DineSpin

Best Brunch in San Diego

Find the best brunch restaurants in San Diego, CA. Scored on what actually matters.

By DineSpin Team·Updated February 2026·10 spots

San Diego's brunch scene runs the full spectrum: casual beachside food trucks that hit harder than sit-down restaurants, neighborhood stalwarts that used to be special and now are just fine, and a few places that understand that brunch isn't breakfast's fancier cousin—it's its own thing. Parking, wait times, and whether the eggs are actually hot matter more here than in most cities.

Recommended:

Best Brunch in San Diego

1.

Benedict's Brunch

92/100

A food truck at Ocean Beach that's somehow better than 90% of the sit-down brunch restaurants in the city. The breakfast sandwiches and Benedicts land in that rare category where people actually say "best I've ever had," and portions are generous enough that two people can share one item without regret. Owner's engaged enough to check in with patrons, and you're eating steps from Dog Beach—the casual vibe is the whole point.

Pro tip: If you've got limited parking tolerance, this is still worth the hunt—go early, order the breakfast sandwich, and eat it on the beach. The kiosk defaults to 20% tip, so budget for that sticker shock.

🍽️Food95

The food is well-regarded for its excellent taste, quality ingredients, and generous portions, with many diners declaring dishes like the breakfast sandwich and eggs Benedict the best they've ever had.

Best breakfast sandwich I've ever had

👋Service88

Service is generally described as friendly, warm, and efficient, with staff often noted for their passion and attentiveness, though some mention the ordering system can be a hurdle.

Staff is super friendly

Vibe92

The atmosphere is consistently lauded as friendly, relaxed, beachy, and pleasant, enhanced by its proximity to the ocean and outdoor seating.

Vibe was immaculate

💰Value88

While some find the prices a bit high initially, the remarkably large portions and high quality of the food are widely considered to justify the cost.

Portions are huge

📍 5142 W Point Loma Blvd, San Diego, CA 92107
4.8$$San DiegoAmerican
Ideal for
Breakfast and brunch enthusiastsDiners seeking large portionsBeachgoers
2.

Hanna's Gourmet

92/100

Hanna's Gourmet is a highly-regarded San Diego establishment celebrated for its excellent, globally-inspired cuisine, fresh ingredients, and friendly, attentive service. It is well-regarded as a top brunch spot with a warm atmosphere and reasonable prices, making it a beloved favorite.

Pro tip: Hanna’s Gourmet is hands down the best brunch I’ve had in San Diego.

🍽️Food95

The food is well-regarded for its fresh ingredients, unique global flavors, and careful preparation, with many dishes described as delicious and expertly crafted.

Food is fresh, flavorful, and clearly made with care

👋Service90

Service is frequently highlighted as friendly, attentive, knowledgeable, and accommodating, contributing to a welcoming and positive dining experience.

Service is friendly and attentive

Vibe85

The atmosphere is described as warm, welcoming, cute, quaint, and European-inspired, with both indoor and outdoor seating options available.

Warm and welcoming

💰Value88

Diners find the prices reasonable to very reasonable, especially considering the high quality, generous portions, and creative preparation of the food.

Prices are reasonable

📍 2864 Adams Ave, San Diego, CA 92116
4.8$$San DiegoMixed/Fusion
Ideal for
Brunch enthusiasts seeking unique flavorsDiners appreciating fresh, high-quality ingredientsThose looking for a cozy, welcoming atmosphere
3.

Great Maple

88/100

Great Maple is a highly-regarded San Diego brunch spot known for its remarkably delicious and creative comfort food, particularly its French toast logs and maple bacon donuts. While the lively atmosphere can be loud and parking is challenging, the generous portions and friendly service contribute to a consistently positive dining experience.

Pro tip: Enormous portions and delicious food for an excellent and affordable price!

🍽️Food92

The food is well-regarded for its deliciousness, with French toast logs, maple bacon donuts, and brisket hash frequently highlighted as outstanding. Ingredients are noted as fresh, and dishes are often described as creative and flavorful, though some find certain items underseasoned.

The French toast logs were genuinely amazing

👋Service85

Service is generally described as friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable, with many staff members well-regarded. However, a few instances of cold or inattentive service have been noted.

The impeccable service. The staff is attentive

Vibe80

The atmosphere is described as lively, cute, sophisticated, and having a 'diner' feel with an upscale touch, though it can be quite loud.

The vibe inside is really cute

💰Value88

While some find the prices a bit high, the enormous portion sizes generally lead diners to feel they are receiving good value for their money, often with leftovers.

Enormous portions and delicious food

📍 1451 Washington St, San Diego, CA 92103, United States
4.6$$$San DiegoAmerican
Ideal for
Brunch enthusiasts seeking creative dishesDiners who appreciate large portionsGroups looking for a lively atmosphere
4.

