27 Best Spots for Breakfast in Carlsbad CA: A Local’s Guide

(updated July 2024)

The relaxed beachside city of Carlsbad is home to some of the top breakfast restaurants in North County, San Diego. From classic diners, trendy cafes, or oceanfront brunch restaurants, breakfast in Carlsbad, CA is among the best. 

As a local resident for over 20 years, I have sampled the best breakfast restaurants in Carlsbad. Keep reading for the top 27 breakfast restaurants that you will want to start your day with.

DISCLOSURE: PLEASE NOTE THAT SOME LINKS BELOW ARE AFFILIATE LINKS. I EARN A MINIMAL COMMISSION THAT SUPPORTS MY SMALL BUSINESS AT NO ADDITIONAL COST TO YOU.

Best Breakfast In Carlsbad, CA: Carlsbad Village Area

1. Shorehouse Kitchen

One of the best places for breakfast in Carlsbad Village is Shorehouse Kitchen restaurant. It offers a large covered patio and open-air indoor dining. The beachy atmosphere makes Shorehouse the perfect place to meet friends for brunch in Carlsbad.

The Shorehouse Kitchen menu offers selections of omelets, savory breakfast sandwiches and delicious salted caramel waffles. They also offer a premium selection of cocktails.

In addition, one of the best features of this Carlsbad breakfast spot, is it’s dog friendly. If you are an early riser, there is a small front area serving pastries and coffee which opens early at 7:00. Approximate cost: $7-18.

Address for Shorehouse Kitchen:

• 2833 State Street Carlsbad, CA 92008

Phone Number: (760) 720-3300

Shorehouse Kitchen Hours of Operation:

• Monday-Thursday 7:30-2:30
• Saturday-Sunday 7:30-3:30

Seeking Stamps Tip: You cannot make a reservation at Shorehouse Kitchen, but you can add you name to the waitlist ahead of time (on the website linked above).

2. Cafe Topes

Cafe Topes in Carlsbad is a charming breakfast cafe that has been family owned and operated since 2013. Here you order at the counter and then seat yourself. Enjoy a peaceful brunch on their quaint patio. Cafe Topes has exquisite food and is one of my absolute favorite places for breakfast in downtown Carlsbad.

The Cafe Topes menu offers traditional and unique breakfast items. You must try the blueberry ricotta pancakes, breakfast burritos, chorizo benedict, Mom’s famous cinnamon roll with gooey cream cheese frosting, or lavender latte. This is truly one of the places with the best breakfast in Carlsbad. Approximate cost: $7-22.

Address for Cafe Topes:

• 3091 Roosevelt Street Carlsbad, CA 92008

Phone Number: (760) 434-8673

Cafe Topes Hours of Operation:

• Tuesday-Sunday 8:00-2:00

Seeking Stamps Tip: The Cafe Topes menu online does not show alcoholic beverages, but they DO serve cocktails and mimosas!

3. Crackheads

Crackheads is another “best breakfast Carlsbad” nominee. This urban streetside restaurant is a great place to have a boozy brunch in Carlsbad. Enjoy the cool ocean breeze on the top level bar or lower level seating.

The Crackheads Carlsbad menu has a great selection of savory breakfast sandwiches oozing with locally sourced eggs and house special crack sauce. Try the gluttonous breakfast tots covered with bacon, sausage, cheese and jalapenos. They’re worth every calorie! They also serve craft cocktails and bottomless mimosas! Approximate cost: $8-12.

Address for Crackheads:

• 430 Carlsbad Village Drive Carlsbad, CA 92008

Phone Number: (442) 500- 2188

Crackheads Hours of Operation:

• Monday-Thursday 7:00-10:00 PM
• Friday & Saturday 7:00-12:00 AM
• Sunday 7:00-9:00 PM

4. The Naked Cafe Carlsbad

The Naked Cafe Carlsbad is tucked away within the Carlsbad Village Faire shopping complex. If you are looking for a healthy breakfast in Carlsbad, the Naked Cafe menu offers egg white scrambles, protein packed breakfast burritos, and vegan entrees. Here you have the option for either indoor or patio seating. Start off with rose, mimosas, draft beer, fresh squeezed juices or specialty coffee and tea beverages. Approximate cost: $6-15.

