Breakfast in Monterey is a great way to start your day before you set off to explore the beautiful and exciting things to do in Monterey, California! One of the most amazing things about this idyllic and picturesque central coast California town is its variety. And luckily for us breakfast lovers, that variety carries over to the breakfast restaurants here!
You can find classic American diner-style breakfast, coastal breakfast, international dishes, later breakfast and brunch, as well as vegan breakfast in Monterey. Whatever you are looking for, sit back and relax, because Monterey has you covered!
Some of my favorite places for breakfast in Monterey include:
- Wild Plum Cafe
- Old Monterey Cafe
- Tuck Box
Which of these extraordinary breakfast places in Monterey will you be visiting first?
25 Extraordinary Places For Breakfast in Monterey
Old Monterey Cafe
For a mind-blowing Monterey Bay breakfast, you can head to the Old Monterey Cafe on Alvarado Street. Here you can get made-to-order breakfast dishes served in a diner-like dining room. Classic American diner plates are produced from the kitchen at Old Monterey Cafe.
Plates loaded with sausage, burritos, hash browns, pancakes, Eggs Benedict, toast, eggs, and more cover the tables of this incredible brunch joint in Monterey. The chill vibe and amazing menu allowed Old Monterey Cafe to be voted Monterey County’s best breakfast, lunch, and java.
The menu at Old Monterey Cafe is filled with egg scrambles like the Tahoe Scrambler which comes with hickory smoked ham, onion, pepper, and cheese, French Toast like the Cinnamon Raisin Swirl French Toast, pancake stacks like the Apple Compote Pancakes, Eggs Benedict like the Turkey Avocado Benedict, and big crispy Belgian Waffles.
Old Monterey Cafe is among the top restaurants in Monterey, so it’s no surprise that you can find some of the best breakfast in Monterey here as well!
Black Bear Diner Monterey
Biscuits, omelets, and pancakes, oh my! The Black Bear Diner is by and large one of the top places to get breakfast in Monterey. They have everything from omelets and French Toast to egg combo meals and pancake stacks.
Black Bear Diner is among the top breakfast spots in Monterey because they serve breakfast all day long! However, if you are visiting a little later in the day and want something more lunch-esque, you can sink your teeth into one of their specialty burgers or sandwiches at brunch time.
One of the best things about eating here is the dessert menu. They have dreamy pies and cakes for you to indulge in after your breakfast or brunch. They have California cheesecake, apple cobbler, chocolate cream pie, five-layer chocolate cake, and banana cream pie, just to name a few!
Parker-Lusseau Pastries
Parker-Lusseau Pastries is among the top bakeries in Monterey. If you are looking for tasty baked goods in a cute coastal bakery, Parker-Lusseau is the place to be! It is easily planted on the list of top breakfast places in Monterey as well as it is in a perfect location in the downtown area for a sweet breakfast and a cup of coffee in the morning.
It is inside an old white building with the word Patisserie painted on the side of the wall. And there’s a lovely little patio where you can sit outside and enjoy your coffee and pastries while you people-watch and enjoy the Monterey weather.
When visiting Parker-Lusseau Pastries, you can choose from all of the coffeehouse classics like espresso, latte, hot chocolate, Americano, etc. But, the real star of the show here is the mind-blowing pastries and lunch items that they serve here.
The macarons, eclairs, croissants, fruit tarts, sandwiches and galettes are amazing here. Grabbing a bite to eat at one of the best places for breakfast in Monterey is a great way to start your day before exploring the city.
Wave Street Cafe
Calling everyone who is looking for breakfast in Monterey on Cannery Row!
An iconic place for breakfast on Cannery Row is the Wave Street Cafe. New American breakfast dishes are served here at Wave Street Cafe in the charming dining room that is designed in a European bistro style, complete with an outdoor patio.
The cute building, design, and dining spaces make a visit here super desirable. Add onto that the incredible menu options and you will find yourself not wanting to leave the Wave Street Cafe as it is one of the top Monterey breakfast spots!
