The primary meal of the day is one thing that my seaside neighborhood does significantly nicely, which is why it’s onerous to slim down an inventory of the most effective breakfast eating places in La Jolla, not to mention rank them.
Know that each spot on this checklist is superb, and which one you select is determined by whether or not there’s a selected dish you’re craving, you’re aiming for a scrumptious breakfast or brunch, you’ll want to be in a selected a part of city, and the value level.
Breakfast, brunch, or lunch… what’s the distinction, you ask? Properly, 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 gadgets all day on the identical menu and open a bit later within the morning. La Jolla breakfast eating places open early and should have a devoted breakfast menu (although there could also be lunch gadgets you’ll be able to order at 6:30 a.m.).
Examine hours earlier than you go. Many La Jolla brunch and breakfast eating places shut round 2-3 p.m.
Our Picks for La Jolla Breakfast Eating places and Brunch Locations by Options
Right here’s a cheat sheet for the place to go based mostly on what you’re on the lookout for.
1. Sugar & Scribe
Village of La Jolla • $$ • Brunch
Handle: 7660 Fay Ave Suite I, La Jolla, CA 92037
Neighborhood: Village of La Jolla
Reservations: No
Ocean View: No
On-line Menu
Sugar and Scribe is the place recently the place I meet my La Jolla pals for breakfast, brunch, or espresso. It’s additionally the place we duck in rapidly for last-minute desserts to reward, convey locations, or take house (although even higher in case you can order muffins and gadgets in multiples prematurely). The menu has some Irish aptitude because of Chef Maeve’s roots. You must also see the muffins — her baking abilities made her a Meals Community champion.
Since no reservations are taken, you could have to attend, they usually ask that tables be returned inside 90 minutes to satisfy the demand if there are different company in line. One enjoyable add? Improve your plate to Unicorn Model, that includes glittery sugar mud, sprinkles, and marshmallows, which, on issues like Lemon Curd Pancakes, add aptitude worthy sufficient to your Instagram feed.
Savory choices embody a legit Full Irish Breakfast and Smothered and Lined Skillet (assume gravy and a 3 cheese mix protecting potatoes, bacon, and eggs). I typically go for the Wholesome Skillet or Protein Scramble, that are scrumptious selections in case you’re not going decadent.
2. Brockton Villa Restaurant
Village of La Jolla • $$ • Brunch
Handle: 1235 Coast Blvd, La Jolla, CA 92037
Reservations: Sure
Ocean View: Sure
On-line Menu
Brockton Villa Restaurant is beloved for its picturesque setting overlooking La Jolla Cove (sure, you’ll be able to generally hear the La Jolla sea lions out of your desk). It’s housed in one of many authentic La Jolla seaside cottages, courting again to the late 1800s, which provides it a comfortable 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 must order Coast Toast (or a minimum of a facet of it), which is mainly a decadent brioche French toast (get the recipe). Different fashionable favorites embody 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
Handle: 7702 Fay Ave, La Jolla, CA 92037
Reservations: No
Ocean View: No
On-line menu
The Cottage is among the authentic La Jolla breakfast eating places and maybe essentially the most well-known. It’s not unusual to see traces on weekends for tables, however they set out espresso and occasional cake nibbles to get pleasure from whilst you wait. You are feeling just a little bit like consuming in somebody’s house. Whereas there’s indoor seating, most individuals go for the out of doors tables on the patio enclosed by a white picket fence.
Widespread orders right here embody Lemon Ricotta Pancakes, Soy Chorizo Hash, and any of the benedicts. I generally pop in to seize a bag of their well-known granola, which provides the proper crunch to a yogurt parfait or bowl of oatmeal at house. In addition they have a lunch menu and serve dinner seasonally in the summertime.
4. Brick & Bell Cafe
Village of La Jolla (additionally in LJ Shores) • $ • Breakfast
Handle: 928 Silverado St, La Jolla, CA 92037
Reservations: No, it’s counter-order
Ocean View: No
On-line Menu: No web site
In the event you simply desire a fast espresso and a extremely good scone, Brick and Bell is your home. Baked items are baked contemporary every day they usually do promote out. You too can get a fairly priced (for the world) 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, reduce fruit, drinks, prepackaged salads, and extra for these in a rush.