Address for the Naked Cafe:

• 300 Carlsbad Village Drive Carlsbad, CA 92008

Phone Number: (760) 720-7866

Naked Cafe Hours of Operation:

• Monday-Sunday 7:00-2:30

5. Señor Grubby’s

For the best breakfast burrito in Carlsbad, head over to Señor Grubby’s. This is a no-frills location to grab local Mexican food, they are a popular casual breakfast spot with locations in either Carlsbad or Oceanside.

What it lacks in size, Señor Grubby’s makes up with flavor. They offer burritos, scrambles, omelettes, plus classic combos with items such as pancakes and french toast. Some of my favorites are their ABC breakfast burrito and huevos rancheros. Slather your burrito with one of many fresh house-made salsas. They also offer vegan items. Approximate cost: $12-17.

Address for Señor Grubby’s:

• 377 Carlsbad Village Drive Carlsbad, CA 92008

Phone Number: (760) 729-6040

Señor Grubby’s Mexican Restaurant Hours of Operation:

• Daily breakfast 7:00 am- 11:30

Seeking Stamps Tip: Make sure to check out the murals on side for fun Instagram-worthy photos!

6. The Daily News Cafe

Another perfect place for breakfast in Carlsbad, CA is the Daily News Cafe. Situated on the corner of Carlsbad Boulevard, it’s close to the walking path along the Pacific Ocean if you plan to soak up the beach views after breakfast.

The Daily News Cafe menu offers a large selection of omelets, sticky buns, crepes, biscuits and gravy, and cinnamon rolls (with frosting almost as rich as ice cream). Approximate cost: $10-15.

Address for the Daily News Cafe:

• 3001 Carlsbad Blvd Suite A Carlsbad, CA 92008

Phone Number: (760) 729-1023

Daily News Cafe Hours of Operation:

• Daily 7:00-2:00

7. Cafe Elysa

Across the street from the Daily News Cafe, Cafe Elysa is one of the top french-inspired breakfast places in Carlsbad Village. This humble cafe specializes in breakfast and brunch.

On the Cafe Elysa menu they offer buttery and delicious croissants and croissant sandwiches, omelets, sandwiches and specialty coffee drinks. Here at this casual spot, you order at the counter and grab a seat. This is right across the street from the walking path along Carlsbad Beach. Approximate cost: $6-$9.

Address for Cafe Elysa:

• 3076 Carlsbad Boulevard Carlsbad, CA 92008

Phone Number: (760) 434-4100

Cafe Elysa Hours of Operation:

• Monday- Friday 6:30-3:00
• Saturday and Sunday 6:30-4:00

8. Le Papagayo

Le Papagayo Carlsbad might be an unexpected addition to your best breakfast list. It’s typically thought of as a lunch or dinner restaurant specializing in a fusion of Mediterranean and American cuisine. Yet, Le Papagayo offers quality breakfast food at an affordable price point. Plus, the spacious restaurant has lots of seating so the wait tends is manageable on busy weekends.

Check out the Le Papagayo menu for favorites such as Grand Marnier pancakes and skillet cinnamon roll pancakes (they are to die for). Their breakfast sandwich and burritos are delicious savory options. Our favorite breakfast item are chorizo tacos! Approximate cost: $14-24.

Address for Le Papagayo:

• 660 Carlsbad Village Drive Carlsbad, CA 92008

Phone Number: (442) 333-9090

Le Papagayo Hours of Operation:

• Open daily 8:00-3:00

9. Swami’s Cafe Carlsbad

Swami’s Carlsbad is a laidback breakfast restaurant with 10 locations around San Diego. It calls itself a “friendly, fresh, family-centric restaurant”. Although the atmosphere could use an update, the food here is delicious. It’s the perfect place to visit after rolling out of bed on a lazy weekend.

