DineSpin

Best Brunch in San Francisco

Find the best brunch restaurants in San Francisco, CA. Scored on what actually matters.

By DineSpin Team·Updated February 2026·10 spots

San Francisco brunch is a blood sport. You're competing for tables at places that serve maybe 30 people at a time, lines form before doors open, and the wait can easily hit an hour on weekends. The tradeoff: some of the most inventive, freshest morning food in the country. Here's where to fight for your seat—and whether it's actually worth the battle.

Recommended:

Best Brunch in San Francisco

1.

Pistachio Kitchen Restaurant & Espresso Bar

92/100

A pistachio-focused cafe sounds precious until you actually taste what they're doing—the pistachio theme isn't gimmick, it's the backbone of a genuinely distinctive menu, especially the French toast. Service hits with genuine warmth (not performative friendliness), and they send you out the door with free baklava just because. The catch is real: parking on this street is a nightmare, and prices skew high for what you get.

Pro tip: Come on a weekday if you can. The friendly service moves faster when the counter isn't slammed, and you'll actually taste the pistachio clarity instead of rushing through it.

🍽️Food95

The food is well-regarded for its freshness, flavor, and quality, with many dishes highlighted as excellent, particularly the pistachio banana foster French toast and avocado toast. The Turkish-inspired dishes also receive positive mentions.

Everything was fresh, flavorful, and perfectly done.

👋Service96

Service is frequently described as outstanding, friendly, attentive, and welcoming, with staff often going above and beyond for customers.

Service was first-rate. Super friendly staff.

Vibe85

The atmosphere is often described as nice, cozy, lively, and having good vibes, with pleasant music contributing to the ambiance.

Nice music playing, the place is clean and bright

💰Value80

While generally considered good quality, a few diners noted that prices are a bit high or that certain dishes felt overpriced for the value.

A little too pricy for the value.

📍 1535 Franklin St, San Francisco, CA 94109, United States
4.7$$San FranciscoAmerican
Ideal for
Breakfast and brunch enthusiastsFans of pistachio-flavored itemsDiners seeking friendly service
2.

Spork Breakfast & Brunch

92/100

Pandan waffles and tom yum omelets shouldn't work together, but Spork's Asian-American fusion approach feels less like trend-chasing and more like actual cooking. Staff treats you like they genuinely want you there, the portions don't feel apologetic, and the vibe is relaxed enough that you don't feel rushed through your meal. Prices run higher than you'd expect for the city, and items can vanish mid-service if they're popular.

Pro tip: Ask what's out before you sit. The kitchen runs through specials fast, and the menu reflects what's actually available that day.

🍽️Food95

The food is well-regarded for its delicious and creative Asian-American fusion, with standout dishes like the pandan waffles and tom yum omelet.

Tom yum soup was amazing

👋Service90

Service is frequently described as friendly, attentive, and helpful, with staff often going above and beyond.

Super friendly and attentive staff

Vibe85

The atmosphere is described as cute, cozy, and relaxing, with a pleasant ambiance.

Wonderful and relaxing vibe!

💰Value85

While some note prices are high for San Francisco, many find the portions generous and the overall cost reasonable for the quality.

So affordable too!

📍 631 Broadway, San Francisco, CA 94133, United States
4.8$$San FranciscoMixed/Fusion
Ideal for
Brunch enthusiasts seeking unique flavorsDiners looking for creative Asian-American fusionThose who appreciate friendly and attentive service
3.

Lucho’s

92/100

Lucho's is a highly-regarded favorite in San Francisco, celebrated for its delicious and authentic Mexican brunch, excellent customer service, and welcoming atmosphere. Despite common waits due to its popularity and small size, well-regarded for the fresh ingredients, generous portions, and the owner's active involvement.

Pro tip: Amazing food, outstanding service, and a welcoming atmosphere make this a go-to.

🍽️Food95

The food is well-regarded for its deliciousness, freshness, and authentic Mexican flavors, with many dishes receiving first-rate remarks.

Food is top quality

👋Service95

Service is frequently highlighted as top-notch, with staff described as friendly, attentive, welcoming, and making diners feel like family.

Customer service makes you feel like family

Vibe80

The atmosphere is generally described as charming, cozy, and family-friendly, though it is a small space.

Chill and relaxed setting

💰Value85

While some find portions generous and prices reasonable, one diner noted higher prices for a single meal without a drink.

Servings are generous

📍 2675 Ocean Ave, San Francisco, CA 94132, United States
4.8$$San FranciscoMexican
Ideal for
Brunch enthusiasts seeking authentic Mexican flavorsDiners who value friendly and attentive serviceThose looking for a cozy neighborhood spot
4.

Art's Cafe

88/100

Ten seats at a counter in a family-run diner doesn't sound like it should work, but Art's is proof that constraints breed creativity. The Korean-American fusion hash brown sandwiches are why people wait—sometimes over an hour on weekends. Service is genuinely warm, portions are real, and prices make you wonder how they're still solvent. The trade-off is brutal: if you show up Saturday morning expecting a quick bite, you'll be disappointed.

