Top 20 brunch in Downtown San Diego
Brunch in Downtown San Diego is a popular weekend activity for both locals and tourists. This vibrant neighborhood offers a variety of brunch spots, from rooftop restaurants with stunning city views to cozy cafes serving classic brunch dishes. Indulge in delicious food and creative cocktails while soaking up the lively atmosphere of Downtown San Diego. Whether you're looking for a boozy brunch or a family-friendly spot, you're sure to find it here.
- 1. Breakfast Republic
- 2. Broken Yolk Cafe
- 3. Morning Glory
- 4. Rustic Root
- 5. GARAGE Kitchen + Bar
- 6. Cafe 222
- 7. Gaslamp Breakfast Company in Downtown San Diego
- 8. Harbor Breakfast
- 9. Swami's Café Downtown
- 10. The Mission/ East Village in Downtown San Diego
- 11. Richard Walker's Pancake House
- 12. Wild Hare Bar Garden
- 13. Fig Tree Cafe
- 14. Lazy Hippo
- 15. Lucky's Lunch Counter
- 16. Seaview Restaurant
- 17. Table 509 Bar & Kitchen
- 18. Eggies
- 19. 7 Café in Downtown San Diego
- 20. Fres.Co
1. Breakfast Republic
Friendly staff, local art decor, bottomless mimosas

The breakfast joint I visited recently has become my new favorite. They offer cold brew coffee and ginger kombucha on tap, and their Croque Madame Eggs Benedict is already on my mind for my next visit. Their breakfast options are not only delicious but also reasonably priced, with a full and satisfying meal costing between $10-$15.
If you're looking for a healthy and hearty breakfast with vegan options, fresh ingredients, and delicious food, this is the place to be. The service is quick, and the food is well-prepared and served hot. The atmosphere is calm and relaxing, and there's no rush to finish your meal. You can simply enjoy the food and the company you're with.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Breakfast
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Social Gatherings
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2. Broken Yolk Cafe
Fresh-squeezed orange juice, homemade bread, and generous portions

The brunch experience was exceptional, with a wide-ranging menu to choose from. The portions served were generous, and the taste of the food was delicious, making for a satisfying meal. The French Toast was a standout dish, highly recommended for its delectable flavor.
A visit to this establishment for brunch is a must-try. The Eggs Benedict were cooked expertly, promising a delightful experience for any fan of this classic dish. Moreover, the service provided was top-notch, adding to the overall positive dining experience.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Downtown Spots
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3. Morning Glory
Popular spot for weekend brunch, communal tables and outdoor seating available

Morning Glory is a modern and trendy rooftop restaurant in San Diego's Little Italy, known for its chic ambiance and friendly service. The restaurant's soft opening was a stunning success, with visitors raving about the decor and atmosphere. The interior design, created by Basile, is particularly noteworthy and has attracted many fans of the contemporary designer. While the food was not yet available for review during the soft opening, the restaurant's menu features a variety of highly praised dishes, including German pancakes, chicken and waffles, and maple cinnamon hot chocolate.
Despite the bustling atmosphere, Morning Glory's service is attentive and efficient, with food served promptly. The restaurant's refreshing drinks, such as cold brew and pineapple juice, are also popular among visitors. While some have found certain dishes to be less impressive, the overall experience at Morning Glory is highly recommended. The restaurant is the perfect location for brunching in style, with a lively atmosphere and stunning decor. Some have even compared the restaurant's vibe to the legendary Moka Efty club from the German series Babylon Berlin, suggesting that Morning Glory could become a hotspot for jazz music and nightlife in the future.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Social Gatherings
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4. Rustic Root
Handcrafted cocktails, Sustainable ingredients, Pet-friendly

Rustic Root provides a fantastic brunch experience, featuring a vibrant rooftop dining area and unique dishes. One standout dish is the cornbread waffle, which adds a unique twist to a classic brunch item. The level of service is commendable, contributing to an enjoyable dining experience.
TOPICS
- Italian Cuisine
- Happy Hours
- Hidden Gems
- Late Night
5. GARAGE Kitchen + Bar
Live music on weekends, Bottomless mimosas, Dog-friendly patio

The brunch menu at Garage Kitchen + Bar offers a wide selection of traditional breakfast items and lunch specialties. The restaurant also features live music every Friday and Saturday from 7 to 10 pm. Whether you're in the mood for something savory like Benedict's or something sweet, you'll find it on their menu.
For those looking to enhance their brunch experience, Garage Kitchen + Bar also offers bottomless mimosas. It's a great way to start your weekend, with a variety of tasty breakfast and lunch options and the added bonus of unlimited mimosas.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Mid-Range
- Dinner
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6. Cafe 222
Uses local and organic ingredients, Offers vegan and gluten-free options

