18 Best La Jolla Breakfast & Brunch Spots: A Resident’s Guide

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18 Best La Jolla Breakfast & Brunch Spots: A Resident’s Guide


The first meal of the day is one thing that my seaside neighborhood does significantly properly, which is why it’s laborious to slim down an inventory of the very best breakfast eating places in La Jolla, not to mention rank them.

Know that each spot on this record is great, and which one you select depends upon whether or not there’s a selected dish you’re craving, you’re aiming for a scrumptious breakfast or brunch, it’s essential be in a selected a part of city, and the worth level.

Breakfast, brunch, or lunch… what’s the distinction, you ask? Well, we go by how every restaurant classifies its menu and what time the restaurant opens. For instance, La Jolla brunch eating places are likely to serve breakfast and lunch objects all day on the identical menu and open a bit later within the morning. La Jolla breakfast eating places open early and will have a devoted breakfast menu (although there could also be lunch objects you possibly can order at 6:30 a.m.).

Check hours earlier than you go. Many La Jolla brunch and breakfast eating places shut round 2-3 p.m.

1. Sugar & Scribe

Village of La Jolla • $$ • Brunch
Address: 7660 Fay Ave Suite I, La Jolla, CA 92037
Neighborhood: Village of La Jolla
Reservations: No
Ocean View: No
Online Menu

Protein scramble at Sugar and Scribe La Jolla breakfast restaurant.
Protein scramble — I’ll get one thing unicorn-style subsequent time and put it on this publish.

Sugar and Scribe is the place recently the place I meet my La Jolla buddies for breakfast, brunch, or espresso. It’s additionally the place we duck in rapidly for last-minute desserts to reward, convey locations, or take dwelling (although even higher for those who can order desserts and objects in multiples prematurely). The menu has some Irish aptitude because of Chef Maeve’s roots. You must also see the desserts — her baking abilities made her a Food Network champion.

Since no reservations are taken, you could have to attend, they usually ask that tables be returned inside 90 minutes to fulfill the demand if there are different visitors in line. One enjoyable add? Upgrade your plate to Unicorn Style, that includes glittery sugar mud, sprinkles, and marshmallows, which, on issues like Lemon Curd Pancakes, add aptitude worthy sufficient in your Instagram feed.

Savory choices embrace a legit Full Irish Breakfast and Smothered and Covered Skillet (suppose gravy and a 3 cheese mix protecting potatoes, bacon, and eggs). I typically go for the Healthy Skillet or Protein Scramble, that are scrumptious selections for those who’re not going decadent.

2. Brockton Villa Restaurant

Village of La Jolla • $$ • Brunch
Address: 1235 Coast Blvd, La Jolla, CA 92037
Reservations: No
Ocean View: Yes
Online Menu

My recent breakfast at Brockton Villa.

Brockton Villa Restaurant is beloved for its picturesque setting overlooking La Jolla Cove (sure, you possibly can typically hear the La Jolla sea lions out of your desk). It’s housed in one of many authentic La Jolla seashore cottages, courting again to the late 1800s, which supplies it a comfy and romantic vibe. We prefer it for breakfast (although they do serve lunch and dinner) earlier than or after taking a stroll alongside the shoreline right here.

You ought to order Coast Toast (or a minimum of a aspect of it), which is mainly a decadent brioche French toast (get the recipe). Other widespread favorites embrace Meg’s Eggs, NY Steak & Eggs, and Buenos Dias Breakfast Burrito. Oh, they usually have mimosas, too.

3. The Cottage La Jolla

Village of La Jolla • $$ • Breakfast
Address: 7702 Fay Ave, La Jolla, CA 92037
Reservations: No
Ocean View: No
Online menu

The well-known espresso cake

The Cottage is likely one of the authentic La Jolla breakfast eating places and maybe essentially the most well-known. It’s not unusual to see strains on weekends for tables, however they set out espresso and occasional cake nibbles to get pleasure from when you wait. You really feel a little bit bit like consuming in somebody’s dwelling. While there’s indoor seating, most individuals go for the out of doors tables on the patio enclosed by a white picket fence.