It’s not unusual for individuals to satisfy pals on the patio (it’s not big however has a number of tables for out of doors seating) right here for a espresso, learn the newspaper, or see college students or individuals from close by workplaces having fun with the sunshine whereas typing away on their laptops. This is among the breakfast spots in La Jolla that opens early, round 6 a.m.
5. Harry’s Espresso Store
Village of La Jolla • $-$$ • Breakfast
Handle: 7545 Girard Ave, La Jolla, CA 92037
Reservations: No
Ocean View: No
On-line Menu
La Jolla’s oldest diner has been family-owned since 1960. You possibly 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. Relaxation assured, there’s sufficient to go well with the assorted diets, from veggie omelets to gluten-free French toast. Actually, even the fruit bowls are good.
Probably 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 facet of maple syrup. Sure, it’s even been on TV, thanks additionally to the Meals Community.
One factor that even I neglect, regardless of signage on the entrance of the diner, is that you could park in so much behind the restaurant.
6. Shorehouse Kitchen
La Jolla Shores • $$ • Breakfast
Handle: 2236 Avenida De La Playa, La Jolla, CA 92037
Reservations: No (you’ll be able to be a part of a waitlist by means of Yelp or on their web site — extremely advocate)
Ocean View: No
On-line Menu
I like this little mild and vibrant cafe for fairly, well-portioned, wholesome, and hearty breakfast and lunch menu gadgets. Kayak and snorkel excursions depart from numerous La Jolla Shores companies on the identical road, so it is a good spot to feed your urge for food earlier than or after exercising on water.
Hearty selections embody Pork Carnitas Chilaquiles and Brioche Breakfast Grilled Cheese Sandwich. Or possibly you wish to pair a bellini with an Egg White and Tofu Frittata (executed that).
7. AR Valentien
UCSD/Torrey Pines • $$-$$$ • Weekday Breakfast & Weekend Brunch
Handle: 11480 N Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla, CA 92037 (inside The Lodge at Torrey Pines)
Reservations: Sure (extremely really useful even for lodge company)
Ocean View: Sure, from the patio
On-line menu
As you all know, I worth a lodge breakfast closely. I crave and look ahead to it. In the event you’re one among our Virtuoso company 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 among the finest eating places in all of San Diego. Informal gown at breakfast and brunch flies right here (I’d say no pajama pants, although, as teenagers are recognized to put on lately like they’re common pants).
I actually just like the Historic Grain Bowl, which you’ll order on the lodge’s room service menu. I may vouch for the inexperienced smoothie. You’ll discover domestically sourced elements and entrees superbly 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 Connoisseur
Village of La Jolla • $ • Breakfast
Handle: 7837 Girard Ave, La Jolla, CA 92037
Reservations: No
Ocean View: No (however you’ll be able to simply stroll your meals to The Cove)
On-line Menu
The legendary counter-order favourite amongst residents (dare you to stroll out with out one among their well-known sugar cookies, all the time within the window), has Belgian roots and excellent pastries. It’s the sort of place that in case you point out it by title 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 troublesome to name out a couple of gadgets 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 individuals order takeaway, although there are a few tables on the sidewalk in entrance of the cafe.
The deli case is filled with salads, quiches, and sizzling entrees like lasagne to take house for later, one thing many locals do once they don’t really feel like cooking. Don’t decline the facet of freshly baked bread.
9. Mediterranean Room
Village of La Jolla • $$-$$$ • Breakfast & Weekend Brunch
Handle: 1132 Prospect St, La Jolla, CA 92037
Reservations: Sure
Ocean View: Sure (not on the entrance patio)
On-line Menu
I can’t rely the variety of enterprise conferences I’ve had at The Med through the years. It’s good sufficient that I do know individuals unfamiliar with La Jolla will prefer it, however it is usually a favourite of residents for scrumptious meals in a stunning setting. The patio in entrance doesn’t have a view, but it surely’s nonetheless good to take a seat there and get caught up within the buzz of La Jolla. The eating room is essentially the most formal, however out of doors eating on the patio pictured above wins for the most effective view, particularly in case you can rating one of many oceanfront tables.
