Best Brunch Spots in San Diego
We’ve got a soft spot in our hearts for brunch. There’s just something special about heading out and digging into a nice varied menu of hearty favorites. Maybe it’s the omelet bar. Could be the chicken and waffles. Either way, we’re pretty sure the mimosas are a big part of it too. So if you’re on the hunt for where to enjoy the best brunch in San Diego, we’ve got just the plates.
Bali Hai (0.3 miles away)
Our Shelter Island Neighbors at Bali Hai bring their brunch A-Game every Sunday, and with breathtaking water views, to boot. When you arrive, start wirl a refreshing Mimosa, then dive into a crisp Thai Caesar salad. The crab benedict is not to be missed, and neither are the honey Sriracha fried chicken or Korean short ribs. The cold bar is among the best anywhere, as well — offering half-shell oysters, peel and eat shrimp, and snow crab legs. Yum!
2230 Shelter Island Dr, San Diego, CA 92106
Fig Tree Eatery (2 miles away)
Nestled inside nearby Liberty Station (itself a must-visit for any out-of-town visitor), Fig Tree Café always serves brunch classics with a smile. You’ll fall in love with their fluffy short stack of buttermilk pancakes, signature salads, spinach eggs benedict with sun-dried tomatoes, and always fresh-brewed coffee bar specialties. Then, when the table is cleared, be sure to explore the incredible range of things to do, see and bring back home at Liberty Station’s other shops.
1166 Orange Ave. Coronado, CA 92118
Cesarina (2.6 miles from the hotel)
Cesarina puts a decidedly Continental spin on the classic brunch. Fiercely fresh flavors burst from dishes like avocado and prosciutto bruschetta, and a “tutti frutti” waffle with fresh berries, pistachio syrup, and açai sorbet. Cesarina also offers vegan options for many of their dishes. Feeling the weather? Opt to dine alfresco on Cesarina’s breezy patio. Brunch happens here every Saturday and Sunday from 10am – 3pm.
4161 Voltaire St, San Diego, CA 92107
Tom Ham’s Lighthouse (4.2 miles away)
Tom Ham’s hosts one of the most popular brunches in town. The setting? Elegant, refined and right on the harbor. The food? Exquisite. Enjoy a custom egg masterpiece from the omelet bar, fresh salads and vegetable selections, buttermilk waffles, artisan sausage, cinnamon French toast, and much more. And lest we forget, the lunch-leaning plates are just as delectable. Don’t miss out on the Moroccan fried chicken, beer-braised short rib hash, seared yellowtail or Maine Lobster claws.
2150 Harbor Island Dr, San Diego, CA 92101
Café Gratitude (4.3 miles away)
Speaking of vegan and vegetarian options, Café Gratitude offers a plant-based brunch without so much as a single corner cut on flavor. Their menu headlines dishes under sunny banners that invite you to order based on mood. For instance, the “Vivid” is an açai superfood bowl with quinoa cashew granola, banana, ginger syrup, and your choice of toppings, while the “Hearty” is a tasty tofu scramble with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and smashed potatoes.
1980 Kettner Blvd. San Diego, CA 92101
Humphreys Restaurant (just steps away!)
Naturally, we’d be remiss if we didn’t mention our own Humphreys Restaurant, which has long been a favorite Shelter Island brunch destination. While our long-famous Sunday Brunch is currently on-hiatus, we are returning this month with our full breakfast, lunch and dinner menus! Visit our website to stay up to date on the latest news and menus!
2241 Shelter Island Drive, San Diego, CA 92106