Popular orders right here embrace Lemon Ricotta Pancakes, Soy Chorizo Hash, and any of the benedicts. I typically pop in to seize a bag of their well-known granola, which provides the right crunch to a yogurt parfait or bowl of oatmeal at dwelling. They even have a lunch menu and serve dinner seasonally in the summertime.

4. Brick & Bell Cafe

Village of La Jolla (additionally in LJ Shores) • $ • Breakfast
Address: 928 Silverado St, La Jolla, CA 92037
Reservations: No, it’s counter-order
Ocean View: No
Online Menu: No web site

The bakery case full of scones, cinnamon rolls and other baked goods at Brick and Bell La Jolla.
Delicious baked items, go earlier than the scones promote out.

If you simply desire a fast espresso and a extremely good scone, Brick and Bell is your house. Baked items are baked contemporary every day they usually do promote out. You also can get a fairly priced (for the realm) acai bowl, bagel with lox, Swiss Muesli, smoothies, and protein shakes. For lunch, the sandwiches are scrumptious. And I like that there’s a grab-and-go fridge with ready-made OJ, lower fruit, drinks, prepackaged salads, and extra for these in a rush.

It’s not unusual for folks to fulfill buddies on the patio (it’s not enormous however has a number of tables for out of doors seating) right here for a espresso, learn the newspaper, or see college students or folks from close by workplaces having fun with the sunshine whereas typing away on their laptops. This is likely one of the breakfast spots in La Jolla that opens early, round 6 a.m.

5. Harry’s Coffee Shop

Village of La Jolla • $-$$ • Breakfast
Address: 7545 Girard Ave, La Jolla, CA 92037
Reservations: No
Ocean View: No
Online Menu

La Jolla’s oldest diner has been family-owned since 1960. You can pull as much as the counter or eat in a sales space. It actually does have a relaxed, homey vibe, like somebody is about to feed you an entire lot of consolation meals. Rest assured, there’s sufficient to go well with the varied diets, from veggie omelets to gluten-free French toast. Honestly, even the fruit bowls are good.

The most well-known merchandise on the menu is The B.W. Benny, with crumbled bacon baked contained in the waffle, then topped with extra bacon (!!!), grilled ham, poached eggs, and hollandaise sauce, with a aspect of maple syrup. Yes, it’s even been on TV, thanks additionally to the Food Network.

One factor that even I overlook, regardless of signage on the entrance of the diner, is which you can park in quite a bit behind the restaurant.

6. Shorehouse Kitchen

La Jolla Shores • $$ • Breakfast
Address: 2236 Avenida De La Playa, La Jolla, CA 92037
Reservations: No (you possibly can be part of a waitlist by means of Yelp or on their web site — extremely suggest)
Ocean View: No
Online Menu

I like this little mild and vivid cafe for fairly, well-portioned, wholesome, and hearty breakfast and lunch menu objects. Kayak and snorkel excursions depart from numerous La Jolla Shores companies on the identical road, so it is a good spot to feed your urge for food earlier than or after exercising on water.

Hearty selections embrace Pork Carnitas Chilaquiles and Brioche Breakfast Grilled Cheese Sandwich. Or perhaps you wish to pair a bellini with an Egg White and Tofu Frittata (finished that).

7. AR Valentien

UCSD/Torrey Pines • $$-$$$ • Weekday Breakfast & Weekend Brunch
Address: 11480 N Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla, CA 92037 (inside The Lodge at Torrey Pines)
Reservations: Yes (extremely beneficial even for lodge visitors)
Ocean View: Yes, from the patio
Online menu

The outdoor patio at AR Valentien.

As you all know, I worth a lodge breakfast closely. I crave and stay up for it. If you’re one in every of our Virtuoso visitors at The Lodge at Torrey Pines, your every day breakfast credit score for 2 can be utilized on the scrumptious AR Valentien (or room service, which has a few of their dishes on it) which is likely one of the finest eating places in all of San Diego. Casual gown at breakfast and brunch flies right here (I’d say no pajama pants, although, as teenagers are recognized to put on today like they’re common pants).

I actually just like the Ancient Grain Bowl, which you’ll be able to order on the lodge’s room service menu. I also can vouch for the inexperienced smoothie. You’ll discover domestically sourced elements and entrees fantastically plated.

