Brian Nagele
San Francisco has hundreds of incredible indoor and outdoor restaurants lining its bustling streets. But where is the best breakfast in San Francisco?
It was challenging narrowing it down as there are so many fantastic places to go before visiting the Golden Gate Bride or checking out some of San Fran’s best art galleries.
When making this list, I looked for perfectly brewed coffee, crispy bacon, and waffles with deep wells that can hold an astronomical amount of syrup.
Of course, San Fran delivers all this and then some.
Without further ado, check out my list of the best breakfasts in San Francisco!
Brenda’s French Soul Food
652 Polk St, San Francisco, CA 94102
Phone: 415-345-8100
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Brenda’s is a French-style New Orleans soul restaurant serving brunch, lunch, and dinner.
This southern restaurant is a few blocks from Civic Center Plaza and Jefferson Square Park in the Tenderloin District.
The owner, Brenda, grew up in New Orleans and opened her shop in the Bay Area in 2007.
The interior is charming, quaint, and decorated with unique mirror displays.
This casual dining restaurant serves mouthwatering flavor combinations and decadent southern flavors.
Try the melt-in-your-mouth foods, including biscuits, creamy grits, and fried chicken. And, of course, you can’t visit a New Orleans restaurant without ordering beignets!
Jane
Multiple locations
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The owner Amanda opened Jane in 2011 and quickly became known for baking some of the best bread and pastries in the area.
Jane offers four locations in the Bay Area, and the original bakery is on Geary Blvd in the Filmore District.
Jane is a casual quick-serve-style cafe with all of the yummy pastries and other goodies displayed behind glass.
I recommend trying the cardamom lattice bun, chocolate brioche, and a coffee-to-go! There may be a line out the door, but it’s worth it.
Mama’s On Washington Square
1701 Stockton St, San Francisco, CA 94133
Phone: 415-362-6421
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Mama’s is a cozy American diner serving hearty breakfast to San Fran residents since 1951.
This morning staple is right across the street from Washington Square and a few blocks down from Pioneer Park.
You can find it in the North Beach District, a short walk from the water.
It’s a cozy, old-school diner that reminds you of your grandma’s kitchen, where the owners make you feel like family.
If you come on the weekend, prepare for a wait. Order the Bay Shrimp Benedict and the Washington Square Scramble made with sausage and peppers.
Don’t forget a bowl of fresh fruit and homemade jams.
Rose’s Cafe
2298 Union St, San Francisco, CA 94123
Phone: 415-775-2200
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Rose’s Cafe is an Italian breakfast cafe with outdoor seating and locally-sourced ingredients.
It’s in the Union Street District, close to Alta Plaza Park.
Like in Italy, sit at sun-drenched sidewalk tables and order a cappuccino with your fresh meal.
The interior is also quaint and casual.
You have to try the breakfast pizza with sunny side eggs, smoked ham, and fontina.
They also have daily assorted baked goods. I love their croissants!
Sweet Maple
2101 Sutter St, San Francisco, CA 94115
Phone: 415-655-9169
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Sweet Maple is a homestyle breakfast, brunch, and lunch spot.
You will find this sweet spot in the Lower Pacific Heights District, down the street from the Alta Plaza Park.
The interior features warm lighting and a cozy atmosphere while offering plenty of dining space.
Try their famous brown sugar glazed “Millionaire’s Bacon.”
Also, order the sweet potato pancakes and deep-fried French toast.
I enjoy that every plate of food is beautifully laid out. There’s a lot of attention to detail.
Tartine Manufactory
595 Alabama St, San Francisco, CA 94110
Phone: 415-757-0007
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Tartine Manufactory is San Francisco’s famed artisanal bakery and cafe.
You will find freshly-baked bread, decadent pastries, and rustic sandwiches.
It’s located in the Mission District, close to Franklin Square.
The interior is clean and chic with lots of natural light, perfect for those Insta pics.
I recommend trying the lavender and honey yogurt with a sweet hot cross bun and herbal tea.
Zazie
941 Cole St, San Francisco, CA 94117
Phone: 415-564-5332
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Zazie is a casual French bistro popular for its brunch.
This cafe is in the Cole Valley district across Golden Gate Park.
Bring your dog and sit on the outdoor patio while you sip on espresso and munch on a light pastry.