On the All-Day Menu at Wave Street Cafe are classic breakfast favorites like oatmeal, breakfast burritos, eggs Benedict, egg scrambles, omelets, pancakes, and French Toast.
The classics are taken to the next level at this breakfast joint in Monterey. You can choose from a variety of omelets like The Denver, Garden Fresh, Bay Shrimp and Spinach, The Greek, or The Vegan omelet. Eggs Benedict are served in unique ways as well. You can get a Norwegian, Irish, Vegetarian, Hawaiian, or Garden Eggs Benedict.
L’aubette Belgian Bakery
When it comes to Sunday breakfast places in Monterey, it doesn’t get much better than this Belgian bakery. L’Aubette is a cute little bakery near Cannery Row. This bakery is only open on Sundays and provides guests with outstanding Belgian waffles.
The owner of L’Aubette is Belgian and wants to share his love of the Belgian cuisine that he grew up with with the people of Monterey. The Belgian-born creator of L’Aubette is passionate about what they are doing in Monterey and it shows through their waffles.
One taste of these Belgian waffles and it will be easy to see what makes L’Aubette one of the top places to get breakfast in Monterey. They are proudly made with Belgian sugar, Mexican vanilla, and local ingredients.
They offer classic, chocolate, blueberry with lemon glaze, churro flavor, and more. The flavors are rotating so you can get something different every time you visit.
The laid-back nature of this small bakery, the vibe, and the quality of the waffles sold here are unmatched.
Googie Grill
Ready for a good breakfast in Monterey CA. Well, the Googie Grill is just a short 5-10 minute drive from Monterey in Seaside, CA, and is well worth the drive! The vibes here are very 1950s, complete with vintage fixtures and fun paint colors.
You can start your breakfast here by indulging in a delectable griddle order. Perhaps the Haileys Comet Combo from the griddle will be just what you need to order to have your mind blown by the Googie Grill! It comes with eggs, French Toast or Pancakes, your choice of bacon, sausage or ham, and either Googie potatoes or hash browns for a classic spread of American breakfast must-haves.
Other awesome options here at the Googie Grill include Brioche French Toast, Belgian waffles, eggs, omelets, and scarmbles. Pair your breakfast with something from the espresso, coffee, and tea bar and you are good to go!
Red House Cafe
Let’s take another baby step from Monterey and look at the Red House Cafe. Just five minutes from Monterey, this cafe offers excellent breakfast in Pacific Grove. Red House graces visitors with seasonal American classics with European twists and influences along with tea and pastries for a fabulous breakfast lineup.
The meals here are easily placed on the pedestal for the best breakfast in Monterey County. They have everything from spectacular breakfast sandwiches, Eggs Benedict, and breakfast trifles to Nutella paninis, smoked salmon potato pancakes, and the full country breakfast which comes with egg, potatoes, bacon or sausage, and more.
If you get a late start to your day, you can still go to Red House Cafe as they have a great brunch menu as well!
After your breakfast or brunch, you should set off on foot to explore Pacific Grove. Although it is just a few minutes away from the Monterey Bay Aquarium, it has a totally different vibe to it. You can enjoy the architecture, visit the Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History, or check out Pavel’s Backerei while you are in the area.
Crepes of Brittany
Breakfast on the Monterey Bay is simply mind-blowing when you visit Crepes of Brittany on Alvarado Street. This creperie is open in the mornings and afternoons and they offer dine-in and takeaway options at this cute waterside location.
The creperie will serve you either sweet or savory crepes, depending on your mood! [No matter which you choose, you will find some of the best crepes in Monterey here!]On the sweet menu, there are lemon sugar crepes, peach melba crepes, blueberry cream cheese crepes, and Nutella crepes.
If you want something more savory, you can order a ham or turkey crepe, an imported brie and caramelized onion crepe, or a wild smoked salmon crepe. Onion soup, sandwiches, and tuna salad are also on the menu along with a large selection of coffee and some alcoholic beverages.
