Best breakfast in San Francisco

96 people recommend, 11 warn against itvia r/sanfrancisco, r/AskSF

Arsicault is a San Francisco bakery where many diners say the croissants are very good, and most people who weigh in recommend it. People recommend it across its outlets; the location shown here is the Arguello Boulevard shop. Many commenters list it among their top bakery picks, though several diners find the filled croissants too rich or heavy. One diner would send people who want crème-style desserts elsewhere, though they praise its breads. Plan for a line, since many commenters mention waiting.

Arguello

54 people recommend, 6 warn against itcounted across its outletsvia r/AskSF, r/sanfrancisco

Most people recommend Tartine across its outlets; the location shown here is the Inner Sunset branch. Many suggest its pastries for breakfast, and several single out the bread; one visitor calls the sourdough the best they have had. One visitor recommends the Inner Sunset branch over the Mission location for families with kids. Caveats include one visitor who says it is not worth the wait, some who feel it has become overrated, and one who says it may be pricey. Another finds the croissants too heavy for people who want them buttery, and one feels the sourdough is arguably weaker than it once was.

Inner Sunset

48 people recommend, 4 warn against itvia r/AskSF, r/sanfrancisco, X

Many people praise the breakfast burritos, and most recommend the place overall. Two diners single out the sausage breakfast sandwich, and one diner skips the meat there because the plantain burrito is too good. Caveats: several diners say the lines are too long, one says quality seems to have slipped as volume grows, and one says the burritos never hit the spot. One diner enjoys them but doubts they are mind-blowing, and another finds them merely upscale next to taquerias.

Mission

44 people recommend, 25 warn against itvia r/sanfrancisco, r/AskSF

Many diners praise the breakfast sandwiches here, including the special biscuit sandwich, and a few diners say it works well for takeaway. Cinnamon rolls earn a few recommendations, though one diner says they are not for anyone who wants frosting. Caveats include a few diners finding the biscuit dry or not to their liking, a few finding the sandwich very filling, and several diners mentioning lines, with one saying the wait is barely worth it. Overall more people recommend it than warn against it, though several diners call it pricey or say it has grown more expensive, and a few find the baked goods not worth it.

46th Avenue

40 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/sanfrancisco, r/AskSF

Visitors widely recommend this bakery, and many point to its kouign amann, with several calling it famous or outstanding. Two visitors praise the chocolate chip cookie, and two others point to the banana almond croissant. One visitor says the line moves quickly even when it is long, but another finds it overly sweet and too crumbly.

38 people recommend, 11 warn against itvia r/AskSF, r/sanfrancisco

Plow is a breakfast and brunch spot where several diners praise the lemon ricotta pancakes, and several also single out the potatoes. Most visitors recommend it, but many warn about long lines, especially on weekends, and a few say the wait isn't worth it. A couple of diners describe the space as tiny, one feels the pancakes are overrated, and another says the lemon is too strong. Several suggest arriving early or joining the waitlist.

Potrero Hill

36 people recommendcounted across its outletsvia r/sanfrancisco, r/AskSF

The Pork Store Cafe is well liked across its outlets, and most who name a location mean the Haight Street one. Many commenters call its food good and many point to the chicken-fried steak. One diner says the homemade corned beef hash is distinctive, another finds the grits good, and two commenters mention the counter at the Haight location, where one says a seat can be had without a wait. The caveats: one diner suspects the steak is premade, one calls it ordinary diner breakfast, and one dislikes the brown gravy.

Haight

32 people recommend, 5 warn against itvia r/AskSF, r/sanfrancisco

Most people recommend Zazie's Cole Valley spot for breakfast or brunch, and one diner singles out its Dungeness crab eggs Benedict. Many people describe long waits, and a few suggest booking ahead or arriving early, though one says they could not book brunch. One diner calls the space cramped and the food forgettable, another found it very disappointing, and a further diner says the food is good but pricey, better suited to a dinner date.

Cole Valley

29 people recommend, 2 warn against itvia r/AskSF, r/sanfrancisco

Breadbelly's Inner Richmond branch is on Clement near 15th Street, and most commenters recommend Breadbelly. Several people describe the menu as fun or Asian-inspired, a few name the croissants as a highlight, and two say the breakfast sandwich beats the one at another spot. Two commenters praise the kaya toast, though one diner finds it too dessert-like for breakfast. A commenter notes that ordering means stepping up to a counter rather than a true walk-up.

