9 delicious San Diego Brunch Spots From La Jolla to Pacific Beach, this foodie list has a breakfast spot everyone will enjoy. Keep reading to find your next go to breakfast spot in San Diego. I’m sorry in advance if this article makes you instantly hungry. I was getting hungry just writing it and reminiscing on all of these trendy food spots. These are in no particular order.
San Diego Brunch Spot #1 – Shorehouse Kitchen
Shorehouse Kitchen, located in La Jolla Shores just blocks from the beach and the food will not disappoint. Enjoy this brunch spot and then head down to the beach for a nice walk along the sand. Looking for breakfast on the beach? Call ahead (trust me) and order a Breakfast Burrito with an Iced Vanilla Latte Coffee to go, pick it up from their connecting coffee shop and head down to the beach for breakfast and views!
Neighborhood: La Jolla Shores
Pro-Tip: Call ahead for to go orders and head down to the beach with a breakfast burrito and iced vanilla latte in hand and watch the waves.
What I’ve ordered: Eggs Benedict, Caramelized Tahitian Vanilla Beach French Toast (+with berries and Chantilly Cream) and an Iced Vanilla Almond milk latte
Must try: Caramelized Tahitian Vanilla Beach French Toast (+with berries and Chantilly Cream)
Hours: M-Th 7:30 A.M. – 2:30 P.M. (F-Su closes at 3:30 P.M.)
Barista and Pastries open at 7:00 A.M.
Bonus points: Breakfast served all day!
san diego brunch Spot #2 – Cocina De Barrio
Cocina De Barrio, Mexican restaurant + Tequila/Mezcal bar located in Hillcrest is sure to hit the sweet/savory spot for everyone in your party with multiple seating areas inside and outside. Trust me, I was definitely surprised on how tasty and beautiful the brunch was at a “tequila bar”. Don’t let the name fool you, their coconut French toast is one of the best French toast dishes I’ve had. There was about $10 worth of fresh berries on top of my coconut French toast and I was loving every bite. Typically places skimp out on the berries, not Cocina De Barrio!
I’m here to tell you it’s ok to have a margarita with your breakfast! After seeing their tequila menu, you’ll want to try one of their delicious cocktails no matter the time of day. I went with a signature cocktail, a popsicle margarita! I chose mango and let me tell you adding a popsicle to your margarita makes it 10x better. Facts.
Neighborhood: Hillcrest
What I ordered/Must Try: Coconut French Toast and a Popsicle margarita
Breakfast Hours: Saturday 10:00 A.M. – 3:00 P.M. Sundays 10:00 A.M – 5:00 P.M.
*Cocina De Barrio does serve lunch/dinner as well with later hours.
san diego brunch Spot #3 – Snooze A.M Eatery
Snooze, while this is a chain restaurant, I don’t count it as one as they are only located in 8 states with a few locations. I’m all about local and unique eateries but Snooze as made my list and for good reason. In the greater San Diego area, they have 3 locations; Hillcrest, La Jolla and Del Mar. You can count on there being a wait, but it is worth it once you take a look at their menu. From sweet to savory breakfast items, there will be something for everyone in your party. The hart part will be only choosing one item, it’s the best to order a few breakfast entrees and share them with your table.
Neighborhood: Hillcrest, La Jolla, Del Mar
What we ordered: Eggs Benedict, Coffee and Donuts pancake (Pancake of the day special), Cranberry Orange Pancake and a hot vanilla latte (does come in a small cup). More coffee please!
Pro-Tip: With my Eggs Benedict, I paid a $4.25 up-charge to get a specialty pancake (Cranberry Orange) instead of hash browns. Great way to try a little bit of everything.
Hours: M-Su 6:30 A.M. – 2:30 P.M. (4:00 P.M. on the weekend)
Brunch Spot #4 – Fig Tree Cafe
Fig Tree Cafe is always a hit with my stomach and friends. Every item I have tried on the menu has been delicious including seasonal specials. There are a few locations throughout San Diego including Pacific Beach, East Village and Liberty Station all of which are decorated nicely and very instagrammable. Don’t forget to bring your puppy as the restaurant is dog friendly.