Anyway, the Chorizo Benedict is fashionable, as is the La V Cinnamon Roll with cream cheese frosting and berries. Each breakfast and brunch are a la carte, however Mediterranean Room affords extra elaborate brunches throughout holidays like Easter (which we’ve been to) and Mom’s Day.
10. Cove Home
Village of La Jolla • $$ • Brunch
Handle: 8030 Girard Ave, La Jolla, CA 92037
Reservations: No
Ocean View: Sure
On-line Menu
Cove Home is a well-liked La Jolla brunch spot. You possibly can drop your title 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 seaside home vibe with its yellow striped patio umbrellas shading company and neat bar the place you could possibly 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 mentioned the Stone Crab Benny, a twist on Eggs Benedict, which has sunny facet up eggs on high of an herb housemade biscuit (the biscuits listed here are a factor) with hatch chile gravy. Chilaquiles are additionally fashionable 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 completely satisfied hour, which you’ll pair with their all-day menu.
11. Cody’s La Jolla
Village of La Jolla • $$ • Breakfast and Lunch
Handle: 1025 Prospect St #210, La Jolla, CA 92037
Reservations: No
Ocean View: Sure
On-line Menu
Cody’s La Jolla is an informal breakfast spot with fairly ocean views and a pleasant indoor-outdoor ambiance that locals like in addition to vacationers staying within the close by La Jolla lodges. One of the crucial fashionable menu gadgets is the Superior French toast, which is mainly thick-sliced griddled challah bread (by Bread and Cie, no much less) topped with contemporary strawberries and candied walnuts. On the lighter facet, the Wholesome Breakfast Salad with greens and spinach, goat cheese and extra, topped with two poached eggs.
You possibly can order from the breakfast and lunch menu all day. And you may pair it with a pleasant collection of breakfast bubbles like pomegranate mimosas, wine, and native beer.
12. Caroline’s Seaside Cafe
La Jolla Shores • $$ • Breakfast
Handle: 8610 Charles F, Kennel Approach, La Jolla, CA 92037
Reservations: No
Ocean View: Sure (a reasonably improbable one)
On-line Menu
Caroline’s Seaside Cafe boasts a panoramic ocean view above La Jolla Shores Seaside, 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. In the event you select the latter, the Cove Burger with onion marmalade and white cheddar is fashionable. I like to recommend the facility breakfast of egg whites and smashed avocado, however in case you’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 one purpose 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. In the event you’re on the lookout for the most effective breakfast in La Jolla with an ocean view, this is a superb selection.
13. Cafe Vahik
Windansea • $ • Breakfast
Handle: 6780 La Jolla Blvd, La Jolla, CA 92037
Reservations: No
Ocean View: No
On-line Menu
Earlier than my daughter may drive, my morning routine would cross by Cafe Vahik on the way in which to high school. And each morning, I’d see individuals consuming on their little patio. It’s adjoining to The Shoal Inn and the place individuals 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.
Principally, in case you had been out browsing at Windansea Seaside 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 individuals do.
14. Don Bravo
Chicken Rock • $ • Mexican Takeout
Handle: 5504 La Jolla Blvd, La Jolla, CA 92037
Reservations: No
Ocean View: A bit of bit
No Web site
In the event you can leg it out till 10 a.m. when Don Bravo opens, their breakfast burrito or huevos plate hits the spot. You may 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 also be a private favourite). Don Bravo is well-known for its total checklist of Mexican favorites like carne asada burritos and the like, so it’s probably not a real La Jolla breakfast restaurant, however you’ll be able to completely get an important breakfast right here.
