If you’re someone who tends to skip breakfast in favor of sleep, waking up a bit earlier is more than worth it in Santa Monica. It’s said that breakfast is the most important meal of the day.
Whether that’s true or not, it can be your most anticipated meal with the plethora of options available in just a few square miles of West Los Angeles.
So, go ahead and out where you can have the best breakfast in Santa Monica.
Always remember to double-check dates, opening times, and weather conditions before traveling.
Breakfast At Santa Monica: Where to find the Best Morning Meals in Town
FIG at the Fairmont Miramar
- Address: 101 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90401
- Website
Located in the Fairmont Miramar Hotel, this bistro is a can’t miss spot for farm-to-table feasts. With a rustic feel, FIG takes classics and elevates them to heights you hadn’t even considered with innovative ideas and farm-fresh ingredients.
Other than breakfast, for late sleepers FIG offers a weekend brunch with an even more exciting menu featuring Dungeness crab cakes, shrimp ceviche, and foraged mushroom toast. Want to know what to expect? Check their online breakfast menu.
Farmshop
- Address: 225 26th St #25, Santa Monica, CA 90402
- Website
If a trendy spot with its name in all capital letters doesn’t sound like your speed, Farmshop is one of the top breakfast places in Santa Monica. Like FIG, this is a farm-to-table spot with the freshest ingredients and artisanal breakfast options. Unlike FIG, the ambiance is a bit more familial.
You might be a bit confused seeing the number 25 in the address, but that’s because this is located in the Brentwood Country Mart. Don’t let that stop you though, the lines out the door will speak for themselves. Get there early!
Urth Caffe
- Address: 2327 Main St, Santa Monica, CA 90405
- Website
Yes, it’s another list with Urth Caffe. Spoiler alert: you’ll see it when looking for the best lunch spots as well. Why? Well, not only does it have cultural significance and charming décor, but it’s also just one of the best spots for food in the entire city, no matter the meal.
If you aren’t familiar, this is a European café-style place with fresh and healthy food options and quality coffees to enjoy with your breakfast. You have lighter, continental-style breakfast options as well as heartier plates to choose from. More yummy options on their online menu.
Rae’s Restaurant
- Address: 2901 Pico Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90405
- Website
The name Rae’s Restaurant tells you almost everything you need to know about the place. It’s a simple, unassuming, classic diner. This 50’s style diner has actually been around since the era itself, opening in 1958 and specializing in simple, traditional plates at low prices.
Where else are you going to find breakfast in Santa Monica for $10 or less? Rae’s is classic Los Angeles, representing an era gone by.
Kreation Kafe & Juicery
- Address: 1023 Montana Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90403
- Website
If you want something a little lighter, Kreation Kafe is perfect. First and foremost a juice bar, Kreation offers light and healthy options throughout its menu. Kreation Kafe has more to offer than just juices, though, with a robust breakfast menu featuring bowls, wraps, and more.
If you’re a breakfast for dinner fan, you’ll be happy to know that Kreation’s breakfast menu is served all day.
Blue Daisy
- Address: 609 Broadway, Santa Monica, CA 90401
- Website
This is an excellent choice if your day consists of shopping and walking after breakfast. Located in the Third Street Promenade, Blue Daisy has a convenient location in the most walkable part of Santa Monica. This spot is walk-in only, though, so get there early!
Blue Daisy has a liberal understanding of brunch if you’re not an early riser. The brunch menu goes from 8:00 am until 4:00 pm. The thing to get here is a crepe. With offerings in sweet and savory, you’re sure to find a crepe that suits your tastes.
Dogtown Coffee
- Address: 2003 Main St. Santa Monica, California 90405
- there is also a small outpost inside of the Fairmont Miramar
- Website
If you’re interested in the skate and surf cultures of 1970’s Los Angeles, Dogtown Coffee will suit your fancy. Don’t let the name fool you; this is more than a coffee shop… Indeed, it’s among the top breakfast spots in Santa Monica!
Though the coffee is local and top-notch, with a full breakfast menu, this is a sit-down establishment. The Acai Energy Bowl is a fan favorite. You can’t go wrong ordering it and immersing yourself in a scene from Lords of Dogtown. Know what you’ll order ahead of time checking their menu online.