The Swami’s Cafe Carlsbad menu offers a variety of omelet options- from a traditional Denver to a healthy veggie rama omelet. You can also find breakfast burritos, scrambles, pancakes, waffles and more. Swami’s Cafe prides itself on providing options for a healthy breakfast in Carlsbad. Approximate cost: $7-16.

Address for Swami’s Cafe:

• 2780 Carlsbad Boulevard, Carlsbad CA 92008

Phone Number: (760) 434-7455

Swami’s Carlsbad Hours of Operation:

• Daily 7:00-3:00

10. Don’s Country Kitchen

Don’s Country Kitchen in downtown Carlsbad is a family owned and operated diner which opened its doors in the 1980’s. While the decor is “no-frills”, its old town charm has made it a local Carlsbad choice for breakfast.

Just as you’d expect from a classic diner, all the favorites are available. Pancakes, waffles, classic eggs, benedicts or omelets, and the house specialty biscuits and gravy are on the menu at Don’s breakfast in Carlsbad. Take-out orders are also available. Approximate cost: $8-27.

Address for Don’s Country Kitchen:

• 2885 Roosevelt Street Carlsbad, CA 92008

Phone Number: (760) 729-2274

Don’s Country Kitchen Hours of Operation:

• Tuesday-Saturday 8:00-1:00
• Closed Sunday & Monday

Breakfast in Carlsbad CA: Quick Eats in Carlsbad Village

11. French Corner

French Corner Bakery and Parisian Cafe is a trendy place for breakfast in Carlsbad Village. There are a variety of crepes, omelettes, tartines and breakfast sandwiches on the French Corner menu. This adorable cafe will make you feel like you are dining in Paris! Approximate cost: $8-16.

French Corner Hours of Operation:

Address for French Corner:

• 2744 Carlsbad Boulevard Carlsbad, CA 92008

Phone Number: (760) 453-7475

• Daily 7:30-4:00

12. Carlsbad Danish Bakery

Carlsbad Danish Bakery is a budget-friendly spot to grab coffee, slice of quiche, or Danish pastry. While this is more of a bakery than a breakfast spot, it definitely deserves a mention. This Carlsbad bakery is a fabulous place to order a specialty birthday cake or dessert. Approximate cost: $3-7.

Address for Carlsbad Danish Bakery:

• 2805 Roosevelt Street Carlsbad, CA 92008

Phone Number: (760) 729-6186

Carlsbad Danish Bakery Hours of Operation:

• Friday and Saturday 6:00-4:00 Open to the Public
• During the week they are open for special orders/bakery/wholesale orders only

13. Lofty Coffee

Lofty Coffee is one of the best new coffee shops in Carlsbad Village. It has a chic modern interior and outdoor seating. If you are looking for “coffee and breakfast near me”, simply go to Lofty!

You can find avocado toast, poached eggs, breakfast croissant sandwiches, acai bowls, and organic pastries and muffins made from scratch on the Lofty Coffee menu. Gluten free options are also available.

At the Lofty Market, you can grab local eggs, house made nut milks, fresh juices and more. Lofty is a nice place to grab a quick breakfast and people watch in Carlsbad Village. Approximate cost: $10-14.

Address for Lofty Coffee Carlsbad:

• 2742 State Street Carlsbad, CA 92008

Phone Number: (760) 230 6747 ext. 6

Lofty Coffee Hours of Operation:

• Daily 7:00-4:00

Seeking Stamps Tip: There are two locations for Lofty Coffee in Carlsbad; one in the La Costa area and one in the Village. So, make sure you select the correct address.

Read This Blog Post for the Best Carlsbad Coffee Shops.

Breakfast in Carlsbad CA: Places for Breakfast Inland Carlsbad

14. Village Kitchen and Pie Shoppe

Just inland from downtown Carlsbad is the Village Kitchen and Pie Shoppe Restaurant. It’s delightfully reminiscent of the classic breakfast restaurants from your youth.  The interior boasts dark wood tones and cozy booths. This retro cafe will make you feel like you are dining back in the 80’s. 

