14 Delish Brunch Spots in San Diego

Photo Credit: Robert Rael

• 550 W Date St, Little Italy
• Morning Glory
• $$
• Trendy brunch bistro with a retro-chic atmosphere

Morning Glory is known for its Insta-worthy decor and creative dishes. Their Soufflé Pancakes and breakfast cocktails are fan favorites, along with the Fried Chicken and Waffles. The Passion Fruit Mimosa is a noted favorite.

The hip ambiance, with pink velvet seats and a sense of whimsy, makes it a fun spot to start your day. Don't miss the panoramic view of Little Italy from their terrace!

2. Caroline’s Seaside Cafe

Photo Credit: Benjamin Wong

• 8610 Charles F. Kennel Way, La Jolla
• Caroline's Seaside Cafe
• $$
• Beachfront cafe with healthy, California-style dishes

Caroline’s Seaside Cafe offers a quaint dining experience right on the beach. With an emphasis on organic and sustainably sourced ingredients, their brunch menu is perfect for health-conscious patrons. Take in the gorgeous ocean views while enjoying their delicious (and healthy!) Avocado Toast and fresh lemonade. If you’re not avoiding carbs, their fresh baked bagels are also excellent!

3. The Waverly

Photo Credit: Nico

• 2005 San Elijo Ave, Cardiff
• The Waverly
• $$$
• Modern American

The Waverly combines modern American-fusion cuisine with a sophisticated oceanside ambiance. Known for its creative dishes and craft cocktails, The Waverly is a great option for an upscale weekend brunch. We love the Turkish Poached Eggs and the Pickled Potatoes - different but delicious! For a sweet option, you can’t go wrong with the Butterscotch Pudding. 

4. Queenstown Village

Photo Credit: Angel Lee

• 1557 Columbia St, Little Italy
• Queenstown Public House
• $$
• Kiwi-inspired cuisine with a quirky ambiance

Queenstown Public House brings a taste of New Zealand to San Diego with its innovative menu and eclectic decor. The garden-like outdoor seating and quirky interior make it a charming spot for Sunday brunch. Signature dishes like the Lamb Hash with Poached Eggs and Jalapeno-Cayenne Hollandaise or Quinoa Breakfast Burrito are to die for!

5. Madi

Photo Credit: Cameron Scott

• 3737 Adams Ave, Del Mar
• Madi
• $$$
• Innovative dishes in a colorful space

Another favorite among locals, Madi offers a contemporary take on traditional brunch plates. Plus, they are open for ‘Sunday Brunch’ 7 days of the week! We love Madi for its eclectic vibes, delicious Chilaquiles Verde, and mimosa pitchers.

We definitely suggest making reservations as this place is quite popular among locals and tourists alike. However, they only accept a limited number of reservations, so walk-ins are also welcome - you may just be in for a wait!

6. Flap Your Jacks

Photo Credit: Duston Fisher

• 3020 University Ave, North Park
• Flap Your Jacks
• $$
• Interactive breakfast experience with a fun, casual vibe

For one of the most interactive brunch experiences imaginable, you’ve got to try out Flap Your Jacks. Here, guests have the option of cooking their own pancakes right at the table! Get creative with shapes and sauces, or let the little ones make their own.

They have more than just pancakes - other favorites include “The Cube” Brioche French Toast and the Power Frittata.

7. Breakfast Republic

Photo Credit: George

• Multiple locations
• Breakfast Republic
• $$
• Playful, creative breakfast dishes in a casual setting

Breakfast Republic serves up a delicious brunch in San Diego with several locations across the city. Known for its playful and creative breakfast dishes, this spot is perfect for anyone who appreciates a delicious meal in an unpretentious setting. Breakfast hot dogs, anyone? Try their signature dish, hot dogs wrapped in bacon and served on a fluffy brioche bun with fried eggs and green onions. Yum!

Definitely check out some of their merch while you’re there - the t-shirts and coffee mugs are adorable (and quite funny!).

8. JRDN

Photo Credit: Reggie Pyatt

• 723 Felspar St, Pacific Beach
• $$$$
• High-end oceanside dining with a modern, chic environment

JRDN at Tower23 Hotel in Pacific Beach offers one of the most elite (and expensive) brunches on our list - but the views make it all worth it! Executive Chef Jerry Ranson works closely with local farmers and purveyors to utilize only the freshest ingredients.

