Throughout my blog, I use affiliate links. If you make a purchase using one of my links or discount codes, I may make a small commission at no extra cost to you.
There are so many delicious San Francisco brunch options to choose from. I’m excited to share my opinion on the best brunch in San Francisco.
From bottomless mimosas and delicious sweet treats to innovative takes on classic dishes, the best brunch places in San Francisco are plentiful.
With so many top San Francisco brunch spots to choose from, narrowing it down can be a challenge.

This guide will show you my favorite tried and tested brunch spots in San Francisco, ensuring you enjoy a delicious brunch. Pin this post as I keep it updated for new San Francisco brunch restaurants.
Best Brunch in San Francisco
Mama’s on Washington Square: An North Beach Classic
Nestled in the heart of North Beach, Mama’s is a San Francisco institution. Mama’s is a family-run restaurant oozing Italian charm, with red-and-white checkered tablecloths and a warm, inviting atmosphere. They’re famous for their legendary portions, so go hungry!
Be prepared for a wait in long lines, especially on weekends. It’s well worth it to taste their signature lemon ricotta pancakes – fluffy ricotta pancakes bathed in lemon syrup and dusted with powdered sugar. These melt-in-your-mouth pancakes are a must-try and one of my top things to order for brunch in San Francisco.
There are also plenty of other delicious options on the brunch menu like frittatas, omelets, and breakfast burritos, Mama’s is a crowd-pleaser. If I want to catch up with a friend, I sometimes go there as we can start catching up in the line and enjoy delicious food after.


- Address: 1701 Stockton St, San Francisco, CA 94133
- Style of Food: American Comfort Food
- Best Part About Mama’s: Classic comfort food dishes done to perfection
Home Plate: Comfort Food Heaven
Home Plate is a go-to spot for a relaxed and delicious brunch in San Francisco. The brunch choices at this San Francisco brunch restaurant are extensive! Think fluffy buttermilk pancakes with real maple syrup, perfectly cooked omelets packed with your favorite fillings, and their famous biscuits. Don’t miss their house-made cinnamon rolls, the perfect gooey and buttery treat to share (or not!).
I lived in the Marina for years and this was one of my go-to San Francisco brunch spots on the weekends. Home Plate is definitely one of the best brunches in San Francisco.



- Address: 2150 Lombard St, San Francisco, CA 94123
- Style of Food: American Comfort Food
- Best Part About Home Plate: Classic comfort food dishes done to perfection
Blackwood: Modern Takes on Brunch Classics
Blackwood offers a modern twist on classic brunch fare in a stylish setting. Located in the heart of the Marina District, this brunch menu is perfect for those seeking something a little different. This San Francisco brunch place features creative dishes like smoked salmon benedict with fried capers, “millionaire’s bacon”, and chicken waffle with spicy honey. They also have a great selection of brunch cocktails, perfect for kicking off your weekend. This is another one of my go-to San Francisco brunch spots. On a side note, their pumpkin curry for dinner is amazing!


- Address: 2150 Chestnut St, San Francisco, CA 94123
- Style of Food: Modern American Brunch & Thai Fusion
- Best Thing About Blackwood: Innovative takes on classic brunch dishes and “Millionaire’s Bacon”
Sweet Maple: A Local Favorite with Brown Sugar Magic
A staple San Francisco brunch place is Sweet Maple. This perfect spot is beloved for its friendly service and generous portions. Their signature dish is the “Millionaire’s Bacon” – thick-cut applewood smoked bacon glazed in brown sugar and served with a side of maple syrup. It’s a decadent and delicious way to start your day with sides of bacon.
Sweet Maple also offers a wide variety of other brunch options, from buttermilk pancakes and omelets to breakfast sandwiches and breakfast pizza.


- Address: 2101 Sutter St, San Francisco, CA 94115
- Style of Food: American Brunch Classics
- Best Part About Sweet Maple: Their signature brown sugar-glazed “Millionaire’s Bacon”
Son & Garden: Upscale Brunch
If you’re looking for a more upscale brunch experience, look no further than Son & Garden. This chic restaurant features a seasonal brunch menu with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Their dishes are beautifully presented and bursting with flavor, like the ricotta hotcakes with caramelized bananas and toasted walnuts or the pork belly benedict with guacamole with a side of crispy potatoes. They also have the prettiest and fanciest cocktails!
The decor at this San Francisco brunch spot is very Instagrammable. Make your reservation in advance as this spot fills up!
A word of warning, this San Francisco brunch place is by the Tenderloin (my least favorite place in San Francisco) so get dropped off and picked up outside the restaurant if possible. It can get a little crazy in the Tenderloin so avoid this area.


