Best of San Diego's Breakfast Spots

Description:

Located alongside the funky surf shops and bikini boutiques of bohemian Mission Beach, the Mission is the neighborhood's central meeting place. The menu features all-day breakfasts, from traditional pancakes to nouvelle egg dishes to burritos and quesadillas. Standouts include tamales and eggs with tomatillo sauce, chicken-apple sausage with eggs and a mound of rosemary potatoes, and cinnamon French toast with blackberry purée. At lunch, the menu expands for sandwiches, salads, and a few Chino-Latino items like ginger-sesame chicken tacos. Seating is casual, comfy, and conducive to lingering (tons of students, writers, and surfers hang out here), if only with a soup-bowl-size latte. Expect waits of half an hour or more on weekends. Other locations: 2801 University Ave., in North Park (tel. 619/220-8992), and 1250 J St., downtown (tel. 619/632-7662); both have similar menus and hours.

Our Local Expert Says:

With out of this world proportions and eccentric entrees - from watermelon lemonade or fist-size biscuits - it is a local favorite in Hillcrest

Description:

Hash House A Go Go has earned devoted fans with huge portions of artfully arranged "twisted farm food". The chef has fun with dishes drawing on fresh produce and livestock and customers have fun eating until the cows come home. Flapjacks might include frosted flakes, the burgers are stuffed, and don't be surprised by the waffles and caramel with a Sage fried chicken at dinner. Breakfast is a favorite, but every meal offers creative plates for hungry folks.

Our Local Expert Says:

This is a city favorite, with desserts and beverages that are beyond extraordinary with exquisite designs, flavors and layers

Description:

Chef and proprietor Karen Krasne's talent surpasses the promise of her impressive pedigree, which includes a Certificat de Patisserie from Le Cordon Bleu in Paris. Dozens of divine creations are available daily, and many are garnished with edible gold or flowers. Among them: a passion-fruit ricotta torte bursting with kiwis, strawberries, and bananas; a gianduia of chocolate cake lathered with hazelnut butter cream, chocolate mousse, and boysenberry preserves, and sprinkled with shards of praline; or the bête noir, a dark-chocolate cake layered with vanilla crème brûlée, chocolate mousse, and chocolate truffle cream. She also sells her own exclusive line of jams, chutneys, syrups, spices, and confections, both at the original location and at an architecturally striking second space in Little Italy, 1430 Union St. (tel. 619/294-7001). The Little Italy location also serves paninis, salads, and artisan cheeses, as well as wine and beer.

Description:

The name of the restaurant tells it all, yet nothing at all. What is it world famous for, you might ask? Well, for many years locals have been mulling that over and have finally reached a decision. It can be world famous for anything you want it to be! In a nutshell, it is world famous for being the epitome of Southern California at its best. Serving American dishes and a selection of beers, this beach bar is a perfect spot for anyone who wishes to relax California style.

Description:

Long before Blake Lively made a pit stop at the VG Bakery while shooting the June 2010 Vogue cover in Cardiff by the Sea, VG Bakery was a Mecca for the famous. Who doesn't love a little indulgence every once in a while, and at Cardiff's most historic bakery that is just what you'll get. But it isn't the famous faces of Hollywood that you'll normally find - it is rather the famous glazed donut or three tied cake that really get the fans going. Voted Best Donut in San Diego by the San Diego Magazine readers poll, this North County staple has been serving their baked goods at special events and Sunday morning breakfasts since 1969. With a constant line out the door on weekend mornings, don't be surprised if your favorite donut is sold out by 9am on Sunday. Surfers, locals and tourists flock to the creepy old sign pointing fans directly to the bakery that only knows how to serve sugar.

Description:

Famous for its no-nonsense, generous portions of traditional American home cooked food, this venue draws huge crowds daily. Locals are fiercely devoted to the diner. Meanwhile, visitors are pleased with their first tastes of the delicious homemade favorites offered here. The kitchen serves up down-to-earth food such as tasty Corn Beef Hash, Turkey Croquettes and more. Traditional breakfast entrees are particularly popular, with eggs, potatoes, waffles and pancakes offered in gigantic servings.