California’s breakfast scene is as varied as its landscape—from beachfront cafés to mountain roadhouses and city hotspots. Whether you’re on the hunt for best breakfast near me, healthy breakfast near me, or craving an iconic American best breakfast, this curated list covers 15 top-tier picks across the Golden State.
15 Best Breakfast Restaurants in California
1. Sweet Maple — San Francisco
Address: 2101 Sutter St, San Francisco, CA 94115
Situated in Lower Pacific Heights, Sweet Maple blends classic American breakfast staples with subtle Asian twists. Think pillow-soft pancakes, creative eggs Benedict, and house-smoked bacon—all served in a laid-back, neighborhood setting. Revered by locals as a best breakfast restaurant near me spot, it’s perfect whether you’re craving indulgent plates or healthier alternatives.
Key offerings: Pancake flights, maple-cinnamon bacon, avocado toast.
2. Mama’s — San Francisco
Address: 1701 Stockton St, North Beach, San Francisco, CA 94133
A beloved family-run institution since 1964, Mama’s is celebrated for its hearty omelets, fluffy pancakes, and fresh pastries baked in-house. Located across from Washington Square Park, it’s a magnet for locals and tourists alike seeking a classic Breakfast menu in California—complete with friendly service and homemade jam.
Key offerings: Northwest omelet, ricotta pancakes, breakfast sandwiches.
3. Craftsman & Wolves — Mountain View
Address: 340 Castro St, Mountain View, CA 94041
This creative bakery‑café debuted from San Francisco to the Peninsula, famed for its inventive pastries like the cheesesteak-inspired kouign‑aman and guava‑kalamansi choux buns. Come for coffee, stay for Instagram-worthy treats—a healthy breakfast near me crowd pleaser.
Key offerings: Savory-sweet kouign‑amans, choux buns, strong espresso.
4. Hash House A Go Go — San Diego
Address: Multiple (e.g. 3628 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92103)
Giant portions define this San Diego-based chain renowned for its over-the-top “twisted farm food.” From monster pancakes dripping with syrup to loaded hash plates, it’s a bold, satisfying choice for anyone googling best breakfast restaurants in California.
Key offerings: Sage-fried chicken & waffles, massive hash skillets.
5. Broken Yolk Cafe — San Diego
Address: Multiple, including Pacific Beach
Since 1979, Broken Yolk has offered hearty American breakfasts with a Tex‑Mex twist. Known for its Eggs Benedict bar, Mexican-style breakfasts, and robust coffee, it’s a reliable best breakfast near me destination.
Key offerings: Build-your-own Eggs Benedict, breakfast burritos, large omelets.
6. Rudy’s Can’t Fail Café — Emeryville (Bay Area)
Address: 1255 65th St, Emeryville, CA 94608
Co‑owned by Green Day’s Mike Dirnt, this beloved diner serves hearty breakfast all day. A laid-back atmosphere and generous portions make it a favorite top breakfast restaurant in California.
Key offerings: Skillets, pancakes, eggs any style.
7. Pann’s — Los Angeles
Address: 6710 S La Tijera Blvd, Westchester, Los Angeles, CA 90045
A shining example of mid‑century Googie architecture, Pann’s serves all-day comfort breakfasts in a nostalgic setting. Famous for memorable biscuits and classic plate meals, it’s an LA best breakfast restaurant near by me staple.
Key offerings: Biscuits & gravy, blue-plate specials, hearty scrambles.
8. République — Los Angeles
Address: 624 S La Brea Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90036
Set in a historic building once tied to Chaplin and Campanile, this all-day café-bakery is famed for James Beard-level pastries, Belgian waffles, and creative dishes (like lobster omelets). It’s an iconic best breakfast restaurants in California flagship.
Key offerings: Gourmet pastries, lobster omelet, kimchi fried rice.
9. Sqirl — Los Angeles
Address: 720 N Virgil Ave #4, Los Angeles, CA 90029
Born from a jam shop in Los Feliz, Sqirl is now lauded for its ricotta toast—brioche slathered in ricotta and seasonal jam. A clean-eating breakfast go-to for those seeking a healthy breakfast near me with flair.
Key offerings: Ricotta toast, grain bowls, seasonal jam specials.
10. Blue Jam Café — Los Angeles
Address: Multiple across LA
Famed for its brunch burger topped with a sunny-side egg and creative California omelettes, Blue Jam mixes comfort with cool cafe vibes. A LA top breakfast choice must-visit.
Key offerings: Brunch burger, California omelet, pumpkin latte.
11. Eggslut — Los Angeles
Address: 1611 Pacific Ave, Venice; others
A cult favorite, Eggslut creates over-the-top egg sandwiches served in fluffy brioche. Try the Fairfax or BEC for a quick, satisfying bite—perfectly suited to best breakfast near me searches.
Key offerings: Fairfax sandwich, BEC, fresh-squeezed juice.
12. Monte Carlo Café — Los Angeles
Address: 109 E 5th St, Los Angeles, CA 90013
A laid-back downtown gem serving generous breakfast plates. Known for bacon-avocado-cheese omelets and French toast in a welcoming, multicultural setting—an easy best breakfast near me pick.
Key offerings: Omelets, French toast, strong coffee.
13. Loupiotte Kitchen — Los Angeles (Los Feliz)
Address: 1726 N Vermont Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90027
A cozy French café beloved for its flaky quiches, cheesy polenta with eggs, and lush décor. A refined, flavorful best breakfast restaurants in California option.
Key offerings: Quiche, polenta & eggs, espresso bar.
14. Oceanview Diner — Berkeley
Address: 2600 4th St, Berkeley, CA 94710
This local favorite delivers classic diner fare with standout corn beef hash and giant soufflé pancakes. A charming, hearty best breakfast near me option for East Bay wanderers.
Key offerings: Soufflé pancakes, corned beef hash, omelets.
15. Valhalla — Visalia (Central Valley)
Address: 122 E Main St, Visalia, CA 93291
A Danish-style diner offering homemade aebleskiver (pancake balls), medisterpølse sausage, and classic American breakfasts in a gift-shop-adjacent, folksy space. A unique best breakfast restaurants in California hidden gem.
Key offerings: Aebleskiver, Danish pancakes, breakfast sausage.
From SF sourdough cafés to groundbreaking LA brunch spots, Central Valley gems, and San Diego comfort joints—these 15 restaurants embody the diversity of California’s breakfast landscape. Whether you’re after healthy breakfast near me, best breakfast, or simply eager to explore the state’s Breakfast menu in California, use this list as your sunrise guide.