Pro tip: Go on a weekday morning or arrive by 8:30 a. M. On weekend. After that, you're looking at a wait that stretches into your day.

🍽️Food92

The food is well-regarded for its deliciousness, particularly the hash brown sandwiches and the blend of traditional American and Korean flavors. Ingredients are noted as fresh and of high quality.

One of the best breakfasts in San Francisco!

👋Service90

Service is frequently described as friendly, attentive, and welcoming, with staff often making diners feel like family. The family-run nature contributes to a warm atmosphere.

Friendly, attentive, and speedy

Vibe80

The atmosphere is consistently described as a cozy, old-school, small diner with a throwback vibe, often enhanced by watching the food being prepared.

Old school SF diner vibe.

💰Value88

Diners find the prices reasonable for the generous portions and high quality of food, making it a good value.

Great breakfast at a great price

📍 747 Irving St, San Francisco, CA 94122, United States
4.7$$San FranciscoAmerican
Ideal for
Breakfast and brunch enthusiastsDiners seeking unique Korean-American fusionThose who appreciate a classic diner experience
5.

Brenda's French Soul Food

88/100

The beignets and catfish and grits here taste like someone's actually sourcing ingredients and cooking with intention—not just warming up a formula. Service knows what they're doing, the energy is genuinely lively, and the food consistency holds up over time. The reality: 45-minute to hour-long waits are common on weekends, and the portions don't always match the price tag.

Pro tip: Go on a weekday if possible. Weekend waits can stretch through your whole morning, and the kitchen feels faster when it's not slammed.

🍽️Food92

The food is well-regarded for its authentic French Soul Food and Creole flavors, with many dishes like the catfish and grits, fried chicken, and beignets receiving high marks for taste and quality.

The food tastes so fresh

👋Service85

Service is generally described as friendly, attentive, and efficient, with staff often noted for their warmth and helpfulness, though some diners mention it can be harder to get attention when very busy.

Staff was attentive, knowledgeable, and super friendly

Vibe85

The atmosphere is frequently described as warm, lively, cozy, and welcoming, with a vibe reminiscent of New Orleans.

The vibe was chill lots of small groups

💰Value80

While some find the prices fair for the quality and portion size, a few diners noted that portions can be small or that the cost is high for what is received.

Prices feel totally fair for the quality

📍 652 Polk St, San Francisco, CA 94102, United States
4.5$$San FranciscoSoul Food
Ideal for
Authentic Creole and Southern cuisine loversBrunch enthusiastsThose seeking a lively atmosphere
6.

Smoke Soul Kitchen

88/100

The fried chicken sandwich and shrimp and grits land with the kind of precision that makes you wonder why more soul food spots don't get this right. The staff is genuinely friendly, the room feels welcoming, and nothing tastes phoned in. The serving sizes feel small for the price, and the ordering process isn't always clearly explained—you might end up in self-serve territory without realizing it.

Pro tip: Ask about the ordering flow when you arrive. It'll save you from confusion and ensure you get what you actually wanted.

🍽️Food90

The food is well-regarded for its delicious and well-seasoned soul food classics, with particular highlights being the fried chicken, shrimp and grits, and mac and cheese.

Incredible brunch. The fried chicken sandwich

👋Service85

Service is generally described as friendly and hospitable, though some diners noted a lack of attentiveness or self-serve aspects that were not clearly communicated.

Great service and wonderful atmosphere.

Vibe85

The atmosphere is frequently described as friendly, relaxed, and having a good vibe, suitable for casual dining and even catching a game.

Love the atmosphere of the resturant.

💰Value75

While most find the food delicious, a few diners mention small serving sizes relative to the price, suggesting value could be improved.

The serving sizes are pretty small.

📍 4618 3rd St, San Francisco, CA 94124, United States
4.7$$San FranciscoSoul Food
Ideal for
Brunch enthusiastsDiners seeking Southern comfort foodCasual meals with friends
7.

Mama's On Washington Square

88/100

This is the kind of brunch institution where people have been taking photos for decades, and the food is actually excellent—fresh ingredients, generous portions, clean technique. The problem is everyone knows it. Expect a line even on weekday mornings, and accept that you'll be eating quickly in a cramped space. The restroom situation is genuinely concerning enough that some diners mention it unprompted.

Pro tip: Go hungry. The portions are real, and you want to make the wait worth your time. Arrive before 9 a. M. If you can.

🍽️Food90

The food is well-regarded for its quality, freshness, and execution, with many dishes highlighted as outstanding.

Mama’s consistently delivers a best in class

👋Service85

Service is generally described as fast and friendly once customers reach the ordering point, though initial acknowledgment can sometimes be slow.

The service is fast

Vibe80

The restaurant is described as a charming, cozy, and favorite with a welcoming atmosphere, though it can feel cramped.

