Best Breakfast Restaurants in San Francisco
50 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: February 2026
Our Top Pick
Spruce
Fine-dining polish meets a composed, seasonal brunch format.
Notable Picks
#1
Spruce
8.8
Polished Presidio Heights dining room offering refined weekend brunch with a deep wine program. Technique-first cooking and attentive service make it a special-occasion standby.
Must-Try Dishes:
Prix-Fixe Brunch Course, Brioche French Toast, Pastry Basket
What Makes it Special: Fine-dining polish meets a composed, seasonal brunch format.
#2
Plow
8.7
Since 2010, Joel Bleskacek and Maxine Siu’s Potrero Hill standby draws lines for sunny plates and ultra-photogenic lemon ricotta pancakes. Brunch classics land with care, anchored by those crispy "Plow potatoes" and a bright, minimalist space that flatters every shot.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lemon Ricotta Pancakes, Plow Potatoes, Soft-Scramble & Bacon Plate
What Makes it Special: Iconic pancakes and potatoes in light-filled Potrero Hill digs.
8.6
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Quick Bites Champions
Comfort Food Classics
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Family-run sandwich shop known for hefty toasted builds and zippy house sauces. The Taraval outpost keeps lines moving at lunch and offers plenty of kid-friendly options and shareable halves.
Must-Try Dishes:
Garlic Turkey on Dutch Crunch, Spicy Italian, Tuna Melt
What Makes it Special: Made-to-order toasted sandwiches with signature spreads at budget prices.
#4
Surisan
8.6
Korean-inspired brunch near the Wharf with sleek plating and patio seating. Vibrant dishes and colorful sauces make camera-ready spreads without sacrificing flavor.
Must-Try Dishes:
Millionaire’s Bacon & Eggs, Kimchi Fried Rice with Pork Belly, Ube Pancakes
What Makes it Special: Modern Korean twists on American brunch with highly photogenic plates.
#5
Zazie
8.6
Cole Valley’s long-running brunch standard where Benedicts and gingerbread pancakes land with polished timing. A leafy patio and veteran team keep waits orderly and meals consistent.
Must-Try Dishes:
Eggs Benedict (any style), Gingerbread Pancakes, Pain Perdu
What Makes it Special: Destination-level Benedicts with smooth, veteran service and patio seating.
8.5
Tiny counter famed for benchmark croissants and laminated pastries. Expect a short line and crisp, buttery bakes that set the local standard.
Must-Try Dishes:
Butter Croissant, Kouign-Amann, Ham & Cheese Croissant
What Makes it Special: Nationally praised croissants with deep butter flavor and shatter.
#7
Breadbelly
8.5
Asian American bakery-café known for kaya toast, dialed pastries, and efficient counter service. Lines move, the kitchen cooks clean and bright, and the Clement Street room hums without feeling cramped.
Must-Try Dishes:
Kaya Toast, Croissant Breakfast Sandwich, Seasonal Pastry
What Makes it Special: Kaya-driven pastry program with café-speed hot plates.
8.5
Bustling Castro standby blending California comfort with Asian touches and the signature Millionaire’s Bacon. Locals line up for well-executed staples in a lively room.
Must-Try Dishes:
Millionaire’s Bacon, Ricotta pancakes, Eggs Benedict
What Makes it Special: California-meets-Asian brunch anchored by Millionaire’s Bacon.
#9
Cenote
8.4
Casual FiDi counter-service spot with a weekday Happy Hour that includes $9 two-taco plates and drink deals. Straightforward street tacos and quesabirria make it a practical after-work stop near the Embarcadero.
Must-Try Dishes:
Quesabirria (with consomé), 2 Street Tacos (carnitas or asada), Loaded Nachos
What Makes it Special: Weekday Happy Hour with legit taco deals downtown.
8.4
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Sweet Treats Escapes
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
High-volume Chinatown counter turning out hot, freshly fried pastries alongside classic dim sum. Expect fast-moving lines and consistent execution on donut-adjacent favorites like sesame balls and fried dough sticks.
