1. Flip the Script at Atypical Waffle Company
Formerly known as Wow Wow Waffle, Atypical Waffle Company is located in the artsy neighborhood of North Park. This breakfast restaurant with a pop-up vibe is serving up sensational Liège waffles.
You'll find it behind a classic looking coin-operated laundromat, the urban café has an adobe-style fire pit, old sports stadium fold-down seats, a makeshift tented kitchen, mismatched dining furniture, and a dominant turquoise color scheme throughout.
On my first morning, I ate the Chocolate Lovers waffle, made with infused Belgian chocolate and topped with berries. I went back and ordered Number Seven – a waffle topped with bacon, brown sugar, goat cheese, and avocado. Either way, you'll be spoiled for choice here!
3519 30th Street, San Diego, CA 92104, Phone: 619-806-0345
2. Brunch Boldly at Great Maple
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.
You'll want to try their California chorizo scramble, which is mixed with gourmet chorizo, piquillo peppers, fresh cilantro, onions, cheddar cheese, and cilantro sour cream. Don't make the mistake of leaving without ordering a dozen of their signature maple bacon doughnuts to take with you for later!
1451 Washington Street, San Diego, CA 92103, Phone: 619-255-2282
3. Rise and Shine at Snooze: an A.M. Eatery
For the last 7 years, San Diegans have been lucky enough to regularly consume life-changing breakfasts served from the brainchild of two Colorado brothers at Snooze: an A.M. Eatery.
With an energetic and eclectic atmosphere, an emphasis on culinary innovation, and a staff that seems more like family than co-workers, it’s easy to see why there’s a perpetual line around the corner here from open until close every day.
You'll enjoy favorites from the menu like the pineapple upside down pancakes, made with mouthwatering buttermilk pancakes and caramelized pineapple chunks, house-made vanilla crème anglaise, and cinnamon butter.
3940 5th Avenue, San Diego, CA 92103, Phone: 619-500-3344
4. Start Sunny at Breakfast Republic
It’s pretty well known around San Diego that Breakfast Republic is one of the go-to spots for some savory early morning eats.
With many locations, you won’t have to travel too far to satisfy your craving. I like their Jurassic Pork Benedict with a mountain of pork over a sourdough English muffin topped with avocado and hollandaise sauce and served with house potatoes. If you have a sweet tooth like me, you will be smitten with s’mores French toast – graham cracker brioche bread topped with chocolate sauce and toasted marshmallows.
It’s easy to see why Breakfast Republic has become a staple of San Diego.
2730 University Avenue, San Diego, CA 92104, Phone: 619-642-0299
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5. Keep It Cozy at Cafe 222
Cafe 222 is a charming little café located in downtown San Diego.
Its big pink letters spelling out the word “CAFÉ” on the roof just above the corners of 2nd and Island Avenues make it easy to spot.
This space offers plenty of natural light with its large windows that give it an airy feel. There are two diner-style counters with stools and some tables inside. I sat at a table because it wasn't too crowded.
An outdoor patio wraps around the front and is perfect for those with furry friends (breakfast with your pet? absolutely!).
If you don’t want to leave your breakfast selection to chance, I enjoyed their famously delicious waffles, which have also been featured in Gourmet Magazine.
222 Island Avenue, San Diego, CA 92101, Phone: 619-236-9902
6. Eat Fresh at Cafe 21
Cafe 21 offers guests a tasty and unique menu with Western Asian and Eastern European influences.
The light wood bistro tables, floor-to-ceiling windows, exposed brick, and custom geometric wine rack are a few of the details that give this café its casual, rustic-chic feel.
Once you order your lamb omelet, chocolate truffles, savory and sweet crepe cakes, or the Monte Cristo – turkey roulade and challah bread – you’ll quickly understand why this restaurant has garnered such a strong reputation. A taste of the Middle East in “America’s Finest City!”
2736 Adams Avenue, San Diego, CA 92116, Phone: 619-640-2121
7. Brunch Farm-Forward at Farmer’s Bottega
Located in the delightful Mission Hills neighborhood, Farmer’s Bottega will have patrons feeling relaxed in its warm and rustic atmosphere. Exposed industrial fixtures, dimly glowing Edison bulbs in the chandeliers, and reclaimed decor give the restaurant an organic feel.
I love how this restaurant prides itself on only using locally sourced organic foods.
Their fresh and healthy ingredients offer an exquisite farm-to-table dining experience that you are sure to enjoy. It’s no surprise this restaurant has gotten the nod from many local media outlets. I got a chance to try the Mission Hills omelet, made with apple-smoked bacon, blue cheese, scallions, avocado, and Oaxaca cream. It was fantastic!
860 West Washington Street, San Diego, CA 92103, Phone: 619-458-9929
8. Feel the Breeze at Fig Tree Cafe, Pacific Beach
The original of three locations, this Fig Tree Cafe is located in the laidback, surfer-friendly neighborhood of North Pacific Beach.
It’s situated in an aging cottage located just a couple of blocks from the Pacific Ocean. I ended up there after an impromptu morning stroll.
Expect a dog-friendly patio under a canopy of trees that provide ample shade and a plethora of fragrant and colorful tropical plants and vines that provide a country/beach ambiance.
Kick off the day with a rejuvenating cup of Mexican mocha coffee (or even an “on vacation” mimosa if you are feeling adventurous). Don't overlook the Monterey scramble mixed with scallions, bacon, jack cheese, Ortega chilis, Mexican rice, and black beans.
5119 Cass St, San Diego, CA, Phone: 619-821-2044
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