Diners' Choice: Great for brunch restaurants in San Diego

OpenTable

Updated July 05, 2025

Looking for restaurants that are great for brunch in San Diego? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favourite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Lilian's Restaurant

4.8

4.8 (264)

$30 and under

Unspecified

Rancho Santa Fe

About the restaurant

Welcome to the Lilian's Blog - a culinary diary and a rendezvous with history. Here, we chronicle our adventures in gastronomy, share behind-the-scenes glimpses, and delve deeper into the legacy of Lilian Rice. Whether you're a food aficionado, a history enthusiast, or someone seeking to uncover the stories behind Rancho Santa Fe's best new restaurant, you're in the right place. Dive into our articles and let Lilian's spirit guide your journey through taste and time.

Top review

FVIP

Dined 6 days ago

Hostesses and waitress were outstanding and provided great service while at the same time not rushing us - so we could view the 4th of July parade from the terrace! Service has really been improving at The Inn. Keep up the great work! 👍

Mission Avenue

4.7

4.7 (68)

$30 and under

American

Oceanside

About the restaurant

We opened our doors in August 2014 with a vision of greatness: great drinks, food, and atmosphere, with a chill, unassuming vibe. A come-as-you-are locale, where everyone — from local to the traveler — is welcomed. Insider or outsider, there’s a seat at the bar just for you.

Located just blocks from the Oceanside Pier, join us in our industrial-chic lounge with two large garage doors which make you feel like you're dining outside, or on our heated and dog-friendly patio, from lunch to late night. Be sure to check our daily happy hours, midweek lunch specials and weekend brunch. Come see us. Pull up a seat and make yourself at home.

Top review

sue

Dined 4 days ago

We love Mission Bar & Grill! We especially loved it when there were more Asian inspired dishes offered (hint hint:). That said, our meals were fine this time but not outstanding. I write this more for Mission to take into consideration but still highly recommend the restaurant to everyone!! Especially if you like whiskey as it is known for its variety of offerings. As to the food......the Brussel sprouts were light and lovely with our favorite sweet & spicy ginger glaze and cooked perfectly (not piled high with extra sweet and fattening additions). The salmon sliders were a bit overpowered by the sauce (and we like spicy, so it's not that it was too spicy) so there was little detectible salmon flavor, nor could we discern the fried capers (which were the selling point for us!).....but the crunchy cucumber was a great addition! The fried chicken salad was fresh and beautiful and the chicken was delicious with a perfect amount of crunch, but there wasn't a lot of flavor in the honey mustard dressing. I think some type of piquant avocado/citrus/cilantro/(jalapeño?) dressing might be a better match with the rest of the ingredients. Drinks were great as always. Entertainment was excellent......you can never go wrong with Dulaney & Co!! Sound level was perfect for the band, though I heard the night before (featuring a different band) that it was SO loud that people couldn't hear themselves think, let alone talk. We have witnessed that as well in the past so I was really happy to see they kept the sound at a reasonable decibel level for Dulany & Co. I would definitely check the entertainment schedule before you go if you plan to carry on any meaningful conversations. :-) Anyway, as I said, we love Mission Bar & Grill and we will be back!! Thank you for another great evening with friends!

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Pacific Beach Hideaway

4.7

4.7 (29)

$30 and under

American

Pacific Beach

About the restaurant

Hideaway is a beach-town casual kitchen and bar located in Pacific Beach, California. The concept honors the local community, incorporating vintage artifacts, furnishings and artwork that reflect its laidback surf, music and beach culture and history.

Top review

Basti

Dined 7 days ago

Delicious and great service. Location is very convenient near the beach :)

OB Surf Lodge

4.6

4.6 (26)

$30 and under

American

Ocean Beach

About the restaurant

OB Surf Lodge celebrates the vibrant spirit of 1960s SoCal surf culture, paying tribute to the iconic roots of Ocean Beach and the surf lifestyle that defined the area. Our coastal-inspired brunch, served with breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, offers a fresh and exciting experience for every guest. We take pride in preparing our menu from scratch daily and cooking everything to order.

Top review

trinity

Dined 1 day ago

Whole group unanimously agreed it was the best breakfast we had ever had!

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Experience

Coastal Hour

Jalisco Cantina - Carlsbad

4.6

4.6 (43)

$31 to $50

Mexican

Oceanside

About the restaurant

¡Bienvenido a Jalisco Cantina!

Inspired by the rich culture of Jalisco, Mexico—a region famous for its stunning landscapes, vibrant culture, and birthplace of the world’s finest tequilas—we bring this spirit to every dish and drink we serve.
Our scratch kitchen uses the freshest ingredients to craft flavorful, authentic dishes like birria tacos, carnitas, and made-to-order guacamole.

