GREAT COFFEE AND BREAKFAST PLACES IN SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA

Last Updated on 17th July 2024 by Bejal

When it comes to awesome coffee and breakfast places in San Diego, regular visitors like us and locals a like are spoilt for choice. There are not only so many options to kickstart your day with all the fuel you need in the form of food and drinks but the quality of produce is immensely impressive. Think sweet pastries, jewel like fruit and granola bowls, savoury egg dishes, the fluffiest pancakes and big global flavours. Oh and then there’s the coffee spots, quite literally the choice is yours, iced teas, coffees, lavender lattes, matcha to your heart’s content and so much more. 

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This coffee and breakfast places in San Diego guide serves as a resources based on our personal jaunts, from small batch bakery style outlets to diners serving a number of portions for those who like to linger for the most important meal of the day. Read on to eat and drink your way through this round-up of  morning focussed restaurants in San Diego.

Coffee Shops and Cafes in San Diego

San Diego has some of the cutest coffee shops and roasters offering a wonderful range of coffees, teas and other hot and cold beverages. Much like the special vibe, we’ve found them to have a really laid back atmosphere and friendly service. So whether you’re planning to sit in or grab a drink to go, you won’t be disappointed.

Tiger Cafe, Gaslamp 

Located in San Diego’s Gaslamp District, we visited this cafe when it had just opened. They had a wonderful selection of hot and cold drinks but now are offering a wider selection. They even have some great looking pastries, breakfast bowls, waffles, sandwiches and more.

Tiger Cafe is also the perfect spot to sit, and watch the scenes in the Gaslamp district unfold through the large windows. The decor is minimal in tones of sage and white and note the multi-colour tiger on the wall that was being painted when we stopped by.

• Location: 345 Market Street, San Diego, CA 92101 I Tel. +1 619 866 2044 I Website I Find on Map
• Coffee Roasters: No 
• Reviews: What fellow coffee shop lovers are saying
• Price Range $/$$

Be-lavie Recommendations: Try their iced coffees, we particularly love the French vanilla iced latte.

Chiefy Cafe, Gaslamp 

A great coffee shop in San Diego with two locations, one in the Gaslamp district and the other at San Diego University. This coffee hangout has a very fun vibe and is perfect for anytime drinks, breakfast and lunch. They do a selection of vegan coffees and grab and go breakfast.

The do a number of house blends as well as strong blends including Ethiopia and Guatemalan coffees as well as a whole vegan friendly drinks menu, which is pretty impressive.

They also do an interesting rage of lattes such as Moon milk, Viennese, Mexicano and Oreo Remix. A few of their breakfast highlights include, avocado toast, acai or dragonfruit bowls as well as bagels.

• Location: 777 Sixth Ave STE 105, San Diego, CA 92101 I Tel. +1 619 5018 458 I Website I Find on Map 
• Coffee Roasters: No
• Reviews: What fellow coffee shop lovers are saying
• Price range: $

Be-lavie Recommendations: We really enjoyed the iced Lavender Mocha and Iced Chai Latte with a cream cheese bagel.

Gran Havana Cigars & Hookah Lounge, Gaslamp

Technically this isn’t a coffee shop but they do fantastic coffee based drinks as well as pastries. Gran Havana actually specialises in an extensive range of Cuban hand rolled cigars and even have a specific glass cabinet room where these are stored and rolled. The set up is very much like a lounge with comfy seating. It’s quite a cool place with mysterious decor, and more so in the late afternoons and evenings Hookah is available here. 

As well as a range of iced and hot drinks, they also serve gelatos, crepes, pastries and other sweet treats.

• Location: 745 Fourth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101 I Tel. +1 619 2342 826 I Website I Find on Map
• Coffee Roasters: No 
• Reviews: What fellow coffee shop lovers are saying
• Price Range: $$

Be-lavie Recommendations: The iced strawberry mocha is a real treat.

Lani Coffee, Gaslamp

This Hawaiian cafe in the Gaslamp District not only serves some great Kona coffee which has been sustainably grown on the lava rich soils of this Western American island, they also do some great food.

We love their range of Acai bowls, blended iced drinks as well as pastries, crepes, espresso drinks and cold brew Hawaiian coffee. 

Lani coffee is a fun place decorated with traditional Hawaiian decor and artwork, it’s very popular with the locals too. 

