The primary meal of the day is one thing that my seaside group does significantly nicely, which is why it’s arduous 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 listing is superb, and which one you select will depend on whether or not there’s a specific dish you’re craving, you’re aiming for a scrumptious breakfast or brunch, you want to be in a specific 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.).
Test 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 primarily based on what you’re in search of.
1. Sugar & Scribe
Village of La Jolla • $$ • Brunch
Handle: 7660 Fay Ave Suite I, La Jolla, CA 92037
Neighborhood: Village of La Jolla
Reservations: No
Ocean View: No
On-line Menu
Sugar and Scribe is the place recently the place I meet my La Jolla associates for breakfast, brunch, or espresso. It’s additionally the place we duck in rapidly for last-minute desserts to present, deliver locations, or take dwelling (although even higher should you can order truffles and gadgets in multiples upfront). The menu has some Irish aptitude due to Chef Maeve’s roots. You also needs to see the truffles — her baking expertise made her a Meals Community champion.
Since no reservations are taken, you might have to attend, they usually ask that tables be returned inside 90 minutes to satisfy the demand if there are different visitors in line. One enjoyable add? Improve your plate to Unicorn Fashion, that includes glittery sugar mud, sprinkles, and marshmallows, which, on issues like Lemon Curd Pancakes, add aptitude worthy sufficient to your Instagram feed.
Savory choices embrace a legit Full Irish Breakfast and Smothered and Coated Skillet (suppose gravy and a 3 cheese mix protecting potatoes, bacon, and eggs). I usually go for the Wholesome Skillet or Protein Scramble, that are scrumptious decisions should you’re not going decadent.
2. Brockton Villa Restaurant
Village of La Jolla • $$ • 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 seashore cottages, courting again to the late 1800s, which provides 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 need to order Coast Toast (or at the least a aspect of it), which is mainly a decadent brioche French toast (get the recipe). Different fashionable 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
Handle: 7702 Fay Ave, La Jolla, CA 92037
Reservations: No
Ocean View: No
On-line menu
The Cottage is without doubt one of the authentic La Jolla breakfast eating places and maybe probably 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 take pleasure in when you wait. You’re feeling somewhat bit like consuming in somebody’s dwelling. Whereas there’s indoor seating, most individuals go for the outside tables on the patio enclosed by a white picket fence.
Fashionable orders right here embrace 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 dwelling. Additionally 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
For those who simply desire a fast espresso and a very good scone, Brick and Bell is your house. Baked items are baked contemporary each day they usually do promote out. It’s also possible to 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, minimize fruit, drinks, prepackaged salads, and extra for these in a rush.
It’s not unusual for individuals to satisfy associates on the patio (it’s not big however has a number of tables for outside seating) right here for a espresso, learn the newspaper, or see college students or individuals from close by places of work having fun with the sunshine whereas typing away on their laptops. This is without doubt one of 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 may 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 a complete lot of consolation meals. Relaxation assured, there’s sufficient to swimsuit the varied 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 aspect 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 would be able to park in lots behind the restaurant.
6. Shorehouse Kitchen
La Jolla Shores • $$ • Breakfast
Handle: 2236 Avenida De La Playa, La Jolla, CA 92037
Reservations: No (you’ll be able to be part of a waitlist by way of Yelp or on their web site — extremely suggest)
Ocean View: No
On-line Menu
I like this little gentle and shiny cafe for fairly, well-portioned, wholesome, and hearty breakfast and lunch menu gadgets. Kayak and snorkel excursions go away from varied La Jolla Shores companies on the identical road, so it is a good spot to feed your urge for food earlier than or after exercising on water.
Hearty decisions embrace Pork Carnitas Chilaquiles and Brioche Breakfast Grilled Cheese Sandwich. Or possibly you wish to pair a bellini with an Egg White and Tofu Frittata (completed that).
7. AR Valentien
UCSD/Torrey Pines • $$-$$$ • 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 resort visitors)
Ocean View: Sure, from the patio
On-line menu
As you all know, I worth a resort breakfast closely. I crave and sit up for it. For those who’re one in all our Virtuoso visitors at The Lodge at Torrey Pines, your each 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 without doubt one of the greatest 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 identified to put on nowadays like they’re common pants).
I actually just like the Historic Grain Bowl, which you’ll be able to order on the resort’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 resort’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 in all their well-known sugar cookies, at all times within the window), has Belgian roots and excellent pastries. It’s the form of place that should you 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 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 scorching 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 • $$-$$$ • Breakfast & Weekend Brunch
Handle: 1132 Prospect St, La Jolla, CA 92037
Reservations: Sure
Ocean View: Sure (not on the entrance patio)
On-line Menu
I can’t depend the variety of enterprise conferences I’ve had at The Med over time. It’s good sufficient that I do know individuals unfamiliar with La Jolla will prefer it, however it’s also a favourite of residents for scrumptious meals in a beautiful setting. The patio in entrance doesn’t have a view, nevertheless it’s nonetheless good to take a seat there and get caught up within the buzz of La Jolla. The eating room is probably the most formal, however outside eating on the patio pictured above wins for the very best view, particularly should you can rating one of many oceanfront tables.
