4 Overpriced Brunch Spots In California And 4 Worth Every Bite
Brunch in California is more than just a meal—it’s practically a lifestyle. I’ve spent countless weekends exploring the Golden State’s breakfast-lunch scene, from swanky LA hotspots to cozy San Diego cafés.
Along the way, I’ve discovered which places charge premium prices for mediocre experiences and which truly deliver exceptional value that makes your wallet’s sacrifice worthwhile.
1. Sweet Maple (San Francisco): Style Over Substance
The infamous “millionaire’s bacon” at Sweet Maple had me reaching for my credit card faster than you can say “overpriced.” Sure, the thick-cut, caramelized bacon looks Instagram-worthy, but at $14 for a few strips, my bank account was crying.
Located in Lower Pacific Heights, this perpetually packed brunch destination has mastered the art of charging premium prices for standard fare. Their basic eggs benedict costs nearly $25, and while the hollandaise is decent, it’s nothing your local diner can’t match for half the price.
The chic atmosphere and celebrity sightings might justify the cost for some, but I left feeling like I’d paid for the privilege of saying I’d been there rather than for an exceptional meal.
2. The Brunch House (Temecula): Highway Robbery In Wine Country
My weekend getaway to Temecula’s wine country led me to The Brunch House, where the only thing more stunning than the vineyard views was the bill at the end. Their “Signature Avocado Toast” arrived with barely half an avocado spread thin on artisanal bread, yet somehow commanded a whopping $22.
The mimosa flight, while pretty in its rainbow gradient, cost $30 for four tiny glasses that were mostly juice. Even their basic coffee was $7 with no refills offered.
While the rustic-chic farmhouse interior provides a lovely backdrop for photos, the portions are laughably small and the service painfully slow. Save your money for an actual wine tasting instead.
3. Broken Yolk Cafe (San Diego): Tourist Trap Extraordinaire
The Broken Yolk Cafe in San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter has mastered the art of charging tourists double for basic breakfast fare. Last summer, I foolishly waited 45 minutes for a table, only to be served a $19 omelet that tasted suspiciously like it came from a powdered mix.
Their “Golden State Benedict” features nothing special—just standard ingredients with a fancy name and a $24 price tag. Even the orange juice costs $7 for a small glass that’s mostly ice.
The restaurant relies heavily on its Food Network feature from years ago, with memorabilia plastered everywhere. Skip this tourist trap and find a local breakfast spot where your money buys quality rather than bragging rights.
4. Valhalla Diner (Visalia): Highway Robbery In The Central Valley
Never have I been so disappointed as when I stopped at Valhalla Diner during my Central Valley road trip. This Viking-themed establishment charges Los Angeles prices in a town where the cost of living is half that of coastal California.
Their “Thor’s Hammer” breakfast burrito costs a shocking $26 yet contains nothing more than eggs, basic cheese, and a few bacon bits. Coffee refills aren’t free but instead cost $4 each, which I discovered only after receiving my bill.
The Norse decor might be unique for the area, but the food quality resembles what you’d find at a highway rest stop. Even the toast was extra—seriously, who charges separately for toast with a full breakfast?
5. Republique (Los Angeles): Pastry Paradise Worth Every Penny
Housed in a historic building that once belonged to Charlie Chaplin, Republique transformed my understanding of what brunch could be. Yes, I paid $8 for a single pastry—their legendary kouign-amann—but the buttery, caramelized layers were so transcendent I nearly ordered three more.
The shakshuka, though priced at $21, arrives bubbling in its own cast-iron skillet with enough perfectly spiced tomato sauce and farm-fresh eggs to justify every cent. Their coffee program deserves special mention—each cup is meticulously prepared using beans from local roasters.
The soaring cathedral ceilings and communal marble tables create an atmosphere that feels both grand and intimate. Unlike other pricey spots, Republique delivers value through exceptional quality and generous portions.
6. Sugar And Scribe (La Jolla): Irish-Inspired Indulgence That Delivers
Chef Maeve’s Irish heritage shines through every dish at Sugar and Scribe, creating a brunch experience that transported me straight to the Emerald Isle. Their full Irish breakfast platter costs $24—not cheap, but it arrives loaded with bangers, rashers, black and white pudding, eggs, mushrooms, tomatoes, and freshly baked soda bread.
I’ve never finished this monster meal in one sitting, always leaving with enough leftovers for another full breakfast. The bakery counter up front offers some of the best pastries in Southern California—try the Bailey’s cream-filled donut that somehow manages to be both boozy and breakfast-appropriate.
The warm, butter-yellow walls and mismatched vintage china create a homey atmosphere that makes the price feel like a fair exchange for both quantity and quality.
7. Sweet Maple (Value Menu Hack): How To Eat Well For Less
Plot twist! Sweet Maple appears twice on my list because I discovered a brilliant hack for enjoying this San Francisco hotspot without emptying my wallet. Weekdays before 9 AM, they offer an “Early Bird Special” that includes their famous millionaire’s bacon, two eggs, and sourdough toast for just $14—the same price as the bacon alone during peak hours.
Another insider tip: order their “Kitchen Sink Scramble” for $16 and split it with a friend. It comes with enough food for two, including their amazing rosemary potatoes that normally cost $7 as a side.
The early morning crowd consists mostly of locals rather than tourists, meaning shorter waits and more attentive service. Sometimes the best value isn’t finding a different restaurant but knowing how to order smarter at popular ones.
8. Madi (San Diego): Farm-To-Table Without The Pretense
Finding Madi required following a hand-painted sign down an alley in San Diego’s South Park neighborhood, but the journey led to brunch nirvana. This woman-owned café sources ingredients from farms within a 50-mile radius, yet somehow keeps prices remarkably reasonable.
Their signature dish, a seasonal vegetable hash topped with a soft egg and herb oil, changes weekly but always costs $14—about half what similar farm-to-table restaurants charge. The coffee comes from a local roaster who delivers beans by bicycle each morning, explaining the unparalleled freshness.
The restaurant’s commitment to sustainability extends to their pay-what-you-can community table on Sundays, where neighbors gather regardless of financial means. In a state where brunch often feels like a status symbol, Madi reminds us that good food can be both accessible and ethical.