Best Breakfast in Mendocino

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The crisp ocean air of Mendocino is the perfect start to any day, but a hearty, delicious breakfast comes in at a very close second. Whether you’re staying the weekend in one of Mendocino’s cozy and upscale inns or just passing by, it would be a shame to miss out on some of the amazing breakfast options there. From classic choices to vegan alternatives and delicate pastries, keep reading to find the right breakfast place for you.

Feature Photo: @goodlifecafemendo on Instagram

A plate of eggs Benedict, touted as the best breakfast in Mendocino, features poached eggs topped with hollandaise sauce and garnished with chopped parsley, resting on slices of ham over English muffins. Golden-brown, cubed breakfast potatoes are served alongside as a side dish.
Photo: @goodlifecafemendo on Instagram

American

Grab ‘n Go | Outdoor Seating | Kid-friendly | Dogs Welcome | Brunch

Dealing with celiacs? Gluten sensitivity? Vegan? GoodLife is the café for you! They’re all about gluten-free and vegan choices, with traditional dishes like eggs Benedict and Belgian waffles offering gluten-free substitutions. Their buttered bagels and granola yogurt parfaits are also available with vegan substitutes, for those fed up with not having enough dairy alternatives when dining out. They also have catering services and invite special orders for breads, cakes, pies and more. They do not accept reservations.

A person holding a blue cup of latte art coffee, hovering above its matching saucer on a wooden table. The table also has another blue cup of coffee on a saucer and two plates with scones. The scene, reminiscent of the Best Breakfast in Mendocino, exudes a cozy café atmosphere.
Photo: @sophie.explores_ on Instagram

Cafe

Grab ‘n Go | Outdoor Seating | Private Party Room

For those that love Café Beaujolais’ Sunday brunch and wish they could go there the rest of the week for an earlier meal, we have good news! The Waiting Room is now open up, and they’re serving up a delicious and light breakfast starting at 7 a.m. Specializing in pastries and baked goods, they have a rotating menu of biscuits, tarts, scones and more, and are also offering artisan coffee so you can sip on your spiced chai tea latte while you indulge. They do not accept reservations.

A plate with eggs Benedict covered in Hollandaise sauce, garnished with arugula and chopped chives. Next to the eggs is a portion of cubed, seasoned potatoes. The table setting includes a water glass and other dishes blurred in the background—truly the best breakfast in Mendocino.
Photo: @maccallum_house on Instagram

American

Grab ‘n Go | Outdoor Seating | Kid-friendly | Happy Hour | Brunch | Full Bar

Though MacCallum House is known for its excellent hospitality and fine dinners, its breakfasts are equally spectacular. You might not find wild combinations here, but you will find classic dishes perfected, such as their fan-favorite breakfast burrito with house-made pork sausage wrapped in a hand-rolled tortilla, and their cornmeal pancakes with blackberry syrup and lemon zest butter. Kick it up a notch with their award-winning Bloody Mary or a mimosa with freshly squeezed orange juice. 

A white rectangular plate holds four triangular pieces of waffle drizzled with a dark berry sauce and dusted with powdered sugar. Touted as the Best Breakfast in Mendocino, it features a small white ramekin with a scoop of butter or cream placed at the top end of the plate.
Photo: @flowmendocino45040 on Facebook

American

Grab ‘n Go | Outdoor Seating | Kid-friendly | Happy Hour | Brunch | Full Bar

Grab a table at Flow’s outside patio and enjoy the morning views of the ocean while eating a hearty farm-to-table breakfast. They have a number of twists on classic dishes, like their pumpkin bread French toast dusted with pecan and real maple syrup, and their kimchi breakfast bowl with shiitake mushrooms and a fried egg. Take a look at their eggs Benedict choices as well, with options such as crab cake and harvest vegetables, each served with rosemary roasted potato medley. Call for reservations.

A plate of eggs Benedict topped with yellow hollandaise sauce, served with sautéed spinach and herb-roasted potato wedges. A sprig of rosemary garnishes the dish. A cup of black coffee sits beside the plate on a wooden table—truly the best breakfast in Mendocino.
Photo: @stanford.inn.mendocino on Facebook

Vegetarian and Vegan

Grab ‘n Go | Outdoor Seating | Kid-friendly | Dogs Welcome | Brunch | Full Bar | Private Party Room

Though Ravens’ is attached to the Stanford Inn, worry not, as it’s open to non-guests and locals for all meals including breakfast. They also boast a 100% vegan menu, so vegans and vegetarians don’t need to carefully pick through options in search of something tasty. From their savory breakfast crêpe with scrambled tofu, zucchini and avocado chimichurri sauce, to their house-made buckwheat oat waffles and pancakes, you’re bound to find something that will satisfy any craving. For those with a sweet tooth, don’t miss out on their creamy hot cocoa with steamed soy milk. 

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