The primary meal of the day is one thing that my seaside group does notably nicely, which is why it’s onerous 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 checklist is great, 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 want to be in a selected a part of city, and the worth level.
Breakfast, brunch, or lunch… what’s the distinction you ask? Effectively, 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. 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.).
1. Sugar & Scribe
Village of La Jolla • $$ • Brunch Deal with : 7660 Fay Ave Suite I, La Jolla, CA 92037Neighborhood : Village of La JollaReservations : NoOcean View : NoOn-line Menu
Protein scramble — I’ll get one thing unicorn-style subsequent time and put it on this publish. Sugar and Scribe is the place these days the place I meet my La Jolla pals for breakfast, brunch, or espresso. It’s additionally the place we duck in shortly for last-minute desserts to present, deliver locations, or take dwelling (although even higher should you can order desserts and objects in multiples prematurely). The menu has some Irish aptitude because of Chef Maeve’s roots. You also needs to see the desserts — her baking expertise made her a Meals Community champion.
Since no reservations are taken, you’ll have to attend, and so they ask that tables be returned inside 90 minutes to satisfy the demand if there are different company in line. One enjoyable add? Improve your plate to Unicorn Model, that includes glittery sugar mud, sprinkles, and marshmallows, which, on issues like Lemon Curd Pancakes, add aptitude worthy sufficient to your Instagram feed.
Savory choices embody a legit Full Irish Breakfast and Smothered and Coated Skillet (assume gravy and a 3 cheese mix overlaying potatoes, bacon, and eggs). I typically go for the Wholesome Skillet or Protein Scramble, that are scrumptious decisions should you’re not going decadent.
2. Brockton Villa Restaurant
Village of La Jolla • $$ • Brunch Deal with : 1235 Coast Blvd, La Jolla, CA 92037Reservations : NoOcean View : SureOn-line Menu
Brockton Villa Restaurant is beloved for its picturesque setting overlooking La Jolla Cove (sure, you possibly can 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 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 not less than a aspect of it), which is principally a decadent brioche French toast (get the recipe ). Different in style favorites embody Meg’s Eggs, NY Steak & Eggs, and Buenos Dias Breakfast Burrito. Oh, and so they have mimosas, too.
3. The Cottage La Jolla
Village of La Jolla • $$ • Breakfast Deal with : 7702 Fay Ave, La Jolla, CA 92037Reservations : NoOcean View : NoOn-line 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 traces on weekends for tables, however they set out espresso and low cake nibbles to take pleasure in whilst you wait. You are feeling a bit of bit like consuming in somebody’s dwelling. Whereas there’s indoor seating, most individuals go for the out of doors tables on the patio enclosed by a white picket fence.
Well-liked 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 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 Deal with : 928 Silverado St, La Jolla, CA 92037Reservations : No, it’s counter-orderOcean View : NoOn-line Menu : No web site
Scrumptious baked items, go earlier than the scones promote out. For those who simply need a fast espresso and a very good scone, Brick and Bell is your home. Baked items are baked contemporary every day and so they do promote out. You can too 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, 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 large 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 places of work 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 Espresso Store
Village of La Jolla • $-$$ • Breakfast Deal with : 7545 Girard Ave, San Diego, CA 92037Reservations : NoOcean View : NoOn-line Menu
La Jolla’s oldest diner has been family-owned since 1960. You’ll be able to 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. Truthfully, even the fruit bowls are good.
Essentially 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 quite a bit behind the restaurant.
6. Shorehouse Kitchen
La Jolla Shores • $$ • Breakfast Deal with : 2236 Avenida De La Playa, La Jolla, CA 92037Reservations : No (you possibly can be part of a waitlist by means of Yelp or on their web site — extremely advocate)Ocean View : NoOn-line Menu
I really like this little gentle and vibrant cafe for fairly, well-portioned, wholesome, and hearty breakfast and lunch menu objects. Kayak and snorkel excursions go away from numerous La Jolla Shores companies on the identical avenue, so it is a good spot to feed your urge for food earlier than or after exercising on water.