• Location: 101 Market St #100, San Diego, CA 92101 I Tel. +1 619 2995 466 I Website I Find on Map
• Coffee Roasters: No 
• Reviews: What fellow coffee shop lovers are saying
• Price Range: $$

Be-lavie Recommendations: Banzai Acai Bowl (Acai bowl with granola, banana, strawberries, and honey and peanut butter) with a coconut latte.

Fig Tree Cafe, East Village

Located on the border of East Village and the Gaslamp district, Fig Tree has all the So Cal vibes you’d expect. Themed around beach style decor with bright wall artwork and turquoise and red seating, it’s fun and laid back. They are open all day and serve breakfast, lunch, all day snacks as well as alcohol in the evenings. Fig Tree Cafe has a number of locations throughout the city however the East Village is well located for those staying in the Gaslamp/downtown area.

• Location: 695 Sixth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101 I Tel. +1 619 349 4890 I Website I Find on Map
• Coffee Roasters: No 
• Reviews: What fellow coffee shop lovers are saying
• Price Range: $$

Be-lavie Recommendations: Honey lavender lattes, hibiscus or fresh lemonade. Their French toast is very good as is their walnut maple cake or Matcha and strawberry pancakes. If you’re going for brunch then try the truffle fries.

Better Buzz Coffee, Coronado

With quite a few outlets dotted in and around the San Diego area, each of Better Buzz coffee’s have a slight uniqueness to them. We headed to the one in Coronado for breakfast on our day trip here. It’s a lively place, that’s busiest during the breakfast morning run. The company is a small batch roasters and you can even grab a bag of coffee beans to take away as well as their fun merchandiser. Their yellow and black decor is fun with the occasional neon sign.

• Location: 1305 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA 92118 I Tel. +1 619 8666 896 I Website I Find on Map 
• Coffee Roasters: Yes
• Reviews: What fellow coffee shop lovers are saying
• Price Range: $$ 

Be-lavie Recommendations: Lavender tea latte with a yoghurt bowl filled with honeycomb, strawberries, blueberries, granola, coconut yoghurt and coconut flakes. 

Lovesong Coffee, North Park

Located in the very trendy cool and hip part of San Diego, known as North Park, their airy cafe with white and rose gold accents is the perfect spot to take a little break. Seating is available in the form of tiered staging with cushions, where you’ll see people sat working on their laptops. They also sell a range of house interiors, curios, cushions and home accessories. The staff are cool and the drinks station is right in the centre where you can see them mixing up an unusual menu of coffees and iced drinks from a limited menu. It’s definitely worth a visit – more of a breezy coffee bar scene.

• Location: 3022 N Park Way, San Diego, CA 92104 I Website I Find on Map
• Coffee Roasters: No 
• Reviews: What fellow coffee shop lovers are saying
• Price Range: $$

Be-lavie Recommendations: Evergreen (iced – local mint, vanilla, espresso and milk) & Hanalei Bae iced – pineapple, rum infused maple syrup, coconut, espresso and milk)

The Best Breakfast Restaurants In San Diego

You’ve experienced the coffee spots but when it’s a California style breakfast you’re after, here are our top picks in San Diego and the surroundings.

The Cottage, La Jolla

Established way back in 1985, The Cottage in La Jolla has been the centre of serving mouth watering breakfast, brunch and lunch to the locals and visitors to the coastal town alike. After over 25 years of service, it is super popular and a bit of a la Jolla constitution. The Cottage specialises in traditional American and Southern California food. The Victorian style white washed decor and atmosphere here creates lovely homely and cosy experience. We loved our visit, we got there close to opening time and got a really lovely booth outside. The Cottage has to be the best breakfast in La Jolla, without a doubt.

Be-lavie Tip: Get here early for breakfast, it gets pretty busy very fast. Reservations are not taken for breakfast time.

• Location: 7702 Fay Ave, La Jolla, CA 92037 I Tel. +1 858 4548 409 I Website I Find on Map
• Reviews: What fellow breakfast lovers are saying
• Reservations: Only walk ins for breakfast 
• Price Range: $$

Be-lavie Recommendations: the lemon ricotta pancakes with blueberries that pop in your mouth with a Mexican mocha, bringing a comforting spicy chocolatey warmth.

Blue Whale, La Jolla

A very cute surf style cafe which serves coffees, healthy blended drinks, pastries as well as some fantastic brunch options. It’s also a great place to stop off for a drink in between exploring La Jolla. 

The white washed, La Jolla, ‘house’ is simple with white walls and dark brown chairs and tables but has the Californian, coastal vibe thing going on. There is seating inside and a few tables on the porch area as well as the street right outside. 