Cozy ambiance perfect for a relaxed meal

💰Value70

While portions are generous and food quality is high, some diners find the prices to be slightly high for the San Francisco market.

Expensive

⚠️Heads Up
  • Restroom cleanliness and access route through kitchen and alley raise cleanliness concerns. (2x mentioned)
📍 1701 Stockton St, San Francisco, CA 94133, United States
4.4$$San FranciscoAmerican
Ideal for
Brunch enthusiasts seeking classic dishesDiners prioritizing food qualityVisitors wanting an iconic SF experience
8.

Zazie

88/100

The heated patio here is reason enough to come back in winter, but the fresh, flavorful French-inspired food and impeccable service are why you'll actually book it. The kitchen takes technique seriously without being fussy. Expect to wait—often over an hour on weekends—and expect prices that reflect real labor costs, not SF inflation theater.

Pro tip: Get on the waitlist, then walk around the neighborhood. The wait app gives you a real estimate, and you don't have to hover.

🍽️Food88

The food is generally known for being fresh, flavorful, and well-executed, with many dishes like the Albert eggs benedict and pork chop receiving specific commendations. However, some diners found certain items, such as the French toast and omelets, to be underwhelming or plain.

Food is incredible—fresh, flavorful, and thoughtfully made

👋Service85

Service is frequently described as friendly, attentive, and impeccable, with staff noted for their warmth and efficiency. A few instances of inattentive service were noted, particularly during busy periods.

Service was impeccable

Vibe90

The atmosphere is well-regarded as charming, cozy, and lovely, with a particularly well-regarded covered patio that is heated and suitable for various weather conditions. The music and overall ambiance contribute to a positive dining experience.

Cozy ambience, delicious food and friendly service

💰Value75

While many find the food and experience worth the price, some diners note that the restaurant is pricey, with entrees for brunch and dinner reflecting higher costs, though this is partly attributed to the inclusion of a living wage and benefits for staff.

Pricey, but for good reason

📍 941 Cole St, San Francisco, CA 94117, United States
4.5$$San FranciscoFrench
Ideal for
Weekend brunch with friendsCasual French-inspired diningEnjoying a meal on a heated patio
9.

Healthyish Republic

78/100

The Turkish breakfast here is legitimately some of the freshest, most thoughtful food in the city—the Mediterranean-inspired menu works and tastes like actual ingredients mattered. The space is pleasant, and the staff is warm. But the portions are small, prices are steep, and the owner seems defensive when people mention the value proposition.

Pro tip: Go for the experience and the ingredients, not the value. Expect to spend more than you think and get less than you'd hoped volume-wise.

🍽️Food88

The restaurant excels in offering a diverse range of healthy and flavorful dishes, with particular recognition for its Turkish breakfast and Mediterranean-inspired options. Ingredients are consistently described as fresh and high-quality.

Best place in the bay for Turkish food

👋Service65

While many diners highlight friendly and welcoming staff, there are instances of inattentiveness and a pattern of poor management responses to customer reception, including blame and non-apologies.

Staff is super friendly

Vibe85

The atmosphere is well-regarded for being cozy, chic, modern, and welcoming, contributing to a pleasant dining experience.

Cozy seating

💰Value60

A recurring concern is the high price point relative to portion sizes, with several diners finding the value proposition to be poor.

Foods not worth the price

📍 2990 24th St, San Francisco, CA 94110, United States
4.5$$$San FranciscoMediterranean
Ideal for
Turkish brunch enthusiastsHealth-conscious dinersThose seeking diverse dietary options
10.

Brenda's Meat & Three

75/100

The fried chicken is excellent, the beignets work, the portions are generous, and the room feels genuinely warm. Then you read the reviews and realize someone saw mice in the dining area, and management responded by essentially telling them they were wrong. Food quality can be inconsistent, service can be just okay, and the kitchen doesn't always seem focused. It's frustrating because when it works, it works.

Pro tip: Call ahead and ask about current conditions before you go. The food is worth it on a good day, but you want to make sure you're not gambling.

🍽️Food85

Brenda's Meat & Three offers flavorful and well-prepared Southern comfort food, with standout dishes like fried chicken, beignets, and shrimp and grits. While most diners celebrate the taste and quality, a few note inconsistencies or dishes that missed the mark.

Fried chicken is unreal

👋Service75

Service is generally described as friendly, attentive, and helpful, with staff often going above and beyond. However, noted service was 'just okay,' and management's response to a service complaint was dismissive.

Servers are always kind, attentive

Vibe85

The restaurant is well-regarded for its warm, cozy, and welcoming atmosphere, often described as having a New Orleans or retro diner feel, making it a pleasant place to dine.

Atmosphere warm and welcoming

💰Value80

Diners generally find the portions generous and the quality of food to be worth the price, with some noting the prices are unmatched for the quality received.

Prices are unmatched

📍 919 Divisadero St, San Francisco, CA 94115, United States
4.6$$San FranciscoSouthern
Ideal for
Southern food enthusiastsCasual weeknight dinnersWeekend brunch outings

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