Hearty decisions embody Pork Carnitas Chilaquiles and Brioche Breakfast Grilled Cheese Sandwich. Or perhaps you need to pair a bellini with an Egg White and Tofu Frittata (achieved that).
7. AR Valentien
UCSD/Torrey Pines • $$-$$$ • Weekday Breakfast & Weekend Brunch Deal with : 11480 N Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla, CA 92037 (inside The Lodge at Torrey Pines)Reservations : Sure (extremely beneficial even for lodge company)Ocean View : Sure, from the patioOn-line menu
As you all know, I worth a lodge breakfast closely. I crave and sit up for it. For those who’re one in every of 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 likely one of 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 identified to put on lately like they’re common pants).
I actually just like the Historical Grain Bowl, which you’ll order on the lodge’s room service menu. I can even 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 Connoisseur
Village of La Jolla • $ • Breakfast Deal with : 7837 Girard Ave, La Jolla, CA 92037Reservations : No Ocean View : No (however you possibly can 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 every of their well-known sugar cookies, at all times within the window), has Belgian roots and excellent pastries. It’s the sort of place that should 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 tough to name out a number 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 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 once they don’t really feel like cooking. Don’t decline the aspect of freshly baked bread.
9. Mediterranean Room
Village of La Jolla • $$-$$$ • Breakfast & Weekend Brunch Deal with : 1132 Prospect St, La Jolla, CA 92037Reservations : SureOcean View : Sure (not on the entrance patio)On-line Menu
Picture courtesy of La Valencia I can’t depend the variety of enterprise conferences I’ve had at The Med through the years. It’s good sufficient that I do know individuals unfamiliar with La Jolla will prefer it, however it’s also a favourite of residents for scrumptious meals in a stunning surroundings. The patio in entrance doesn’t have a view, but it surely’s nonetheless good to sit down there and get caught up within the buzz of La Jolla. The eating room is essentially the most formal, however out of doors eating on the patio pictured above wins for the very best view, particularly should you can rating one of many oceanfront tables.
Anyway, the Chorizo Benedict is in style, as is the La V Cinnamon Roll with cream cheese frosting and berries. Each breakfast and brunch are a la carte, however Mediterranean Room provides extra elaborate brunches throughout holidays like Easter (which we’ve been to) and Mom’s Day.
10. Cove Home
Village of La Jolla • $$ • Brunch Deal with : 8030 Girard Ave, La Jolla, CA 92037Reservations : No Ocean View : SureOn-line Menu
Cove Home is a well-liked La Jolla brunch spot. You’ll be able to drop your title with the host after which take a leisurely stroll across the La Jolla Cove space, and so they’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 would 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 high of an herb housemade biscuit (the biscuits listed here are a factor) with hatch chile gravy. Chilaquiles are additionally in style 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 blissful hour, which you’ll pair with their all-day menu.
11. Cody’s La Jolla
Village of La Jolla • $$ • Breakfast and Lunch Deal with : 1025 Prospect St #210, La Jolla, CA 92037Reservations : NoOcean View : SureOn-line Menu
Cody’s La Jolla is an informal breakfast spot with fairly ocean views and a pleasant indoor-outdoor ambiance that locals like in addition to vacationers staying within the close by La Jolla motels . One of the in style menu objects is the Superior French toast, which is principally thick-sliced griddled challah bread (by Bread and Cie, no much less) topped with contemporary strawberries and candied walnuts. On the lighter aspect, the Wholesome Breakfast Salad with greens and spinach, goat cheese and extra, topped with two poached eggs.
You’ll be able to order from the breakfast and lunch menu all day. And you’ll pair it with a pleasant collection of breakfast bubbles like pomegranate mimosas, wine, and native beer.