Crepes of Brittanys is in a great location in town that is within walking distance of two of the best beaches in Monterey, Del Monte Beach and San Carlos Beach. So, if you find yourself out for some of the best breakfast in Monterey at this creperie, consider checking out some of the fun sights and attractions in the area.
Loulou’s Griddle in The Middle
Does Loulou’s sound familiar? If you have watched The Food Network then it probably does sound familiar! This incredible coastal diner was on Diners Drive-Ins and Divers and should always be in discussion about the best breakfast in Monterey.
Loulou’s Griddle in The Middle is a family-friendly spot for breakfast on Monterey Wharf. It is located on the Municipal Wharf which is right next to the Old Fisherman’s Wharf. If you are just passing through and looking for some of the best free things to do in Monterey, The Old Fisherman’s Wharf is a must-visit!
Loulou’s Griddle In The Middle has some of the very best breakfasts in Monterey. The restaurant claims that they have “good eats and crazy waitresses!” This American restaurant serves up hearty incredible breakfast fare. Omelets, pancakes, French Toast, oatmeal, and classic American breakfast spreads can be found at Loulou’s.
The coolest things to order off the breakfast menu are the pancakes because they are massive and can be filled with your favorite fruits and chocolate chips. For more savory lunch-type meals, you can order salads, soups, burgers and sandwiches, and of course, fresh seafood. Like most restaurants on the water in Monterey, they also serve incredible clam chowder later in the day as well.
Paris Bakery Cafe
The Paris Bakery is a fantastic place for breakfast in Monterey. This is because they have way more than just breakfast options like croissants, quiche, breakfast sandwiches, and muffins here. You’ll also find chocolate cakes, large fruit cakes, fruit galettes, and other pastries like flaky turnovers, fruity danishes, sugary cookies, and classic cupcakes.
Paris Bakery Monterey is among the top Monterey breakfast spots for those looking for a quick bite to eat before they head out to explore the city. It is located near other points of interest that can be reached on foot. Boutiques, restaurants, shops, and the Monterey County Youth Museum are all nearby.
What really makes this one of the top places for breakfast in Monterey is its proximity to the Old Fisherman’s Wharf. Since the wharf is one of the most popular attractions for visitors, it is likely you will find yourself in the wharf area. And a short few block walk will allow you to reach the Paris Bakery from there.
While you are here, you may notice that the window sign and signs inside the bakery say “Montmartre French Bakery.” Don’t let this confuse you, you are in the right place!
The Breakfast Club
There’s nothing like a Monterey Bay breakfast, and you can certainly get a fantastic one at The Breakfast Club in Seaside, CA. A short 5-10 minute drive from Monterey will allow you to arrive at this laid-back and mouth-watering restaurant for breakfast in Monterey.
The Breakfast Club is totally unassuming and very chill. The unpretentious dining room is relaxing and very typical of an amazing breakfast joint. It’s always the laid-back dining rooms that serve you the most incredible breakfasts, isn’t it?
On the breakfast menu here, you can order from a huge selection of egg dishes like omelets and Eggs Benedict, sweet options like pancakes, French Toast, and waffles, and other options like local favorites and Mexican-inspired dishes. There are also some gluten-free options as well!
The Wild Plum Cafe
Have you been looking for vegan breakfast restaurants in Monterey? The Wild Plum Cafe & Bakery is one of the best places for breakfast in Monterey and they have an excellent vegan menu.
Along with the pastry cornucopia that you can choose from at Wild Plum, there is also a menu full of breakfast and brunch On the breakfast menu there are scrambles, pancakes, breakfast burritos and tacos, and omelets. For vegans, there are vegan scrambles, breakfast tacos, mushroom chimichurri wraps, and more.
Meals here are bursting with flavors and are full of color. If a memorable brunch is important for you during your time spent in Monterey, a meal at the Wild Plum Cafe & Bakery is in order.
