Breakfast Lovers Travel Across California Just To Eat At These Amazing Spots
California has a breakfast scene that draws food lovers from every corner of the state.
From fluffy pancakes and perfectly cooked eggs to inventive twists on classic dishes, these spots turn the first meal of the day into a reason to plan a trip.
Locals and travelers alike chase flavors, aromas, and the joy of a truly memorable morning. Exploring these restaurants shows why breakfast in California is worth every mile traveled.
1. Morning Glory’s Instagrammable Brunch Paradise
Pink velvet booths and gold accents make this San Diego hotspot as photogenic as its famous soufflé pancakes. Locals line up before opening to snag a table at this Little Italy gem.
The ricotta pancakes practically float off the plate, while their eggs benedict comes with crispy carnitas that would make any abuela proud.
Bonus points for their creative coffee drinks served in vintage-inspired mugs worth stealing (but don’t).
2. Tartine Manufactory’s Bread Heaven
Carb-avoiders beware! San Francisco’s temple to all things gluten will convert even the most dedicated keto followers.
The sourdough country loaf has achieved legendary status among bread enthusiasts nationwide.
Sunlight streams through massive windows illuminating pastry cases filled with morning buns that glisten with orange-scented sugar.
Order the coddled eggs served in a jar with trout roe and buttered toast soldiers for dipping.
3. Zazie’s Enchanting Garden Brunch
Tucked away in Cole Valley, this charming French bistro boasts a back patio that feels like dining in a secret garden.
Their gingerbread pancakes with Meyer lemon curd have their own fan club. Dogs are welcome on “Doggy Monday” nights, but breakfast is when Zazie truly shines.
The scrambled eggs with chèvre and garden herbs taste like they were collected from the henhouse minutes ago. Don’t skip the miraculous potato pancakes either!
4. Outerlands’ Fog-Shrouded Comfort Food
San Francisco’s misty Outer Sunset neighborhood perfectly matches this driftwood-clad restaurant’s cozy vibe. Their cast iron Dutch pancake arrives puffed and golden, begging to be doused in maple syrup.
Surfers fresh from morning waves warm up with steaming bowls of house-made granola swimming in Straus organic milk.
The sourdough toast is nearly two inches thick and comes slathered with seasonal jam that’ll make you consider buying an extra jar to take home.
5. Devil’s Teeth Baking Company’s Legendary Breakfast Sandwich
Surfers, dog walkers, and breakfast enthusiasts brave the perpetual line at this tiny Outer Sunset bakery. The Special Breakfast Sandwich has achieved cult status for good reason.
Scrambled eggs, pepper jack cheese, avocado and bacon get stuffed between warm biscuit halves that somehow manage to be both flaky and sturdy.
Grab your sandwich and coffee, then snag one of the sidewalk benches to watch the neighborhood wake up while ocean fog rolls past.
6. Huckleberry Bakery’s Farm-Fresh Feast
Santa Monica’s beloved bakery sources ingredients from the famous farmers market just blocks away.
Their organic fried egg sandwich comes on house-made English muffins that would make Thomas himself jealous.
Weekend mornings bring lines out the door, but patience rewards you with maple bacon biscuits that balance sweet and savory perfectly.
The green eggs and ham (pesto-infused eggs with prosciutto) proves that sometimes playing with your food is encouraged.
7. Gjusta’s Artisanal Warehouse Experience
Hidden in a nondescript Venice warehouse, Gjusta feels like stumbling into a food lover’s secret club.
The long counter showcases everything from house-smoked fish to chocolate babka that would make any bubbe proud.
Their breakfast bialy, a cousin to the bagel, comes topped with smoked salmon, cucumber, and dill cream cheese.
Grab a seat in the sunny back patio where Venice locals linger over shakshuka served in cast iron skillets with crusty bread for sopping up every last bit.
8. Eggslut’s Downtown LA Egg Masterpieces
Chef Alvin Cailan elevated the humble egg sandwich into an art form at this Grand Central Market counter.
The Fairfax, soft scrambled eggs, chives, caramelized onions, and sriracha mayo on a brioche bun, has inspired countless copycats.
Brave souls order the aptly-named Slut: a coddled egg atop smooth potato purée served in a glass jar with toasted crostini.
Even at 8am, the line stretches through the market as downtown workers and tourists alike wait for these creamy, dreamy egg creations.
9. Uncle Bill’s Pancake House Beach Breakfast Tradition
Just steps from Manhattan Beach’s famous pier, this no-frills diner has been flipping pancakes since 1961. Surfers with still-wet hair devour stacks of banana pancakes before hitting the waves again.
The waitresses know regulars by name and their order by heart. Nothing fancy here, just perfectly executed breakfast classics like crispy hash browns and omelets stuffed with everything but the kitchen sink.
Grab a window seat to watch beach volleyball players warming up on the sand below.
10. The Cottage’s Coastal Charm Breakfast
La Jolla’s sunny patio breakfast spot feels like dining in someone’s well-appointed backyard. Their lemon ricotta pancakes topped with strawberries and candied lemon zest have earned national acclaim.
Morning fog usually burns off just as your coffee arrives, revealing stunning ocean views.
The chilaquiles feature house-made tortilla chips, two perfectly runny eggs, and a verde sauce that strikes the ideal balance between tangy and spicy. Celebrities often hide behind sunglasses at corner tables.
11. Paula’s Pancake House Danish-Inspired Delights
In Solvang’s little Denmark, this cornerstone restaurant serves pancakes as wide as your plate and thin as a crêpe.
These Danish-style pancakes arrive dusted with powdered sugar and waiting for a drizzle of authentic Danish cherry sauce. The waitresses wear traditional Danish dresses, adding to the old-world charm.
Beyond pancakes, their Aebleskiver, spherical Danish pancakes served with raspberry jam, provide a taste of Scandinavia without the overseas flight.
Morning light streams through windmill-shaped windows onto red-and-white checkered tablecloths.
12. La Note’s Provençal Morning Magic
Berkeley’s beloved French countryside restaurant transforms morning meals into poetic experiences. Their pain perdu (French toast) uses thick brioche soaked overnight in lavender-infused batter.
The rustic yellow walls and blue shutters transport you straight to southern France.
Students and professors from nearby UC Berkeley debate philosophy over bowls of café au lait so large you need two hands to lift them.
The lemon gingerbread pancakes with poached pears deserve their own sonnet.