The Mission

88/100

The Mission in Mission Beach is a highly-regarded breakfast and brunch spot known for its excellent food, generous portions, and friendly service. While generally consistent and offering good value, potential diners should be aware of potential wait times, noise levels, and challenging parking.

Pro tip: Amazing food, unusual beach atmosphere, and outstanding service!

🍽️Food90

The food is well-regarded for its flavor, quality, and generous portions, with many dishes highlighted as first-rate.

Food was plated and served just like the photos

👋Service75

Service is generally friendly and attentive, with several staff members well-regarded, though some instances of slow or inattentive service are noted.

We had great service and

Vibe75

The atmosphere is described as relaxed and comfortable, with a local feel, though some find it cramped and noisy.

Atmosphere was relaxed and comfortable.

💰Value80

Portions are consistently described as generous, offering good value for the price, though beverages are sometimes noted as overpriced.

The portions were generous.

📍 3795 Mission Blvd, San Diego, CA 92109
4.6$$San DiegoAmerican
Ideal for
Breakfast and brunch enthusiastsDiners seeking generous portionsThose who appreciate friendly service
5.

Swami's Cafe

82/100

Creative dishes, fresh ingredients, and a relaxing patio that draw loyal repeat customers—and then something goes wrong. Pancakes arrive burnt. Items come out cold. Wait times stretch to 28 minutes on busy days, and there's only one restroom for the whole place. Individual servers like Karelly pull through and save visits, but consistency is the actual menu here, and it's not great.

Pro tip: If you have dietary restrictions (gluten-free, vegan), this is worth the risk because they actually execute well on those modifications. Otherwise, call ahead on weekends and ask about the kitchen's pace that day.

🍽️Food85

The food generally receives positive remarks for taste and freshness, with many dishes like the chorizo hash, lobster omelet, and various pancakes being highlighted. However, some diners found certain dishes bland or overcooked.

Food was delicious

👋Service78

Service is frequently described as friendly and attentive, with specific staff members like Karelly, Jose, Corbyn, and Antonio receiving celebrate. However, there are instances of slow or inattentive service, and one mention of rudeness.

Amazing service, delicious food

Vibe80

The atmosphere is often described as casual, family-friendly, and relaxing, with a pleasant patio area that is a notable feature.

Relaxing atmosphere with a woodsy vibe

💰Value75

Prices are generally considered reasonable for the quality and portion sizes, though a few diners felt certain items were overpriced or portions were small.

Decent food at decent prices

📍 16475 Paseo Del Sur #105, San Diego, CA 92127
4.3$$San DiegoAmerican
Ideal for
Casual family mealsWeekend brunchHealthy breakfast and lunch options
6.

Broken Yolk Cafe

76/100

The omelets, pancakes, and bacon are genuinely excellent—servers like Gerardo and Carolina deliver the kind of personal attention that gets people coming back. The space is bright and upscale-diner trendy, portions are generous, and the breakfast specials under $10 are real value. Then you notice the lipstick-stained cup, dusty booth, or the fact that your food tastes pre-made and underseasoned. The two restaurants—the good one and the inconsistent one—feel like they're operating simultaneously.

Pro tip: Come early for the breakfast specials; that's when both the food and cleanliness standards are highest. Outside of special pricing, you're paying $20–40 for two people on what feels like casual-diner quality, which doesn't add up.

🍽️Food72

Generally solid breakfast fare with omelets and pancakes as strengths, but inconsistent execution and recurring complaints about bland dishes, overpricing, and quality fluctuations. Fresh ingredients claimed but not universally reflected in diner experience.

Food was wonderful, freshest omelet in long time

👋Service76

Staff attentiveness is hit-or-miss. Many raves about individual servers (Gerardo, Carolina, Karen, Luis), but multiple reports of being ignored during wait-to-be-seated, long gaps between ordering and check-ins, and one documented rude interaction. Strong service culture among standout staff overshadowed by inconsistent execution.

Server took our order and brought check, never checked once

Vibe76

Bright, upscale-diner aesthetic with mini golf and arcade (nostalgia appeal). Well-decorated with good lighting and spacious layout. Regarded as welcoming and comfortable for groups. No major ambiance complaints; seating comfort varies (narrow booths are a pain point).

Warm service, delicious food, welcoming atmosphere

💰Value68

Overpriced relative to quality for a casual diner. Breakfast specials under $10 mentioned positively, but regular menu items ($20–$40 for 2) draw criticism. Portions are consistently generous, which partially offsets cost concerns, but value proposition weakens for non-special-menu visits.

$21 for omelet and coffee, prices way high for quality

⚠️Heads Up
  • Pattern of dirty dishes, unclean utensils, grimy surfaces across multiple visits (4x mentioned)
📍 11630 Carmel Mountain Rd, San Diego, CA 92128
4.1$$San DiegoBreakfast/Brunch
Ideal for
Weekend brunch with family groupsBreakfast-special hunters (early mornings)Omelets and pancake enthusiasts
7.

