If breakfast is the most important meal of the day, brunch is certainly the most fun. San Diego is packed with delectable brunch eateries, ranging from no-frills diners and cozy cafés to trendy pop-ups and beachfront buffets. Every weekend, San Diegans pack these hotspots for breakfast classics, decadent dishes, and Instagram-worthy eats.
Bagel or benedict, coffee or mimosa (or both, we’re not judging)—when it comes to brunch, you have options. The hardest part is deciding where to go. That’s where we come in.
Cocina 35
The Atmosphere:
Cocina 35 Brunch is a family-owned restaurant inspired by cherished Mexican recipes, reimagined with a fresh aesthetic. Designed to feel like a vibrant Mexican home filled with photos and greenery, it delivers warm, lively hospitality and nostalgic flavors that celebrate the heart and soul of Mexico.
What to Order from Cocina 35
Pan Dulce—our pan dulce cart brings a joyful start to your meal with delicious conchas, empanadas, and polvorones
Latte Flight—a delicious sampling of our four best sellers: de la olla, mazapán, cajeta, and Mexican mocha latte.
El Sampler de la Familia—meant for sharing, featuring burritos de machaca sinaloense, quesadillas de chilorio, and tacos dorados de papa
El Patrón—our best seller, featuring your choice of chilaquiles, beans, eggs, and our delicious French toast
Don’t Miss!
- Mexican specialty coffee including Mazapan latte, Mexican mocha, or De la olla latte
- Fun brunch beverages including mimosa flights (Liberty Station and Coronado)
- Stunning views of San Diego (Coronado)
The Owners: Cesar & Paulina Chaidez
Cesar and Paulina Chaidez, siblings from Culiacán, Sinaloa, brought San Diego must-try chilaquiles, sharing authentic Mexican family recipes inspired by their grandmother’s 1970s kitchen traditions.
Cocina 35 Locations
Cortez Hill: 1435 Sixth Avenue | 619-431-5611
Otay Mesa: 9335 Airway Road #112 | 619-591-9973
Barrio Logan (To-go Only): 2649 Boston Avenue | 619-228-9999
Liberty Station: 2750 Dewey Road #104 | 619-794-2041
Coronado: 1201 First Street | 619-996-3035
Doc Holliday’s
The Atmosphere
Doc Holliday’s brunch blends bold comfort food, playful indulgence, and craft cocktails in a lively Old West speakeasy setting. Guests can expect elevated classics, over-the-top flavors, and a high-energy atmosphere where people gather, stories flow, and every late morning turns into an unforgettable celebration.
What to Order at Doc Holliday’s
McHolliday—mini pancakes, sausage patty, American cheese, egg, topped with maple syrup, and a side of hash browns
Dirty Hash—breakfast potatoes, chopped beef patties, American cheese, grilled onions, and no regrets
Cocoa Puff—espresso, Kahlúa, milk, Cocoa Puffs. Breakfast in a cup
Joe’s French Toast—deep-fried French toast, topped with seasonal berry compote and whipped honey butter
Don’t Miss!
- High-energy Old West atmosphere
- Bold, comfort brunch with elevated classics
- Signature craft cocktails and indulgent milkshakes
- Steps away from the state park
- Chef-driven menu with playful, over-the-top flavors
In The Kitchen: Pietro Busalacchi
Pietro Busalacchi is a visionary restaurateur blending bold flavors, creative design, and rebellious hospitality to craft unforgettable brunch experience at Doc Holliday’s.
2547 San Diego Avenue, San Diego, California 92110 | 619-203-9603 | dochollidaysd.com
La Jolla Shores Hotel & Restaurant
The Atmosphere
Located steps from the sand at The Shores Restaurant, this relaxed beachfront dining destination pairs sweeping ocean views with fresh, California coastal cuisine. Seasonal ingredients, vibrant seafood dishes, and handcrafted cocktails create an inviting setting for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and sunset gatherings.
What to Order from The Shores Restaurant
Classic Benedict—Canadian bacon, poached eggs, English muffin, and classic hollandaise
Acai Bowl—berries, banana, toasted coconut, and ancient granola
Baja Fish Tacos—tempura mahi mahi, cabbage slaw, pico, cotija, and morita aioli
BLT Avocado Toast—smashed avocado, tomato jam, bacon lardons, over easy egg, and arugula
Don’t Miss!
