When it comes to food San Diego is stocked with options, but when it comes to brunch, the restaurants shine. From savory egg dishes to sweet pastries and morning sips often inspired by global cuisines, we have a variety of morning-focused restaurants to choose from. We have gathered a list from Del Mar to Oceanside that should start your morning right with the most important meal of the day.
1. Stratford Court Cafe – Del Mar, California
Must-Order: Stratford Scramble
For decades, locals and visitors have enjoyed this home-style cuisine and the warm cozy atmosphere of the Stratford Court Café. This cozy café in a circa-1900 house with a deck is a family-owned and operated business, serving up breakfast, sandwiches and coffee drinks.
For something light try the Veggie Scramble which is eggs scrambled with tomato, onion, mushroom, arugula, pesto and feta served with toast.
2. Claire’s On Cedros – Solana Beach, California
Must-Order: Caramelized Tahitian Vanilla Bean French Toast
A quaint homey vibe with a back patio for outdoor dining. At Claire’s you almost feel like you’re walking into someone’s home for breakfast. They offer breakfast entrees, sandwiches, coffee and baked goods.
3. The Waverly – Cardiff, California
Must-Order: Breakfast Rice Bowl
The Waverly is an all-day café serving Progressive American cuisine with a European influence. Located in beautiful Cardiff by The Sea, Waverly is a full-service restaurant with a full bar and specialty cocktails. Try the Breakfast Rice Bowl which is avo, kale, egg, yams, broccolini with a curry aioli or if you prefer a sweet breakfast try the Funfetti pancakes.
4. Goodonya – Encinitas, California
Must-Order: California Burrito
Located on the 101, GOODONYA is all about making REAL food and drinks that help you feel GOOD. They have one of the largest organic menus out there and have a super laid-back SoCal vibe. Be sure to try the California burrito which is the biggest burrito they have made with pastured eggs, ham, sweet potato, black beans, grass fed cheddar and jack cheese, avocado and house-made salsa – 100% organic.
5. The Goods – Carlsbad, California
Must-Order: Nutella Buttercream Cruffin
Serving up artisan doughnuts crafted with the finest Locally sourced ingredients, The Goods is a must for doughnut lovers. Everything is made in-house and baked in batches throughout the day, ensuring their doughnuts are always fresh. And with gluten-free and vegan varieties available, everyone can enjoy a treat.
Try the Nutella Buttercream Cruffin which is a croissant in muffin form filled with Nutella buttercream. The s’mores doughnut is a nostalgic tribute to summer beach bonfires with marshmallow smores. Another delicious, melt-in-your mouth doughnut is the Brown Butter doughnut. And if you like coffee, they proudly serve Stumptown Coffee.
6. Cafe Topes – Carlsbad, California
Located one block from Carlsbad Village Drive, Café Topes provides a warm and friendly atmosphere along with classic breakfasts with a twist.
Try the Crack & Eggs – A buttered English muffin piled with cuts of the local Seaside Market’s “Cardiff crack” a tumbled Burgundy tri-tip cooked to your favorite temp, a hot poached egg resting on top and blanketed in hollandaise. And of course, the cinnamon roll is a local favorite. Ordering it “dirty” is going to double the icing.
7. Toasted Gastropub – Oceanside, California
Must-Order: Stuffed French Toast
Toasted Gastropub is a great buzzy locale for brunch, cocktails & an espresso bar, plus outdoor seating around a fire pit. Popular dishes are the stuffed French toast which is brioche, fresh berries, mascarpone, vanilla, fresh cream, with passionfruit caramel.
8. Stratford At The Harbor – Oceanside, California
Must-Order: Chilaquiles Jalisco
Stratford At The Harbor is a cheerful dockside eatery serves classic egg & pancake options, plus burgers & sandwiches. They pride themselves on creating a family atmosphere where everyone feels like an Oceanside local. And when your belly is full, you can walk the entire harbor on foot. Try the Chilaquiles Jalisco which is chicken machaca & spicy red sauce, homemade chips, guac, salsa fresca, sour cream, cilantro & queso fresco with poached eggs.
I know we missed a lot of great spots, but did we miss your favorite? Leave us a comment below!