- Address: 700 Polk St, San Francisco, CA 94109
- Style of Food: Seasonal California Cuisine
- Best Thing About Son & Garden: Upscale brunch experience with fresh, local ingredients
The Grove: A Variety of Brunch Options
The Grove, a hidden gem in the heart of downtown. This cozy brunch spot offers a welcoming atmosphere and a menu that changes seasonally. They’re known for their creative takes on breakfast classics, like their breakfast sandwich with soft scrambled eggs, aged cheddar cheese, and signature herb sauce on an english muffin. The Grove also boasts a fantastic selection of fresh fruit, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. The Grove reminds me of a cabin in Lake Tahoe. Brunch portions are generous and reasonable.

- Address: 690 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94105
- Style of Food: New American Brunch with Seasonal Variations
- Best Part About The Grove: Breakfast classics in a cozy atmosphere
The Vault Garden: Outdoor Brunch
For an outdoor brunch in San Francisco, head to The Vault Garden. This rooftop restaurant offers a beautiful garden setting. Their brunch menu features dishes that are both delicious and visually appealing, like their smoked salmon sourdough and a poached egg or their waffles with seasonal fruit compote. Make a reservation in advance, as this popular San Francisco brunch spot tends to fill up quickly. This is also a great place for happy hours after work!


- Address: 555 California St, San Francisco, CA 94104
- Style of Food: Modern California Cuisine
- Best Thing About The Vault Garden: A beautiful patio setting
Plow: A Local Favorite for Farm-to-Table Goodness
Plow is a very popular San Francisco brunch spot. This restaurant is committed to using fresh, local ingredients, and their menu reflects that philosophy. They offer a wide variety of breakfast classics with a twist, like their lemon ricotta pancakes or their smoked salmon eggs benedict with hollandaise sauce and shiitake mushrooms. Plow also has a great selection of brunch cocktails, the perfect place for a weekend treat. Plow does not take reservations so go early to avoid a long line.
- Address: 1299 18th St, San Francisco, CA 94107
- Style of Food: Farm-to-Table American Brunch
- Best Things About Plow: Fresh, local ingredients and a wide variety of brunch classics with a twist
Hope you enjoyed reading all about the best brunch in San Francisco. I keep adding to this as I find more top San Francisco brunch restaurants. A lot of San Francisco brunch places have waitlists instead of reservations. I generally put my name down and go explore the area with a friend while I wait. The above San Francisco brunches are worth the wait!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some things to consider when choosing a brunch spot in San Francisco?
There are a few things to keep in mind when choosing a brunch spot in San Francisco:
• Location: Consider how far you’re willing to travel and what neighborhood you’d like to explore.
• Price: Brunch prices can vary depending on the restaurant. Decide on a budget beforehand.
• Wait times: Many popular brunch spots have long lines and wait times, especially on weekends. Go early if it’s a brunch spot that does not take reservations.
• Ambiance: Do you want a lively and bustling atmosphere or a more intimate and quiet setting?
• Menu: Consider what type of cuisine you’re in the mood for and whether you have any dietary restrictions.
What are some tips for getting the best brunch experience in San Francisco?
Here are a few tips to ensure your San Francisco brunch adventure is a success:
• Go early, especially on weekends. Popular brunch spots can get crowded quickly, so arrive early to avoid a long wait.
• Consider making a reservation. Some restaurants take reservations for brunch. This can save you a lot of waiting time. For a lot of the most popular brunches in San Francisco, they are waitlist only at the weekend.
• Bring cash. Not all brunch spots accept credit cards.
• Relax and enjoy! Brunch is a time to unwind and enjoy a delicious meal with friends or family. Don’t stress about the wait or the crowds.
Do any of these brunch spots offer vegetarian, vegan, or gluten free options?
While most of these restaurants cater primarily to meat lovers, several offer delicious vegetarian, gluten free and even vegan options. Be sure to check out their brunch menus online or call ahead as some menus change seasonally.
Do any of these brunch spots offer outdoor seating?
Yes, several brunch spots offer a delightful outdoor seating experience. Mama’s has a limited outdoor sidewalk seating, perfect for people-watching. The Grove has an outdoor patio, perfect for a sunny brunch with a group of friends. The Vault Garden offers a rooftop restaurant with stunning city views and a beautiful garden setting, making it a truly unique outdoor brunch experience. Home Plate is beside a busy road so eat indoors!
With these tips and this guide to the best brunch restaurants San Francisco has to offer, you’re well on your way to a delicious and memorable brunch in San Francisco. Let me know your favorite brunch spot! I’m eager to find more delicious brunches in San Francisco.
If you have any more questions about the best brunch restaurants in San Francisco, travel recommendations, or all things travel, please reach out via Instagram or my contact page. I would love to help you out!