Brian Nagele
Discover the delicious fusion of breakfast and lunch in San Jose’s dynamic food scene. With the help of our guide, discover the best spots for mid-morning dining, where each dish is a celebration of creative flavors and easy sophistication. Mid-morning dining in San Jose has a lot to offer for all tastes, from hip cafes to undiscovered treasures. Come along on a taste adventure through quaint neighborhoods and buzzing restaurants that are revolutionizing the mid-morning meal scene. Our carefully chosen list highlights the best brunch spots in the city, whether you’re in the mood for inventive takes on classic meals or timeless favorites. Savor delicious nibbles, take in the relaxed atmosphere, and let the aroma of freshly made coffee lead you through an indulgent morning. Prepare to enhance your weekend traditions with the city’s top brunch locations, where each meal is a delicious symphony of flavor and ambience.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
Why Trust Us?
When it comes to local restaurant recommendations, we pride ourselves on being a reliable and trustworthy resource. Our suggestions are not just based on our personal experiences, ensuring a more authentic and well-rounded perspective, but also on extensive online research. We diligently searched the internet and reviewed 6 credible sites and blogs, including Hilton and SF Eater.
We compiled all the findings in one location and sorted them by the frequency of mentions to ensure you receive top-notch recommendations. We strive to present you with a curated list of establishments that truly stand out, allowing you to enjoy the best dining experiences possible.
Interested in the sources we consulted? Check out the list of all 4 sites we referenced below this paragraph, offering transparency and an opportunity for our readers to explore further. Our commitment is to deliver trustworthy and unparalleled recommendations, helping you make informed decisions on your culinary journeys.
https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/sjcsmsa-signia-san-jose/dining/
https://sf.eater.com/maps/best-brunch-san-jose-south-bay
https://www.sanjose.org/blog/brunch
https://www.opentable.com/features/best-brunch-restaurants-san-jose-ca