Scrambles and omelets are stuffed with vegetables and overflowing with seasoning and toppings, the salads are teeming with healthy nutrient-dense foods, and the pancakes are topped with sugary cooked fruit.
If you are having a sleepy start and still want to get breakfast a little later in the day, no worries! Wild Plum Bistro offers some of the best dishes for brunch in Monterey. In fact, they serve breakfast all day every day except for Tuesdays.
Bagel Bakery
On the popular tourist street, Alvarado Street is one of the best places for breakfast in Monterey, California for those who need a quick meal during their travels or a place to pick up a bite to eat to take with them on the go.
They offer a huge variety of bagel sandwiches like the New Yorker Lox bagel, Ham and Cheese, Egg Salad, Hummus and Avocado, and the Veggie Bagel Sandwich that comes with cream cheese, avocado, sprouted onion, lettuce, tomato, and cucumber.
Breakfast burritos, omelets on croissants, and croissant deli sandwiches are also on the menu here at Bagel Bakery. Pair your sandwich with a boba tea and enjoy your day spent in Monterey.
Mando’s Restaurant
Does an American breakfast in Monterey with a Mexican influence sound good to you? At Mando’s Restaurant, you can get Mexican American dishes served under an umbrella on their cute patio or in their small dining room.
You will be happy to know that there are loads of egg breakfast options. Everything from eggs with kielbasa to eggs with Linguisa is on the menu. Of course, you will find French Toast, waffles, and pancakes as well.
For something a bit hardier, you can order Joe’s Special which is an egg scramble that comes with ground beef, onions, spinach, mushrooms, garlic butter, and parmesan cheese. And if you need something quick or to-go, the breakfast burrito is a must!
Manasiri’s Crepes & Sandwiches
Is it time for something sweet in Monterey? Manasiri’s Crepes & Sandwiches has sweet crepes that will blow your mind! You’ll find this eatery in Old Monterey on Alvarado Street. There is a charming outdoor space along the street where you can relax on the wicker furniture while you devour your sweet crepes and other pastries.
Any list of breakfast restaurants in Monterey that excludes Manasiri’s is seriously lacking this absolute gem of a restaurant. The sweet crepes on their menu include the strawberry, kiwi, and honey, the caramel apple, the classic Nutella and banana, and the lemon sugar. There are also savory crepes like the cheese and smoked turkey, the cheese, spinach, and mushroom crepe, and the cream cheese, green onion, tomato, and capers crepe.
Other than crepes, they also have hot and cold drinks, paninis, bagels, and other sweet treats like baklava, croissants, and muffins. This is a super welcoming restaurant inside and out with two-toned chairs and a relaxed atmosphere, you are sure to fall in love with this chill bistro. With all of the great offerings here, you will want to make sure you don’t miss this outstanding place to get breakfast in Monterey!
Crepes On The Row Cafe
Crepes On The Row is the place to be for everyone looking for a quick breakfast near Monterey Bay Aquarium. This dreamy Cannery Row creperie has awesome crepes that you won’t want to miss!
Here, you can grab a crepe to eat as you walk the short remainder of Cannery Row to the aquarium. This creperie opens and starts serving breakfast in Monterey at nine in the morning which is an hour before the aquarium opens.
As you may have expected, both sweet and savory crepes are offered here. The sweet crepes range from lemon and sugar to caramel and apple. While the savory options range from cheese and smoked turkey to cheese, spinach and mushroom.
It is recommended for visitors who like to try local specialties to try the Monterey Special. This crepe comes with caramelized onions, sautéed spinach, feta cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes. Super yummy!
First Awakenings
When it comes time to enjoy a lovely vegan breakfast in Monterey, First Awakenings needs to be on your short list of places to visit! The Monterey location of First Awakenings is on David Avenue, just a block from the world-famous Monterey Bay Aquarium.
If you visit First Awakenings on a good weather day in Monterey, consider sitting outside in the large seating area under an umbrella. The sun and salty air are perfect additions to your brunch experience here.