Must-Try Dishes:
Sesame Balls (Jin Dui), Chinese Donut (Youtiao), Sweet Egg Puffs
What Makes it Special: Takeout-only pace with reliably fresh, fried pastries.
#11
Iggy's Place
8.4
Daytime sandwich shop from the Borsch Mobile team turning out loaded hoagies and Slavic-influenced buns alongside salads and soups. Locals praise the crisp produce, well-seasoned meats, and quick counter cadence on Balboa.
Must-Try Dishes:
Turkey hoagie with house dressing, Pulled chicken bun, Borsch-stuffed bun
What Makes it Special: Sandwich shop with Slavic-inspired buns from the Borsch Mobile crew.
8.4
Waterfront American seafood with wide bay views, oysters by the dozen, and a lively brunch that draws Mission Bay regulars. It’s the move for patio seating and seafood plates before a game or concert nearby.
Must-Try Dishes:
Dungeness Crab Benedict, Oysters on the Half Shell, Fish & Chips
What Makes it Special: Bayfront patio with oysters, seafood plates, and strong brunch.
#13
Piglet & Co
8.4
A Taiwanese-inspired restaurant offering nostalgic comfort food with a modern twist.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pork Chop Rice, Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken, Bubble Tea
What Makes it Special: Blends traditional Taiwanese flavors with contemporary presentation.
#14
Prubechu
8.4
Chamorro restaurant featuring marinated grilled pork ribs alongside Guamanian sides like red rice and fina’denne’. A polished Mission dining room where ribs get an island spin rather than Texas smoke.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chamorro BBQ Pork Ribs, BBQ Chicken Skewers, Thrice-Cooked Brisket Skewer
What Makes it Special: Guamanian-style ribs with house sauces and traditional sides.
8.4
Long-running Cantonese-Filipino diner serving hearty breakfast plates, congee, and HK café staples from morning hours. Locals rely on fast tickets, big portions, and a wide mix of sweet-savory breakfast options.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tapsilog (beef, garlic rice, egg), HK-Style French Toast, Congee with Century Egg
What Makes it Special: HK-style café breakfast meets Filipino silog plates under one roof.
8.4
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Business Lunch Power Players
Outdoor Dining Oasis
Group Dining Gatherings
Owner-led American bistro where lunch moves efficiently and dinner brings polished versions of classics—from ribeye to salads and fish tacos. Sidewalk patio seating keeps it workable for families while feeling grown-up.
Must-Try Dishes:
Prime Cut Ribeye (Lunch/Dinner), Chopped Apple Salad, Fish Tacos
What Makes it Special: Polished takes on American staples with efficient pacing downtown.
8.3
Daytime favorite for New Orleans-influenced American comfort from Chef Brenda Buenviaje. Hearty plates and efficient service make it a reliable Tenderloin/Civic Center lunch before or after meetings.
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.
#18
Caché
8.3
Modern French bistro in the Inner Sunset from chefs Florent Thomas and Simon Mounier (ex–La Grande Maison), delivering precise technique with Bay Area produce. Opened in 2025, it’s the neighborhood’s refined option for date-night plates, natural wines, and polished hospitality.
Must-Try Dishes:
Beef tartare with oysters, Sea bream sashimi for two, Rolled buckwheat crêpes
What Makes it Special: Michelin-trained team elevates a neighborhood French bistro with seasonal finesse.
8.3
Vibes:
Business Lunch Power Players
Family Friendly Favorites
Group Dining Gatherings
Comfort Food Classics
Cart-free, made-to-order dim sum in a bright dining room just off Portsmouth Square. Known for consistent execution and swift pacing for business lunches and weekend families.
Must-Try Dishes:
Har gow (shrimp dumplings), Siu mai, Baked BBQ pork buns
What Makes it Special: Made-to-order dim sum with quick turns and reliable pacing.
8.3
A cozy spot offering delicious breakfast tacos with a twist, including chorizo and scrambled eggs paired with fresh salsa.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chorizo Breakfast Taco, Scrambled Egg Taco, Salsa Verde Taco
What Makes it Special: Breakfast tacos with a unique Mexican twist and fresh ingredients.