Tip: The Grill, the lodge’s restaurant overlooking the 18th inexperienced of Torrey Pines Golf Course, additionally serves breakfast and is open sooner than AR Valentien. And it’s additionally soooo good!

8. Girard Gourmet

Village of La Jolla • $ • Breakfast
Address: 7837 Girard Ave, La Jolla, CA 92037
Reservations: No
Ocean View: No (however you possibly can simply stroll your meals to The Cove)
Online Menu

The legendary counter-order favourite amongst residents (dare you to stroll out with out one in every of their well-known sugar cookies, at all times within the window), has Belgian roots and excellent pastries. It’s the type of place that for those who point out it by identify to anybody who lives in San Diego, they know what you’re speaking about. And the place you see acquainted faces each time you go in behind the counter and patrons, too.

It’s tough to name out a couple of objects as a result of I haven’t met a croissant (almond and chocolate are favorites) or muffin right here that I didn’t like. For breakfast, they’ve quite a lot of breakfast sandwiches and avocado toasts. Most folks order takeaway, although there are a few tables on the sidewalk in entrance of the cafe.

The deli case is stuffed with salads, quiches, and sizzling entrees like lasagne to take dwelling for later, one thing many locals do after they don’t really feel like cooking. Don’t decline the aspect of freshly baked bread.

9. Mediterranean Room

Village of La Jolla • $$-$$$ Breakfast & Weekend Brunch
Address: 1132 Prospect St, La Jolla, CA 92037
Reservations: Yes
Ocean View: Yes (not on the entrance patio)
Online Menu

THE MED restaurant at La Valencia Hotel in La Jolla
Photo courtesy of La Valencia

I can’t rely the variety of enterprise conferences I’ve had at The Med through the years. It’s good sufficient that I do know folks unfamiliar with La Jolla will prefer it, however additionally it is a favourite of residents for scrumptious meals in a beautiful surroundings. The patio in entrance doesn’t have a view, nevertheless it’s nonetheless good to sit down there and get caught up within the buzz of La Jolla. The eating room is essentially the most formal, however out of doors eating on the patio pictured above wins for the very best view, particularly for those who can rating one of many oceanfront tables.

Anyway, the Chorizo Benedict is widespread, as is the La V Cinnamon Roll with cream cheese frosting and berries. Both breakfast and brunch are a la carte, however Mediterranean Room gives extra elaborate brunches throughout holidays like Easter (which we’ve been to) and Mother’s Day.

10. Cove House

Village of La Jolla • $$ Brunch
Address: 8030 Girard Ave, La Jolla, CA 92037
Reservations: No
Ocean View: Yes
Online Menu

Cove House is a well-liked La Jolla brunch spot. You can drop your identify with the host after which take a leisurely stroll across the La Jolla Cove space, they usually’ll textual content you when a desk is prepared.

I like its seashore home vibe with its yellow striped patio umbrellas shading visitors and neat bar the place you may pull up a stool, chat with the bartender, and sip rosé all day. The final time I used to be there, I requested the server what his favourite factor to eat is, and he stated the Stone Crab Benny, a twist on Eggs Benedict, which has sunny aspect up eggs on prime of an herb housemade biscuit (the biscuits listed below are a factor) with hatch chile gravy. Chilaquiles are additionally widespread as is the Proscuitto Toast topped with egg, ceviche, avocado toast, and tacos.

Oh, after which as soon as brunch is completed, it’s time for pleased hour, which you’ll be able to pair with their all-day menu.

11. Cody’s La Jolla

Village of La Jolla • $$ • Breakfast and Lunch
Address: 1025 Prospect St #210, La Jolla, CA 92037
Reservations: No
Ocean View: Yes
Online Menu

Cody’s La Jolla is an off-the-cuff breakfast spot with fairly ocean views and a pleasant indoor-outdoor ambiance that locals like in addition to vacationers staying within the close by La Jolla lodges. One of the preferred menu objects is the Awesome French toast, which is mainly thick-sliced griddled challah bread (by Bread and Cie, no much less) topped with contemporary strawberries and candied walnuts. On the lighter aspect, the Healthy Breakfast Salad with greens and spinach, goat cheese and extra, topped with two poached eggs.