There are so many remarkable menu items here that it can be hard to choose just one!
Some of the mind-blowing breakfast offerings at First Awakenings include a California Crepe that comes with avocado, mushroom, onion, ham, and sprouts, a Bombero Burrito that comes loaded with scrambled eggs, ham, bacon, sausage, onions, and mushrooms, and Woodstock Oatmeal that comes with chia seeds, banana, walnut, almond milk, raisins, and brown sugar.
If you find yourself more inland looking for some nice restaurants in Salinas, First Awakenings has a location there as well.
Sunrise Cafe
The light and airy dining room at Sunrise Cafe draws in loads of visitors for some of the best breakfast in Monterey, California. Located on Lighthouse Avenue, a visit to the Sunrise Cafe is elegant and dreamy. Don’t brush by this perfect cafe while you are in Monterey.
Don’t let the unassuming exterior and laid-back dining area fool you, a meal at the Sunrise Cafe is highly desirable. They also have an incredible beverage menu. They offer grapefruit juice, guava juice, and other fresh juice along with lattes, and other coffee offerings.
On the menu, you will find calamari, burgers, the Monterey omelets, egg skillets, Eggs Benedict, breakfast burritos, biscuit and gravy, Prime New York Steak and eggs, avocado toast, pancakes, waffles, and more!
Sunrise Cafe is just two blocks from San Carlos Beach, a few minutes walk to the Old Fisherman’s Wharf, and three blocks from the world-famous Cannery Row. It is the perfect place to start your day before you head off to explore Monterey and everything it has to offer.
Pavel’s Backerei
Pavel’s Backerei is a five-minute drive from the Monterey Bay Aquarium across from the Grove Market in Pacific Grove. One of the top places for a quick breakfast in Pacific Grove, a visit to Pavel’s Backerei is well worth the short drive from Monterey.
This may be the only one of the places for breakfast in Monterey County to be cash only. The vibe here is old school and the use of cash-only transactions adds to that experience. If you want to add Pavel’s to your Monterey itinerary, be sure to come with cash in hand.
The offerings at Pavel’s are huge. Large chocolate croissants, tarts, danishes, cinnamon rolls, and bear claws are all massive. The large portions and budget-friendly prices are things that keep locals and visitors returning time and time again.
If you are looking for Monterey breakfast stops that offer something quick and delicious, consider swinging by Pavel’s!
Tuck Box
While looking for a delicious meal to start your day, consider making the short 10-20 minute drive to the Tuck Box. Visiting this fairytale-like restaurant is one of the best things to do in Carmel-By-The-Sea and it is by far one of the best places to get breakfast in Monterey County.
Carmel-By-The-Sea is known for its fairytale-like cottages and buildings. These buildings are a part of what gives Carmel its charm. When you dine at the Tuck Box you are graced with striped awnings, European-style architecture, and a menu of classic American fare accompanied with a few European options.
You can get breakfast at the Tuck Box until around 11:30 and after that, some breakfast items will appear on the lunch menu as well, so all you brunch lovers will feel right at home here at the Tuck Box. Keep in mind that guests are served in a first-come-first-serve fashion and no reservations are accepted.
On the menu, there are oats, Belgian waffles, omelets, Eggs Benedict, country potatoes, scones, freshly squeezed juice, salads, deviled eggs, and more. Beers from the Carmel Brewing Co. are served along with select English beers. There is an Afternoon Tea and Late Luncheon Menu as well.
Del Monte Grill and Cafe
The Del Monte Grill and Cafe is an excellent breakfast restaurant in Monterey. This Grill and Cafe is ready to bring you an impeccable breakfast in Monterey! A laid-back little California eatery, Del Monte Grill and Cafe offers all-day breakfast and all-day lunch, both! So, you can get your American favorites at any time of the day!
The breakfast menu here includes a massive omelet menu! They offer omelets on every end of the breakfast spectrum. From baby shrimp, chorizo, and Mexican omelets to Calamari, New York Steak, and Denver omelets, you have more than enough to browse through if you have your sights set on ordering a mouth-watering omelet while you are here!