The interior is small and charming with exposed brick, and there is plenty of seating in the outdoor patio areas.
Try the crab benedict with a mimosa!
Art’s Cafe
747 Irving St, San Francisco, CA 94122
Phone: 415-665-7440
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Art’s Cafe is an old-school American counter-serve diner. This cafe serves all-day breakfast, lunch, and Korean BBQ.
You can find them in the Inner Sunset District next to Golden Gate Park.
The interior is a small classic diner where you can watch the cooks preparing your food.
Enjoy the pancakes, hash brown sandwiches, and never-ending pours of strong coffee.
I love their Cinnamon French Toast and think that it’s one of the best breakfasts in San Francisco!
Auntie April’s Chicken, Waffles, & Soul Food Restaurant
4618 3rd St, San Francisco, CA 94124
Phone: 415-643-4983
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Auntie April’s is a family-owned restaurant serving hefty portions of southern staples.
This casual establishment provides brunch, lunch, and dinner.
It’s in the Bayview neighborhood close to the Indian Basin and Hilltop Park. Auntie April’s is a no-frills diner with friendly service.
You must experience the classic chicken and waffles for breakfast. Come back for lunch or dinner and try the shrimp and grits with yams, red beans, and rice.
Breadbelly
1408 Clement St, San Francisco, CA 94118
Phone: 415-349-0969
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Breadbelly is a cheery cafe that blends Asian and Californian influences to create coffee drinks, baked goods, and light bites.
This bakery serves unique South East Asian fare for breakfast and lunch. Bread Belly is off of Park Presidio Blvd in the Richmond District.
Order the Kaya toast and shrimp burger with a sesame horchata.
I love buying a loaf of homemade milk bread and making french toast at home!
Cafe De Casa
Multiple locations
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Cafe De Casa is a tiny Brazillion coffee shop providing delicious pastries and lunch plates.
There are three locations around San Francisco, with the most popular location near Ghiradelli Square in Fisherman’s Wharf.
This cafe is a tourist attraction on North Beach, so get there early! Try the Brazillian omelet and the tapioca crepes with Nutella and fresh strawberries.
Their coffee is also one of my favorites in the area.
Darren’s Café
2731 Taylor St, San Francisco, CA 94133
Phone: 415-673-3345
Darren’s Cafe serves American and Asian breakfast and lunch.
You can find everything from pancakes and country-fried steak to pho and teriyaki.
This cafe is also in the Fisherman’s Wharf area, close to the pier. It’s a casual, bustling atmosphere near all the great activities of North Beach.
If you’re going for breakfast, you should order the Dungeness Crab Omelete and the BBQ chicken pho.
I love taking friends here to experience the unique menu items.
Devil’s Teeth Baking Company
3876 Noriega St, San Francisco, CA 94122
Phone: 415-683-5533
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Devil’s Teeth is a cozy cafe serving breakfast sandwiches, beignets, and daily-baked sourdough bread.
This bakery is next to Ocean Beach and the San Francisco Zoo. It’s a quick order-and-go spot with pastries behind glass.
Check out their unique breakfast sandwiches with avocado and the sinfully addicting donut muffin. I’m a big fan of their Iced Dirty Chai.
It’s the perfect early morning drink on a sunny San Fran day.
Hollywood Cafe
530 North Point St, San Francisco, CA 94133
Phone: 415-563-3779
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Hollywood cafe is a movie-themed restaurant serving breakfast and lunch.
Check out the celebrity headshots adorning the walls while eating your delicious meal.
Stop by next time you’re near the Fisherman’s Wharf. The interior is casual and quaint, with excellent service and fair prices.
You can’t go wrong with ordering the delicious breakfast burrito and crispy hashbrowns.
The nostalgic theme makes for an unforgettable dining experience.
eight am
1323 Columbus Ave, San Francisco, CA 94133
Phone: 415-292-4888
Right across the street from Hollywood Cafe is eight am.
This modern cafe is truly something special and serves American breakfast and lunch classics.
The inside is pretty small and tight, but the friendly service is fast, and the food is worth it. I love their avocado toast with bacon.
If you want something sweeter, go for the homemade crepes with juicy berries.
It’s the perfect breakfast spot before going sightseeing in the area.
