7 Breakfast Spots in San Diego That You Need to Visit ASAP

An old saying claims that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. While some researchers have since argued against this adage, most of us can agree that breakfast foods are pretty delicious. If you happen to live in San Diego, or you have the great luck of staying there for a mini vacation, you have access to some of the best breakfast places in the country. But have you visited all of the top-rated breakfast spots in San Diego? Read on to see if your favorite breakfast spot has made our list of the top breakfast restaurants in San Diego now!

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1. Breakfast Republic

Chic and charming breakfast spot located in the North Park neighborhood

2730 University Ave | North Park | breakfastrepublic.com

With locations all around Southern California, Breakfast Republic has quickly risen to the top as one of the best breakfast spots in the state. At the San Diego location, you will find delicious and creative meals such as the Oreo Pancakes, S’mores French Toast, and Shrimp & Grits. On the drink menu, you’ll find a wide selection of options including kombucha, Horchata cold brew, Bloody Marys, and mimosas. Want to bring back a souvenir? Breakfast Republic merchandise including shirts, hoodies, sunglasses, and more are available for purchase!

“Overall the food was great! Shrimp & grits was delicious. My friend had the Crab Benedict and he said it was really good and he loved their version of ketchup. We also ordered the pancake flight and my favorite was the pineapple upside down pancake then the Oreo cookie pancake and sadly my least favorite was the strawberry cheesecake.” - Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa card for Breakfast Republic.

2. Richard Walker’s Pancake House

Over 100 items are available on the vast menu of this popular breakfast spot

520 Front St | Downtown San Diego | richardwalkers.com

Despite what the name may imply, Richard Walker’s Pancake House offers a pretty wide selection of breakfast dishes. In fact, there are currently over 100 items available on the menu. This includes dozens of different types of omelettes, Belgian waffles, pancakes, and more! Both indoor and outdoor seating is available. Have a four-legged friend you want to bring along? Richard Walker’s outdoor patio offers pet-friendly seating.

“If you are just visiting or you live in San Diego, Richards is a place you will want to try for breakfast. The food here is classic, comfort food that is excellent. For waffles, to pancakes, you cannot go wrong with starting your day at Richards. They feature all of the great egg dishes, pancakes, waffles, bacon, sausage and so much more. The big stand out here is the pancakes. Great varieties that all taste excellent. Richards uses only the best ingredients for each dish.” - Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa card for Richard Walker’s Pancake House.

3. Cafe 222

Quirky little breakfast joint offering a wide selection of American comfort food

222 Island Ave | San Diego | cafe222.com

For over 25 years, Cafe 222 has enjoyed a stellar reputation as one of the best breakfast cafes in San Diego. Bobby Flay even featured their Peanut Butter and Banana French Toast on “Best Things I Ever Ate.” Whether you want something light like some Made to Order Oatmeal or a filling dish of Chicken Fried Steak and Eggs, you can find a wide variety of dishes that will satisfy your cravings. 

“Ordered takeout over the weekend, very easy process and the staff were as friendly as can be. Especially so considering how busy they are on a weekend morning. We tried the pumpkin waffle (delicious!) and the corned beef hash! Both were great and left us looking forward to the next time. The waffle, although not crisp by the time I got it home, was still a great texture and amazing flavor.” - Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa card for Cafe 222.

4. Great Maple

Contemporary restaurant specializing in elevated American comfort food

1451 Washington St | San Diego | thegreatmaple.com

The Great Maple offers a laid back, modern dining experience for guests. Inside, you will find a spacious and colorful dining room perfect for spending time with friends while enjoying some great food. Speaking of the food, you can find a wide variety of delicious breakfast and brunch plates. The Hillcrest Toast, Smoked Beef Brisket Hash, and Blueberry Pancakes are some of the most popular meals among guests. Feeling thirsty? Treat yourself to a mimosa or Bloody Mary! Lemonade, juice, and soda is also available if you aren’t in the mood for a cocktail.

“Affordable, delicious, original! Must get the maple bacon donut — one of the top 3 donuts I've ever had. Not too sweet, perfectly soft yet cakey and the crisp on it was delicious. The popover was also delicious, be warned that it is a TON of food though easily shareable. My friends got the scrambles and noted that the popover was better so definitely recommend that. I also really enjoyed our lavender mimosas that we got — delicious and refreshing especially on a hot day.” - Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa card for Great Maple.

5. Harry's Coffee Shop

Family-owned diner in La Jolla that has been operating since 1960

7545 Girard Ave | La Jolla | harryscoffeeshop.com

Located in the charming suburb of La Jolla, Harry’s Coffee Shop offers a friendly and intimate experience unmatched by any chain restaurant in the area. Bacon pancakes, chicken fried steak on a waffle, strawberry banana oreo French toast, and more creative breakfast dishes are served inside this popular diner. Need some help waking up? Douse yourself with an extra dose of energy with a cold brew or cappuccino! The cafe also offers Bloody Marys, mimosas, and beer. 

“Lovely diner for a quick breakfast or lunch. They have everything from Breakfast Burritos, Salmon Bagels, and even Eggs Benedict! My favorite item was the Eggs Benedict Harry's Way. I much prefer the waffle over the English muffin. Their ham here is also so delicious. Perfect balance of sweet and salty and of course paired beautifully with an orange mimosa!” - Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa card for Harry's Coffee Shop.

6. Atypical Waffle Company

Popular breakfast cafe known for its creative waffle dishes

3519 30th St | North Park | atypicalwaffle.com

If Leslie Knope knew about Atypical Waffle, you can bet she would take regular trips to San Diego just for this popular breakfast cafe. As the name suggests, Atypical Waffle specializes in a variety of delicious and creative waffle dishes. Craving something sweet? Try the Parfait Waffle or Jam & Brie! If you want something more savory, we recommend The Number Seven or Veggie Melt. They even have mini waffles topped with fruit, powdered sugar, and nutella!

“All the tables are set apart nicely with enough space. The staff was very friendly, wearing masks. My hot vanilla latte was perfect on a gloomy day. The chicken and waffle were fantastic. The waffle was fluffy as it should be. Chicken was equally delicious. I'd take a plate of the chicken or waffles on its own. I look forward to coming back!” - Yelp Review

7. Woody’s Breakfast & Burgers

Beachside restaurant offering a spacious outdoor patio

4111 Ocean Blvd | Pacific Beach | woodyssd.com

Located right across from the beach, Woody’s Breakfast & Burgers is the perfect destination for people who enjoy a nice ocean view. For breakfast, you can find a wide variety of entrees, pancakes, burritos, sandwiches, and wraps. Fresh, hot donuts are also available for people with a serious sweet tooth. Whatever you order, you are sure to leave ready to come back for more.

“I've been coming here for 10 years, every single time it hits the spot, eating a benji's breakfast burrito, sipping black coffee, looking out absorbing the sun, and viewing the ocean waves and passerby's on the boardwalk. It's my go to spot!” - Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa card for Woody’s Breakfast & Burgers.

It’s easy to find a fun and hospitable breakfast spot in San Diego. Whether you’re craving some Huevos Rancheros or a Breakfast Crepe, you can find both of these delicious plates and more in this lively and bustling city. Which breakfast spots do you plan on visiting next? Let us know in the comment section below!