California’s Top Breakfast Spots That Have Foodies Traveling Across The State
For foodies on the hunt for the perfect morning bite, the Golden State offers a breakfast scene that’s as diverse and flavorful as its landscapes.
Picture this: artisan pastries in San Francisco, mouthwatering stacks of pancakes in Los Angeles, and inventive brunch plates in the heart of sunshine country. These 13 iconic breakfast spots are more than just places to grab a bite, they’re destinations in their own right, drawing food lovers from all corners of the state.
Ready to embark on a culinary adventure that will have you setting your alarm early and planning your next road trip? These are the breakfast spots you won’t want to miss.
1. Sqirl (Los Angeles)
Sqirl transformed the humble breakfast scene in LA by turning simple ingredients into edible art. Their ricotta toast topped with seasonal jam has become so iconic that it practically has its own fan club.
Chef Jessica Koslow creates preserves and jams from scratch, using fruit at peak ripeness. The flavors change with the seasons, so there’s always something new to discover on the menu.
Expect a wait on weekends, but the sorrel pesto rice bowl and brown butter almond flour cake make every minute worthwhile.
2. Tartine Bakery (San Francisco)
Tartine Bakery has earned legendary status among bread lovers and breakfast enthusiasts alike. Their morning buns are so famous that people line up before opening just to snag one fresh from the oven.
The bakery’s rustic charm matches perfectly with its handcrafted approach to everything they make. Every pastry is created with organic ingredients and traditional techniques that take days to perfect.
Don’t skip the almond croissant or the country bread toast slathered with house-made jam—they’re absolutely worth the wait in line!
3. The Griddle Cafe (Hollywood, Los Angeles)
Walking into The Griddle Cafe feels like entering a pancake wonderland where portion sizes defy all logic. Their pancakes are so ridiculously huge that one order could easily feed a small army.
The Red Velvet pancakes and Oreo pancakes have achieved celebrity status, literally—you might spot actors and musicians fueling up here before a long day. Each stack arrives piled high with creative toppings that make your eyes widen in amazement.
Come hungry and bring your appetite, because leaving anything behind feels like a crime against breakfast.
4. Breakfast Republic (Multiple Locations)
Breakfast Republic proves that morning meals don’t have to be boring or predictable. With locations across Southern California, they’ve mastered the art of fun, Instagram-worthy breakfast creations.
Their menu reads like a greatest hits album of breakfast favorites with clever twists. The Jammin’ French Toast and Republic Scrambles come loaded with fresh ingredients and bold flavors that wake up your taste buds.
The vibe is upbeat and welcoming, making it perfect for family brunches or catching up with friends over mimosas and coffee.
5. Hobee’s Restaurant (Bay Area)
Since 1974, Hobee’s has been serving up comfort food that feels like a warm hug from your favorite aunt. Their blueberry coffeecake isn’t just dessert—it’s a Bay Area institution that people crave like clockwork.
The restaurant keeps things simple and wholesome, focusing on fresh, quality ingredients without any fancy tricks. Their omelets are fluffy, their hash browns are crispy, and everything tastes like it was made with genuine care.
Multiple locations mean you’re never too far from a Hobee’s breakfast that hits all the right nostalgic notes.
6. Pann’s (Westchester, Los Angeles)
Pann’s looks like it drove straight out of a 1950s time machine with its stunning Googie architecture and vintage neon signs. This retro diner has been flipping eggs and pouring coffee since 1958, and it still feels authentically old-school.
The menu features classic American breakfast staples done right—think fluffy pancakes, crispy bacon, and omelets made to order. Everything arrives on those classic diner plates that somehow make food taste even better.
Film crews love shooting here, so don’t be surprised if your breakfast comes with a side of Hollywood magic.
7. Sweet Maple (San Francisco)
Sweet Maple took bacon to a whole new level of deliciousness with their millionaire’s bacon—thick-cut strips candied with brown sugar that crunch and melt in your mouth simultaneously. One bite and you’ll understand why people obsess over it.