Inner Richmond

28 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/AskSF, r/sanfrancisco, X

Most people recommend Il Canto Cafe, a breakfast spot in the Financial District. Many diners single out the breakfast burrito for praise, and a few suggest picking it up or having it delivered. The caveats are that a couple of diners note there is no seating, one diner says it can be busy at breakfast time and suggests ordering ahead, and another finds that adding protein and avocado makes the order pricey.

FIDI

24 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/sanfrancisco, r/AskSF

Most diners recommend Kahnfections, and many praise its biscuit breakfast sandwich, with a few ranking it above Devil's Teeth. Many diners name the Mission location, and one diner finds it bordering on too rich but still enjoys it. A few diners raise caveats: one says the coffee is weak, one says the biscuit falls apart and is too greasy, and one says it holds together only when wrapped in foil and could use more flavor.

Mission

24 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/AskSF, r/sanfrancisco

Many diners praise Juniper's croissants, and a few rank its croissants above Arsicault. Most commenters recommend it overall, though one diner found the croissant mushy and weak and called it their least favorite. A few commenters believe it opens early, one says the line has never been very long, and one suggests pre-ordering croissants for an early-morning meal.

22 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/AskSF, r/sanfrancisco

Early to Rise is a breakfast and brunch spot that many people recommend, and a few specifically mention its NOPA location. A couple of diners praise its Benedict dishes, and one calls the food and service excellent. Waits can run long, a couple of visitors warn. Two diners who live nearby don't get the hype, with one finding it average, loud and spotty on service, while one diner at the NOPA location finds it pricey but still the best they have had.

Nopa

22 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/sanfrancisco, r/AskSF

Many diners pick Bandit's breakfast sandwiches, and one diner calls them great. In Dogpatch, several diners praise the breakfast burritos, and one recommends the Captain Crunch with a side of tater tots. One diner says Bandit works for breakfast sandwiches, but the brioche is a poor fit for egg sandwiches. Another diner says Bandit tastes bland and dry, and does not see why it is so popular.

Dogpatch

21 people recommendvia r/AskSF, r/sanfrancisco

Most people who weigh in recommend Lucho's on Ocean Avenue. Many diners single out the chilaquiles and also praise the pancakes, with two naming the pineapple upside-down version. One diner says the wait is either none or very short, while another diner finds it a bit pricey, though still solid for people nearby.

Ocean Ave

21 people recommend, 2 warn against itvia r/AskSF, r/sanfrancisco, X

Sears Fine Foods, on Powell Street in Union Square, is a restaurant most people recommend for breakfast. Many people name it as a breakfast pick, and a few describe it as a classic breakfast spot. Two commenters point to its Swedish pancakes, one diner highlights the silver-dollar pancakes, and another says the apple turnover is excellent. Caveats: one commenter says Sears has slipped from its earlier standard, another calls Sears mediocre, and a third commenter finds it good but not close to the Embarcadero.

Powell

20 people recommendvia r/AskSF, r/sanfrancisco

Most diners recommend Art's Cafe, a small diner-style breakfast spot with counter seating on Irving Street in the Inner Sunset. People single out the hash browns, especially hash brown sandwiches, and a few commenters point to Korean-influenced dishes, and one names the Samurai Omelet. A couple of diners mention long lines, and one notes that seats are shared to fit more people in. Two diners are less impressed: one found the food good rather than outstanding, and another found the bulgogi chewy and hash brown sandwiches lacking, but wondered whether it was simply an off day.

Inner Sunset

20 people recommendvia r/AskSF, r/sanfrancisco

Many people recommend Mama's, a breakfast and brunch spot in North Beach facing Washington Square Park. One diner recommends the Crab Benedict, two diners point to the Monte Cristo, and one visitor praises the homemade jam. Guests order up front and find their own seats, one regular notes, while one visitor advises going early.

North Beach

19 people recommendvia r/sanfrancisco, r/AskSF

Most people who mention Tennessee Grill on Taraval recommend it, and several describe it as an old-fashioned diner. Several people say the food is good, and a few diners call it budget-friendly. One diner feels it is not especially remarkable, though they also say it has an American feel. One diner likes the indoor seating, and a visitor says you can watch the cooks from certain seats.

Taraval

19 people recommendvia r/sanfrancisco, r/AskSF

Many people name Maison Nico among their top bakery picks, and several praise its pastries, with one singling out the plain croissant and another recommending the pain au chocolat. One commenter says it is worth grabbing a sandwich here for a non-croissant breakfast. It sits in the Jackson Square area, close to North Beach, and one diner finds it surprisingly budget-friendly. One commenter says lines here move quickly.

