Mentioned by Girl Who Travels the World
Best Brunch Spots in San Diego
"Known for its interesting twist on Southern California fried chicken and eggs, this restaurant uses meat that is antibiotic-free. The open-air dining combined with lawn games makes for a fun ambiance. The kids’ section, their menu aptly titled, “Little Cluckers” offers a choice of grilled chicken or grilled cheese, nuggets, a side of carrots or petite fries, juice, and a cookie."
"Crack Shack is one of San Diego’s most popular family-friendly restaurants for fried chicken on an otherworldly level. Celebrity Chef Richard Blais developed “Crack Spice” which is a proprietary blend of spices that he adds to locally raised, free-living, antibiotic-free chicken. Opt straight for the fried chicken with dipping sauces or one of the decadent sandwiches."
"True to its name, this local chain with locations in Liberty Station, East Village, Encinitas, Ocean Beach, and North Park serves up a mean breakfast. Standout items include the cinnamon roll pancakes, shrimp and grits, and the Breakfast Sammie, made with thick-cut applewood-smoked bacon marinated in paprika and brown sugar with a sunny-side up egg (dubbed by us to be one of the best in SD). Owner Johan Engman (who also owns and operates three Fig Tree Café outposts) is looking to expand his breakfast brand even further with the debut of North Park Breakfast Co. this summer."
"With 9 locations in San Diego and the surrounding areas, there is a Breakfast Republic near you, so no matter where you are staying this is one place not to be missed!. We visited the Mission Valley location and the decor was just our style, very industrial with lots of wood accents and metal details. And let’s talk about the food."
"Brunch in Hillcrest: Hash House a Go Go(3628 5th Avenue) Warning, don’t visit Hash House alone. The plate sizes are disgustingly large but the eggs Benedict and bloody Mary (hey, you’re on holiday!) are amazingly good (even if it is a chain)."
"Great Maple is located in the charming neighborhood of University Heights and serves up a deliciously unique twist on modern American comfort food. This San Diego staple has won the “Best New Restaurant Award” from California Restaurant Association’s 30th Annual Gold Medallion Awards as well as two Diners’ Choice Awards in 2017 and 2018. Patrons will want to try their California chorizo scramble, which is mixed with gourmet chorizo, piquillo peppers, fresh cilantro, onions, cheddar cheese, and cilantro sour cream."
"Great Maple, a small regional chain of upscale eateries, presents creatively elevated versions of classic American comfort food, including brunch seven days a week."
"HillcrestOffering bubbles from all over the world and dynamic new cocktails, Breakfast & Bubbles, a fun new all-day brunch eatery in Hillcrest, features luxe options like a raw bar, champagne flights, caviar service, breakfast charcuterie boards, and personalized champagne bottles. Executive Chef Marco Provino (RustiCucina, Farmers Table) shares his Sicilian-inspired specials and unique twists on classic brunch dishes, including vegetarian, vegan, keto-friendly, and gluten-free options in plush, pink-tinged surroundings.How to book: Seating is on a first-come basis. Want more Thrillist?"
"Where: 3831 Park Blvd, San Diego, CA 92103 Dipped in pink, Breakfast & Bubbles offers champagne and breakfast all day so you can live out your most luxurious brunch dreams. Did someone say caviar pancakes?. This is the spot that welcomes and unites everyone in the LGBTQ+ community with a glass of bubbly for celebrations, toasts, and countless clinks of togetherness."
"A better (and new) brunch spot just opened its doors this May in Hillcrest!. Stop by Breakfast & Bubbles for an all-day-long trendy champagne breakfast experience. From wildly unique drink creations like the "Well, fig me" to deliciously crafted Caviar Benedicts, this place is definitely the new and hot weekend-go-to brunch spot in San Diego."
"Claire's on Cedros, located in Solana Beach, is an award-winning breakfast and lunch spot. The in-house bakery produces breakfast delights such as scones, cookies, muffins and more. The rest of the breakfast and lunch menu is made up of bistro classics using the finest, locally-sourced ingredients available."
"What's a good way to get your half-pint to eat a multi-grain pancake?. Easy, just head to Claire's on Cedros. For one thing, kids chow down these pancakes topped with powdered sugar and chocolate chips."
"The Fig Tree Café has a trio of locations to satisfy your breakfast cravings. Since it only uses the freshest local produce, eggs from a family-owned ranch in Ramona, and humanely-raised meats, chowing down at Fig Tree might be the most ethical thing you'll do all week. For all of you vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free types, Fig Tree has you more than covered -- though you'll miss out on the joy that is ordering a side of Man Candy: thick bacon with brown sugar and paprika."
"With three locations across San Diego, Fig Tree Cafe is the place to go for a creative breakfast when you’re tired of the same old waffles and OJ. They serve everything from omelets (like the Windansea Omelet, named after the local beach) to delicious takes on Eggs Benedict, pancakes and other breakfast dishes (like Cinnamon and Brown Sugar Sauteed Apples French Toast)."
"I like this cute little rustic restaurant, they have an extensive menu with all of the breakfast favorites, and a few unique items, too. Man candy bacon is a must-try, as well as a flight of coffees or the antioxidant shots, they’re really good!. Three locations, Liberty Station, Pacific Beach, Hillcrest."
"It comes complete with cupcakes, frosting, sprinkles, spatulas and decorations for you to decorate your own unique cupcake treats at home."
"Our famous chain of fish taco restaurants, Rubio’s, has a rather nice dine-in space here with beer and wine options. Ralph Rubio is a La Jollan. Local kids like the kids’ meal with a folded up quesadilla and churro."
"C Level Lounge is the more casual of the two, but has a similar menu to Island Prime. You'll want to sit outside on the patio during lunch for fantastic sunshine-filled views over the San Diego Bay. Note that Island Prime is only open for dinner, but it's a fashionable destination for dinner or drinks with enchanting skyline views, a wealth of trendy cocktails, and flawless service."
"A fashionable destination for dinner or drinks, Island Prime boasts enchanting skyline views, a wealth of trendy cocktails, and flawless service. The restaurant is sitting on stilts, resting over the San Diego Bay. Local celebrity chef Debra Scott's deft touch is evident with creations like macadamia crusted mahi mahi with seabeans, roasted pineapple salsa, yuzu beurre blanc."
"Island Prime / C Level offers two restaurants with one view. Located on Harbor Island, each has its own unique character with different menus.[Learn more]"
"SOL CAL Café was founded by Jacob Bell, a former NFL player, who said it was his passion to bring healthy, affordable options to the community. The colorful shop offers juices, smoothies, sandwiches, breakfast foods, bowls, and coffee drinks. While not a strictly vegetarian restaurant, many of the dishes are already vegetarian, and most items can be made vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free upon request."
"This unique Asian Fusion, steak, and sushi restaurant is located adjacent to the La Jolla Playhouse on the UCSD campus. Note: Closed on Mondays. Local favorites include: the Lemon roll, Don Juan roll, and the 808 roll."