#21
Eat Americana
8.3
Vibes:
Business Lunch Power Players
Comfort Food Classics
Family Friendly Favorites
Quick Bites Champions
Neighborhood spot doing American comfort staples with care—crispy fried chicken sandwiches, a legit cheesesteak, and a grilled cheese built to dip in tomato soup. Friendly service and a calm room make it an easy, professional midday meet-up.
Must-Try Dishes:
Fried Chicken Sandwich, Cheesesteak, Grilled Cheese with Tomato Soup
What Makes it Special: Comfort classics executed with balanced flavors and dependable pacing.
#22
La Connessa
8.3
Modern Potrero Hill trattoria from Bacchus Management Group offering handmade pastas and classic Italian mains in a lively, comfortable room. Families can share generous plates and enjoy attentive service at earlier dinner hours and weekend brunch.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cacio e pepe, Chicken parmigiana, Seasonal risotto
What Makes it Special: Handmade pastas and shareable Italian classics in an upbeat setting.
#23
Lokma
8.3
Turkish-Californian plates—manti, mezze, and wood-grilled proteins—served with steady hospitality. Sidewalk seating stays active from brunch through dinner on the Clement corridor.
Must-Try Dishes:
Manti (Turkish dumplings), Menemen, Lamb Köfte
What Makes it Special: Turkish staples executed with California produce and all-day appeal.
8.3
Weekend brunch goes full-frame with bottomless mimosas and Irish plates—think Full Irish, Irish Benedict, and granola-crusted French toast. Spacious tables and bright plating make it a Parkside photo favorite.
Must-Try Dishes:
Full Irish Breakfast, Irish Benedict, Pub French Toast
What Makes it Special: Irish-leaning weekend brunch with bottomless mimosas and bold, camera-ready plates.
#25
The Press
8.3
Vibes:
Business Lunch Power Players
Quick Bites Champions
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Outdoor Dining Oasis
Daytime artisan café using quality breads and local produce for pressed sandwiches and salads. It’s the downtown move for a satisfying lunch under $20.
Must-Try Dishes:
Italian Pressed Sandwich, Turkey Avocado on Ciabatta, Tomato Basil Soup
What Makes it Special: Thoughtful pressed sandwiches with quality bread and produce.
#26
Eight AM
8.2
Bright breakfast spot with thick pancakes, avocado toasts, and omelets plated cleanly for easy shots. Friendly pricing for the area and efficient flow keep waits manageable.
Must-Try Dishes:
Buttermilk Pancakes, Avocado Toast with Eggs, Vegetable Omelet
What Makes it Special: Clean, high-light plates perfect for simple overhead shots.
#27
MayaFlor
8.2
Neighborhood Mexican-American spot known for brunch staples like chilaquiles and a compact dinner menu later in the week. Friendly service and fair prices make it a reliable Nob Hill choice for casual meals with a little polish.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chilaquiles rojos, Steak & eggs, Cazuelas
What Makes it Special: Brunch-first Mexican plates with a friendly neighborhood feel.
8.2
Cal-Mex spot in the heart of North Beach pouring $7 house margs at weekday happy hour. Tacos, burritos, and shared plates land fast, making it an easy after-work meetup near Columbus.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carnitas street tacos, Carne asada burrito, Chips, salsa & guac
What Makes it Special: Weekday 3–6pm happy hour with well-priced margaritas and tacos.
8.2
Color-forward brunch plates and benedicts with playful twists (think tiramisu pancakes and blueberry-matcha drinks) in a bright, new-build space. Weekend lines move steadily and dishes arrive photo-ready without feeling fussy.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tiramisu Pancakes, Classic Eggs Benedict, Blueberry Matcha Latte
What Makes it Special: Playful brunch with dessert-inspired pancakes and benedicts.
#30
Presidio Kebab
8.2
Turkish-leaning spot in Presidio Heights known for well-seasoned skewers, beyti, and generous meze, with a calm streetside setup. Portions are hearty and plating is polished, making it a comfortable outdoor dinner that still feels special.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lamb Şiş Kebab, Beyti (lavash-wrapped kebab with yogurt), Greek Fries with Feta
What Makes it Special: Careful kebab cookery and meze with easygoing, polished service.
