Best Breakfast Restaurants in Santa Monica
13 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: February 2026
Our Top Pick
Farmshop
A chef-driven breakfast with bakery-level pastries in a chic market setting.
Notable Picks
#1
Farmshop
8.8
Farmshop turns breakfast into a polished, market-driven affair, with dishes built around pristine California produce and a serious in-house bakery. Locals come for shirred eggs, buttermilk biscuits, and excellent coffee before wandering the Brentwood Country Mart’s boutiques.
Must-Try Dishes:
Shirred Eggs with lamb merguez, dates & yogurt, Buttermilk Biscuit with fra’mani ham & sunny-side egg, Brioche French Toast with strawberries & mascarpone
What Makes it Special: A chef-driven breakfast with bakery-level pastries in a chic market setting.
8.4
This longtime beachfront cafe attached to the Annenberg Beach House serves a trio of seafood tacos—fish, shrimp, and salmon—steps from the sand. The tacos pair crisp slaw and pico with ocean views that make a casual plate feel like a mini vacation.
Must-Try Dishes:
Fish Tacos, Shrimp Tacos, Salmon Tacos
What Makes it Special: A Santa Monica landmark where you can eat seafood tacos at tables set directly in the sand.
8.3
European deli and market serving innovative breakfast since 2000, known for house-smoked salmon and savory pancakes. This family-owned spot doubles as a Scandinavian, Dutch, and German import market with extensive cheese and charcuterie selections, creating a unique neighborhood cafe that serves breakfast and sandwiches alongside hard-to-find European specialty foods.
Must-Try Dishes:
Savory Salmon Pancake, House-Smoked Salmon, Green Eggs n' Ham
What Makes it Special: House-smoked salmon and European market with 24+ years of neighborhood service
#4
Sweet Maple
8.3
Home to the world-famous Millionaire's Bacon, this breakfast powerhouse elevates American morning classics with Asian flourishes. Thick-cut bacon caramelized with brown sugar and spicy pepper has achieved legendary status among brunch enthusiasts.
Must-Try Dishes:
Millionaire's Bacon, Blueberry Pancakes, Breakfast Burrito
What Makes it Special: Millionaire's Bacon put them on the global food map
#5
Blue Daisy
8.1
Cheerful all-day cafe specializing in sweet and savory organic crepes alongside healthy American breakfast favorites. The spacious dining room with outdoor patio welcomes families with extensive gluten-free options and bottomless weekday mimosas for parents.
Must-Try Dishes:
Nutella Strawberry Banana Crepe, Salmon Cake Scandia, Croissant French Toast
What Makes it Special: Extensive gluten-free crepe options made fresh daily
#6
Caffe Luxxe
8
Caffe Luxxe anchors the Country Mart mornings with serious espresso, silky matcha, and better-than-average pastries. It’s a casual, counter-service spot where locals linger over cappuccinos before school drop-off or a Montana Avenue walk.
Must-Try Dishes:
Matcha Latte, Nutella Croissant, Breakfast Sandwich with egg and cheddar
What Makes it Special: Specialty coffee and pastries with a relaxed, European-style café feel.
#7
Urth Caffé
8
LA institution serving exclusively organic, heirloom coffee with health-conscious California cuisine in Spanish-style building. Founded in 1989, Urth pioneered the organic coffee movement and offers extensive breakfast menu featuring everything from vegan options to decadent pastries, all made with sustainable ingredients in a European-style coffeehouse setting.
Must-Try Dishes:
Breakfast Burrito, Spanish Latte, Sticky Buns
What Makes it Special: America's first exclusively organic coffee company with celebrity following
Worthy Picks
#8
Kafe K
7.9
European-style cafe serving health-conscious organic breakfasts on a sunny outdoor patio. Women-owned and locally operated, this Main Street spot emphasizes fresh, farm-to-table ingredients with extensive vegetarian and vegan options alongside classic breakfast sandwiches and Mediterranean-inspired salads.
Must-Try Dishes:
Organic Poached Eggs, Smoked Salmon on Toasted Bagel, Acai Bowl
What Makes it Special: European cafe atmosphere with locally sourced organic ingredients
#9
Interstellar
7.9
Chef Angie Kim's modern all-day cafe blends Asian fusion with brunch classics in a sleek, minimalist space. The katsu curry rivals any Japanese restaurant while French toast gets elevated with blueberry ricotta, creating a menu that bridges continents with confident execution and specialty coffee drinks.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken Katsu Curry, Blueberry Ricotta French Toast, Branzino Ochazuke
What Makes it Special: Asian-fusion breakfast dishes you won't find elsewhere
7.9
This farmers' market-inspired bakery serves everything bagels with seasonal toppings and house-made cream cheeses alongside their famous pastries. The bustling counter-service spot channels rustic California charm with organic ingredients sourced from Santa Monica Farmers' Market.
Must-Try Dishes:
Everything Bagel with Chive Cream Cheese, Smoked Salmon Bagel, Maple Bacon Scone
What Makes it Special: Farm-to-table bagels with artisan cream cheeses
7.8
Operating since 1943, this historic diner got an Italian-influenced makeover from Capo restaurant's Bruce Marder. The bougainvillea-covered patio provides a romantic setting for orange pancakes and burrata caprese omelets, while maintaining its neighborhood coffee shop charm with Illy espresso and organic ingredients.
Must-Try Dishes:
Orange Pancakes, Burrata Caprese Omelet, Breakfast Burrito
What Makes it Special: Historic 1943 diner with Italian-influenced breakfast menu
#12
Rae's Restaurant
7.8
Vibes:
Comfort Food Classics
Family Friendly Favorites
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Authentic 1950s diner serving classic American breakfast in turquoise-blue retro setting since 1958. Red leather booths, counter seating with griddle views, and old-school hospitality define this local institution where housemade biscuits and gravy, giant cinnamon rolls, and hearty breakfast combos come at remarkably affordable prices.
Must-Try Dishes:
Biscuits and Gravy, Hobo Breakfast, Fresh-Baked Cinnamon Rolls
What Makes it Special: Genuine 1950s diner with 66 years of local history
#13
Jinky's Cafe
7.6
This eclectic neighborhood fixture since 2000 specializes in southwestern-influenced breakfast with over 20 chili varieties alongside pancakes and flaky French toast. The family-friendly space offers generous portions and creative combinations like chilaquiles and breakfast pizzas, making it a reliable choice for hearty morning meals.
Must-Try Dishes:
Martin's Spicy Chilaquiles, Flaky French Toast, Desperado Omelet
What Makes it Special: Twenty-plus chili varieties and southwestern breakfast focus