San Diego is known for its gorgeous beaches and diverse action-packed adventures whether it be land or sea. But in the midst of all this fun, we still need to eat. And the old saying says breakfast is the most important meal of the day. But is it? Let’s face it sometimes sleeping in after a night out or after a long week is the exact reason we all love brunch. An extra hour or two of shuteye, followed by a nice brunch is exactly what I’m looking for. In San Diego, they’ve got options alright. With an array of brunch styles, your choices are endless. Here are a couple of brunch spots on our list-all you have to do is pick one and enjoy
Madi
Meet Madi: Fresh-faced and vibrant while being cool and sophisticated, Madi is the little sister restaurant to San Diego’s favorite neighborhood gem, Madison on Park. Opened in August 2022, located in San Diego’s Normal Heights neighborhood. Madi serves as the newest neighborhood brunch spot. Offering brunch seven days a week. Rooted in vibrant and fresh California cuisine, the menu puts a playful Mediterranean twist on West Coast ingredients. Creating an inventive brunch experience divided into Shares, Lunchy Stuff, Griddle Game (featuring a 60-year-old pancake recipe), Build Your Own Bowl, and Madi Faves. Diners brunch on items like Chilaquiles Verdes, Blackberry Goat Cheese, and Peanut Butter and Banana and Bacon Pancakes.
Madi’s brunch menu also features a selection of favorites from Madison’s weekend brunch, including Waffle Churro Sticks, Carnitas Stack with a Belgian waffle base, and a White Bean Shakshuka. Made for daytime dining, brunchers will feel the San Diego sunshine and warm breezes. Brunch is awesome whether it’s a buzzy weekend brunch with bubbles, a morning breakfast meeting, or a leisurely meal on the patio over a glass of wine… or all three. Located at 3737 Adams Avenue, Madi is open seven days per week, from 8am to 2:30pm.
Herb & Sea
Herb & Sea as you know it, a chic and coastal escape, has tapped into its playful side to revamp its brunch menu. Chat with friends and family against the backdrop of cheerful pop hits while chowing down on the crispy Fish Sandwich, Herb & Sea’s refined take on the classic fast food staple featuring a habanero slaw, heirloom tomato, relish, lemon aioli served with a green salad. Be sure to take out your phone and snap a picture when the Dutch Baby arrives with a large pancake cooked to fluffy perfection. The Dutch Baby is served with seasonal fruit, fresh whipped ricotta cream, and decorative florals.
In partnership with Herb & Sea’s secret menu spinoff, Unholy Donuts, guests can take a bite out of the upscale Hot Dog Donut to experience the classic dish all new way, wrapped in a crispy, freshly baked donut and seasoned with sesame and poppy seeds. Soak up the sun on the outdoor patio while sipping on the Bad & Boozie Punch Bowl made with flor de cana, bourbon, brandy, drambuie, licor 43, passion fruit liqueur, lemon juice, and pineapple juice with friends for a collaborative drinking experience or try the Kiwi Do you love me? made with tequila, kiwi, banana liqueur and lime to wash down the Sunday scaries. Effortlessly blending elevated with flirtatious and nautical, Herb & Sea’s new brunch offerings lean into its vibrant, youthful side.
Garibaldi
Garibaldi is an al fresco Italian rooftop dining experience located at The InterContinental San Diego, where the city meets the bay, offering a variety of elevated dishes on their brunch menu that will take taste buds on a European vacation. Enjoy the sweeping bay views on Saturday morning while diving into their brand new Italian Brunch Torte. Featuring cotto ham, salami, provolone, roasted sweet pepper, baby spinach, cremini mushrooms, and Nduja tomato sauce. Baked as a full torte, yet served in individual slices, Garibaldi griddles each slice, allowing for the cheese to melt and crisp to perfection before reaching the guest’s table. The menu also features sweeter, Sicilian-inspired brunch offerings like the Castagnaccio Bread Pancakes and the Cassata Siciliana. With brunch comes the option to purchase bottomless Caposaldo Prosecco or Aperol Spritz for an additional $29. Brunch is offered every Saturday from 10am to 2pm.
Valentina
Valentina, an enchanted European-inspired bistro and wine bar located on the 101 in Leucadia, is the perfect setting for a Saturday or Sunday brunch. Enjoy ocean breezes, patio dining. An eclectic mix of seasonal plates and an extensive collection of legendary, well-known and worldly bubbles to be enjoyed with all the brunch favorites. Can’t decide on savory or sweet? Indulge in classics like the French Toast, Maine Lobster Hash, Mussels al Vino paired with a caffeinated drink, cocktail or bubbles from the patio, to be transported to a summer day in Europe! Post surf session or with girlfriends in tow. Valentina is a lively and satisfying brunch destination for both north county locals and visitors. Valentina offers brunch every Saturday and Sunday, starting at 11am.
Johnny WAHOO! Golf Bar
I’m excited to share that Johnny WAHOO! Golf Bar opened in August 2022. The lively entertainment venue is located in the heart of the Gaslamp and offers interactive Full Swing golf simulators. And Johnny WAHOO has a handcrafted bar fare, large-format cocktails, and rousing weekly programming for social, and sports enthusiasts.
A few standout F&B items and social initiatives include:
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The exclusive home of WAHOO! – a low carb, low-calorie flavored lager (flavors include lime, mixed berry, orange and tropical)
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Classic yet elevated bar favorites from RMD Group Culinary Director Wilfried Bergerhausen including a wide selection of shareable appetizers and sides. Like potato chip nachos, bison meatballs, southern corn fritters, and an indulgent list of sandwiches and entrées including the Johnny WAHOO! bratwurst, spicy fried chicken sando, glazed donut grilled cheese, filet frites and more.
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Full Swing golf simulators allow for the ultimate 18-hole experience. With championship courses including Pebble Beach, Bandon Dunes, and Pinehurst No. 2, among others.
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Selection of gameplay options featuring football, baseball, soccer, and more.
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Variety of nightly programming including an all-night happy hour on Monday, trivia on Wednesday nights, Thursday night football specials and weekend brunch.
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Vibrant interiors and the energetic atmosphere RMD Group is known to deliver.
