Its standing as the most important meal of the day has been contested in recent years, but for our money’s worth, breakfast is the most fun time to eat. Even though eggs are the hallmark, this is truly an “anything goes” dining experience where it’s perfectly acceptable to order everything from blatant desserts to savory steaks for your main course — yes, there are breakfast courses, too.
And perhaps nowhere is the range of breakfast options better exemplified than in San Francisco. The same city that put the cruffin on the map, and came up with the coveted $5 toast, offers hungry diners a gastronomical fantasy world of Swedish pancakes, signature bee pollen tonics and fried chicken Benedicts and more. These are our San Francisco Best Breakfast winners selected by our editors. Happy dining!
In and Around Downtown:
Embarcadero, FiDi, Union Square, Chinatown
American
ADA-compliant | Kid-friendly | Brunch | Grab 'n Go
Don’t let the near-constant line scare you. It’s a testament to how great the food here is and thanks to the staff, which is among the most efficient in the city, it always moves quickly. Known for its selection of sweet griddle options like the uber-popular challah bread french toast, Mymy also serves up diverse favorites like chilaquiles, corned beef hash, and their version of a traditional breakfast — two eggs any style and two zucchini ricotta pancakes served with your choice of meat and salad or crispy potatoes (that are always actually crispy.) They do not accept reservations.
1500 California Street, Nob Hill, 415.800.7466
Californian
ADA-compliant | Kid-friendly | Outdoor Seating | Brunch | Dogs Welcome | Grab 'n Go
Located in the Castro, just down the road from bustling Market Street, this Californian restaurant serves up Asian fusion breakfast and brunch on both weekdays and weekends. Try their rich ricotta hotcakes to get a classic brunch option, or go for something more hearty like their overnight slow-cooked pork sandwich. They also offer everyone’s favorite Millionaire’s Bacon, sweet and salty bacon that they’ve put a char sui twist on. There can be a bit of a line on weekends, so be sure to arrive early to snag a table or be aware that you might have to wait.
3499 16th Street, Castro, 415.525.4905
Fusion
Brunch
This unique breakfast and brunch eatery off of Polk Street blends two cuisines you’d never expect together: Australian and Thai. Explore their menu of hearty entrees that you can start your day with, from shakshuka to their big breakfast plate. Lean into the Thai-side of the fusion with their Thai tea toast, made with Brioche, mixed berries and a custard Thai tea.
1247 Polk St, San Francisco, 415.714.6177
American
ADA-compliant | Kid-friendly | Happy Hour | Brunch
Established in 1938, most people know Sears Fine Food as the downtown Swedish pancake spot. The pancakes, all 18 of them, are made from a thin, egg-rich batter — the original family recipe that was created in the early ‘30s. Aside from this, Sears serves hearty dishes like New York steak and eggs, bountiful omelets and an impressive assortment of fruit side dishes including a broiled grapefruit.
438 Powell Street, Union Square, 415.986.0700
Near Golden Gate Park:
Cole Valley, Haight, Richmond, Sunset
American
Date Spot | Happy Hour | Full Bar
Serving food inspired by many diverse cuisines, the Sunset District’s Fifty Vara aims to provide a relaxing, fulfilling dining experience that’s both familiar and elevated. Their brunch, lunch and dinner menus all offer small plates, large plates, bites and flat breads, so you have plenty of different options to choose between. The ambience is equally as welcoming as the food, with lots of greenery and rich, earthy colors. And, the drinks menu is exciting and plentiful.
1735 Noriega St, San Francisco, 415.571.8701
Cafe
Kid-friendly | Brunch | Grab 'n Go | Outdoor Seating | Meal Under $20
George’s Donuts and Merriment is located in San Francisco’s St. Francis Wood neighborhood and has a diverse menu of all things delicious. There’s a variety of donuts from traditional to cake donuts or even brioche. Beverages also come in all shapes and sizes — have a mimosa or a glass of wine with your sweet treat, if you so please. They do not accept reservations.
163 W Portal Ave, San Francisco
Cafe
Kid-friendly | Brunch | Grab 'n Go
This Asian bakery and cafe draws inspiration from contemporary Californian flavors. For something more American, get their breakfast sandwich with a fried egg on a fluffy toasted bun. For something more Asian, go for their strawberry and lychee danish with flaky pastry and a shiny glaze. Grab a match coffee or yuzu latte to complete your meal and sit outside in the sun. Make sure you arrive early, however, as their popularity means lines can get long later in the day and you don’t want to risk them selling out of your favorite. They do not accept reservations.
1408 Clement Street, Richmond District, 415.349.0969
American
Kid-friendly | Brunch | Dogs Welcome | Grab 'n Go
A fail-safe spot in the Inner Richmond, Eats serves hefty brunch portions of items like avocado lox benedicts (on brioche) and tri-tip burritos that are ideal for sharing. If you’re feeling saucy, opt for one of their seasonal mimosa flavors, and if you’re feeling ravenous, go for the chicken and waffles. Pro tip: the line moves quickly, but you can jump in the queue via Yelp. They do not accept reservations.