They do a range of speciality teas and coffees such as Mayan Mocha, Lavender latte or Throat Coat and Liquid Sunshine tea. Breakfast items range from build your own superfood bowls to French toast or breakfast Burritos to mention a few.

• Location: 834 Kline St, La Jolla, CA 92037 I Tel. +1 858 3526 580 I Website I Find on Map
• Reservations: Do not take Reservations
• Price Range: $

Be-lavie Recommendations: The cold blended drinks, French Toast, smoothies  and functional lattes are delicious.

Moxy San Diego, Gaslamp 

Located right on the edge of East village and into the Gaslamp Quarter is the fun and quirky Moxy. In their downstairs bar area, they serve food throughout the day and breakfast is a great option. Though their menu is limited, Bar Moxy does have the classic American items and they are delicious. Breakfast offerings include the So-Cal Burrito, Eggs , bacon, toast, pancakes, bagels and much more, They also have a number of vegetarian and vegan options available too. The Moxy is a lively place for breakfast with friends.

//Read More: Quirky boutique hotels in San Diego

• Location: 831 Sixth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101 I Tel. +1 619 2396 699 I Website I Find on Map
• Reviews: What fellow breakfast lovers are saying
• Reservations: Not necessary
• Price Range: $

Be-lavie Recommendations: ‘The Dutch Baby’ is a skillet pancake with house made berry preserve and maple syrup. Their regular choice of teas and coffees are limited compared to cafes but they make up for it in taste. Simplicity is best at Moxy.

Broken Yolk, Gaslamp

In the historic Gaslamp Quarter, the Broken Yolk brings breakfast and brunch to the next level with largish portions of all the favourite breakfast dishes you can possibly think of! Their Tiki Toast lends some island flair to a syrupy breakfast staple, and my personal favourite, their endless omelette selection is impressive. You can be sure to set yourself up for the day at Broken Yolk. 

• Location: 355 Sixth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101 I Tel. +1 619 3389 655 I Website I Find on Map
• Reviews: What fellow breakfast lovers are saying
• Reservations: Not necessary
• Price Range: $$

Be-lavie Recommendations: the ‘Mom’ Omelette is delicious and includes, spinach, mushrooms, onion, red and green bell pepper, avocado and is drizzled with salsa and comes with some sour cream on the side. Omelettes come accompanied with a small bowl of fruit, blueberry muffin. They also do some great coffee and juice options.

Gaslamp Breakfast Company

Situated right in the heart of the Gaslamp district, this eatery is dedicated to offering the best in a breakfast plus cocktails, a selection of drinks as well as kombucha and beers. 

The vibe is casual and relaxed but with some fun splashes of colour in the form of artwork on the brick walls, and neon fun signs. The service is very attentive and friendly.

The Gaslamp Breakfast company has an extensive menu ranging from breakfast sandwiches to Mexican specialities, pancakes, waffles, fruit bowls, omelettes, French toast and even sides. They also do some great vegan sammies (sandwiches on sourdough) as well as a Vegan eggs Benedict.

This outlet will most certainly set you up for the day ahead!

• Location: 551 J St, San Diego, CA 92101, United States I Tel. +1 619 937 3074 I Website I Find on Map
• Reviews: What fellow breakfast lovers are saying
• Reservations: No Reservations necessary
• Price Range: $/$$

Be-lavie Recommendations: A healthy favourite of ours is the yoghurt bowl with seasonal fruit, berries, banana and house made granola. Wash it down with a freshly squeezed orange juice and a latte for the caffeine fix

Invigatorium, East Village

Out of all the breakfast spots we’ve been to in San Diego, Invitatorium has to be the most eclectic and fun. It is a feast for the eyes, especially when it comes to the decor and the food is really very good indeed. It’s a great hangout for coffee, breakfast, brunch, natural wines as well as cocktails.

The decor is a mix of bright and bold colours, with booths, tables, bar stool seating and the most quirkiest of artwork and artefacts. Note the life size Ronald MacDonald sat on one of the tables inside.

We popped in on a Sunday, and took advantage of the warm November weather, with a seat outside. Shaded with grasses and plants its a lovely little patio area.

The menu includes picks such as all day breakfast sandwiches, chia puddings, French toast to name a few and also the Muffuletta melt which is a delicious looking cheesy melted sandwich. Go for a hot drink or wash your breakfast down with one of the many great cocktails on the menu. This has to be one of the most fun breakfast places in San Diego.

