Famously chic and cultivated, San Francisco combines the best of the Old and New Worlds in the beautiful state of California. There’s so much to see and do in this metropolis⸺it’s no surprise that anyone would want to make a plan to visit!

But, as you visit the Golden Gate Bridge and the many other iconic attractions the city has to offer, don’t forget to explore San Francisco’s excellent restaurants for brunch. I’m a big fan of brunch. Just a few of my favorite treats ever are custard French toast, ricotta pancakes, and absolutely anything with smoked salmon. In San Francisco, the locals and visitors alike are brunch-enthusiasts, so you’re spoiled for choice when it comes to food options.
Causwells
2346 Chestnut St, San Francisco, CA 94123
Phone: 415-447-6081
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Chef Adam Rosenblum opened Causwells back in 2014 and designed it to be a “neighborhood American bistro.” He uses the northern California cooking style, so you’re in for a treat if that’s one of your favorites. Rosenblum focuses on seasonal and local ingredients and loves Italian, Spanish, and French flavors. This popular San Francisco restaurant has an excellent brunch menu, including everything your heart could desire. I’m a fan of Deviled Eggs, and I enjoy the ones here with smoked paprika. Luxury awaits at Causwells in the form of its smoked salmon & pretzel dish. This is adorned with pickled spring onion and mustard creme fraiche.
Zazie
941 Cole St, San Francisco, CA 94117
Phone: 415-564-5332
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Located in the hospitable Cole Valley, Zazie provides the perfect San Francisco brunch. This San Francisco staple has been chiefly owned by three of its employees since 2020. No need to tip when you enjoy a delicious Zazie brunch⸺all employees are given a living wage, as well as revenue share, and much more. This iconic San Francisco eatery has a mouth-watering brunch menu, full of delectable dishes you’ll come back for again and again. My favorite dish is the Gingerbread Pancakes with Meyer Lemon Curd and Bosc Pears. When I want something a little more exotic, the French Toast Tahiti always hits the spot.
Brenda’s French Soul Food
652 Polk St, San Francisco, CA 94102
Phone: 415-345-8100
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Versatile Chef Proprietor Brenda Buenviaje is the heart of Brenda’s French Soul Food. She founded this San Francisco gem in 2007, and it quickly became a city staple for brunch. This eatery has a homey atmosphere while serving up a delectable mixture of French, Creole, and Southern flavors for brunch. Brenda’s French Soul Food is located on Polk Street, an area known for its quirky boutiques and intriguing bookstores. This restaurant is perfectly suited to this bohemian area with its simple and homey vibes. Known for her friendly attitude and originally being from New Orleans, Brenda created the “French Soul Food” genre.
Plow
1299 18th St, San Francisco, CA 94107
Phone: 415-821-7569
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You’ll find Plow during your meanderings in the hospitable Potrero Hill neighborhood. Owners Maxine Siu and Joel Bleskacek have made “keeping things local” the mantra of their business. At Plow, you will enjoy the spectacular flavors of the Bay area produce. Visitors love this popular restaurant’s minimalist vibe and recipes with universal appeal. Maxine and Joel believe in giving their customers a home-like atmosphere and bringing people together. Plow brings you the element of surprise, as the menu changes every day. Some menu items frequently offered include luscious custard french toast, cheerful lemon ricotta pancakes, wholesome house-made granola, and my favorite, the smoked salmon with two eggs.
Sweet Maple Restaurant
2101 Sutter St, San Francisco, CA 94115
Phone: 415-655-9169
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Heading to the Lower Pacific Heights neighborhood? Enjoy brunch at Sweet Maple Restaurant. I’m a big fan of Sweet Maple Restaurant’s world-famous Millionaire’s Bacon. It’s super-thick and has a unique sweet plus spicy flavor. When I’m feeling especially decadent, the Big Hip deep-fried French Toast is one of my dishes of choice. A pancake-fan? Locals will tell you Sweet Maple Restaurant is not-to-be-missed. This welcoming eating spot is the place for a relaxed brunch. The chef team uses deliciously top-quality ingredients sourced from the local area. First We Feast included Millionaire’s Bacon on its list of “The 20 Most Instagrammed Dishes in San Francisco.”