Village Pie Shoppe serves all of your classic breakfast favorites such as eggs Benedict, omelets, scrambles, and pancakes. If you crave something hearty they have entrees such as steak and eggs, biscuits and gravy, and chicken fried steak. In addition to breakfast, Village Pie shop serves lunch and dinner.

Of course, no visit is complete without sampling some of their famous pie. Choose from fruit pies, cream pies and seasonal pies. Our favorite is the chocolate peanut butter pie! Approximate cost: $10-15.

Address For Village Kitchen and Pie Shop:

• 950 Tamarack Avenue Carlsbad, CA 92008

Phone number: (760) 729-6414

Hours of Operation for Village Kitchen and Pie Shop:

• Monday 8:00 am-2:00 pm
• Tuesday-Sunday 8:00 am-8:00 pm

15. Tip Top Meats

Next, visit Tip Top Meats in Carlsbad. This humble restaurant, European deli, and market has been open since 1967. It is renowned in Carlsbad for its high quality meats, cheeses and spices.

Tip Top serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. Simply order at the counter, but be prepared for a line at this popular breakfast spot. There’s no way you will go home hungry with menu items such as the Big John breakfast, pork chop and eggs or breakfast combinations. Make sure to grab some beer and sausage to take home with you. Approximate cost: $6-11.

Address For Tip Top Meats: 

• 6118 Paseo del Norte Carlsbad, CA 92011

 Tip Top Meats phone number: (760) 438- 2620

Hours of Operation for Tip Top Meats

• Daily 7:00 am- 8:00 pm

Seeking Stamps Tip: If you want breakfast near the Carlsbad Outlets, visit Tip Top Meats.

Breakfast in Carlsbad CA: La Costa Area

16. Beach Plum Kitchen

Beach Plum Kitchen is a great place for brunch in North County San Diego. Our family has eaten here hundreds of times and we always have great food and service. Plus, the coastal decor gives a bright and trendy vibe.

The Beach Plum menu has traditional breakfast favorites and unique seasonal offerings that are made with fresh local ingredients. The coffee cake and homemade pop tarts are DELICIOUS! Beach Plum has spacious indoor and patio dining, bar seating, plus a private room for events. It’s also a dog-friendly location. Approximate cost: $9-17.

Address for Beach Plum:

• 6971 El Camino Real, Suite #201 Carlsbad, CA 92009

Phone Number: (760) 931-1362

Beach Plum Kitchen Hours of Operation:

• Open daily 7:30-2:00

17. Broken Yolk Cafe

The Broken Yolk Cafe is an all-American breakfast restaurant in Carlsbad. It’s located near La Costa resort.

The Broken Yolk Cafe menu has traditional favorites such as bacon and eggs, breakfast skillets, benedicts, and french toast options. If you like sweet breakfasts, try the Tiki Toast with coconut and King’s Hawaiian bread! Approximate cost: $13-18.

Address for Broken Yolk: 7670 El Camino Real Carlsbad, CA 92009

Phone Number: (760) 943-8182

Broken Yolk Cafe Hours of Operation:

• Monday-Friday 7:00-2:00
• Saturday and Sunday 7:00-3:00

Seeking Stamps Tip: Save time and sign in on the Broken Yolk waitlist before you go to the restaurant.

18. Black Rail Kitchen + Bar

Black Rail Kitchen and Bar is an upscale contemporary “coastal Californian” restaurant. They recently added a Sunday brunch menu at Black Rail Kitchen and the locals in Carlsbad are ecstatic.

The menu has interesting french toast options, breakfast pizza, egg and potato hash dishes, and more. One of the best reasons to dine at Black Rail for breakfast is their sunny outdoor patio. This is a fabulous place to enjoy a Sunday brunch in Carlsbad, CA. Approximate cost: $12-25

Address for Black Rail:

• 6981 El Camino Real #103 Carlsbad, CA 92009

Phone Number: (760) 931-0020

Black Rail Kitchen Sunday Brunch:

• Sunday 10:00-2:00

Seeking Stamps Tip: Reservations are accepted on OpenTable.com.

