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 check down here where you can have the best breakfast in Santa Monica.

Always remember to double-check dates, opening times, and weather conditions before traveling.

Breakfast in Santa Monica: Where to find the Best Morning Meals in Town

FIG

Address: 101 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90401

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 here.

Farmshop

Address: 225 26th St #25, Santa Monica, CA 90402

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

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

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.

Cora’s Coffee Shoppe

Address: 1802 Ocean Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90401

Located near the beach, this is the perfect stop if you want breakfast after catching the sunrise. This quaint spot allows you to sit in what feels like a covered garden while you have breakfast.

Their menu is filled with high-quality ingredients and forward-thinking takes on classic Southern California breakfast options. Prices, however, will reflect the ingenuity and scenery. You can check their Desayuno here, keep in mind that all eggs served with Mexican Rice & Refritos or Potatoes too!

Kreation Kafe

Address: 1023 Montana Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90403

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

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. Peep at their online menu.

Dogtown Coffee

Address: 2003 Main St. Santa Monica, California 90405

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 here.

Snug Harbor

Address: 2323 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90403

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

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.

Jinky’s Café

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.

These are some of the must-go breakfast restaurants in Santa Monica, each and everyone of them offering tasty dishes, fragrant coffee, and a savory way to kickstart your day in town.

Where to stay in Santa Monica

Find more Santa Monica accommodation options on Booking.com.

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.

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. Browse all the Santa Monica tours available on Viator by clicking here.

If you want to capture the memories from your trip to Monterey, 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!

12 Amazing Restaurants for Breakfast in Santa Monica