27 Best Breakfast Spots in San Diego

Photo Credit: xhico

• Price: $$

• Address: 5083 Santa Monica Ave #1f, San Diego, CA

• What to order: The Monte Cristo. Ham and powdered sugar shouldn't go together, but it does.

Want your eggs with a side of killer ocean views? OB Surf Lodge has you covered. Its beach-inspired menu offers a variety of breakfast dishes, from small burritos to a massively delicious biscuit board. It's supposed to be shareable, but we won't judge if you don't.

Little Lion

• Price: $$

• Address: 1424 Sunset Cliffs Blvd, San Diego, CA

• What to order: The cinnamon coffee cake with a side of an afternoon nap.

Nothing pairs better than a morning stroll along Sunset Cliffs than a hearty eggs benedict with crab cakes at Little Lion. This spot's outdoor patio is decorated with cozy seats and colorful umbrellas, and its Belgian-inspired artisan dishes will make you never want to leave.

Mission Beach

Miss B's Coconut Club

Photo Credit: missbcoconutclub

• Price: $$

• Address: 3704 Mission Blvd, San Diego, CA

• What to order: The Havana Good Time cocktail—for the fun cup and the equally fun ingredients.

The Caribbean vibes of Miss B's are sure to put you in a tropical state of mind. And if they don't, the adult Capri Sun and island-style brunch menu will. Just be prepared to spend a few hours here—the party atmosphere and delicious cocktails are the perfect setup for a party.

Olive Cafe

• Price: $

• Address: 805 Santa Clara Pl, San Diego, CA

• What to order: Dad's Favorite Pancakes, which will soon be your favorite too.

If a relaxed eatery with no electronic dance music is more your jam, head on over to Olive Cafe. They're big on the idea of a leisurely breakfast, and its cozy brunch space is ideal for a long chat over coffee and scones.

Molly's

Photo Credit: Wirestock Creators

• Price: $$

• Address: 3770 Mission Blvd, San Diego, CA

• What to order: The Ricotta Toast is a must-try.

Molly’s is a trendy joint that may have only recently opened, but it's quickly becoming a neighborhood favorite for its delicious bites and lounge-y atmosphere. Its sidewalk patio is cute, but the rooftop deck and freshly baked goods really steal the show.

Royal Rooster

• Price: $

• Address: 1717 Quivira Rd, San Diego, CA

• What to order: The Captain's Burrito is a beautiful blend of hash browns and chorizo—need we say more?

You can visit San Diego without having a hefty, egg-filled breakfast burrito. If you're looking for one, that's close to the size of your head and as yummy as it is filling, Royal Rooster has a robust menu of monster burritos and house-made salsas to die for.

Pacific Beach

Crushed

Photo Credit: Miguel Angel Bistrain

• Price: $$

• Address: 967 Garnet Ave, San Diego, CA

• What to order: Anything off of the "Bresserts" (breakfast desserts) section will not disappoint.

If you're grabbing breakfast in PB, you need to be prepared for a party vibe, and Crushed is no exception. This industrial-style joint has an extensive list of breakfast cocktails—including a mimosa flight—as well as some cheekily named dishes, like the "Daddycakes."

Fig Tree Eatery

• Price: $$

• Address: 5119 Cass St, San Diego, CA

• What to order: The Fig Jam & Ricotta French Toast with an Antioxidant Mimosa, for health reasons.

Fig Tree Eatery may have three other locations in SD (East Village in Downtown San Diego, Mission Valley, and Liberty Station), but the one in Pacific Beach is by far the most dreamy.

The Fig Tree cafe’s shaded, plant-filled patio is the perfect spot for a leisurely Sunday morning, and its classic breakfast dishes will make sure you're not hangry by lunch. And with tons of vegan and gluten-free options (including a vegan bloody mary), everyone can join in on the fun.

Second Nature

Photo Credit: Alp Aksoy

• Price: $$

• Address: 5026 Cass St, San Diego, CA

• What to order: The Will Work For Peanuts Acai Bowl because peanut-butter smoothie bowls are an SD staple.

If your stomach needs a little reprieve from all the burritos and tacos you've been eating—head to Second Nature. This cafe specializes in nutritious and delicious vegan and vegetarian dishes, like chocolate acai bowls and guacamole-infused egg scrambles.

World Famous

• Price: $$

• Address: 711 Pacific Beach Dr, San Diego, CA

• What to order: The World Famous Wipeout Platter—big enough to hold you over until dinner.

While there's a good chance you'll end up at World Famous during a night out on the town, we encourage you to stop by during the day for some huge carb-loaded servings that will settle any hangover. Plus, this oceanfront spot is a prime place for people-watching.

Kono's Cafe

Photo Credit: Bessapics

• Price: $

• Address: 704 Garnet Ave, San Diego, CA

• What to order: Any of the burritos, but especially number three.

This surf-inspired cafe is exactly what you picture in your head when you think of a beachside breakfast spot. Hang ten while enjoying one of its classic breakfast sandwiches or burritos. And because they serve breakfast all day long, you can hit that snooze button as often as needed.

Armonia Kitchen

• Price: $$

• Address: 1422 Garnet Ave, San Diego, CA

• What to order: The Mexican Avocado Toast will have you feeling like a true Californian.

As much of a party city as it is, San Diego has a huge health-food movement, and Armonia Kitchen is a part of it. This open-air brunch spot has a plant-based menu that can cater to pretty much any dietary restriction imaginable—without sacrificing flavor.

Palmy's

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• Price: $$$

• Address: 976 Felspar St, San Diego, CA

• What to order: The Palmys Breakfast Sando's serrano aioli is pure perfection.