Our top picks at JRDN are the Steak and Eggs or Lobster BLT. And don’t skip out on one of their famous Chili Mango Margaritas!

9. Snooze - An A.M. Eatery

Photo Credit: Monique Murphy

• Locations in Hillcrest and La Jolla
• Snooze
• $$
• Retro-inspired breakfast joint with a lively, energetic ambiance

Snooze - An A.M. Eatery has classic American, retro diner vibes. You won’t find your standard (sometimes boring) diner dishes here, though. Snooze is proud of its innovative menu, featuring stand-outs such as Blueberry Danish Pancakes with Maple Syrup or the Crab & Asparagus Omelet.

10. Elixir de la Lune

Photo Credit: Jordan Wyllie

• 5544 La Jolla Blvd, Point Loma
• Elixir de la Lune
• $$
• Healthy cafe in a cozy, bohemian setting

This is the best place to grab brunch in San Diego if you’re a.) health-conscious, b.) craving a smoothie or smoothie bowl, c.) interested in trying a healing elixir, or d.) all of the above. Elixir de la Lune boasts an impressive selection of smoothies, elixirs, espresso drinks, acai bowls, vegan offerings, and toasts topped with a variety of options.

Our personal favorite is the Lavender Almond Butter Toast. If you want to try one of their signature elixirs, we suggest the California Sun, a blend of non-alcoholic spirits, lemon, ginger, turmeric, basil, maple, and topped with sparkling water.

11. Cocina de Barrio

Photo Credit: jonathan williams

• 3707 Fifth Ave, Hillcrest
• Cocina de Barrio
• $$
• Modern Mexican with a colorful atmosphere

Cocina de Barrio in Hillcrest offers a modern take on Mexican cuisine in a vibrant and colorful setting. And that extends to their brunch! Served all day on Sundays and select hours during the week, come here for authentic Mexican and a hearty selection of omelets.

You won’t find any tacos here, but there are plenty of other drool-worthy dishes to savor. Try the Arroz con Leche pancakes or for something savory, give the Enmoladas a try - corn tortillas topped with braised short ribs, queso, mole, fried eggs, and seasoned potatoes.

Instead of a Bloody Mary, why not try an Agave Maria, a Mexican interpretation of the famed breakfast drink? Or opt for their Bottomless Mimosas (for up to two hours) for only $22!

12. Great Maple

Photo Credit: Sami Pathan

• 1451 Washington St, Hillcrest
• Great Maple
• $$$
• Modern American with a stylish ambiance

Great Maple is a stylish brunch spot famous for its modern American dishes and modern decor. The upscale yet cozy ambiance makes it a popular choice for brunch in San Diego. Decorated in varying shades of blues and greens, it’s got some Instagram potential as well!

Try the Smoked Salmon Box or Portobello Fries for a real treat!

13. Kono’s Cafe

Photo Credit: Britt F. Frey

• 704 Garnet Ave, Pacific Beach
• Kono’s Cafe
• $
• Casual beachside cafe with a laid-back, surfer vibe

Konos in Pacific Beach is a beloved local spot known for its cheap eats and casual, laid-back vibe. Not to mention its beachside location! The affordable menu and generous portions make it a solid choice for a no-frills, to-the-point brunch in San Diego.

The most popular offering, by far, is any of the breakfast burrito variations - all for around $10 each! It’s worth noting that they don’t serve alcohol - grab an Italian espresso instead.

14. Bali Hai

Photo Credit: Carsten Baumann

• 2230 Shelter Island Dr, Shelter Island
• Bali Hai
• $$$
• Polynesian-Tiki Brunch Buffet

A brunch buffet? No, it’s not an oversight. The Sunday Brunch Buffet at Bali Hai is no ordinary, bland hotel breakfast. With breakfast, lunch, raw bar, and ‘action stations,’ you can definitely expect some standout dishes. Some noteworthy options include the Crab Benedict, Korean Short Ribs, Oysters on the Half Shell, Snow Crab Legs, and Carved Prime Rib.

Save Your Appetite for the Best Brunch in San Diego

No matter which of San Diego’s neighborhoods you’re staying in, you’ll find tasty brunch options abound. We’ve curated this list of some of our top favorites to help you navigate the extensive options you have to choose from. Happy brunching!

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