You can order from the breakfast and lunch menu all day. And you possibly can pair it with a pleasant collection of breakfast bubbles like pomegranate mimosas, wine, and native beer.

12. Caroline’s Seaside Cafe

La Jolla Shores • $$ • Breakfast
Address: 8610 Charles F, Kennel Way, La Jolla, CA 92037
Reservations: No
Ocean View: Yes (a fairly unbelievable one)
Online Menu

Caroline’s Seaside Cafe boasts a panoramic ocean view above La Jolla Shores Beach, to La Jolla Cove, and past. You’ll go for coastal eating and its beautifully-plated California menu utilizing locally-sourced elements. Eat wholesome or heartily. If you select the latter, the Cove Burger with onion marmalade and white cheddar is widespread. I like to recommend the facility breakfast of egg whites and smashed avocado, however for those who’re not carb-shy, go for one of many fresh-baked bagels. Add blueberries, bananas, or chocolate chips to your housemade buttermilk pancakes, too.

The solely cause why we don’t go extra typically is as a result of they don’t take reservations and it’s busy. So name and ask in regards to the wait or go when not pressed for time. If you’re searching for the very best breakfast in La Jolla with an ocean view, this is a wonderful selection.

13. Cafe Vahik

Windansea • $ • Breakfast
Address: 6780 La Jolla Blvd, La Jolla, CA 92037
Reservations: No
Ocean View: No
Online Menu

Before my daughter might drive, my morning routine would cross by Cafe Vahik on the best way to highschool. And each morning, I’d see folks consuming on their little patio. It’s adjoining to The Shoal Inn and the place folks eat breakfast when staying at this (good) small motel. I can see why. The pricing is sweet worth for what you get for a typical La Jolla breakfast, with hearty favorites like breakfast bagel sandwiches (round $7.50) and omelettes for between $10-13. Pair that with a espresso from a sturdy drinks menu that features smoothies and even a protein shake.

Basically, for those who had been out browsing at Windansea Beach or ending up a morning jog, you’d cease in right here for a fast breakfast to-go or to eat casually on the little patio. And that’s what folks do.

14. Don Bravo

Bird Rock • $ • Mexican Takeout
Address: 5504 La Jolla Blvd, La Jolla, CA 92037
Reservations: No
Ocean View: Somewhat bit
No Website

If you possibly can leg it out till 10 a.m. when Don Bravo opens, their breakfast burrito or huevos plate hits the spot. You can get the breakfast burrito on flour or complete wheat tortilla and it has an ideal mixture of eggs, cheese, bacon, salsa Mexicana and potato. It’s very filling for $7.

We eat right here or seize takeaway on a regular basis (the lobster burrito can be a private favourite). Don Bravo is well-known for its complete record of Mexican favorites like carne asada burritos and the like, so it’s not likely a real La Jolla breakfast restaurant, however you possibly can completely get a fantastic breakfast right here.

15. Nine-Ten Restaurant

Village of La Jolla • $$ • Breakfast (Wed-Fri) & Weekend Brunch
Address: 910 Prospect St, La Jolla, CA 92037 (inside Grande Colonial Hotel)
Reservations: Yes
Ocean View: No
Online Menu

I really feel like folks overlook which you can go to Nine-Ten Restaurant for weekend brunch and weekday breakfast in La Jolla (besides on Mondays and Tuesdays). Nine-Ten is one in every of our favourite eating places on the town. You ought to get something with quick ribs in it, BUT I can vouch for the Lemon Blueberry Pancakes, and because the Half-Baked Chocolate Cake can be on the brunch menu, you actually ought to order it. It’s one in every of my favourite desserts on the town.

Guests of Grande Colonial Hotel have the privilege of having fun with NINE-TEN through room service, which is a deal with to not be underestimated.

16. Breakfast Republic

Village of La Jolla • $$ • Breakfast
Address: 637 Pearl St, La Jolla, CA 92037
Reservations: No
Ocean View: No
Online Menu

Breakfast Bacon Mac and Cheese (picture courtesy of Breakfast Republic)

San Diego has a number of Breakfast Republic areas, together with one in La Jolla. They’re recognized for quirky but tasty twists on American Classics just like the Breakfast Bacon Mac and Cheese pictured above or Pineapple Upside Down Pancakes. Healthier selections can embrace a keto Power Bowl, Protein Pancakes, or a Yogurt Bowl and there are many gluten-free and vegetarian choices on the sturdy menu. Can’t resolve which pancakes to order? Get a flight of three.

