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San Jose Brunch Guide: Where to Go This Weekend

Check out our top spots for breakfast and brunch food around the city.

San Jose, California, is a beautiful city surrounded by rolling hills. There are several coffee shops, outlet stores, and shopping centers located in the city. With a lot of diversity to suit the interests of many, it’s hard to get bored when you take a trip to San Jose. 

Some of the top attractions in this town include the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum and the Children’s Discovery Museum. You can also take a trip to the Municipal Rose Garden to see the gorgeous assortment of Rosewood trees. 

One of my favorite reasons to tour the city when I travel to San Jose is the exquisite weekend brunch options. You won’t be disappointed with a San Jose brunch, from the tasty mimosas that come in unique fruity flavors to the pancakes and waffles. 

delicious eggs benedict served at brunch in San Jose

Some places on the list are more upscale, while others are laid back. There’s something for anyone that loves the idea of all-day breakfast and lunch.

Check out our list of the best brunch spots in San Jose!

Best Brunch in San Jose

  1. Bill’s Cafe 
  2. The Breakfast Club at Midtown
  3. Scrambl’z
  4. Left Bank
  5. Cafe San Jose
  6. Benedict’s Cafe & Bar
  7. The Table
  8. Il Fornaio
  9. Holder’s Country Inn
  10. Southern Kitchen Los Gatos
  11. Mimosas Gourmet

Bill’s Cafe

Multiple locations
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You can find Bill’s Cafe in multiple locations sprinkled around the city. Bill’s exemplifies what a great breakfast spot should be. 

They begin every day at the crack of dawn by slicing fresh fruit, squeezing the freshest orange juice, and baking cinnamon rolls and croissants. What’s more, Bill’s even makes their homemade soups from scratch!

This establishment has an extensive menu that is complete with all the classic breakfast dishes you love. The portion sizes are all hearty and generous. Stop by and try the corned beef hash or rich and layered with flavor biscuits and gravy. You should also try their Bloody Mary, which is a spicy delight. 


The Breakfast Club at Midtown

1432 W San Carlos St #80, San Jose, CA 95126
Phone: 408-564-7150
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You can find The Breakfast Club, a vibrant and modern eatery, in the West San Carlos neighborhood near Starbucks

If a traditional American breakfast is what you’re looking for, the Breakfast Club specializes in just that. You are sure to get your fill here because their portions are enormous and their prices are more than reasonable.

Notably, there’s a great selection of music that plays in the background at all times, and the customer service is particularly memorable. The next time you’re in San Jose, you can not pass up The Breakfast Club at Midtown. Be sure to try their delicious Chicken Apple Sausage Omelet, their decadent red velvet pancakes, or the Sangria.


Scrambl’z

5055 Almaden Expy, San Jose, CA 95118
Phone: 408-269-2900
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Breakfast is a priority at Scrambl’z, and this is evident as soon as you step foot into the building. The decor is bright and colorful, yet your attention immediately shifts to the delicious smells floating through the air. The food is authentic, and Scrambl’z prepares everything from scratch.

At Scrambl’z, they ensure that the food is as original as possible, from freshly squeezed oranges, pancake batters made from scratch, buns from scratch, and even fresh whipped butter.  Everything there is made with love and attention. 

Here are a few items that stood out to me during my visit to Scrambl’z. The all-meat scramble with scrambled eggs, bacon, ham, sausage links, and Jack cheese was simply divine! Also, the Avocado Benedict, with their specialty mimosas, comes perfectly prepared. 


Left Bank

377 Santana Row #1100, San Jose, CA 95128
Phone: 408-984-3500
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This restaurant is a quaint, family-friendly French brasserie that’s always bustling full of people, and you can find it conveniently located in the Santana Row shopping mall. 

The decor is elegant, and La Rive Gauche (The Left Bank) refers to the southern bank of the River Seine in Paris, and the phrase implies a sense of creativity, counterculture, and Bohemianism.

The food is reasonably priced and extremely tasty. We suggest starting with the Salad Verte, which is fresh butter lettuce tossed, herbs, and shallots with Dijon vinaigrette and topped with a few slices of watermelon radish. Lastly, you have to get your hands on their delectable french toast.


Cafe San Jose

1583A Meridian Ave, San Jose, CA 95125
Phone: 408-265-3020
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Cafe San Jose is located in Willow Glen near the corner of Hamilton Avenue and Meridian Avenue. This restaurant is fantastic for anyone with a big family of all ages. The cafe sports the look of a 70’s home-style diner. The look goes a long way to making the atmosphere very inviting, bright, and vibrant.

If you’re ever in San Jose, don’t pass up the opportunity to stop by Cafe San Jose. While you’re there, get a load of their massive menu.  

There are so many choices to choose from that we only have enough time to highlight a few gems that you must try. 

Some of my favorites include the Carne Asada Benedict (flavorful and well seasoned), the Guacamole omelet (fresh guacamole), and on their specialty menu, the Cinnamon Roll French Toast (unique and delicious).


Benedict’s Cafe & Bar

5365 Camden Ave, San Jose, CA 95124
Phone: 408-269-1005
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Benedict’s Cafe & Bar can be found not too far from the Merrill Loop by Lone Hill Park. The atmosphere is very inviting and comforting, and you can even take advantage of the outdoor seating on lovely spring and summer days. If breakfast is on your mind, then Benedict’s Cafe & Bar is sure to fulfill your cravings.