12. Caroline’s Seaside Cafe
La Jolla Shores • $$ • Breakfast Deal with : 8610 Charles F, Kennel Means, La Jolla, CA 92037Reservations : NoOcean View : Sure (a fairly implausible one)On-line Menu
Caroline’s Seaside Cafe boasts a panoramic ocean view above La Jolla Shores Seashore , 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 in style. 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 typically is as a result of they don’t take reservations and it’s busy. So name and ask concerning the wait or go when not pressed for time. For those who’re on the lookout for the very best breakfast in La Jolla with an ocean view, this is a superb alternative.
13. Cafe Vahik
Windansea • $ • Breakfast Deal with : 6780 La Jolla Blvd, La Jolla, CA 92037Reservations : NoOcean View : NoOn-line Menu
Earlier than my daughter may drive, my morning routine would move by Cafe Vahik on the best way 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 strong drinks menu that features smoothies and even a protein shake.
Principally, should you had been out browsing at Windansea Seashore 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 Deal with : 5504 La Jolla Blvd, La Jolla, CA 92037Reservations : NoOcean View : Slightly bitNo 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 will get the breakfast burrito on flour or entire 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 checklist 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. 9-Ten Restaurant
Village of La Jolla • $$ • Breakfast (Wed-Fri) & Weekend Brunch Deal with : 910 Prospect St, La Jolla, CA 92037 (inside Grande Colonial Lodge )Reservations : SureOcean View : NoOn-line Menu
I really feel like individuals neglect that you would be able to go to 9-Ten Restaurant for weekend brunch and weekday breakfast in La Jolla (besides on Mondays and Tuesdays). 9-Ten is one in every of our favourite eating places on the town. You need to get something with quick ribs in it, BUT I can vouch for the Lemon Blueberry Pancakes, and because the Half-Baked Chocolate Cake can be on the brunch menu, you actually ought to order it. It’s one in every of my favourite desserts on the town.
Visitors of Grande Colonial Lodge have the privilege of having fun with NINE-TEN by way of room service, which is a deal with to not be underestimated.
16. Breakfast Republic
Village of La Jolla • $$ • Breakfast Deal with : 1044 Wall St, San Diego, CA 92037Reservations : SureOcean View : NoOn-line Menu
Breakfast Bacon Mac and Cheese (picture courtesy of Breakfast Republic) 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 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 doubtless have to park on the road someplace, which could be difficult in the summertime however much less so than deeper within the Village space.
17. Dodo Chicken Donuts
Chicken Rock • $$ • Breakfast Deal with : 1044 Wall St, San Diego, CA 92037Reservations : NoOcean View : NoOn-line Menu
This little cafe, with its gorgeous decor, just lately opened within the Chicken Rock neighborhood. First, they began with connoisseur donuts and a espresso bar. Now, you possibly can order from a easy but scrumptious menu that features breakfast sandwiches, avocado toast, parfait, and different dishes. The donuts are likely to promote out, in order they are saying, the early chook will get the very best flavors.
18. Queenstown Village
Village of La Jolla • $$ • Brunch Deal with : 1044 Wall St, San Diego, CA 92037Reservations : SureOcean View : NoOn-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 really like their french fries, and so they 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 Treatment (biscuit, gravy, scrambled eggs, tots, and selection of meat) or Queenstown Farmer (eggs, tomato, toast, potato, English beans, alternative of meat). If that sounds heavy, don’t fear, I ordered the Strawberry Rooster 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, but it surely nonetheless seems 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 buy wine to take dwelling with you. It’s not typically in La Jolla to take pleasure in a very good bottle of wine at your desk for $40.
FAQs About Consuming 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 checklist throughout a weekend or summer season 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 doubtless add when (if) it reopens.
The place ought to I park my automotive to get breakfast in La Jolla?
Weekend free avenue parking in La Jolla is notoriously tough. Nevertheless, we have now numerous paid heaps that don’t at all times 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 Road). We residents additionally use the Ace Parking App to seek 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. You can too 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, verify hours earlier than you go, as they’re topic to vary.
The place’s the Finest 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 Model 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 on the lookout for 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.