19. 20|Twenty Grill

20|Twenty Grill at the Westin Resort offers a farm to table breakfast made with locally sourced ingredients. This is a great place for breakfast near Legoland California and The Crossings golf course.

The brunch menu at 20|Twenty restaurant in Carlsbad has quinoa bowls, overnight oats, pancakes, omelets and more. You must try the summer strawberry pancakes! Additionally, they offer live music on Sundays. Make sure to check the website for special holiday events such as their Easter brunch. Approximate cost: $12-22.

Address for 20|Twenty Grill:

• 5480 Grand Pacific Drive Carlsbad, CA 92008

Phone Number: (760) 827-2500

20|Twenty Hours of Operation:

• Monday-Friday 6:30-11:00
• Saturday & Sunday Breakfast 6:30-9:30, Brunch 9:00-2:00

Seeking Stamps Tip: The Westin is close the the famous Carlsbad Flower Fields, so stop by if you are here during the spring.

20. Ponto Lago at the Park Hyatt Aviara

Ponto Lago Restaurant, in the Park Hyatt Aviara Resort, is a great upscale venue for a special occasion brunch in Carlsbad. The Ponto Lago breakfast menu offers special items such as a chile verde pork benedict or huevos rancheros. Find out the reasons locals give this restaurant a high rating. Approximate cost: $15-23.

Address for Ponto Lago:

• 7100 Aviara Resort Drive Carlsbad, CA 92011

Phone Number: (760) 448-1234

Ponto Lago Hours of Operation:

• Daily 7:00-11:00 and 5:30-9:30

21. Carlsbad Brewing Company

Carlsbad Brewing Company, or CBC as the locals call it, isn’t typically known as a breakfast restaurant. However, this Bressi Ranch brewery has a secret brunch menu that we adore. Try the breakfast pizza or grilled cheese benedict! Without a doubt, this is one of the best breweries in North County San Diego. It’a a fabulous place to grab a beer and watch a game.

Address for Carlsbad Brewing Company:

• 6133 Innovation Way Ste 101 Carlsbad, CA  92009

Phone Number: (760) 452-7229

Carlsbad Brewing Company Hours of Operation:

• Monday closed
• Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday 12:00-8:30
• Friday & Saturday 12:00-9:00
• Sunday 12:00-8:00

Breakfast in Carlsbad CA: Kid Friendly Restaurants

22. Bricks Family Restaurant

Brick’s Family Restaurant is all about convenience when you are visiting Legoland. Although it is a bit pricey and has some mixed reviews, the fun Lego themed decor will delight the kids (and kids at heart).

There’s no question this is the best family friendly breakfast in Carlsbad. Their colorful breakfast buffet offers all the kid-friendly items you expect from eggs, pancakes, waffles, smoothies and more. Approximate cost: is $17.49 Adults, $12.49 for kids 3-12. Breakfast buffet is free for hotel guests.

Address for Brick’s Restaurant:

• One Legoland Drive Carlsbad, CA 92008 (Inside the Legoland Resort Hotel)

Phone Number: (760) 444-5600

Brick’s Family Restaurant at the Legoland Hotel:

• Brunch Hours Daily 7:00-10:30 AM

Seeking Stamps Tip: Skip the wait by making breakfast reservations at Brick’s Family Restaurant ahead of time. Reservations are required unless you are a hotel guest.

23. The Landings

The Carlsbad Landings is another kid-friendly breakfast restaurant. One of the highlights of this location at Palomar Airport is the view of small aircraft taking off and landing on the tarmac nearby. Landings has a large outdoor patio and a delicious brunch in Carlsbad.

Choose from omelets, corn beef hash, pancakes, breakfast sandwiches, and burritos. For adults, they offer live music and a wide selection of wine, craft beer and flavorful cocktails. Approximate cost: $12-18.