Common Stock

88/100

Common Stock is a highly-regarded San Diego restaurant known for its phenomenal food, creative cocktails, and vibrant atmosphere. While service is generally excellent, parking can be a significant challenge.

Pro tip: The food was phenomenal, we had the curry hummus, the broccoli, and the Kaarage Chicken Bites, and they were all creative and amazing.

🍽️Food92

The food is well-regarded for its creativity and deliciousness, with particular recognition for the fried chicken sandwich and Brussels sprouts. Many dishes are described as phenomenal and amazing.

Everything our group of 6 got was amazing

👋Service80

Service is generally described as great, friendly, and attentive, with several specific staff members receiving commendations. However, a few instances of slow or poor service have been noted.

Service was great and fast.

Vibe90

The atmosphere is consistently described as great, cool, cozy, and upscale, with pleasant music and an open, inviting feel.

The atmosphere was the actual tops!

💰Value75

While many find the food quality justifies the price, some signs suggest that the wine selection is overpriced and portions, particularly for sides, can be small.

The wine selection was limited and very overpriced.

📍 3805 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92103, United States
4.6$$San DiegoAmerican
Ideal for
Brunch and dinner outingsCocktail enthusiastsGroups seeking a lively atmosphere
8.

Olive Cafe

88/100

Olive Cafe is a popular, casual spot in Mission Beach known for its fresh, delicious food, particularly its cinnamon roll French toast and breakfast burritos. It offers a charming beachside vibe and generally friendly service, though it can get crowded and disorganized during peak hours.

Pro tip: Such good and fresh food. Quesadilla, Cinnamon Roll French Toast, and Sandwiches are all amazing.

🍽️Food92

The food is well-regarded for its freshness and deliciousness, with many dishes receiving specific accolades, particularly the cinnamon roll French toast and breakfast burritos.

Such good and fresh food.

👋Service78

Service is generally described as friendly and helpful, though there are occasional mentions of disorganization or inattentiveness, particularly when busy.

The staff were so friendly and polite.

Vibe85

The cafe is frequently described as cute, quaint, cozy, and having a pleasant beachy atmosphere with ample outdoor seating.

Cute cafe with indoor / outdoor seating.

💰Value70

Pricing is generally considered reasonable, though some recent signs suggest a perception of smaller portions for the cost, particularly for acai bowls and breakfast burritos.

Portions are huge and prices very reasonable.

📍 805 Santa Clara Pl, San Diego, CA 92109, United States
4.6$$San DiegoAmerican
Ideal for
Casual breakfast or brunchBeachgoersDiners seeking fresh ingredients
9.

Thien Huong

88/100

Thien Huong is a popular San Diego spot known for its fresh and delicious Vietnamese breakfast items, particularly banh cuon and banh mi chao. While generally offering good value and friendly service, diners should anticipate potential wait times during busy periods.

Pro tip: Excellent banh cuon! Very soft and fresh. The fillings were super tasty.

🍽️Food92

The food is well-regarded for its freshness, delicious flavors, and generous portions, particularly the banh cuon and banh mi chao.

Best summer meal. Big portion

👋Service75

Service is generally friendly and efficient, though a few instances of rudeness and slow service have been noted.

Staff were very good, outstanding service

Vibe70

The atmosphere is casual and no-frills, described as a cozy mom-and-pop shop, which some find authentic and others find basic.

Clean and casual

💰Value80

Diners find the portions generous and the prices reasonable, offering good value for the quality of food.

Delicious, unique and affordable!

📍 9349 Mira Mesa Blvd, San Diego, CA 92126, United States
4.5$$San DiegoVietnamese
Ideal for
Vietnamese breakfast enthusiastsDiners seeking fresh, flavorful rollsCasual meals with generous portions
10.

Earlybird Breakfast Burritos

88/100

Earlybird Breakfast Burritos is celebrated for its remarkably flavorful and creative breakfast burritos, often hailed as the best in San Diego. However, the dining experience is frequently marred by significant wait times and inconsistent service.

Pro tip: This is seriously the best breakfast burrito I have ever had!!

🍽️Food92

The breakfast burritos are well-regarded for their bold flavors, creative ingredients like tater tots, and satisfying taste. Many consider them among the best in the region.

This is seriously the best breakfast burrito

👋Service65

Service is a mixed bag, with some staff noted as friendly and efficient, while others are described as inattentive or slow, leading to significant wait times.

Customer Service was great!

Vibe80

The atmosphere is generally described as casual and pleasant, with some appreciating the outdoor seating and "San Diego Good Vibes Spirit."

Great atmosphere.

💰Value70

While many find the burritos worth the price due to their size and flavor, some diners consider them expensive, especially given portion size concerns.

This is a $14 burrito

📍 4505 Mission Blvd Suite D, San Diego, CA 92109, United States
4.2$$San DiegoMexican
Ideal for
Breakfast burrito enthusiastsDiners seeking bold flavorsThose prioritizing taste over speed

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