North Beach

19 people recommend, 4 warn against itvia r/AskSF, r/sanfrancisco

Many people point to the Geary and Mason location of Pinecrest Diner, near Union Square, as the go-to for a classic diner breakfast, and a few say it is open late or round the clock. A couple of diners say the pancakes and waffles are very good, a couple recommend the country fried steak, and one praises the crispy hash browns. On the less favorable side, two diners find the food average or worse, and a few advise against ordering the poached eggs.

Mason

19 people recommend, 6 warn against itvia r/AskSF, r/sanfrancisco

Most commenters recommend Sweet Maple, and many name it as a breakfast or brunch pick. A few diners single out the French toast, including a deep-fried version and a Grand Marnier one with orange notes, and two commenters point to the bacon, which one describes as a specialty while another mentions a dish called Millionaire's Bacon. A couple of commenters warn of hour-plus lines, and one says it takes no reservations. Two diners found it underwhelming, and some find it pricey.

18 people recommendvia r/AskSF, r/sanfrancisco

Many commenters recommend Lokma for breakfast, and a few place it in the Richmond district. Several commenters point to the Turkish breakfast, and a couple of diners praise the Greek yogurt pancakes. A couple of diners say they bring visitors there, and one calls the breakfast incredible, while another recommends the scrambled eggs and Turkish sausage.

Richmond

16 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/sanfrancisco, r/AskSF

Many diners recommend MyMy as a breakfast or brunch pick, and a couple of diners call it the best. One diner praises the food and service, and one diner rates its brunch on par with or above Mama's. The Nob Hill branch is at California and Larkin. One diner warns of long lines with no reservations and suggests arriving early in the morning to avoid a long wait.

Nob Hill

15 people recommendvia r/AskSF, r/sanfrancisco

Many people recommend El Mil Amores for breakfast, and two people call the chilaquiles the best. At the 21st Street location, one diner says the concha French toast is a dish they still think about weeks later. A visitor also praises the tres leches pancakes and chorizo, and one diner suggests arriving early to avoid a wait.

2780 21st Street

15 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/sanfrancisco, r/AskSF, r/bayarea

Neighbor Bakehouse in Dogpatch is a bakery that many people recommend for its pastries. Two people name the ginger pull-apart and two name the banana bostock, and one diner says the char siu croissant is their top fusion pick in the city. A few people mention long lines. One person also says its hours are very limited.

Dogpatch

15 people recommend, 3 warn against itvia r/sanfrancisco, r/AskSF

Many people recommend this North Beach bakery, and several diners call its pastries good, with one person ranking its laminated pastries above Arsicault's. A couple of people praise its inventive creations, and one person names it as their breakfast pick. Many diners mention the long line, and some people complain about how the line moves. On taste, one diner found the croissants flat and dough-heavy, another says the cakes are stronger than the plain croissants, and one person finds it unremarkable.

North Beach

13 people recommendvia r/AskSF, r/sanfrancisco

Many people recommend Boogaloo's for breakfast, and several of them describe it as casual. One commenter says it is casual enough to show up half awake in travel clothes.

13 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/sanfrancisco, r/AskSF

Many diners recommend New Taraval Cafe, a corner diner on Taraval just outside West Portal. One describes it as a neighborly place that welcomes newcomers and regulars alike. Four commenters say the food is good, and one ranks it highest among their breakfast spots in the city. On the other side, one diner finds the portions a bit small, and another finds it not especially remarkable, though it has a proper American diner feel.

West Portal

12 people recommendvia r/AskSF, r/sanfrancisco

Several diners recommend the Clement Street location of Hamburger Haven. One diner describes the interior as a trip back to the seventies and says both food and service are good. Another praises the hash browns, calling them one of the few places they have found that do them really well. One diner names French toast breakfast as their favorite.

Clement

12 people recommend, 1 warns against itcounted across its outletsvia r/AskSF

Many people recommend Cracked and Battered across its outlets; the location shown here is the Chestnut Street one, which one commenter names. Many recommend it for breakfast or brunch, and one diner says its fried chicken and waffles is the standout. Another diner found the breakfast burrito decent, and one commenter suggests ordering to go to avoid long lines. One diner who went twice was disappointed both times and doubts it deserves a spot on a best-of list.

12 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/AskSF, r/sanfrancisco

Most people recommend Newkirk's for breakfast, and several name its breakfast sandwich as their pick. One diner singles out the hash brown sandwich as the one to get, and another calls the BEC great. One person feels it is pricey for what it offers.

11 people recommendvia r/AskSF, r/sanfrancisco

Several people recommend San Jalisco as a Mexican breakfast spot. Two diners say the breakfast plates are big, and two mention the chilaquiles, with one calling them tasty. Another diner calls the place amazing, and one counts it among their favorite spots in the city.