• Location: 631 Ninth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101  I Tel. +1 855 634 7664 I Website I Find on Map
• Reservations: No Reservations necessary
• Price Range: $/$$

Be-lavie Recommendations: The vegan breakfast sandwich or the strawberry topped French toast are delicious. We enjoyed their cardamom lattes too, 

Breakfast Republic, East Village

Beakfast Republic, San Diego has branches throughout Southern California serving tasty takes on American classics such as Oreo Pancakes, Shrimp & Grits and S’mores French Toast. You’ll see locals as well as visitors here tucking into the food and enjoying the unpretentious surroundings. Raising the “bar” are Breakfast Republic’s local craft beer and organic kombucha on draft, which are available as samplers to complement many of the unique dishes they serve. Vegans are in for a treat with plenty of choice. Breakfast Republic is known as one of the best breakfast downtown San Diego spots.

• Location: 707 G St, San Diego, CA 92101 I Tel. +1 619 5018 280 I Website I Find on Map
• Reviews: What fellow breakfast lovers are saying
• Reservations: No Reservations necessary
• Price Range: $/$$

Be-lavie Recommendations: Indulge in the cinnamon roll pancakes topped with walnuts, and cinnamon frosting. Accompany with a freshly squeezed orange juice

Farmers Table, Little Italy

The idea behind Farmer’s Table is to deliver fresh produce straight from the farm to the table, just as the name suggests. They have been awarded many accolades for their initiatives in sourcing local food. They do an extensive breakfast menu with all the usuals, placing great emphasis on freshness and quality. 

The outlet in Little Italy is a good place to have breakfast on a Saturday morning when the weekly market is on and the perfect spot to take a seat outside and people watch.

Farmer’s table have been voted by ‘The Food Network’ as having the most over the top Bloody Mary options in America! You’ll have to go and check it out!

• Location: 550 W Date St Ste A, San Diego, CA 92101 I Tel. +1 619 255 0958 I Website I Find on Map
• Reviews: What fellow breakfast lovers are saying
• Reservations: No Reservations necessary
• Price Range: $$

Be-lavie Recommendations: We opted for a healthy fruits and grains bowl with fresh fruit, strawberry, yoghurt and house made granola. Of course a latte to sip on to start.

Parakeet Cafe, Coronado

If you are someone who loves a ‘insta worthy’ looking hangout, then Parakeet cafe is for you. The aesthetics are just as delicious as the food and drinks. The bright coordinating decor is hues of pinks, oranges, purples and as the name suggests, you’ll see pretty parakeet wallpaper on the walls and cute hanging wall art.

The cafe is relaxed and serves a range of smoothies, shots, superfood drinks as well as bowls, brunch items, light bites such as soups, salads and so much more.

• Location: 1134 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA 92118 I Tel. +1 619 675 7731 I  Website I Find on Map
• Reviews: What fellow breakfast lovers are saying
• Reservations: No Reservations necessary
• Price Range: $$

Be-lavie Recommendations: Choose from one of the healthy superfood smoothies or juices and add a vegetarian breakfast spinach wrap with scrambled eggs, veggies, slaw and avocado.

Clayton’s Coffee Shop, Coronado

A more of a traditional style diner feel, Clayton’s is a laid back spot on Coronado for breakfast, and a coffee with a more traditional American setting and menu choice. 

As well as offering Acai bowls and the like, they also serve up Mexican offerings such as Huevos Rancheros, grits, meat lovers specialities, omelettes in a range of varieties as well as pancakes and waffles. Probably one of the most extensive breakfast choices you will see in the whole of San Diego!

• Location: 979 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA 92118  I Tel. +1 619 4355 425 I  Website I Find on Map
• Reviews: What fellow breakfast lovers are saying
• Reservations: No Reservations necessary
• Price Range: $$

Be-lavie Recommendations: Cinnamon roll pancakes with a cream cheese frosting and an Americano for a weekend sweet treat breakfast. Start with a yoghurt bowl containing plain or vanilla Greek yogurt topped with strawberries, bananas, granola & honey.

Coffee & Breakfast Spots in San Diego FAQs

Which Coffee Shops and Cafes are Roasters?

This one’s for the coffee lovers and those who like to have a chat about where the coffee is from and originated.

• Communal Coffee, various locations in San Diego
• Bird Rock Coffee Roasters, 9 San Diego locations
• James Coffee, Little Italy

Which Cafes are good to work from?

