspberry pancakes layered with rich cheese filling, drizzled with raspberry sauce and topped with fresh whipped cream. Served with syrup) or Multi-Grain and Nut Pancakes (A hearty stack of freshly made multi-grain pancakes infused with almonds and walnuts, served with syrup).
Mimi’s Cafe – Boozy Brunch Option
5180 Mission Center Road, San Diego, CA 92780
Mimi’s Cafe has an excellent brunch selection with a French feel. “Make any mealtime an event to savor. From sweet and savory breakfast dishes to mouthwatering entrées, crowd-pleasing to tempting desserts, every dish is made with care, just for you and your family. Find exactly what you’re craving at your local cafe.” How do these dishes sound – BRIOCHE FRENCH TOAST (French toast dusted with powdered sugar with whipped margarine and maple syrup), FARMHOUSE BREAKFAST TACOS (Hickory-smoked bacon, sausage, scrambled eggs, roasted potatoes, cheddar cheese, jalapeño, tomato, onion and cilantro in flour tortillas. Served with salsa) or BACON AVOCADO OMELET (Three eggs, hickory-smoked bacon, spinach, tomatoes, Monterey jack cheese and avocado. Served with roasted potatoes). Alternatively, you could go for a Classic Eggs Benedict (Hickory-smoked ham and poached eggs topped with hollandaise sauce on a grilled English muffin) or HAM & SWISS CRÊPES (Thick-cut ham and melted swiss cheese topped with a creamy mornay cheese sauce. Served with roasted potatoes).
Why not make it a boozy brunch with Mimosas? Choose from MANGO MIMOSA (A champagne split and orange juice with mango), WHITE PEACH MIMOSA (A champagne split and orange juice with the classic Bellini flavor of white peach) or a TRIPLE BERRY MIMOSA (A champagne split and orange juice with strawberry, raspberry, blueberry and blackberry).
IHOP
615 Saturn Blvd, San Diego, CA 92154
IHOP serves more than 14 different varieties of pancakes including Buttermilk, Chocolate Chip, Harvest Grain ‘N Nut®, New York Cheesecake and its famous fruit-topped pancakes. Other signature breakfasts include the Rooty Tooty Fresh ‘N Fruity®, International Passport Breakfast and premium omelettes such as the Big Steak Omelette and the Colorado Omelette. IHOP restaurants also offer delicious desserts including Fruit Crepes and Ice Cream Sundaes.
Also look at our posts for the best brunch in Carlsbad, Encinitas, Escondido, Oceanside and Coronado.