Snug Harbor
- Address: 2323 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90403
- Website
Snug Harbor is another unassuming Santa Monica staple. This spot has been around since the Second World War, and its staying power shows how exceptional this place is. With a homey and literally snug feel, this is a spot that allows you to spend a few moments of peace before heading back to the outside world.
Few diners will have a more expansive breakfast menu than the Snug Harbor, so the only limits are your stomach and imagination. The Hungry Man is a go-to order if you can’t choose.
Interstellar
- Address: 109 Broadway, Santa Monica, CA 90401
- Website
You’re traveling with a friend and they’re a picky eater. Maybe you’re a picky eater. You wish there was a restaurant with something every member of your extended family would like. Whatever your predicament, Interstellar has the answer.
This Korean/American fusion restaurant has a menu with something for everyone for every meal of the day. With a food variety ranging from avocado toast to Shakshuka, Interstellar is sure to satisfy. Want to know what to have? Read their breakfast menu before getting there.
Huckleberry Cafe & Bakery
- Address: 1014 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90401
- Website
You can never go wrong with this bakery for breakfast. In fact, they serve breakfast all day (7am-3pm) with favorite’s like the Huck Slam (eggs, bacon and pancakes), Dad’s Pancakes with blueberries, and the Brisket Hash. Grab a Milo and Olive bagel to go, or something from the deli case to build a picnic on the beach.
Best Breakfast in Santa Monica- DOWNLOADABLE MAP
More Great Spots for Breakfast in Santa Monica
- Calabra (also has a rooftop bar!)
- Blueys Kitchen
- Breakfast by Salt’s Cure
- Flapjax
- Milo and Olive
- The Surfing Fox
- Sweet Maple & U Dessert Story
Breakfast in Venice
- The Butcher’s Daughter
- The Cow’s End Cafe
- Eggslut
- Fig Tree Venice
- The Fire House
- Flake
- Gjusta
- Great White
- Maxine’s Cafe
Breakfast in Marina Del REy
- The Hive (Marina Del Rey)
- Beachside Restaurant and Bar (Marina Del Rey)
Breakfast Spots in Santa Monica that have closed
Cora’s Coffee Shoppe
- Address: 1802 Ocean Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90401
- Website
2021 UPDATE: Since our last visit, it looks like Cora’s is now Capo Cantina.
Jinky’s Café – temporarily closed
- Address: 1447 2nd street, Santa Monica, CA 90401
Not named after Velma’s famous phrase from Scooby-Doo (technically, that one is spelled ‘jinkies’ anyway), this café is renowned in its own right as a Santa Monica breakfast hotspot. Jinky’s prides itself on authentic, flavorful southwestern-style food, and if you stop by, you’ll see that they live up to those standards.
There is no wrong answer on the entire menu, but if you get stuck, you can’t go wrong with any of their breakfast specialties. The Desperado and Martin’s Spicy Chilaquiles are especially popular.
Start Planning Your Trip to SAnta Monica
Where to stay in Santa Monica
- Santa Monica Proper Hotel
- Santa Monica Hotel: Pet-friendly and parking is included
- The Huntley Hotel: Luxury close to Santa Monica Beach and family-friendly
- Shore Hotel: Pet-friendly with a pool
- Viceroy Santa Monica: Views of the ocean, beachy vibes, pet-friendly with a pool
- Fairmont Miramar Hotel: Within walking distance of Third Street Promenade with a pool, spa and hot tub
Find more Santa Monica accommodation, whether you need a hotel, vacation rental or something unique and different HERE. Or check out the map below for all of your options.
Need a rental car? Yup!
Santa Monica is fairly easy to get around. We recommend renting a car and exploring all there is to see. You can find the best prices on rental cars by clicking here.
Book a tour
When you’re not discovering Santa Monica on your own, we suggest treating yourself to a tour. From private wine tours to kayak and SUP tours, cooking classes classes to tours of celebrity-owned homes, there’s a little something for everyone.
- Small Group Electric EBike bicycle Tour Santa Monica and Venice
- 2 Hours Small Group Surf Lesson at Santa Monica
- 5 ½ Hour LA & Hollywood Tour from Santa Monica
Browse all the Santa Monica tours available on Viator by clicking here.
Don’t forget your vacation photos!
If you want to capture the memories from your trip to Santa Monica, we recommend hiring a professional photographer. A Flytographer photoshoot is one of our favorite souvenirs from our travels and we want to share them with you! Use our link or enter the code: WALKINGONMEDIA for $10 off your first shoot.