Although we didn’t spend a lot of time working from coffee shops, there was a definite work from coffee shops scene and here are some we noted:

• Lani Coffee, Gaslamp
• Tiger Cafe, Gaslamp
• Chiefy Cafe, Gaslamp
• Gran HavanaCigar Factory, Gaslmap
• The Invigatorium, East Village
• Bird Rock Cafe, Little Italy
• Bird Rock Coffee Roaster, Waterfront
• Lovesong, North Park

Do Many of the Coffee and Breakfast places have vegetarian and vegan options?

Yes. Every cafe we went to had a choice of vegetarian and vegan options to choose from. If in doubt, ask your server for recommendations as in most cases they are happy to adapt dishes for you specifically.

Is it necessary to tip at cafes in San Diego?

Unlike Europe, tipping is a part of the American culture and is expected, even if you are just helping yourself to something off the shelf and having a coffee being poured for you. 

How much Tip do we need to leave at coffee shops?

Often receipts and card machine portals will give you a choice of paying 15%, 20% or 30%, sometimes it even says no tip. We usually stick to the 15-20% dependent upon service. If you think things are pretty bad then you ‘no tip’ option can be applied however this is very rare.

Which are the most instagram worthy / prettiest cafes in San Diego?

There are so many cute breakfast places in San Diego. It is full of pretty and instagram worthy, cafe spots, especially in North Park, you’ll understand why when you visit the neighbourhood.

• Better Buzz, all locations
• The Invigatorium, East Village
• Lovesong, North Park
• Holy Matcha, North Park
• Communal Coffee, North Park
• Parakeet Cafe, Little Italy & Coronado
• Moniker Coffee, Liberty Station 

Where are some great locally owned restaurants that serve breakfast in San Diego

• The Cottage, La Jolla
• Provisional Kitchen, Gaslamp (one of the fancy breakfast places in San Diego)
• Lani Coffee, Gaslamp
• Tiger Cafe, Gaslamp
• The Henry, Coronado
• Breakfast & Bubbles, North Park
• The Invigatorium, East Village

Food & Drinks Tours in San Diego

If you love food and drinks tours, here are some of our favourite picks for San Diego to satisfy foodies and introduce you to the food of this part of southern California.

A few more tours that we personally love

• San Diego: East Village Food and Drink Walking Tour – The East Village, San Diego’s most exciting foodie neighborhood. Visit Michelin-starred restaurants, breweries, and award-winning cocktail bars throughout San Diego’s ‘new downtown’. (Approx duration:3 hours).
• History Tour Pub Crawl of Famous Gaslamp Quarter – Mix hidden history, craft beer & good times for a fun & unique San Diego experience. Learn the unknown stories of San Diego from an expert guide while drinking local beers in the historical Gaslamp Quarter. (Approx duration: 2 hours).
• San Diego: Old Town Tequila and Tacos Walking Food Tour – Sample food from local restaurants on a walking tour of San Diego. Learn about the “Birthplace of California,” and hear chilling ghost tales about America’s most haunted house, the Whaley House. (Approx duration: 2,5 hours).
• San Diego: Brewery and Tap Room Sidecar Tour – Discover what San Diego is all about by cruising through the downtown in a tandem sidecar. Make stops at different breweries and taprooms and taste the finest craft beers and local favourites. (Approx duration: 2,5 hours).

Coffee & Breakfast Places in San Diego: Round-up

San Diego has an extensive range of fantastic coffee and breakfast spots to suit all tastes and style. If you are a fan of quirky and independent, North Park is for you, a little more upmarket and sophisticated, Coronado and Gaslamp will fit your bill and if its chilled beach vibes then look no further than surf vibe spots in La Jolla.

For those visiting within the USA, many of the coffee shops and cafes are also dog friendly and can provide a water bowl for your furry four legged companion, as long as they are well behaved.

If you love your coffee, note that we have also included which roasters you need to head to for your perfect caffeine fix. No matter whether you’re staying in Downtown, La Jolla or Coronado, you will only be a few minutes walk away from a great coffee and delicious breakfast. Enjoy these, in our opinion the best breakfast spots in San Diego.

Related Articles: Coffee and Breakfast Places in San Diego

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• The best Vegetarian-Friendly Food in San Diego
• How to spend one day on Coronado Island, San Diego
• How to best send one day in La Jolla
• Ultimate Itinerary: One day in Little Italy, San Diego
• The Ultimate Guide to The Gaslamp Quarter, San Diego
• The Ultimate Visitors Guide to San Diego

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