11 people recommendvia r/AskSF, r/sanfrancisco

Orphan Andy's, in the Castro, is a breakfast pick that many people recommend. A few people point to the pancakes, and one commenter calls them the best in the city. One visitor finds the pancakes, ordered as a side, filling enough to count as a meal, and another praises the people-watching. One commenter says it is casual enough to drop in wearing travel clothes.

Castro

10 people recommendvia r/AskSF, r/sanfrancisco

Many diners recommend Heist on Post Street for breakfast, with several naming its burritos and one praising the breakfast platters. Two diners describe the quality as uneven, though both say it is excellent when it comes out right. One diner finds it pricey, while another defends the price as in line with other breakfast burritos.

Post St

10 people recommendvia r/AskSF, r/sanfrancisco

Many diners recommend St. Francis Fountain for breakfast, and one diner says it is worth the trek out to 24th Street in the Mission. One diner praises the corned beef hash and rates the banana bread very highly. Another diner who spent time in the Mission loved it but found it a little pricey, and remembered the coffee as pretty good.

10 people recommendvia r/AskSF, r/sanfrancisco

Many diners recommend Andytown, including its breakfast sandwich. Two visitors praise the toasted bread and runny egg, and a few also recommend the coffee, with one diner calling it excellent. One diner finds the sandwich a bit small, and another isn't sure it ranks above Devil's Teeth.

10 people recommendvia r/AskSF, r/sanfrancisco

Many people recommend Sisterita, and no commenter warns against it. One commenter praises the food and decor, another says they love the place, and one person who visited says it was a perfect choice for their group. One commenter places it in Chinatown, and another places it near the Financial District. That same commenter describes the cooking as French-Thai fusion, and specific breakfast dishes are not described.

Chinatown

10 people recommend, 2 warn against itvia r/AskSF, r/sanfrancisco

Many people recommend Kantine, a Scandinavian restaurant and bakery, and two commenters name it as a breakfast pick. Two commenters praise its cardamom roll, and one praises the Swedish-style cinnamon roll; both come unfrosted. One commenter says its Scandinavian-style food is not a traditional American breakfast and would not suit someone focused on egg dishes.

9 people recommendvia r/AskSF, r/sanfrancisco

Many people recommend Eats on Clement for breakfast. One diner calls it an upscale, California-style breakfast spot and praises the pancake's crispy edges and fluffy texture. Another diner recommends the biscuits and French toast and says the food doesn't feel heavy. One diner notes the menu is smaller, though they say all the dishes are excellent.

Clement

9 people recommendvia r/sanfrancisco, r/AskSF

Many people recommend Kate's Kitchen, a Lower Haight breakfast spot, and one visitor calls it fabulous. Two diners praise the cornmeal pancakes. One diner finds the lemon curd topping especially tasty and likes the wide range of toppings, while another says the orange zest makes the pancakes stand out. One diner suggests it for big appetites, and another says it looks like a pretty basic place.

Lower Haight

9 people recommendvia r/AskSF, r/sanfrancisco

Many commenters recommend The New Spot at Polk and Union, and a couple of them suggest it as a breakfast stop. One commenter who has visited says the waitlist can be joined online, waits are usually short, and outdoor seating is nice when it is sunny. One commenter praises the omelets and scrambles, and another recommends chicken fried steak along with French toast made with cornflakes.

Polk

9 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/sanfrancisco, r/AskSF

Most commenters recommend this bakery, and one points to its croissants and other pastries, another to its fresh bread. One commenter also calls it adorably French. One commenter finds it pricey, and another notes it is a longer walk but a good option for taking French baked goods to Dolores Park.

9 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/sanfrancisco, r/AskSF

Many people recommend Front Porch for southern-style breakfast food. One commenter ranks it far ahead of other places for fried chicken and chicken-fried steak, another calls it an underrated local gem, and a couple of commenters name it when asked for southern breakfast. One commenter notes that breakfast runs only through early afternoon, with a dinner-only menu after that.

8 people recommendvia r/sanfrancisco, r/AskSF

Many people name Plain Jane's as a good breakfast option. One diner calls the velvet waffles terrific, and another diner says every dish they tried there was delicious. A visitor notes the experience depends on which item you choose.

8 people recommendvia r/sanfrancisco, r/AskSF

Many people recommend Cielito Lindo for breakfast. One calls its breakfast burritos excellent and fully customizable, and another says the chilaquiles are amazing. A different person calls a chorizo and potato burrito superb, and one diner names a ham and pinto version as their personal favorite.