Mymy Coffee Shop
1500 California St, San Francisco, CA 94109
Phone: 415-800-7466
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Mymy Coffee Shop is my favorite San Francisco eatery when I’m craving a casual brunch. I love this restaurant’s omelet and scrambled egg choices, including the Tex Mex Scramble and the Frisco Omelet. Of course, Bloody Marys and Mimosas are also on the menu. Mymy Coffee Shop creates the perfect balance between traditional taste and innovative flair. For a more exotic flair, several of the brunch menu items feature an Asian touch. Mymy coffee shop will be part of your San Francisco streetcar experience. The city’s iconic streetcars go down California Street, so that can be your mode of transportation for brunch. You can’t get more San Francisco-style than that.
Yank Sing
Multiple locations
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Are you Dim Sum-fan wondering where to brunch in San Fran? Don’t miss out on the fantastic flavors of Yank Sing. This restaurant has been around since 1958, and it’s still family-owned. San Francisco locals know and love Yank Sing. Using fresh and fabulous ingredients, Yank Sing features a rotating menu to suit your culinary needs. There are two Yank Sing locations to get breakfast in San Francisco, one on Spear Street and the other on Stevenson Street. Both sites offer indoor and outdoor dining, so feel free to go to whichever location is closer to you. Yank Sing is a great place to have brunch if you adore Asian flavors and dishes to remember.
Lapisara Eatery
698 Post St, San Francisco, CA 94109
Phone: 415-655-3556
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I enjoy Lapisara Eatery’s Salmon Toast every time I’m in San Francisco. This unique dish with red onion, mixed greens, avocado, tomatoes, and caper with poached egg, and of course salmon, is one of the best brunch dishes I’ve ever tried. More of a Steak and Egg devotee? Lapisara Eatery has you covered. Order the Steak and Eggs featuring marinated New York steak, toast, eggs, salad, and breakfast potatoes. Lapisara Eatery boasts a simple yet stylish decor, perfect for brunch with family and friends. This restaurant is a San Francisco landmark you won’t want to miss as you explore the city.
Just For You Cafe
732 22nd St, San Francisco, CA 94107
Phone: 415-647-3033
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If you’re looking for a small-town atmosphere in the cosmopolitan city of San Francisco, head over to Just For You Cafe. This cafe brings you the best of the classic American diner atmosphere while offering chic touches in the decor and service. Brunch is one of Just For You Cafe’s specialties. After all, this cafe closes at 3 pm from Mondays to Fridays and 4 pm on weekends. That’s why the French toast, pancakes, and other brunch specialties are top-notch at this welcoming city eatery. I can attest from experience that Just For You Cafe has top-notch pancakes. My recommendation? The Lemon-Blueberry Pancakes.
Foreign Cinema
2534 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94110
Phone: 415-648-7600
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There aren’t many better locations for a delicious weekend brunch than Foreign Cinema. Head over there to enjoy what this iconic San Francisco eating spot offers from 11 am to 2 pm on Saturdays and 11 am to 3 pm for a Sunday brunch. However, it isn’t just a restaurant. Foreign Cinema also boasts a shop on-site, where you can purchase souvenirs such as silkscreen sheets, bottles of delicious wine, engraved wine openers, and signed books. You can’t miss this San Francisco attraction if you want a unique location for brunch. If you’re planning to visit, it might be best to make a reservation first. Thankfully, it’s pretty simple – just call in and book a time for you and your friends.
The Grove
Multiple locations
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The Grove is emblematic of all things San Francisco. This is an independent restaurant owned by a husband-and-wife team, and it’s ready to welcome you to brunch with a smile. Having a vibrant metropolitan atmosphere, The Grove features plenty of music and is located in an area with lots of sidewalk cafes and sushi spots for later in the evening. This is the perfect brunch spot with a cozy atmosphere. If you’re looking for somewhere to enjoy a reunion with friends, then look no further. When you’re finally done eating, you can explore the nearby and fashionable Design District or the several tech start-ups in the area.
Tartine Manufactory
595 Alabama St, San Francisco, CA 94110
Phone: 415-757-0007
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A trendy bakery with four locations in the Bay area (as well as spots in Los Angeles and Seoul), Tartine is all about friends and family. This is the San Francisco brunch spot for you if baked goods are your passion. You can’t beat the scent of fresh-baked bread any time of day, but especially in the morning. Tartine is known for the famous Tartine Country Loaf. Make sure to try that when you visit this restaurant for brunch. Tartine also takes pride in its coffee, which it sources from top-quality suppliers. The company is in the process of creating its own coffee label, Coffee Machinery.