Address for the Landings at Palomar Airport:

• 2198 Palomar Airport Rd, Ste 100 Carlsbad, CA 92009 (at Palomar Airport)

Phone Number: (760) 929-0200

The Landings Hours of Operation:

• Monday 11:00-3:00
• Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday 11:00-8:00
• Friday 11:00-9:00
• Saturday 8:00-9:00 PM
• Sunday 8:00-3:00

24. Richard Walker’s Pancake House

Richard Walker Pancake House is inland, near Bressi Ranch. This Carlsbad breakfast spot is the ideal location for a child friendly breakfast in Carlsbad.

Richard Walker’s boasts 25 pancake varieties and 20 omelet choices. From traditional bacon and eggs to crepes, they have it all. Reservations are not accepted. Approximate cost: $12-16

Address for Richard Walker’s:

• 2656 Gateway Road Carlsbad, CA 92009

Phone Number: (760) 893-8400

Richard Walker’s Pancake House Hours of Operation:

• Daily 6:30-2:30

Breakfast in Carlsbad CA: Breakfast Restaurants With a View

25. Dini’s By The Sea Restaurant

Dini’s Restaurant by the Sea, also known as Dini’s Bistro, is a casual, “no frills” breakfast spot that has been a Carlsbad establishment for years. It has a dog-friendly patio and offers gorgeous ocean views. After breakfast, make sure to take a stroll along the gorgeous Southern California coast.

The Dini’s Carlsbad menu offers a variety of items such as scrambles, benedicts, pancakes, machaca, huevos rancheros, and breakfast quesadillas. Approximate cost: $9-24

Address for Dini’s By the Sea:

• 3290 Carlsbad Boulevard Carlsbad, CA 92008

Phone Number: (760) 434-6000

Dini’s By The Sea Hours of Operation:

• Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 11:30-9:00
• Tuesday 3:00-9:00
• Saturday & Sunday 10:00-9:00

Seeking Stamps Tip: Parking in Carlsbad Village can be a challenge, but Dini’s Bistro has a parking garage behind the restaurant for guests.

26. Chandler’s

Chandler’s Restaurant is another breakfast restaurant in Carlsbad with an ocean view. The Chandler’s Carlsbad menu offers smoothies, omelets, benedicts, chilaquiles, burritos and an amazing lobster hash. Reservations are available on Opentable. If you are looking for oceanfront dining in Carlsbad, this has one of the best views. Approximate cost: $13-24.

Address for Chandler’s:

• 1 Ponto Road Carlsbad, CA 92011 (Inside the Cape Rey Hotel)

Phone Number: (760) 683-5500

Chandler’s Hours of Operation:

• Monday-Friday 7:00-10:30 (breakfast), Lunch 11:30-4:00, Dinner 4:00-10:00
• Saturday & Sunday 7:00-2:30 (breakfast), Lunch 2:30-4:00, Dinner 4:00-10:00

27. Vaga Restaurant at Alila Marea Resort

The Vaga Restaurant in the Alila Marea Resort is technically in Encinitas, right on the southern border of Carlsbad. This is a stunning Carlsbad brunch restaurant with ocean views over Ponto Beach.

The Vaga brunch menu has everything from eggs, bagels and lox, chia pudding, breakfast sandwiches, benedicts and fresh juice. Chef Claudette Zepeda changes the menu, so check the website for seasonal changes.

Address for Alila Marea Resort:

• 2100 N Coast Highway 101 Encinitas, CA 92024 (inside the Alila Marea Beach
  Resort)

Phone Number: (760) 452-3500

Vaga Hours of Operation:

• Brunch is served 7:00-3:00

Seeking Stamps Tip: Reservations are available on their website.

Breakfast In Carlsbad CA: Final Thoughts

As you can see there are lots of fabulous places to eat breakfast in Carlsbad, CA. From trendy cafes, to oceanfront restaurants these are 27 breakfast spots in Carlsbad that will delight your taste buds. If you are looking for the “best breakfast near me”, these Carlsbad breakfast restaurants are the best places to eat in North County, San Diego!