Pair your meal with our extensive selection of premium tequilas and handcrafted cocktails, carefully curated to reflect the essence of Jalisco. Join us at Jalisco Cantina for a dining experience that’s as vibrant and welcoming as the Mexican sun. ¡Salud!

Top review

SamVIP

Dined on Jun 20, 2025

The restaurant has a great atmosphere and ambiance. The food and drinks were very good. The chicken flautas on the seasonal menu were so light and tasty, hope they add to the menu permanently. Would definitely recommend!

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Experience

Taco Tuesdays

The Vibe

4.5

4.5 (27)

$30 and under

Breakfast

Normal Heights

About the restaurant

Welcome to The Vibe, your daily escape where culinary delight meets a relaxed atmosphere! Open every day from 8 AM to 3 PM, we invite you to enjoy our open-air dining experience, perfect for soaking in the sunshine while savoring delicious meals. Join us for our Happy Hour from 8 to 10 AM, Monday to Thursday, where you can sip on refreshing drinks at unbeatable prices. With a full bar and a menu crafted to create memorable moments, The Vibe is not just a restaurant—it’s a destination. Come share a meal, make new friends, and experience the vibrant energy we bring to every day!

Top review

OpenTable Diner

Dined 2 days ago

Outstanding experience always good food and great hospitality, best spots to have brunch. We always tend to get the same waiter (no issue) i feel shes one of the best waiters ive had.

Masters Kitchen and Cocktail

4.4

4.4 (467)

$30 and under

Californian

Oceanside

About the restaurant

Masters Kitchen and Cocktail is located blocks from the beach in the heart of Oceanside, CA. An industrial space with classic history, Masters was once a well remembered drag car shop. The revamped restaurant keeps its authentic character, and offers a warm and inviting dining experience for a lovely escape from the sun and sand. A separate bar with communal seating serves traditional craft cocktails that sip and smell of the 1920s.

Top review

GiseleVIP

Dined on Jun 19, 2025

See my review from June 14. Went back because liked it so much. This time had crab stuffed shrimp with mushroom risotto- excellent. My friend had lobster tail - again excellent. Only issue remain poor wine list and loud noises from loud motorcycles and cars - restuarant is open air which adds to ambiance but suffers from road noise.

En Fuego Cantina and Grill

4.4

4.4 (295)

$30 and under

Mexican

Del Mar

About the restaurant

En Fuego Cantina & Grill in Del Mar is one of the original restaurants in the Village. It was established in 1995 and has been serving delicious Mexican cuisine and amazing margarita's ever since. Open daily for lunch and dinner, serving Happy Hour 7 days a week from 4pm to 6pm and Taco Tuesday every week from 4:30 till close.

En Fuego Cantina and Grill has an expansive menu with classic favorites like fresh guacamole and chips, carnitas, fajitas and enchiladas. Try one of the house specials like the Chile rellenos, a traditional recipe, with battered and stuffed Anaheim chilis topped with tomatillo sauce and a three-cheese blend.

Top review

Margaret

Dined on May 23, 2025

Delicious food. Excellent service. Beautiful ambiance. Easy to fit a large party. Great location!

Seaview

4.3

4.3 (353)

$31 to $50

American

Downtown / Gaslamp

About the restaurant

'California coastal' sophisticated and comtemporary design with views of the courtyard and marina set the tone for a delightful dining experience. Join the family for a relaxing meal on our outdoor patio while planning another exciting day of activities in America's Finest City. The spacious setting of our indoor tables allows you to easily convene with colleagues or entertain a client while enjoying Seaview's Grand Breakfast Buffet.

Top review

Bailey

Dined on Jun 27, 2025

Had a great time there! It was included in my stay at the hotel.

Baci Coffee

4.3

4.3 (40)

$30 and under

Café

Normal Heights

About the restaurant

Baci Coffee Speakeasy

Welcome to Baci Coffee Speakeasy, an intimate and exclusive dining experience where love meets flavor.
    •    Personalized Service: Your experience will be guided by a dedicated waiter, ensuring exceptional service and attention to detail.
    •    Elegant Presentation: Each dish is served on authentic Italian dinnerware, adding to the charm and sophistication of your meal.
    •    Ambiance: A warm, inviting atmosphere designed to transport you to a timeless Italian retreat.
    •    Exclusive Menu: A selection of artisanal coffee, and gourmet bites, carefully curated to delight your senses.
    •    Reservations Required: Due to the intimate nature of our speakeasy, reservations are highly recommended.

The room is open Thursday - Sunday. We look forward to welcoming you to Baci Coffee Speakeasy, where every moment is infused with warmth, intention, and authentic Italian charm.

Top review

GabriellaVIP

Dined on Jun 28, 2025

My favorite coffee house in San Diego! I go here every week and enjoy it every time!

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