The brunch options at this establishment are truly outstanding. Among the standout dishes are the eggs Benedict, which were perfectly cooked and full of flavor. The avocado toast is another excellent choice, with fresh avocado and a perfectly toasted bread. However, the service during our visit was a bit slow, which may have been due to the popularity of the brunch service.
If you're a fan of brunch, this is a destination you won't want to miss. One of the must-try dishes is the avocado toast, which features generously portioned fresh avocado on top of crispy toast. Another highlight is the bottomless mimosas, which are the perfect way to enhance your brunch experience. While the service was a bit slow, the delicious food makes up for it and creates a memorable dining experience.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Downtown Spots
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7. Gaslamp Breakfast Company in Downtown San Diego
Features local ingredients, handcrafted cocktails, dog-friendly patio

The Gaslamp Breakfast Company provided me with an unforgettable breakfast experience. I ordered the American Breakfast, which was packed with flavor, along with a delicious Breakfast Company Coffee and Fresh Grapefruit Juice. The atmosphere of the place was vibrant and enjoyable, making my meal even more delightful. I was impressed with the level of service and will make sure to visit again.
If you're looking for a fantastic breakfast spot, the Gaslamp Breakfast Company is an excellent choice. The service is top-notch, and the food is full of flavor. As a tourist from the east, I found it to be a refreshing change. Whether you're a local or a visitor, this place is definitely worth checking out.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Celebrations
- American Cuisine
- Breakfast
8. Harbor Breakfast
Sustainable seafood options, dog-friendly patio

I recently had the pleasure of dining at a restaurant called Harbor Breakfast, and I was very satisfied with my experience. We opted to sit at the counter and enjoyed a delicious and fresh breakfast. The dishes were so tasty that I would highly recommend this restaurant to anyone. Although the service was a bit slow, the restaurant was bustling with customers, which is a testament to its popularity.
Harbor Breakfast is a new addition to Little Italy, providing a much-needed breakfast spot that is open every day of the week. They use high-quality ingredients and prepare each dish with care, making for a satisfying meal. The service is friendly and down-to-earth, adding to the overall welcoming atmosphere of the restaurant. It's the perfect place to start your day, and I can't wait to go back and try more of their delicious offerings.
TOPICS
- Mexican Cuisine
- Waterfront
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9. Swami's Café Downtown
Colorful decor, outdoor seating, community atmosphere

The breakfast service at this establishment in San Diego offers generous portions, with particularly delicious fruit. The restaurant was visited twice over a four-day stay, attesting to its quality. The staff are both friendly and efficient, making it an attractive option for visitors in the area. The restaurant operates during breakfast and lunch hours.
This establishment is ideal for both breakfast and lunch, providing large portions at reasonable prices. The attentive and friendly staff were appreciated during a late lunch visit on the way back to the hotel. The restaurant was discovered by chance, but will not be forgotten due to its positive attributes.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Budget-Friendly Eats
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10. The Mission/ East Village in Downtown San Diego
Locally sourced ingredients, seasonal menus, trendy atmosphere

If you're seeking a breakfast option that is both light and healthy, the Power Plato Breakfast is a great choice. This dish is delightful and generously portioned, making it a satisfying meal to start your day. The restaurant offers reasonable prices and a welcoming environment that will make you feel at home. Friendly service is another highlight of this establishment, making it an excellent spot for a relaxing brunch.
In addition to the Power Plato Breakfast, the restaurant serves a variety of delicious dishes that are sure to please. Whether you're in the mood for something savory or sweet, there is something for everyone on the menu. The restaurant's reasonable prices and welcoming atmosphere make it a great place to enjoy a meal with friends or family. The friendly service will make you feel like a valued guest, adding to the overall positive dining experience.
TOPICS
- Fusion Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Lunch
- Dinner
11. Richard Walker's Pancake House
Historic location with outdoor seating and harbor views

Beginning your day at Richard Walker's Pancake House offers an excellent breakfast experience. The pancake selection is outstanding, making it a perfect destination for pancake enthusiasts. While the menu features various options like waffles and breakfast burritos, the pancakes, especially the pecan ones, are truly delightful. Moreover, complementing your meal with a drink will keep you satisfied throughout the day.
For a remarkable brunch experience, Richard Walker's Pancake House is an exceptional choice. The baked apple pancake is a standout dish, and the portions are generously sized. The staff is known for their amicable service, making your dining experience even more enjoyable. Despite possible wait times, the exceptional food and atmosphere make it worth your while.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- American Cuisine
- Mid-Range
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12. Wild Hare Bar Garden

TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Celebrations
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
- Late Night
13. Fig Tree Cafe
Cozy atmosphere, friendly service, popular among locals

We discovered this establishment randomly over the weekend when we were looking for a quick brunch option. We were promptly seated, and the staff were welcoming and friendly, contributing to a positive atmosphere. The food and drinks were delicious. The lemon strawberry French toast was a highlight, and the fried chicken sandwich, although a bit thin, was still enjoyable. The fries were initially served cold, but the restaurant quickly replaced them with hot and well-seasoned ones. The French toast with cream cheese and berries was also a hit, accompanied by a unique and tasty syrup.
As for the drinks, both the latte and chai latte were excellent. However, there were a few drawbacks. The restaurant added a 4% surcharge, possibly due to it being New Year’s Day, and they seemed a bit understaffed, leading to a slight decline in service quality. Additionally, the bathrooms were not as clean as they could have been. Nevertheless, the establishment offered a great ambiance, and we plan to return for another brunch visit.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Downtown Spots
- Lunch
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14. Lazy Hippo
Cozy atmosphere, dog-friendly patio, creative cocktails

A delicious and satisfying brunch experience awaits at this downtown establishment, known for its generous portions and exceptional dishes. Upon arriving for a brunch date on a Saturday morning around 10 am, there was no wait, but the crowd began to pick up around 11 am.
TOPICS
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Gluten-Free
- Vegetarian Options
15. Lucky's Lunch Counter
Local ingredients, Craft beers, Comfort food with a twist

The brunch spot offers a fantastic experience with delicious food and great service. The Triple Play Breakfast Sandwich and the breakfast burrito are two menu options that received high praise for their delicious and fresh flavors. The staff at this establishment are quick, friendly, and attentive, ensuring that customers have an enjoyable dining experience.
In summary, the brunch spot is a must-visit location for anyone looking for a tasty and enjoyable meal. With a variety of delicious options on the menu and staff who go above and beyond to ensure customer satisfaction, it's no wonder that brunch-goers are raving about this place.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
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16. Seaview Restaurant
Seafood-focused brunch menu with fresh catches of the day

The breakfast buffet at this establishment offers a wide selection of hot and cold options. Among the hot items are scrambled eggs, sausages, bacon, and pancakes. For those preferring cold options, there is Greek yogurt, oatmeal, pastries, cereal, and fresh fruit. The quality of the breakfast buffet is good, with a extensive variety of items to choose from.
This buffet is an excellent choice for brunch or for entertaining clients or colleagues. The indoor seating area is spacious, providing ample room to gather with others while enjoying the Grand Breakfast Buffet. The atmosphere is comfortable and suitable for engaging in conversations or conducting business meetings.
TOPICS
- Downtown Spots
- Breakfast
- Gluten-Free
- Vegetarian Options
17. Table 509 Bar & Kitchen

TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- American Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
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18. Eggies
Uses locally sourced, organic ingredients, All-day breakfast menu

Eggies is a brunch spot worth discovering, offering a limited menu but packing plenty of flavor in each dish. There's even a slight spicy kick to their food that adds an extra kick to your meal. However, seating is limited, so takeout might be the best option.
One of the standout items on Eggies' menu is their California egg sandwich, complete with hashbrowns. It's a delicious and satisfying choice. Additionally, the original egg sandwich is another delicious option that brunch-goers will enjoy.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Personal Celebrations
- Breakfast
19. 7 Café in Downtown San Diego
Friendly staff, Outdoor seating, Locally sourced ingredients

Seven Cafe in San Diego is a popular spot known for its high-quality food and service. The pancakes are a must-try, often regarded as some of the best around. A decent breakfast or brunch with minimal wait time is always appreciated, and Seven Cafe delivers on this, providing fluffy and soft pancakes at a reasonable price, around $6 for two.
The pancakes served at Seven Cafe are a definite highlight. They are known for their exceptional quality, with a soft and fluffy texture that makes them stand out. Priced at approximately $6 for two, they offer a good value for customers seeking a delicious breakfast or brunch option. The cafe's commitment to providing excellent food and service has helped it establish a strong reputation in the San Diego area.
TOPICS
- Downtown Spots
- American Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Mid-Range
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20. Fres.Co

TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
- Budget-Friendly Eats
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