Also on the menu are pancakes, Eggs Benedict, burrito bowls, prawns rancheros, pastrami melts, B.L.T.’s, grilled salmon, grilled tilapia tacos, milkshakes, juices, and Del Monte Style burgers. The Hawaiian burgers and the Teriyaki Mushroom and Swiss Cheeseburger are both worth a try!
Rosine’s Restaurant
Rosine’s Restaurant is among the top places for breakfast in Monterey. You will find this lovely American restaurant on Alvarado Street where they serve basic American dishes along with desserts like carrot cake and German chocolate cake.
Breakfast food is served until 3 pm each day at Rosine’s. You will find all of your favorites like eggs Benedict (cooked in different ways!) They have a salmon florentine Benedict, a turkey avocado mushroom Benedict, and a veggie Benedict as well!
Also on the menu are steak and eggs, omelets, scrambles, pancakes, French toast, and more! If you are there for brunch, consider trying a select cocktail or perhaps indulging in the mimosa bar or going with the old tried and true Bloody Mary.
Of all the restaurants in Monterey, Rosine’s is one that really makes you feel at home and like you are enjoying a little slice of Americana. Visiting Rosine’s is one of the best things to do in central coast California for anyone looking to indulge in dishes that are the epitome of American breakfast.
Tides Waterfront Kitchen
Breakfast in Monterey with an ocean view could not get any better than at Tides Waterfront Kitchen. What beats breakfast with a waterfront view? Not much!
This informal beachfront dining opportunity has lovely window front or patio seating where you are served casual California cuisine. The restaurant is located in the Monterey Tides Hotel and while they don’t have a dress code, they do deliver on giving guests the finest experience with spectacular views.
Breakfast at the Tides Waterfront Kitchen includes omelets, huevos rancheros, steak and eggs, avocado toast, breakfast sandwiches, parfaits, farmers market egg scrambles, Eggs Benedict, pancakes, French Toast, and more!
You truly can’t beat such delicious food and panoramic views of the Monterey Bay! Once you are done at Tides Waterfront Kitchen and you feel like grabbing something sweet after your Sunday brunch, there are great places to grab some ice cream in Monterey after your meal.
Schooners Monterey
This Cannery Row staple offers visitors beautiful meals for breakfast in Monterey. Elegant and modern, Schooners has the best views of any restaurant in Monterey. The attractive dining room and large floor-to-ceiling windows create a breathtaking space for you to have breakfast.
Like the restaurant itself, the meals here are also elevated. You will find things like Dungeness Crab Eggs Benedict, seafood omelets, and Barrel Aged Smoked Salmon on the breakfast menu.
Of course, staples like pancake stacks are on the menu along with healthy choices like steal cut oats, house-made granola parfaits, and avocado toast. And if you want something small, consider ordering a fresh juice with something from the Tidal Bakery like a cinnamon roll or gluten-free muffin.
Grandma’s Kitchen
Are you looking for Sunday brunch in Monterey CA? Grandma’s Kitchen has you covered! This eatery in Monterey can be found on North Fremont Street. The relaxed atmosphere and old-school dining room are the perfect place to be for visitors looking for an American Diner experience.
Grandma’s Kitchen makes you feel at home as plates full of scrambled eggs, country potatoes, hash browns, French Toast, and burgers roll out of the kitchen and fill the dining room with good-tasting (and good-looking!) American classics!
The variety at this American Diner does not disappoint. Whether you are looking for Eggs Benedict, Chicken Bacon Club Sandwiches, Taco Salads, Pecan and Cranberry Pancakes, or anything in between, Grandma’s Kitchen has you covered for great brunch in Monterey.
Now that you have discovered the top places for breakfast in Monterey, which of these lovely restaurants will you make plans to visit?
You can follow us on Pinterest for more California travel inspiration, guides, and itineraries!