- Monday–Wednesday, kids eat free with the purchase of an adult entrée.
- Savor 50% off our signature Shores Margarita every Monday.
- Breathtaking ocean views of La Jolla Shores
In The Kitchen: Jordan Sileneck
Chef Jordan Sileneck trained at Golden Door Spa and Hilton Hotels, later becoming Head Chef at Death by Tequila, where her bold, inventive cooking style flourished.
8110 Camino Del Oro, La Jolla, California 92037 | 858-456-0600
ljshoreshotel.com/dining/the-shores-restaurant/
Broken Yolk Cafe
The Atmosphere
The original Broken Yolk Cafe opened in 1979 in San Diego’s Pacific Beach neighborhood. The cafe’s scratch-made ingredients, infectious hospitality, generous portions, and culinary creativity quickly made it a local favorite. Nearly 50 years later, those same traits have kept Broken Yolk Cafe growing, with 15 restaurant locations across San Diego County.
What to Order from Broken Yolk Cafe
Tiki Toast—three extra thick slices of King’s HawaiianTM sweet bread, topped with strawberries, blueberries, shredded coconut, caramel drizzle, and powdered sugar
Golden State Benedict—toasted English muffin, grilled tomato, avocado, applewood-smoked bacon, poached eggs, hollandaise sauce, and a sriracha drizzle
Don’t Miss!
- Mix and match benedicts
- Healthy choices: wellness wrap, avocado toast, or spicy vegan bowl
- Mimosa and Bloody Mary flights
42 locations in California, Arizona, Texas, Nevada, and Idaho | thebrokenyolkcafe.com
Chandler’s Oceanfront Dining
The Atmosphere
Chandler’s offers a contemporary take on California coastal cuisine, handcrafted with all things fresh and flavorful from our local bounty. Enjoy sweeping Pacific views from our idyllic terraces as you sip and savor these culinary treats, served with a smile Saturday and Sunday 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
What to Order from Chandler’s Oceanfront Dining
Wild Blue Crab Cake Benedict—with local Dassi Farms tomatoes, poached eggs, on grilled herb focaccia with basil pesto, crispy shallots, and lemon hollandaise
Pineapple Aloha French Toast—Hawaiian bread, pineapple brulee, pineapple curd, macadamia nuts, white sugar dust, and Chantilly cream
Don’t Miss!
- Live music every Sunday during brunch bliss from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
- Coastal Bloody Trio, a tasty trio of our signature Bloody Marys: classic, blonde, and verde
- Guava-rita, a fresh take with tequila, fresh lime juice, Pass-O-Guava nectar, and agave
1 Ponto Road, Carlsbad, California 92011 | 760-683-5500 | chandlerscarlsbad.com
Pazza Market & Cucina
The Atmosphere
Sundays at Pazza Market & Cucina mean Italian brunch from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., featuring a seasonal rotating menu of wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas, handmade pastas, steak and eggs, crispy polenta with short rib, gelato-topped French toast, and refreshing Italian spritzes and mimosas.
What to Order from Pazza Market & Cucina
Crispy Polenta & Short Rib—crispy polenta, braised short rib, and poached egg
French Toast—mascarpone cream, raspberry coulis, and pistachiootatoes
Don’t Miss!
- Steak and eggs
- Shakshuka Amatriciana
- Bottomless mimosas
4577 La Jolla Village Drive, San Diego, California 92122 | 619-347-0371 | pazzamarket.com
Rumorosa at Sheraton San Diego Resort
The Atmosphere
Rumorosa at Sheraton San Diego Resort brings Baja California to life on the waterfront. Start your day with Cali-Baja delights like chilaquiles con carnitas and churro pancakes, and enjoy vibrant Mexican wines and bold agave spirits, all while relaxing by the San Diego Bay. Intimate, electric, and utterly delicious.
What to Order from Rumorosa
Cafe de Olla French Toast—made with sweet brioche, toasted pecans, citrus maple syrup, and topped with horchata whipped cream
Baja Breakfast Sandwich—served on a sliced concha, topped with a sunny-side up egg, avocado, pico de gallo verde, chorizo patty and pepper jack cheese, and served with papas mexicanas
Don’t Miss!
- Bottomless Cantaritos
- Build-your-own chilaquiles station
- Breathtaking views of the San Diego Bay and marina
1380 Harbor Island Drive, San Diego, California 92101 | 619-692-2826 | rumorosasd.com