50 Clement Street, Inner Richmond, 415.751.8000
Vegan
ADA-compliant | Brunch | Grab 'n Go
Judahlicious started as a neighborhood juice and smoothie bar in late 2004, but now serves a full menu of vegetarian and vegan options. As one of the places in the city that serves 100% raw meals, people flock here for items like the dark side of the shroom, which features a tamari-marinated portabella topped with cashew crème, avocado cheese, sunflower seeds and sprouts. Be sure to check out their daily specials and no matter what, grab a smoothie. You’ll always remember it. They do not accept reservations.
3906 Judah Street, Outer Sunset, 415.665.8423
American
ADA-compliant | Kid-friendly | Full Bar | Brunch
If you’re going to do brunch, this is definitely the place to do it. Show up hungry (you can’t make a reservation) for one of Outerlands’ delectable breakfast sandwiches; the fluffy, fruit-topped Dutch pancake; or a chia bowl topped with fruit, almonds, dates, cinnamon and honey, among other irresistible choices. Also not to be missed: the rotating selection of baked goods like sticky buns, donuts and galettes. Seating is available inside and also on the outdoor patio, and the restaurant is open for dinner as well.
4001 Judah Street, Sunset
Korean
ADA-compliant | Grab 'n Go | Outdoor Seating | Brunch | Kid-Friendly
How do you like your toast and egg — how about with curry? Crab and corn? Or just lots and lots of egg? Toast’N Egg offers 10 different types of innovative Korean egg sandwiches that all look absolutely delicious. They also have croffles if you’re craving something more sweet for your breakfast fix. They do not accept reservations.
1838 Irving St, Sunset, 415.900.1210
French
ADA-compliant | Kid-friendly | Brunch | Dogs Welcome
One of the best places for a morning dessert meal, this local favorite has been serving up dishes like Tahiti French Toast and an assortment of benedicts blocks away from the fray of Haight Street since 1992. During Covid the restaurant has installed a parklet in front in addition to the lovely back patio, and put up protective screens between tables. Proud champions of the Tip Free Movement, all menu prices here include a living wage, revenue share, matching 401(k) and more — so you can feel extra satisfied after eating.
941 Cole Street, Cole Valley, 415.564.5332
In or Near Civic Center:
Hayes Valley, Castro
American
ADA-compliant | Kid-friendly | Brunch | Dogs Welcome
Seven years after opening her first eponymous restaurant — Brenda’s French Soul Food — Louisiana native Brenda Buenviajé launched Brenda’s Meat and Three on a quieter strip of Divisadero in fall of 2014. With its large horseshoe-shaped bar in the middle of space and a seasoned team of servers, being here feels like eating in the Southern home you never had. Get the big mimosa, come Friday through Sunday to try their benedicts, and get the beignet flight to-go.
919 Divisadero Street, Western Addition, 415.926.8657
Fusion
Grab n' Go | ADA-compliant
This Korean-American café in Dogpatch serves elevated comfort food all day with a colorful blend of the two cuisines. Goods and art are also featured here thanks to MAUM, so you can additionally get in your art and culture fix after a tasty bite to eat and a signature drink.
2535 3rd St, San Francisco
In or Near Presidio:
Cow Hollow, Marina, Presidio Heights
Italian
Grab n' Go | Brunch | Outdoor Seating | Dogs Welcome | Kid-Friendly | Meal Under $20 | Full Bar
Right near the Tunnel Tops, this takeout-oriented Italian cafe offers grab-and-go options and made-to-order meals. Savor coffee and pastries or the famous focaccia-style pizzas and sandwiches on an outdoor deck with spectacular views of the park.
215 Lincoln Blvd, Presidio, 415.400.4165
Mediterranean
Grab n' Go | Brunch | Outdoor Seating | Dogs Welcome | Kid-Friendly | Meal Under $20
Serving up homey Mediterranean cuisine near the Presidio, Café La Joie is a great spot to get a filling breakfast, brunch or lunch while sipping on a warm coffee or tea. Sit outside if you have a pup with you, or sit inside and soak in the clean and cozy European atmosphere.
189 6th Ave, San Francisco, 415.571.8630
Cafe
ADA-compliant | Grab 'n Go
Motoring Coffee opened its very first San Francisco location on Union Street. Along with delicious coffee, they have a rotating feature car on display inside the shop, a wall projecting F1 races and plenty of seating to work using their fast and free wifi. They do not accept reservations.
1525 Union St, Marina/Cow Hollow
Thai
ADA-compliant | Kid-friendly | Brunch | Dogs Welcome
Serving its signature American-Thai fusion dishes in the heart of the Marina since 2012, most people recognize this spot for the Millionaire’s bacon. Blackwood finds an edge over competitors, however, by serving multiple varieties including citron, cinnamon, rosemary takes on the thick, glazed slabs of pork. But don’t sleep on the rest of the menu. Alongside bottomless mimosas you’ll find some of the most inventive dishes here like mind-bogglingly perfect Thai Shakshuka. Call to make reservations.
2150 Chestnut Street, Marina, 415.931.9663
