Best Breakfast Restaurants in Tenderloin (94102)
6 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: February 2026
Our Top Pick
Brenda's French Soul Food
New Orleans flavors executed with precision and big-city pace.
Notable Picks
8.6
Breakfast runs from beignets and biscuit sandwiches to shrimp & grits, executed with New Orleans flair from chef-owner Brenda Buenviaje. Lines move steadily and the kitchen delivers consistent, soulful plates that feel worth a detour.
Must-Try Dishes:
Crawfish beignets, Buttermilk fried chicken plate, Shrimp & grits
What makes it special: New Orleans flavors executed with precision and big-city pace.
8.4
The Civic Center outpost of San Francisco’s famed croissant bakery turns out textbook-laminated pastries alongside coffee and a few savory options. Expect limited seating, a steady morning rush, and pastries that justify the hype.
Must-Try Dishes:
Almond croissant, Kouign-amann, Ham & cheese croissant
What makes it special: Nationally lauded croissants baked fresh through the morning.
Worthy Picks
7.9
Floral-forward brunch plates, from yuzu-kissed pancakes to coconut-tinged French toast, in a bright room across from the Civic Center arts corridor. Expect a leisurely pace and visually playful dishes geared to weekend meetups.
Must-Try Dishes:
Yuzu pancakes, Coconut French toast, Thai omelet
What makes it special: Asian-leaning brunch with striking, floral presentation.
#4
Scullery
7.8
A compact Tenderloin cafe pouring careful espresso with a short, dialed-in breakfast menu—think toasts and eggy sandwiches. Friendly counter service and efficient mornings make it a neighborhood standby since 2016.
Must-Try Dishes:
Breakfast Sandwich, Avocado Toast, Ricotta Honey Toast
What makes it special: Tight coffee program with well-executed, simple breakfast plates.
#5
Rad Radish
7.7
Plant-forward breakfast and brunch—grain bowls, scrambles, and smoothies—in a spacious Hayes Valley room with counter ordering. It’s a practical meet-up spot for mixed dietary needs without sacrificing flavor.
Must-Try Dishes:
Breakfast Grain Bowl, Tofu Scramble Wrap, Avocado Toast + Greens
What makes it special: Vegan-leaning menu with broad, customizable breakfast options.
7.6
All-day cafe just off Union Square serving a classic breakfast lineup—omelets, ricotta pancakes, and hash browns—with friendly table service. It’s a convenient pre-shopping or pre-meeting stop with a broad menu.
Must-Try Dishes:
Ricotta Pancakes, San Francisco Omelet, Avocado Toast + Eggs
What makes it special: Broad, traveler-friendly menu with reliable breakfast staples.