Neighborhood: Pacific Beach, East Village, Liberty Station and soon Mission Valley
What we’ve ordered: Eggs Benedict, French Toast Sampler, California Breakfast Burrito, Marshmallow Latte, Pistachio Crepes (seasonal special), Antioxidant shot flight (a fun breakfast flight)
Must Try: French Toast Sampler (Your choice of any 3 French Toasts)
Pro-Tip: Each order your own breakfast meal, but order the French Toast Sampler as a dessert to share!
Hours: M-Su 7:00 A.M. – 3:00 P.M.
Brunch Spot #5 – Breakfast Republic
Breakfast Republic, a very popular San Diego brunch stop with 8 locations in the San Diego areas as well as some locations in Southern California. Every time I have walked past Breakfast Republic, this place is packed and for good reason so don’t be surprised if there’s a long wait. It’s always so tasty and wit huge portions.
Neighborhoods: North Park, Liberty Station, Encinitas, East Village, Ocean Beach, Carmel Valley, Pacific Beach, and Mission Valley
What we ordered: French Toast Platter, Omelette, Macadamia Nut Latte and Ginger Mimosa (drinks were part of a daily special)
Hours: M-Su 7:00 A.M. – 3:00 P.M.
Brunch Spot #6 – The Great Maple
Great Maple, a Modern American Eatery has two locations in San Diego and two other locations in Southern California. The menu (by location) has so many delicious looking options that I must come back to try them all. Great Maple is known for their Great Maple French Toast Logs (hence the name), Maple Bacon Doughnuts made to order and Fruity Pebble Pancakes which all are very instagrammable.
Neighborhoods: Hillcrest, La Jolla
What I ordered: Smoked Beef Brisket Hash (delicious but anxious to try more items)
Hours: vary by location
Image courtesy of The Great Maple 
Image courtesy of The Great Maple
Brunch Spot #7 – Crushed
Crushed, a chic and lively restaurant located in the heart of Pacific Beach has something for everyone! This spot is a bit small so expect a way if you come during a busy time. This place is good for breakfast or dinner and since they serve breakfast all day, you can have the best of both worlds!
Neighborhood: Pacific Beach
What we ordered: PB BBQ Sliders, The Stinky Goat, Lemon Poppy Seed Pancakes and a Margarita flight
Must try: Margarita Flight
Hours: Su-Th 8:00 A.M. – 10:00 PM. (12A on Friday and Saturday’s)
Brunch Spot #8 – The Cottage La Jolla
The Cottage, a La Jolla breakfast staple. This cute restaurant has all the vibes with patio tables enclosed by a white picket fence inside a vintage home. There are so many breakfast classics on the menu, you won’t make a bad choice.
Neighborhood: La Jolla
What we ordered: stuffed French toast, lemon ricotta pancakes (I added blueberries, I wouldn’t recommend doing so as it overpowers the lemon flavor.
Must try: Stuffed French Toast
Hours: M-Su 7:30 A.M. – 3:00 P.M.
Brunch Spot #9 – Brian’s 24
Brian’s 24 is located in downtown San Diego and is taking brunch by storm. While this diner used to be 24/7 it is now only open for brunch serving up specialty coffee, brunch cocktails and more. While many of the items sound so good, I’ve only tried the Eggs Benedict which hit the spot so will definitely be making a visit since they’ve changed hours.
Neighborhood: Gas Lamp
What we ordered: Traditional eggs benedict, chicken fingers, and a wrap.
What looks good: cereal killer lattes, black beauty waffle, pop off popcorn latte,
Hours: M-Su 7:00 A.M. – 2:00 P.M.
San Diego has so many great brunch spots to try so there will be plenty more of these articles to come. Which city do you want to see next?
To see where I’m at now, follow me on Instagram! Heading to Denver, Colorado? Check out my blog post on 10 brunch spots you need to try here.
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