15. 9-Ten Restaurant
Village of La Jolla • $$ • Breakfast (Wed-Fri) & Weekend Brunch
Handle: 910 Prospect St, La Jolla, CA 92037 (inside Grande Colonial Lodge)
Reservations: Sure
Ocean View: No
On-line Menu
I really feel like individuals neglect that you could go to 9-Ten Restaurant for weekend brunch and weekday breakfast in La Jolla (besides on Mondays and Tuesdays). 9-Ten is one among our favourite eating places on the town. You must get something with brief ribs in it, BUT I can vouch for the Lemon Blueberry Pancakes, and for the reason that Half-Baked Chocolate Cake can also be on the brunch menu, you actually ought to order it. It’s one among my favourite desserts on the town.
Friends of Grande Colonial Lodge have the privilege of having fun with NINE-TEN through room service, which is a deal with to not be underestimated.
16. Breakfast Republic
Village of La Jolla • $$ • Breakfast
Handle: 637 Pearl St, La Jolla, CA 92037
Reservations: No
Ocean View: No
On-line Menu
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. More healthy selections can embody a keto Energy Bowl, Protein Pancakes, or a Yogurt Bowl and there are many gluten-free and vegetarian choices on the strong menu. Can’t determine which pancakes to order? Get a flight of three.
You’ll seemingly must park on the road someplace, which might be difficult in the summertime however much less so than deeper within the Village space.
17. Dodo Chicken Donuts
Chicken Rock • $$ • Breakfast
Handle: 369 Chicken Rock Ave, La Jolla, CA 92037
Reservations: No
Ocean View: No
On-line Menu
This little cafe and occasional store close to me in Chicken Rock, with its gorgeous decor, opened only in the near past and is adjoining to Paradisaea. First, they began with gourmand donuts and a espresso bar. Now, you’ll be able to order from a easy but scrumptious menu that features breakfast sandwiches, avocado toast, parfait, and different dishes. The donuts are likely to promote out, in order they are saying, the early chicken will get the most effective flavors.
18. Queenstown Village
Village of La Jolla • $$ • Brunch
Handle: 1044 Wall St, La Jolla, CA 92037
Reservations: Sure
Ocean View: No
On-line Menu
This New Zealand-inspired restaurant is a favourite amongst La Jollans for dinner, however in addition 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 all the time on the brunch menu.
However if you wish to lean a bit extra into breakfast, go for The Remedy (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 Hen Salad final time I used to be there, which was scrumptious.
Fill your Instagram with photographs of the inside heaving with foliage (okay, most of it’s synthetic, but it surely nonetheless appears wonderful).
Main 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 charge. And you should purchase wine to take house 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 Consuming at La Jolla Breakfast and Brunch Eating places
My recommendation is to plan loads of time for parking in case you plan to hit up a La Jolla breakfast or brunch spot on this checklist throughout a weekend or summer time day. Don’t neglect that I even have an inventory of finest eating places in La Jolla that covers all meals of the day.
What About Espresso Cup Cafe?
It’s been closed for renovation for a while, however we’ll seemingly add when (if) it reopens.
The place ought to I park my automotive to get breakfast in La Jolla?
Weekend free road parking in La Jolla is notoriously troublesome. Nevertheless, we have now numerous paid tons that don’t all the time refill.
Additionally, I’m an Affiliate Member of La Jolla Village Retailers Affiliation, and we have now a parking low cost to share with you. Get $5 All-Day Parking at an Ace Car parking zone walkable to the Cove (875 Prospect Avenue). We residents additionally use the Ace Parking App to search out different out there tons close to the place we have to go.
The place 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 too can head to Harry’s Espresso Store beginning at 6 a.m. throughout weekdays and to The Cottage at 7:30 a.m. for a pleasant sit-down meal. As all the time, verify hours earlier than you go, as they’re topic to alter.
The place’s the Greatest Place for Pancakes?
It is a robust query to reply, however I’d go along with Lemon Curd or Blueberry Pancakes at Sugar and Scribe (go for Unicorn Model in case you like candy).
We even have a Richard Walker’s Pancake Home which is understood for pancakes (skip the crepes).
What’s the nicest La Jolla breakfast restaurant?
In the event you’re on the lookout for the nicest place to have breakfast or brunch, make reservations on the Mediterranean Room inside La Valencia. They’re additionally recognized for excellent vacation a la carte and generally buffet menus.
The highest Coast Toast picture is courtesy of Brockton Villa.
