San Diego’s Best Breakfast Spots

Your mom was right: Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Facing your schedule with a delicious head start on a plate is the best way to set yourself up for success. 

And since “America’s Finest City” is also a fantastic foodie town with some of America’s finest breakfasts, you don’t have to settle for a bowl of soggy cereal or a day-old donut while you’re here. On the contrary, San Diego serves some seriously sumptuous, sunny sunrises at a whole host of exceptional eateries. 

Here are some of our favorites.

Hash House A Go Go (6.4 miles from the hotel)

World-famous Hash House A Go Go has grown into something of an empire, with locations in five states. But the flagship (and frankly best) Hash House is the original, which has called San Diego home for more than two decades. A Midwest-inspired menu offers hearty favorites with a SoCal spin. Expect to find legendarily huge portions of goodies like oversized “Big Ol’ Pancakes,” loaded-up egg scrambles, and the signature towering sage-fried chicken and waffles.

(Photo: @hashhouseagogosd)

3628 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92103

Harry’s Coffee Shop (6.5 miles away)

As the awning out front proudly declares, Harry’s has been family-owned since 1960. One bite of their famous chicken fried steak and waffles, chocolate-chip pancakes, or eggs Benedict (with house-made hollandaise), and you’ll be able to taste the tradition. At Harry’s, the coffee is always hot and fresh, and the eggs crack as soon as dawn does. In fact, San Diego Magazine named Harry’s as San Diego’s Best Diner in 2018, so you know you’re in for a masterful meal.

(Photo: @harryscoffeeshop)

7545 Girard Ave, La Jolla, CA 92037

Café Madeleine (7.4 miles away)

Keeping it simple is the order du jour at San Diego’s favorite Parisian-style spot. Art-nouveau decor offers the ambiance of a French brasserie, and the manifique menu only deepens the immersion. When you visit, be sure not to pass up the quiche lorraine, merguez baguette (with savory Moroccan lamb sausage) or the crêpes that made them a local favorite. Naturally, you’ll also find some of the best pastries in town here, from croissants to pain au chocolat.

(Photo: @cafemadeleine)

2850 El Cajon Blvd, San Diego, CA 92104

Son of a Toast (8.9 miles away)

There is toast, and then there is TOAST. This imaginative eatery creates magic from the humblest of breakfast sides. Whether you opt for the Bourdain (with salmon, crème fraîche, and capers), the Schmear (featuring smoked turkey, cream cheese, and pesto aioli) or the Mexa (queso fresco, corn salsa, and avocado), you’re in for a singular specialty. You can also go for sweet over savory, with offerings like the Donkey Kong (peanut butter, granola, and banana). Yum!

(Photo: @sonofatoast.sd)

3066 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92104

Breakfast Company (6.8 miles away) 

Launching in 2019, this scrumptious spot has quickly distinguished itself as a morning must-stop in San Diego’s trendy Gaslamp Quarter. The deep menu features traditional favorites with a twist, like shrimp enmoladas, chilaquiles suizos, chicken confit and grits, and even specialty options like a vegan Benedict and a seven-grain bowl. Of course, if you just want some of the best steak and eggs, french toast, or pancakes in town, you’re covered there, too.  

(Photo: @breakfastcompanysd)

551 J Street, San Diego, CA 92101

Firefly Eatery & Bar (just steps away)

We’d be remiss if we didn’t put in a hearty recommendation for The Dana’s own Firefly Eatery and Bar. Chef Manuel has curated an exceptional menu for any time of day, but breakfast has always been a particular favorite here. Order your favorites from our full menu, or stop by our omelet bar and personalize your creation with an ever-rotating selection of fresh and local ingredients. Then relax and sip a little orange juice while you drink in the morning sunshine.  

(Photo: @fireflythedana)