Want something a little more posh? Palmy's bungalow aesthetic and Australian-inspired dishes will make you feel like you're brunching on an exotic vacation. Plus, nothing pairs with coffee and a vibrant smoothie bowl better than a wraparound patio.

La Jolla

Harry's Coffee Shop

• Price: $

• Address: 7545 Girard Ave, La Jolla, CA

• What to order: The Chocolate Chip Pancakes - simple but oh-so-good.

This classic diner has been serving the people of La Jolla since 1960, and it doesn't look like they'll be stopping anytime soon. Harry's has all the great breakfast plates and comfort food you could want, and the everyone-knows-your-name vibe will make you feel right at home.

Duke's

Photo Credit: Leigh Anne Meeks

• Price: $$$

• Address: 1216 Prospect St, La Jolla, CA

• What to order: The Coconut Crusted French Toast, obviously.

Locals and tourists alike may flock to Duke's for its oceanfront views, but its scrumptious Hawaiian-inspired brunch menu is not to be missed. These specialty dishes can only be enjoyed on the weekends, so plan your day accordingly.

The Cottage

• Price: $$

• Address: 7702 Fay Ave, La Jolla, CA

• What to order: The Morning Glory Sandwich with avocado for added creamy goodness.

Tucked away a block or so from the beach in La Jolla Village, The Cottage may look small, but it packs a big delicious punch. This spot has all the classics but with a California twist that will make your taste buds sing.

Point Loma

Jennings House Eatery

• Price: $

• Address: 1018 Rosecrans St, San Diego, CA

• What to order: The Cali Scramble is a classic that won't ever let you down.

This quaint little spot is nestled inside Point Loma's oldest home. Bask in the glory of local history while enjoying all-day breakfast dishes and scrumptious freshly baked pastries. And if you're conducting business as well as pleasure on this trip, grab a day pass to their upstairs co-working space for some peace and quiet.

Point Break Cafe

• Price: $

• Address: 2743 Shelter Island Dr, San Diego, CA

• What to order: Any of the scramble dishes will hit the spot.

Sometimes the places that fly a little under the radar are the best-kept secrets. Point Break Cafe is a favorite among Point Loma locals for its cozy, tiki-inspired atmosphere and hearty breakfast platters.

The Good Egg

• Price: $$

• Address: 2556 Laning Rd, San Diego, CA

• What to order: Anything, just make sure to add hashbrowns.

The atmosphere of this family-owned joint may be a little bare bones at this joint, but The Good Egg makes up for it with Mexican-style breakfast dishes that will make your mouth water. Prepare yourself for huge portions with plates that will barely fit on the table.

Bankers Hill

Parc Bistro-Brasserie

• Price: $$

• Address: 2760 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA

• What to order: The Pastry Basket for the table, even if it's a table for one.

This French-style restaurant is the perfect blend of cozy and chic. But don't let its sophisticated atmosphere fool you—the breakfast menu here is as comforting and creative as it gets.

Jimmy Carter's Mexican Cafe

Photo Credit: Elena Veselova

• Price: $$

• Address: 3172 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA

• What to order: The Homemade Chorizo Scramble—because, chorizo.

There is nothing more satisfying than a steaming hot plate of Mexican breakfast food. Jimmy Carter's does it better than anyone and is the go-to spot for locals looking to get their fill of breakfast burritos, tacos, and chips and salsa (which can absolutely be enjoyed before noon).

Hob Nob Hill

• Price: $$

• Address: 2271 First Ave., San Diego, CA

• What to order: The Coffee Cake and its daily flavor change.

Hob Nob Hill is like your favorite back-home diner, only a little more upscale. Since 1944, this place has been dishing out delicious breakfast classics to hungry San Diegans. You'll even find Southern-style treats—like biscuits and gravy—that are a rarity in these parts.

South Park

Café Madeleine

Photo Credit: Nicole Martin- Larson

• Price: $$

• Address: 2248 30th St, San Diego, CA

• What to order: The Pear Crêpes are to die for.

Want to feel like you're sipping a latte in Paris? Café Madeleine will instantly transport you there with their French-style menu featuring favorites like the Andouille Frittata and, of course, an entire section dedicated to Les Crêpes.

Eclipse Chocolate Bar, Bistro, & Bodega

• Price: $$

• Address: 2145 Fern St, San Diego, CA

• What to order: The Banana Cream Cheese Churro Waffles will make you forget what regular waffles taste like.

When the word "chocolate" is present in the name, you know it has to be good. This unique spot serves up some of the most delicious breakfast creations Wednesday through Sunday, with an entire section dedicated to "drinking chocolate."

Big Kitchen Cafè

Photo Credit: PHOTOBUAY

• Price: $

• Address: 3003 Grape Street, San Diego, CA

• What to order: Anything off the "Favorites of our Regulars"—because who wouldn't want to try a dish named after Bob?

This kitschy little spot has made waves with its decadent omelets and world-famous scrambles. So famous, in fact, that Big Kitchen Cafè has been ranked among the top 10 breakfast restaurants in the entire country. Come during the weekend to catch some live music on their patio.

Come for a Break, Stay for the Breakfast

San Diego is full of amazing breakfast spots for all tastes and budgets. So no matter which vibrant neighborhoods your travels take you through, take advantage of the opportunity to explore some of its best eateries.

From French-style cafes to Mexican favorites and good old-fashioned diners, there are plenty of delicious breakfast places to check out during your stay with San Diego Vacation Rentals. Bon appétit!