8 people recommend, 1 warns against itcounted across its outletsvia r/AskSF, r/sanfrancisco

Many commenters recommend Underdogs, which has several branches; the location shown here is the 9th Avenue one in the Sunset. A couple of commenters name the breakfast quesadilla as a pick. Opinion on the breakfast burritos is split: some commenters call them good, while two others say recent ones lacked flavor or are not a favorite, though one diner also recommends the crispy potatoes.

8 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/AskSF, r/sanfrancisco

Many people recommend Pancake Boy, and several name the Noe Valley location. One diner who has eaten there calls the banana mascarpone pancakes outstanding, and another says the food justifies the wait. Some people mention lines, and one suggests arriving just before opening at Noe Valley to get a table right away. One person who has not tried it yet says the inside looks cramped.

Noe

8 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/AskSF

Many commenters recommend Surisan for breakfast, and one diner who visited said it was among their best breakfasts. One commenter singled out the stuffed French toast as outstanding, and another suggests it for a Korean-influenced fusion brunch. One commenter says its opening hours are too late for an early breakfast, and one commenter places it in or near the Marina.

7 people recommendvia r/AskSF

Many commenters recommend Lou's Cafe for breakfast, and several name the breakfast sandwich specifically. One commenter rates the corned beef version as strong hangover food. Lou's has outlets in the Financial District and the Inner Richmond, and people recommend it across both; the location shown here is the Inner Richmond one on Geary. One commenter advises ordering ahead through Clover, since mornings are busy and waits can run long.

7 people recommendvia r/sanfrancisco, r/AskSF

People recommend Chloe's Cafe for breakfast and brunch, and it is in Noe Valley. A couple of commenters describe it as having a neighborhood feel, while one diner calls it a small spot with only a handful of tables. One diner says they love the specialty pancakes and that the regular ones have a texture they like, while a commenter suggests it for French toast. One commenter notes a pickup window, and another says it is not open on Tuesdays or Wednesdays.

Noe Valley

7 people recommend, 1 warns against itcounted across its outletsvia r/AskSF, r/sanfrancisco

Many people recommend Toast across its outlets (West Portal, Polk and Church); the location shown here is West Portal, and several point to its breakfast and brunch. One diner rates the Polk location's diner-style breakfast as good, and says it rarely has a wait. The West Portal location opens early in the morning, and one commenter calls it a solid spot. On price, one diner finds the standard diner fare pricey, and one commenter calls Toast overpriced at any location.

West Portal

7 people recommend, 2 warn against itvia r/sanfrancisco, r/AskSF

Many people recommend Eddie's Cafe, and one diner calls its breakfast tasty and simple, with a lively feel. Another diner says the Divisadero location does hash browns well. Opinions on price are split, with one diner calling it budget-friendly and a couple of diners finding it pricey.

6 people recommendvia r/AskSF, r/sanfrancisco

Several people recommend Red's Java House for breakfast in San Francisco. One commenter calls it a cool breakfast spot with views of a bridge. Comments are brief and describe no specific dishes.

5 people recommendvia r/AskSF, r/sanfrancisco

Several people recommend Manitas Cafe in NOPA for breakfast, and two visitors point to its chilaquiles. One diner really enjoyed the huevos rancheros here, and a visitor includes the cafe in a short list of strong breakfast burritos. Another suggests it for a Latin American-style breakfast.

5 people recommendvia r/AskSF, r/sanfrancisco

Five people recommend Sightglass, with diners praising its coffee and pastries. People name the 7th, Mission, 20th Street and Divis spots, so check which location you plan to visit. One diner likes the visible coffee roaster, and another picks the blackberry pistachio croissant with a brown butter and miso iced latte.

7th

5 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/AskSF, r/sanfrancisco

Two diners praise the breakfast at Velo Rouge Cafe on Arguello: one calls the bacon-egg-and-cheese croissant very good, and the other remembers the breakfast burrito as great, though it has been a while since their last visit. Another visitor calls the place excellent, and five people in all recommend the cafe. One diner says the breakfast sandwiches are pricey.

Arguello

5 people recommend, 2 warn against itvia r/sanfrancisco, r/AskSF

Several people recommend Uncle Benny's, a donut and bagel shop, for breakfast, and one diner says the lox bagel is decent. One diner who used to live nearby still loves the shop and its donuts. On the downside, two diners find the bagel sandwiches underwhelming, one of them calling them pricey for what they are, and two find the coffee mid. Two visitors note the Irving location opens very early, and one describes a chatty, older crowd there.

Irving