#31
Wooden Spoon
8.2
All-day breakfast and brunch with from-scratch staples and fast, friendly pacing. Expect consistent plates that balance lighter California fare with diner comforts.
Must-Try Dishes:
Breakfast burrito, Avocado toast, Buttermilk pancakes
What Makes it Special: Reliable, from-scratch brunch with quick counter-driven efficiency.
#32
AA Bakery & Cafe
8.1
Long-running Chinatown bakery-cafe known for a wide pastry case and steady fry work on Chinese-style donuts and sweets. You can grab coffee and a couple of warm, crisp items and be on your way in minutes.
Must-Try Dishes:
Sai Yong (Sugar Egg Puffs), Sesame Donut Balls, Chinese Donut (Youtiao)
What Makes it Special: One-stop pastry counter with reliably fresh fried sweets.
Beloved Sunset roaster with the photogenic Snowy Plover and Belfast-inspired bakes. The bright, beach-block cafe turns out soda farls, wheaten bread, and breakfast sandos that play well on feeds.
Must-Try Dishes:
Snowy Plover (Original Bird), Soda Farl with Butter, The Original Breakfast Sandwich
What Makes it Special: Signature Snowy Plover and Irish bakery program with soda farls.
8.1
New-school French bistro offering daytime crêpes, omelets, and café standards with a proper espresso program. Warm room and neighborhood pacing make relaxed brunch easy.
Must-Try Dishes:
Croque Madame, Buckwheat Savory Galette, Shakshuka
What Makes it Special: French brunch classics with a neighborhood café feel.
#35
Eats
8.1
Neighborhood stalwart (since 1975) serving scrambles, skillets, and benedicts with local produce. Portions feel fair, pacing is steady, and the room turns quickly.
Must-Try Dishes:
Fiesta Scramble, Tomato Skillet, Classic Eggs Benedict
What Makes it Special: Long-running brunch house with generous, well-priced plates.
8.1
Playful Richmond corner deli mixing nostalgia with serious sandwiches, espresso, and a tiny arcade. Expect fresh-cut produce, balanced sauces, and well-toasted breads that make the classics pop.
Must-Try Dishes:
Griddled ham & swiss, Turkey avocado on Dutch crunch, Half sandwich + tomato basil soup
What Makes it Special: Classic deli builds done with care plus a lighthearted arcade vibe.
8.1
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Family Friendly Favorites
Sweet Treats Escapes
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Classic, family-run counter turning out fresh raised and cake donuts, apple fritters, and breakfast sandwiches from pre-dawn until early afternoon. Locals stop for quick boxes before work and weekend coffee-and-fritter runs on the Sunol Blvd corridor.
Must-Try Dishes:
Apple Fritter, Glazed Old-Fashioned, Maple Bar
What Makes it Special: Pre-dawn bakes with reliably fresh fritters and classics.
#38
Hollywood Cafe
8.1
Compact daytime cafe with berry-loaded French toast and colorful fruit platters made for close-ups. Counter-casual service keeps tables turning near the Wharf.
Must-Try Dishes:
Berry French Toast, Eggs Benedict, Fresh Fruit Platter
What Makes it Special: High-color fruit plates and French toast that pop on camera.
8.1
Family-run Ethiopian spot offering a daytime breakfast menu—think foule, egg firfir, and kinche—served with injera or bread. It’s a non-obvious Mission Bay choice when you want warming, savory breakfast beyond the usual eggs-and-toast playbook.
Must-Try Dishes:
Foule (spiced beans), Egg Firfir, Kinche
What Makes it Special: Savory Ethiopian breakfast plates available into early afternoon.
#40
Il Canto Cafe
8.1
Beloved FiDi takeout counter best known for toasted, grill-marked breakfast burritos with chipotle sauce. Lines move fast and portions are generous for the price.