You’ll possible have to park on the road someplace, which will be difficult in the summertime however much less so than deeper within the Village space.

17. Dodo Bird Donuts

Bird Rock • $$ • Breakfast
Address: 369 Bird Rock Ave, La Jolla, CA 92037
Reservations: No
Ocean View: No
Online Menu

This little cafe and occasional store close to me in Bird Rock, with its gorgeous decor, opened only recently and is adjoining to Paradisaea. First, they began with connoisseur donuts and a espresso bar. Now, you possibly can order from a easy but scrumptious menu that features breakfast sandwiches, avocado toast, parfait, and different dishes. The donuts are likely to promote out, in order they are saying, the early chook will get the very best flavors.

18. Queenstown Village

Village of La Jolla • $$ • Brunch
Address: 1044 Wall St, La Jolla, CA 92037
Reservations: Yes
Ocean View: No
Online Menu

This New Zealand-inspired restaurant is a favourite amongst La Jollans for dinner, however additionally they serve weekday and weekend brunch. New Zealand favorites just like the prolonged burger menu (I like their french fries, they usually have gluten-free buns), fish and chips, and meat pies are at all times on the brunch menu.

But if you wish to lean a bit extra into breakfast, go for The Cure (biscuit, gravy, scrambled eggs, tots, and selection of meat) or Queenstown Farmer (eggs, tomato, toast, potato, English beans, selection of meat). If that sounds heavy, don’t fear, I ordered the Strawberry Chicken Salad final time I used to be there, which was scrumptious.

Fill your Instagram with pictures of the inside heaving with foliage (okay, most of it’s synthetic, nevertheless it nonetheless seems to be superb).

Major tip: Wine right here is nice worth as a result of they don’t mark it up like different eating places. It’s merely retail worth plus a $10 corkage payment. And you should buy wine to take dwelling with you. It’s not typically in La Jolla to get pleasure from a extremely good bottle of wine at your desk for $40.

FAQs About Eating at La Jolla Breakfast and Brunch Restaurants

My recommendation is to plan loads of time for parking for those who plan to hit up a La Jolla breakfast or brunch spot on this record throughout a weekend or summer season day. Don’t overlook that I even have an inventory of finest eating places in La Jolla that covers all meals of the day.

What About Coffee Cup Cafe?

It’s been closed for renovation for a while, however we’ll possible add when (if) it reopens.

Where ought to I park my automotive to get breakfast in La Jolla?

Weekend free road parking in La Jolla is notoriously tough. However, we’ve numerous paid tons that don’t at all times refill.

Also, I’m an Associate Member of La Jolla Village Merchants Association, and we’ve a parking low cost to share with you. Get $5 All-Day Parking at an Ace Parking lot walkable to the Cove (875 Prospect Street). We residents additionally use the Ace Parking App to search out different accessible tons close to the place we have to go.

Where can I seize an early breakfast in La Jolla?

Early risers ought to go to Brick and Bell for grab-and-go breakfast, which opens round 6:30 a.m. You also can head to Harry’s Coffee Shop beginning at 6 a.m. throughout weekdays and to The Cottage at 7:30 a.m. for a pleasant sit-down meal. As at all times, examine hours earlier than you go, as they’re topic to alter.

Where’s the Best Place for Pancakes?

This is a tricky query to reply, however I’d go along with Lemon Curd or Blueberry Pancakes at Sugar and Scribe (go for Unicorn Style for those who like candy).

We even have a Richard Walker’s Pancake House which is thought for pancakes (skip the crepes).

What is the nicest La Jolla breakfast restaurant?

If you’re searching for the nicest place to have breakfast or brunch, make reservations on the Mediterranean Room inside La Valencia. They are additionally recognized for excellent vacation a la carte and typically buffet menus.

The prime Coast Toast picture is courtesy of Brockton Villa.

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