Beyond the famous bacon, their menu features creative twists on brunch classics with Southern-inspired flair. The chicken and waffles arrive perfectly crispy and golden, while the French toast gets elevated with seasonal fruit and cream.
Be prepared for a wait, especially on weekends, but that bacon is worth every single minute spent in line.
8. Broken Yolk Cafe (Southern California)
Broken Yolk Cafe doesn’t believe in skimpy portions or boring breakfast combinations. Their menu stretches for pages, offering everything from classic eggs Benedict to crazy-creative scrambles you never knew you needed.
With over 30 locations across Southern California, they’ve perfected the art of consistent quality and generous servings. The Wave Catcher Benedict and Coronado scramble showcase fresh ingredients piled high enough to satisfy even the hungriest morning appetites.
Prices remain reasonable despite the massive portions, making this a favorite spot for families and anyone seeking serious breakfast value.
9. Hash House A Go Go (San Diego & Other CA Locations)
Hash House A Go Go calls their food “twisted farm food,” and that description barely captures the glorious excess happening on every plate. Their portions are absolutely outrageous—we’re talking sage fried chicken bigger than your head perched atop giant waffles.
Everything here comes supersized, from the bacon strips that dangle off plates to the pancakes that require engineering degrees to stack properly. The farm-fresh ingredients and bold flavors justify the Instagram photos everyone inevitably takes.
Arrive starving or plan to share, because finishing a meal solo requires championship-level eating skills.
10. Morning Glory (San Diego)
Morning Glory brings a fresh, locally-focused approach to breakfast that feels both elevated and approachably delicious. Located in San Diego, this charming spot sources ingredients from nearby farms and transforms them into creative morning masterpieces.
The menu changes seasonally, but favorites like the huevos rancheros and lemon ricotta pancakes showcase the kitchen’s talent for balancing flavors. Everything tastes bright, fresh, and thoughtfully prepared without being pretentious.
The casual neighborhood vibe makes you feel like a regular even on your first visit, with friendly service that matches the quality of the food.
11. Paula’s Pancake House (Solvang)
Tucked in the Danish village of Solvang, Paula’s Pancake House serves up breakfast with Scandinavian charm and American heartiness. Their Danish pancakes are thin, delicate, and absolutely addictive—completely different from typical American flapjacks.
The restaurant’s cozy atmosphere matches Solvang’s storybook architecture perfectly, making breakfast feel like a mini European vacation. Traditional Danish aebleskivers arrive hot and dusted with powdered sugar, while American classics like omelets satisfy those craving something more familiar.
Plan to linger over coffee while enjoying the unique blend of cultures that makes this spot special.
12. The Cottage (La Jolla)
The Cottage in La Jolla feels like stumbling upon a secret garden where breakfast tastes even better surrounded by flowers and sunshine. This beloved spot has been serving locals and tourists alike since 1989, earning a reputation for consistently excellent food and hospitality.
Their menu balances healthy options like fresh fruit bowls with indulgent treats like cinnamon roll French toast. The eggs Benedict variations are legendary, and the fresh-squeezed orange juice tastes like liquid California sunshine.
Expect weekend waits, but the charming patio and exceptional food make it completely worthwhile.
13. Huckleberry Bakery (Santa Monica)
Huckleberry Bakery combines the soul of a neighborhood bakery with the sophistication of a top-tier restaurant, creating breakfast magic in Santa Monica. Chef Zoe Nathan’s baked goods have achieved cult status among locals who swear by the maple bacon biscuits and seasonal scones.
Everything is made from scratch daily using organic flour, farm-fresh eggs, and real butter—no shortcuts here. The savory breakfast options like shakshuka and breakfast sandwiches are just as impressive as the pastries.
Grab a coffee, snag a pastry, and enjoy the laid-back California vibes that make this bakery unforgettable.