Outerlands
4001 Judah St, San Francisco, CA 94122
Phone: 415-661-6140
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A well-known San Francisco fixture, Outerlands is open for brunch from Monday to Thursday. Check out the patio and other seating options this brunch restaurant has in store. Are you a fan of avocado toast? You’ll find it here at Outerlands. It is accompanied by sprouts, pickled red onion, and tahini and is the perfect vegan dish. Outlands has plenty of options for vegans and vegetarians, so go to brunch here if you fit that description. My favorite vegetarian dish at Outerlands is the french toast. It includes almonds, cinnamon, coconut, seasonal fruit, and orange zest. However, be aware that it contains nuts. For the meat-lovers among us, their bacon is to die for.
Dottie’s True Blue Cafe
28 6th St, San Francisco, CA 94103
Phone: 415-885-2767
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Dottie’s True Blue Cafe is the place to go for brunch if you’re in the market for Gluten-free Pancakes. I’ve tried their Raspberry Banana Gluten-free pancakes, and they’re fantastic. Fans will remember that Dottie’s was featured on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives, and for good reason! Dottie’s unique Cornbread & Chipotle Jelly is a standout, and there’s an extensive menu of other options available. Lots of brunch-aficionados enjoy eggs during their meal. If you number among them, choose from the Frittata selection. Whichever your choice, you can expect it to come with some delectable cheese and vegetables. Don’t forget to peruse the Sweet Beginnings portion of the menu, where you can order pancakes as appetizers.
Presidio Social Club Exchange
563 Ruger St, San Francisco, CA 94129
Phone: 415-885-1888
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Presidio Social Club Exchange is the spot to bring your friends for brunch if you want to impress them while in San Francisco. Have brunch on the beautiful patio, and enjoy iconic cocktails such as the Summer fling, Third Charm, and Rose Sangria. There is also an option for wine by the glass. I ordered the Tsar Nicoulai Smoked Salmon when I enjoyed brunch at this restaurant. It includes marinated spring onions, lemon, capers, and of course, high-brow smoked salmon. There is also a Roasted Vegetable Quiche that I like, as well as a unique Shrimp, Avocado & Egg Breakfast Club sandwich. Don’t forget dessert after brunch. There is cheesecake, fruit crisp, and house-made ice cream available to delight your sweet tooth.
Dorian
Multiple locations
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The Dorian offers an authentic “treat-yourself” brunch that you shouldn’t leave San Francisco without trying. My dish recommendation? The Crabcake Benedict? It’s not to be missed if seafood is your thing. It includes dungeness crab, pickled chili, curry hollandaise, herb & citrus salad, and toasted sourdough. On the other hand, the Ricotta Pancakes are another dream of a dish. They come complete with brown sugar streusel, Vermont maple syrup, and berry compote. Dorian’s ethos is that of a bygone time when customer service was what it should be. It’s also got a bohemian yet upscale vibe that is the perfect San Francisco combination. If you like a drink or two with your brunch, you can’t go wrong here. Ready to splash out on a Private Dining experience for your group? You can do it here.
Delancey Street Restaurant
600 The Embarcadero, San Francisco, CA 94107
Phone: 415-512-5179
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Delancey Street Restaurant is a great place to have brunch if you not only want to enjoy delicious treats but also help the community. This restaurant is a training school to help people who have hit hard times get back on their feet. Delancey Street Restaurant has been a San Francisco fixture for 40 years. Come to the Delancey Street Restaurant for any meal of the day, including brunch. This establishment prides itself on its welcoming atmosphere and top-notch customer service. Delancey Street Restaurant has a fantastic outdoor patio that features excellent views of the Bay Bridge and the waterfront.
Kitchen Story
3499 16th St, San Francisco, CA 94114
Phone: 415-525-4905
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Do you love both Californian and Asian flavors? If so, check out Kitchen Story, where they have several dishes that combine these flavors! You’ll find this restaurant in the Castro district, so head over there as you make your way around. Kitchen Story prides itself on giving its customers a home-like atmosphere with classic American dishes (with a twist). If you love a good Bloody Mary for brunch (like I do), you’ll be excited to know that Kitchen Story won the 2016, 2017, and 2018 People’s Choice of Bloody Mary Festival in San Francisco. I also love the many egg dishes here, such as the Two Eggs with Cheddar Melt Potato and the Two Eggs with Applewood Smoked Bacon.