Must-Try Dishes:
Grilled Chipotle Breakfast Burrito, Meat Lover Breakfast Burrito, Pesto Spinach Breakfast Burrito
What Makes it Special: Griddled breakfast burritos with house chipotle sauce and rapid turnaround.
#41
Jo Jo’s Cafe
8.1
Old-school cafe with a sprawling menu covering American breakfast, omelets, and Asian comfort plates. Friendly service and generous portions make it a dependable Ocean Avenue morning choice.
Must-Try Dishes:
Build-Your-Own Omelet, Breakfast Special (eggs, meat, hashbrowns, toast), Congee with Side Youtiao
What Makes it Special: Wide-ranging breakfast menu that satisfies mixed cravings.
#42
Lapisara Eatery
8.1
Lower Nob Hill’s Thai-influenced brunch-and-dinner spot (since 2018) known for a tight menu that blends comfort plates with Thai flavors. Locals come for playful brunch staples by day and tom yum–leaning comfort at night.
Must-Try Dishes:
Fried Chicken Benedict, Tom Yum Burrito, Pad Kee Mao
What Makes it Special: Thai-influenced brunch by day with comfort-driven Thai plates at night.
8.1
Locally run California kitchen with seasonal salads, pizzas, and market fish that land under an hour. Approachable pricing and a roomy dining room make it easy for standing weekly check-ins.
Must-Try Dishes:
Petrale sole, Margherita pizza, Brussels sprouts
What Makes it Special: Seasonal, well-priced menu with fast, reliable pacing.
#44
Orphan Andy's
8.1
Retro Castro diner turning out griddled burgers, patty melts, and fries alongside breakfast-all-day comforts. Open late (24 hours on weekends) and beloved since the late ’70s, it’s the reliable post-bar burger fix with no pretense.
Must-Try Dishes:
Ortega Burger, Patty Melt, Chili Burger
What Makes it Special: Long-running Castro diner serving late-night burgers and breakfasts.
#45
Starbelly
8.1
Sunny neighborhood California kitchen with a popular patio and balanced brunch menu. Efficient service and a mix of comfort and lighter plates keep it in regular rotation.
Must-Try Dishes:
Eggs Benedict, Breakfast pizza, Cinnamon French toast
What Makes it Special: Patio-friendly brunch with California flavors and balanced plates.
#46
Wingen Bakery
8.1
House-milled breads and laminated pastries anchor a café brunch of breakfast sandwiches and seasonal plates. The stylish space draws morning lines for coffee and baked goods.
Must-Try Dishes:
Morning bun, Breakfast sandwich on house bread, Seasonal quiche
What Makes it Special: From-mill bread program elevates pastries and breakfast plates.
8
The Civic Center outpost of the famed croissant bakery turns out laminated pastries and coffee for a quick, satisfying brunch-adjacent stop. Limited seating, steady lines, and a best-before-9:30 selection curve.
Must-Try Dishes:
Almond croissant, Kouign-amann, Ham & cheese croissant
What Makes it Special: Nationally lauded croissants baked fresh through the morning.
8
Modern café with a coastal feel serving toasts, breakfast banh mi, and strong espresso. Clean flavors and light, produce-forward options suit a pre-beach morning.
Must-Try Dishes:
Breakfast Banh Mi, Salmon Toast, Avocado Toast
What Makes it Special: Produce-forward café plates with thoughtful coffee program.
#49
Breakfast Little
8
A charming local spot known for its freshly brewed coffee and satisfying breakfast options like avocado toast and pancakes. Perfect for a quick and hearty start to your day.
Must-Try Dishes:
Avocado Toast, Pancakes, Breakfast Burrito
What Makes it Special: Known for hearty portions of classic breakfast fare and specialty coffee.
Family-run brunch specialist known for halal fried chicken & waffles, global comfort plates, and bright, stack-friendly plating. It’s the neighborhood’s hearty, photo-happy alternative to the longest lines up the hill.
Must-Try Dishes:
Fried Chicken & Waffles, Shakshouka, Lemon Ricotta Pancakes
What Makes it Special: Halal-friendly brunch plates with bold flavors and big portions.