September 13, 2023

Sun-kissed & Scrumptious: San Diego's Unmissable Brunch Destinations

Discover the top brunch spots in San Diego, California, with our expertly curated guide. Savor delectable bites and unwind at these must-visit venues that cater to every taste and occasion.

Richard Gargan
Richard Gargan
Reviewed from:
California
Sun-kissed & Scrumptious: San Diego's Unmissable Brunch Destinations
Editor's Note: Brunch Expert is supported by our readers. We sometimes earn commissions when you click through to restaurants or affiliate links.

Welcome to the sun-soaked paradise of San Diego, California, where the vibrant atmosphere is matched only by the exquisite culinary scene. Brunch, the perfect blend of breakfast and lunch, has become a staple weekend experience for both locals and tourists alike. With its diverse and creative flavors, the city has cultivated an array of unique spots that cater to the brunch aficionado in all of us. From oceanside retreats to urban hideaways, San Diego offers a stunning array of venues to suit any taste or occasion. So whether you're a foodie on the hunt for an unforgettable culinary experience or simply looking to unwind and enjoy a leisurely meal, you're in for a treat. Dive into the world of the best brunch spots in San Diego, and prepare to embark on a journey that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you yearning for more.

Parkhouse Eatery

4574 Park Blvd, San Diego

(619) 295-7275

Reviewed by:

Parkhouse Eatery is an amazing place to eat in San Diego with great service, fresh ingredients, flavorful dishes, and creative spins on traditional favorites. The portions are large enough to share and the outdoor patio is a great atmosphere. The French toast combo is a must-try and the lemon basil dressing on the side salad is memorable. Parking can be an issue so plan accordingly.

Trust

3752 Park Blvd, San Diego

(619) 795-6901

Reviewed by:

Trust for brunch in San Diego is a great place to visit for a delicious Sunday brunch. With a variety of choices, there is something for everyone. The smoked pork shoulder hash is a standout dish, but the avocado toast is a bit too mustardy. The chilaquiles, pork cutlet and fried rice with sunny side up eggs are all tasty. The watermelon mint mimosa is a must-try and the bloody mary is not very spicy. Service is attentive, but the food takes a bit of time. Parking is street. Highly recommend!

Snooze, an A.M. Eatery

3940 Fifth Ave, San Diego

(619) 500-3344

Reviewed by:

Snooze, an A.M. Eatery, is a great spot for brunch in San Diego. The atmosphere is fun and the staff is friendly and helpful. The food is delicious and the portions are huge. The drinks are strong and the coffee is amazing. The seasonal pumpkin pancakes are a must-try. Highly recommend for a great brunch experience!

Hash House A Go Go

3628 Fifth Ave, San Diego

(619) 298-4646

Reviewed by:

Hash House A Go Go is a great brunch spot in San Diego. The portions are huge and the menu has interesting options. The fried chicken sandwich, smoke salmon Benedict, and coconut mojito are all delicious. The service is great and you can even make a reservation on the website. Highly recommended!

Breakfast Republic

707 G St, San Diego

(619) 501-8280

Reviewed by:

Breakfast Republic is a great spot for brunch in San Diego. The food was delicious, the drinks were good, and the service was top notch. The wait time was a bit longer than expected, but the staff kept everyone informed and the wait was worth it. Highly recommended for a fun and tasty brunch experience.

Great Maple - Hillcrest

1451 Washington St, San Diego

(619) 255-2282

Reviewed by:

Great Maple - Hillcrest is an excellent spot for brunch. The food is delicious, the portions are generous, and the service is friendly and attentive. The outdoor seating is a great option and the DMV parking makes it even better. Highly recommended!

Atypical Waffle Company

3519 30th St, San Diego

(619) 806-0345

Reviewed by:

Atypical Waffle Company is a hidden gem in San Diego, tucked away in a converted driveway. The restaurant has an eclectic, vintage vibe with lots of plants, and the staff is very friendly. The Belgian-style waffles are amazing, and the veggie melt waffle is especially delicious. Highly recommended for breakfast lovers who want something both sweet and savory.

Breakfast Republic

2730 University Ave, San Diego

(619) 642-0299

Reviewed by:

Breakfast Republic is a great local breakfast chain with plenty of vegan options, unique items, and good service. Highly recommended!

Flap Your Jacks

3020 University Ave, San Diego

(619) 539-7242

Reviewed by:

Flap Your Jacks is a great breakfast spot that offers an interactive experience. The Lemon Tree pancakes are a must-try, and the Mascarpone cheese and fresh berries make it even more delicious. The service is friendly and welcoming and the parking is affordable. It's a great spot for a fun morning out with friends or family, and the kids will love designing and cooking their own pancakes. Highly recommend trying Flap Your Jacks for a memorable breakfast experience.