Lokma
1801 Clement St, San Francisco, CA 94121
Phone: 415-702-6219
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Lokma combines Turkish and Californian cuisines to delight your palate. This restaurant first opened in 2018, and it’s found in the Outer Richmond area. Patrons love Lokma for its bright and cheerful atmosphere, as well as its incredible dishes for brunch. Whatever you’re craving, you can find it at Lokma. The Turkish Breakfast is my favorite dish on the menu. It includes scrambled eggs with Pastirma (air-dried cured beef), Turkish sausage, feta cheese, olives, hummus, and much more. If you want something a bit simpler, check out the Breakfast Sandwich. It comes with two feta-scrambled eggs, house sauce, crispy potatoes, arugula, and a toasted bun. If simple avocado toast is what you’re craving, you will find it on this menu. It’s done the Lokma way, with beef bacon, cherry tomatoes, feta, and toasted ciabatta.
The Vault Garden
555 California St, San Francisco, CA 94104
Phone: 415-508-4675
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The Vault is the place to go in San Francisco if you want steak for brunch. That mouth-watering meat is The Vault’s specialty. Enjoy your brunch in the open air on The Vault’s large and glittering patio. This restaurant is known for its unique outdoor dining options, even though it’s in the heart of downtown San Francisco. Check it out as you explore the city. This outdoor dining space is protected from all kinds of weather so that you can enjoy your delicious brunch, rain, or shine. It’s also heated and the perfect place to bring your group for a treat. The Vault also features special brunch events with entertainment, so check the schedule to see their lineup.
Son & Garden
700 Polk St, San Francisco, CA 94109
Phone: 415-913-7404
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Head to Son & Garden for brunch during your explorations of San Francisco. It features a beautiful farmhouse atmosphere. In fact, the chef invites you to enjoy the treats made by his Farmhouse Kitchen Family. If you love enjoying fresh local flavors, this is a great place to get them. Polk Street, Son & Garden’s hip location, offers a plethora of quirky boutiques and bookshops where you can browse before or after your brunch. Have brunch at Son & Garden and then stroll around in the area, making a day of it. This is one of the most popular parts of San Francisco for tourists, so you’re sure to find yourself here at some point.
Izzy’s Steakhouse
3345 Steiner St, San Francisco, CA 94123
Phone: 415-563-0487
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Izzy’s Steakhouse is a family-run business and has been a San Francisco favorite since 1987. It’s a great place to go if you’re a steak-lover or want to bring out a group of meat-lovers for a brunch treat. Izzy’s Steakhouse is situated in the city’s Marina District, and you can go there for both outdoor and indoor dining. I’ve gone to Izzye’s Steakhouse once and can’t wait for my next visit. The Prime Rib Benedict is the stuff of dreams, and if you want eggs for brunch, check out the Skirt Steak & Eggs. Steak and eggs are a classic combination, and Izzy’s Steakhouse is the expert. If you don’t want meat and want something sweeter, the Almond Brioche French Toast is sublime. Corned Beef hash is another American brunch favorite you can order at Izzy’s Steakhouse. The Avocado Toast is another great dish, and at Izzy’s Steakhouse, coming with poached egg, everything bagel seasoning, and Calabrian chili.
Wilder
3154 Fillmore St, San Francisco, CA 94123
Phone: 415-741-6605
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Want brunch with a giant splash of fun? Head over to Wilder and enjoy all the culinary delights in-store. If you like a drink or two with your brunch, you’re in luck here. Wilder’s has a batch of “Morning Mixes” – drinks to indulge in during your brunch-time feast. The Classic Bloody includes vodka, stuffed olives, and a special house-made Bloody Mary mix. There’s also a Bartender’s Bloody that includes a beer chaser, as well as a drink called “Froze.” This has sparkling rose, as well as lemon, grapefruit juice, and even gummy bears. Delicious bread is another point of attraction at Wilder. In fact, a whole section of the menu is called “Stuff on Bread.” My recommendation? The Smoked Brisket Grilled Cheese. I just love the combination of 14-hour smoked brisket, pickled onions, Gruyere cheese, mayo, and whole grain mustard.