The drink selection appeared to be endless, listing off a whole host of delicious drinks to enjoy. The friendly staff makes the time that you spend there even more enjoyable! If you must try one thing there, make sure that it’s the mouth-watering chicken and waffles—a favorite is all the locals. For the drinks, you have to get a strawberry Mimosa. It’s sure to put a smile on your face.


The Table

1110 Willow St, San Jose, CA 95125
Phone: 408-638-7911
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The Table is in downtown Willow Glen, near multiple shops and boutiques. The urban restaurant serves as a neighborhood staple that uses fresh, seasonal ingredients and specialty cocktails. 

The decor is rustic chic, and they have an open kitchen design. Genuine hospitality and passion are the driving forces that make the Table unique. 

You can get all of the classic brunch cocktails during their daily Happy Hour, like a Bloody Mary, a Mimosa, and a Margarita. They also have a progressive wine list that the servers are happy to inform you of for food pairings. The Table offers contemporary American cuisine, featuring popular dishes like the Lemon Ricotta Pancakes, Eggs Benedict, and the Corned Beef Hash. 


Il Fornaio

Multiple locations
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Il Fornaio has multiple locations across the country. They are an upscale food chain that serves fine Italian cuisine, and they also have an in-house bakery. 

The mission of the eatery is to provide guests with a bonafide taste of Italy. The menu, hours, and decor of the restaurant are contingent on the community they serve, so these factors vary by location. 

Il Fornaio had an award-winning wine list and top-quality Italian foods. They only use fresh ingredients to make everything from scratch. The depth of flavors is unique and allows for a memorable experience in a cozy atmosphere. I enjoyed their Sunday brunch menu with Bruschetta al Pomodoro and the Carpaccio on my trip to San Jose. 

The beef was sliced thinly, and the grated cheese and wild arugula with capers were delicious and different from what I would typically get for brunch. The service was also top-notch. It was an excellent experience that I look forward to every time I return!


Holder’s Country Inn

Multiple locations
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Holder’s Country Inn has multiple locations around California, and there’s one theme that remains the same: they make you feel like family. They put a twist on classic American diner foods. 

The atmosphere is inviting, and you can kick back and relax while enjoying a hearty breakfast. This family-owned restaurant is a local favorite, making homemade favorites for nearly 60 years. 

The menus can be different from location to location, but the quality is always the same. The all-day breakfast is a hit amongst locals and visitors alike. My favorite dishes have been the 

Chicken fried steak, Country potatoes, and the Belgian waffles with a Bloody Mary. Holder’s is an excellent brunch spot with tasty food and drinks. 


Southern Kitchen Los Gatos

27 E Main St, Los Gatos, CA 95030
Phone: 408-354-7515
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Southern Kitchen Los Gatos is a comfortable cafe-style restaurant in downtown Los Gatos. There are a few other restaurants in the surrounding area, but Southern Kitchen stands out as one of the most cherished brunch spots in the city. 

They have fluffy rolled omelets and crispy fried chicken, or you can try the smoked salmon and eggs if you want something a little different. 

The service is exceptional, as the servers are always willing to suggest which dishes get ordered the most or which cocktails go best with particular meals

I don’t think there’s a better way to start your day than with one of their homemade, vast plates of delicious foods. The hash browns are the star for me, as they are always seasoned perfectly and cooked to perfection. Stop by Southern Kitchen Los Gatos if you’re ever in the area and don’t know where to get brunch. 


Mimosas Gourmet

2270 Monterey Rd, San Jose, CA 95112
Phone: 408-287-3395
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Mimosas Gourmet is a modestly decorated establishment located near the corner of Monterey and Tully. They serve classic American breakfasts and lunch in a relaxed atmosphere. 

The portion sizes are great, as well as the service and professionalism. Mimosas Gourmet is also known for its tasty mimosas that come in a variety of flavors and sizes. 

The Mango Mimosa is one of the most popular choices, and for a good reason. Additionally, there’s usually lovely music playing in the background, which makes for a fun experience while you’re enjoying your food. One of the best dishes they offer is the Fried Chicken Benedict. 

However, the classic breakfast combo with fluffy scrambled eggs, tender sausage links, and crispy hash browns is also delectable. Don’t miss out on their Nutella waffles, either. They are mouthwatering, to say the least; you can’t go wrong with any menu items at Mimosas. 


Final Thoughts

If you love brunch and you are looking for excellent options in San Jose, our list has got you covered. It’s hard to find better spots than the ones we’ve picked, but we know that there’s a slight chance you didn’t quite find what you were looking for. No worries! 

If you’re not looking for brunch, maybe you’re in the mood for a nice juicy steak?
Did we leave a restaurant out of this list? Make sure you leave us a comment, and we’ll check it out!

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Written by Rocco Smith

Rocco is a recent graduate of Florida State University with a Bachelor’s in Editing, Writing, and Media. With seven years’ experience in the restaurant industry as a cook, server, bartender, and more, he is deeply passionate about intertwining his fondness for food with his love of language.