Anyway, the Chorizo Benedict is fashionable, as is the La V Cinnamon Roll with cream cheese frosting and berries. Each breakfast and brunch are a la carte, however Mediterranean Room gives extra elaborate brunches throughout holidays like Easter (which we’ve been to) and Mom’s Day.
10. Cove Home
Village of La Jolla • $$ • 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 may 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 mentioned the Stone Crab Benny, a twist on Eggs Benedict, which has sunny aspect 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 finished, it’s time for completely happy hour, which you’ll be able to pair with their all-day menu.
11. Cody’s La Jolla
Village of La Jolla • $$ • Breakfast and Lunch
Handle: 1025 Prospect St #210, La Jolla, CA 92037
Reservations: No
Ocean View: Sure
On-line Menu
Cody’s La Jolla is an off-the-cuff breakfast spot with fairly ocean views and a pleasant indoor-outdoor ambiance that locals like in addition to vacationers staying within the close by La Jolla lodges. Some of the fashionable menu gadgets is the Superior French toast, which is mainly thick-sliced griddled challah bread (by Bread and Cie, no much less) topped with contemporary strawberries and candied walnuts. On the lighter aspect, the Wholesome Breakfast Salad with greens and spinach, goat cheese and extra, topped with two poached eggs.
You may order from the breakfast and lunch menu all day. And you may pair it with a pleasant number of breakfast bubbles like pomegranate mimosas, wine, and native beer.
12. Caroline’s Seaside Cafe
La Jolla Shores • $$ • Breakfast
Handle: 8610 Charles F, Kennel Method, 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. For those who 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 should 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 usually 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. For those who’re in search of the very best 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 might drive, my morning routine would go by Cafe Vahik on the best way to highschool. 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 nice 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.
Mainly, should 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
Hen Rock • $ • Mexican Takeout
Handle: 5504 La Jolla Blvd, La Jolla, CA 92037
Reservations: No
Ocean View: A bit of bit
No Web site
For those who 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 listing 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 incredible breakfast right here.
15. 9-Ten Restaurant
Village of La Jolla • $$ • Breakfast (Wed-Fri) & Weekend Brunch
Handle: 910 Prospect St, La Jolla, CA 92037 (inside Grande Colonial Lodge)
Reservations: Sure
Ocean View: No
On-line Menu
I really feel like individuals neglect that you would be able to go to 9-Ten Restaurant for weekend brunch and weekday breakfast in La Jolla (besides on Mondays and Tuesdays). 9-Ten is one in all our favourite eating places on the town. You need to get something with brief ribs in it, BUT I can vouch for the Lemon Blueberry Pancakes, and because the Half-Baked Chocolate Cake can also be on the brunch menu, you actually ought to order it. It’s one in all my favourite desserts on the town.
Visitors of Grande Colonial Lodge have the privilege of having fun with NINE-TEN by way of room service, which is a deal with to not be underestimated.
16. Breakfast Republic
Village of La Jolla • $$ • 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 places, together with one in La Jolla. They’re identified 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 decisions can embrace 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 resolve which pancakes to order? Get a flight of three.
You’ll doubtless have to park on the road someplace, which might be difficult in the summertime however much less so than deeper within the Village space.
17. Dodo Hen Donuts
Hen Rock • $$ • Breakfast
Handle: 369 Hen Rock Ave, La Jolla, CA 92037
Reservations: No
Ocean View: No
On-line Menu
This little cafe and occasional store close to me in Hen Rock, with its beautiful decor, opened only in the near past and is adjoining to Paradisaea. First, they began with connoisseur donuts and a espresso bar. Now, you’ll be able to order from a easy but scrumptious menu that features breakfast sandwiches, avocado toast, parfait, and different dishes. The donuts are likely to promote out, in order they are saying, the early chicken will get the very best flavors.
18. Queenstown Village
Village of La Jolla • $$ • 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 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.
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, nevertheless it nonetheless appears to be like superb).
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 value plus a $10 corkage payment. And you should purchase wine to take dwelling with you. It’s not usually in La Jolla to take pleasure in a very 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 should you plan to hit up a La Jolla breakfast or brunch spot on this listing throughout a weekend or summer season day. Don’t neglect that I even have an inventory of greatest 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 doubtless add when (if) it reopens.
The place ought to I park my automobile to get breakfast in La Jolla?
Weekend free road parking in La Jolla is notoriously tough. Nonetheless, we’ve got varied paid heaps that don’t at all times refill.
Additionally, I’m an Affiliate Member of La Jolla Village Retailers Affiliation, and we’ve got a parking low cost to share with you. Get $5 All-Day Parking at an Ace Parking zone walkable to the Cove (875 Prospect Road). We residents additionally use the Ace Parking App to search out different obtainable heaps 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. It’s also possible to 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 at all times, examine hours earlier than you go, as they’re topic to alter.
The place’s the Greatest Place for Pancakes?
This can be a robust query to reply, however I’d go along with Lemon Curd or Blueberry Pancakes at Sugar and Scribe (go for Unicorn Fashion should 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?
For those who’re in search of the nicest place to have breakfast or brunch, make reservations on the Mediterranean Room inside La Valencia. They’re additionally identified for excellent vacation a la carte and generally buffet menus.
The highest Coast Toast picture is courtesy of Brockton Villa.