Sure, San Francisco racks up most of the accolades when it comes to many regional things, but the East Bay is nothing to scoff at. With a population of roughly 2.5 million in 2010, it is the most populous subregion in the Bay Area, and features some of the most impressive food around. Here you can find countless restaurants serving everything from boozy brunches to bagels to hard-to-find African specialties. That said, here are our East Bay Best Breakfast winners for 2023, selected by our editors — look for our readers’ choice winner, selected by our audience.
In and Around Berkeley
Berkeley Boathouse
200 Marina Boulevard, Berkeley
Located at the DoubleTree Hotel by Hilton Berkeley Marina, The Berkeley Boathouse offers great views of the San Francisco skyline on the East Bay side. Enjoy an innovative menu of contemporary California cuisine highlighting fresh, local ingredients that pay tribute to purveyors from California and the Bay Area. We recommend ordering a plate of the Boathouse Benedict and dining outside so that you can enjoy the Berkeley sunrise. Breakfast hours 6:30am to 10am daily and weekend brunch hours 10am to 1pm. berkeleyboathouse.com
Berkeley Social Club
2050 University Avenue, Berkeley
Located in the heart of Berkeley’s University Avenue, Berkeley Social Club specializes in Korean- American cuisine for unique takes on Asian fusion breakfast and lunch dishes. Like thick cut Millionaire’s bacon scramble or the Morning Pizza with a Korean-style pancake crust… the flavors will surprise and amaze you. Top it all off with bottomless mimosas, but note, it’s just for one hour! Hours Sunday 9am-3pm, 5pm-9pm Monday-Thursday 9am-2:30pm, 5pm-9pm Friday 9am-2:30pm, 5-10pm, Saturday 9am-3pm, 5pm-10pm berkeley-socialclub.com
Boichik Bagels
3170 College Avenue, Berkeley
According to the New York Times, the best bagels aren’t in NYC, they are here in Berkeley, California. Need to bulk order bagels? Make sure you get on the waitlist 1-2 weeks in advance. Try out their pink label whipped cream cheese, it’s one of those, if you know, you know, things. Hours Wednesday-Sunday 7:30am to 1pm boichikbagels.com
Oceanview Diner
1807 Fourth Street, Berkeley
510.644.3230
This employee-owned and run diner up serves up breakfast classics with a twist like banana rum soufflé pancakes. Long lines are the norm here on the weekends, so get here early if you aren’t keen on waiting and take advantage of the unlimited coffee refills that makes waking up early on the weekends even more worth it. Hours Monday-Friday 7am-2pm Saturday-Sunday 7am-3pm. oceanviewonfourth.com
Saul’s Restaurant & Deli
1475 Shattuck Avenue, Berkeley
A taste of New York in California. Known for their pastrami, latkes, matzo ball soup, and other Jewish food staples. Their friendly atmosphere and staff will draw you right in. We recommend ordering a Pastrami Reuben with a side of their lightly-dressed coleslaw and enjoying it there. Hours 8am to 8pm daily. saulsdeli.com
In and Around Oakland
Alem’s Coffee
5353 Claremont Avenue, Oakland
An Eritrean-run breakfast and lunch spot, known for its authentic East-African dishes and community-oriented atmosphere. Cordial staff and large portions are Alem’s staples. We recommend ordering the Fata, especially if you appreciate a decent amount of spice. Hours Monday-Friday 7am to 6pm Saturday-Sunday 7am to 5pm alemscoffee.wixsite.com/site
Brotzeit Lokal
1000 Embarcadero, Oakland
This wharf-side spot serves authentic German food and German beer on tap. With an enclosed outdoor biergarten, rain or shine, Spatezl will be served. All tables are first come, first served so make sure to get their early for prime views and brews. Pro-tip, if you’re coming for or after sunset, bring a blanket with you, it can get a bit chilly. Hours Monday-Friday 11:30am to 9pm, Saturday 10am to 9pm, Sunday 10am to 8pm brotzeitbiergarten.com
More Local Favorites in the East Bay
Who’s writing these?
Meet our always-hungry team of foodies who compiled this list.
Please let us know if we’ve missed your favorite eat@localgetaways.com.