Rudford's Restaurant

2900 El Cajon Blvd, San Diego

(619) 282-8423

Reviewed by:

Rudford's is a great diner style restaurant that offers generous portions, well cooked food, and great service. The atmosphere is friendly and welcoming and the staff is always smiling. The Bison burger is cooked perfectly and the Philly Fries are a must try. It's a great place to experience the old school east coast diner feeling and it's open 24 hours. Don't forget to check out the picture of President John F. Kennedy passing by Rudford's on the way out.

Broken Yolk Cafe

355 Sixth Ave, San Diego

(619) 338-9655

Reviewed by:

Broken Yolk Cafe is a great spot for brunch in San Diego. The food is delicious and the service is friendly. The atmosphere is cozy and inviting and they open early in the morning. They have a variety of options, including gluten free options, and the portions are generous. Highly recommend for an early morning breakfast!

Cafe 21 University Heights

2736 Adams Ave, San Diego

(619) 640-2121

Reviewed by:

Cafe 21 University Heights is a great spot for brunch in San Diego. The food is delicious, the drinks are unique, and the service is friendly. The atmosphere is a bit lacking but it is worth it for the delicious food. The wait can be long on the weekends, but it is worth it. Highly recommend!

GARAGE Kitchen + Bar

655 Fourth Ave, San Diego

(619) 231-6700

Reviewed by:

GARAGE Kitchen + Bar is a great spot for brunch in San Diego. They offer bottomless mimosas and a wide selection of beers on tap, along with delicious breakfast burritos, sandwiches, and potatoes. They also offer vegan options such as the Buddha Bowl and vegan lasagna (which is no longer on the menu). The atmosphere is relaxed and the staff is friendly. There is a happy hour from 4 pm to 6 pm and from 9 pm to close on Fridays. Live music ends at 9 pm on Fridays. Their Nashville Chicken is especially delicious!

Broken Yolk Cafe

1851 Garnet Ave, San Diego

(858) 270-9655

Reviewed by:

Broken Yolk Cafe is a great spot for a hearty breakfast in San Diego. The food is consistently good and the portions are large, making it a great value. The staff is friendly and the atmosphere is clean and updated. The sweet trio, vegan, and Benedict dishes are all recommended, and if you go early you can take advantage of the specials. Definitely a great spot to go for brunch.

Morning Glory

550 W Date St Suite #C, San Diego

(619) 629-0302

Reviewed by:

Morning Glory is a Bib Gourmand restaurant in San Diego that is well worth the wait. The atmosphere is hip and chic, and the food is delicious. The lobster omelette is especially noteworthy. If you're in the area, be sure to give it a try!

Crushed

967 Garnet Ave, San Diego

(858) 230-6567

Reviewed by:

Crushed in San Diego is a great place for brunch. The atmosphere is trendy and the staff is attentive. The menu is extensive and offers a wide variety of options. The strawberry frose, Margarita flatbread, and blueberry pancakes are all delicious. The wait can be long, but it’s worth it for the amazing food. The green chilachiles and ceviche are particularly good. A bottle of mimosa is recommended for groups to save money.

Breakfast Republic

1570 Camino De La Reina, San Diego

(619) 310-6214

Reviewed by:

Breakfast Republic in San Diego offers a great outdoor covered seating option and has delicious dishes. The breakfast mac and cheese and Portuguese Linguisa Sausage Scramble are must-try dishes, and the Jurassic Pork Benedict is a great light and refreshing option. The portions are good and the service is fast. This is a great place to visit for breakfast and even picky eaters will be pleased.

Lazy Hippo

416 3rd Ave, San Diego

(619) 550-1071

Reviewed by:

Lazy Hippo is an excellent brunch spot in the Gaslamp district of San Diego, with a wide selection of breakfast items that are sure to please. The portions are large and the food is delicious, especially the cinnamon roll pancakes and the huevos rancheros. The staff is friendly and attentive, however, the service can be slow. Despite this, it is worth the hype and is highly recommended.

Fig Tree Cafe

695 Sixth Ave, San Diego

(619) 349-4890

Reviewed by:

Fig Tree Cafe is a great spot for brunch in San Diego, with a beautiful and airy atmosphere. The menu has vegan and dairy free options, and the food is delicious. The service is friendly and attentive, and the prices are reasonable. It's a must-try for anyone looking for a great brunch spot in San Diego!

Breakfast and Bubbles

3831 Park Blvd, San Diego

(619) 269-6281

Reviewed by:

Breakfast and Bubbles is the perfect spot for a romantic brunch date or a fun brunch with friends. The menu is thoughtfully curated and the decor is distinctive and sassy. The food is delicious, the drinks are good and the service is friendly and attentive. Prices are reasonable for the quality of food and service. Highly recommended!

Get More Brunch Ideas

Discover new brunch secrets in our monthly newsletter: