Good Morning, Sunshine: The Haute 5 Breakfast Spots in San Francisco

Nothing compares to the decadence and leisure that a breakfast or brunch out affords you. Your day begins melodically with piping hot coffee, warm, crunchy waffles, and perfectly cooked eggs. If it’s a weekend, maybe you even throw in a crisp mimosa or a spicy bloody to ice your cupcake. After a lavish and luxurious morning meal at any of these San Francisco haute spots, the rest of your day can only result in absolute perfection.

Rose’s Café
Transport yourself to a quaint sidewalk bistro in Europe at Rose’s. Outdoor seating for prime people watching, an attentive, professional staff, and a mouth-watering menu made with local, fresh, and sustainable ingredients makes Rose’s a top spot for a memorable meal. Favorites include smoked salmon pizza and organic soft polenta topped with spicy tomato sauce, sausage, and poached eggs. If you’re plagued with a morning sweet tooth, try the baked French toast with strawberries and cream. It’s a little sliver of heaven on a toile plate.

Rose’s Café is located at 2298 Union St., (415) 775-2200.

Zazie
A life in San Francisco is not complete without enjoying Eggs La Mer (Dungeness crab, green onion, Haas avocado, poached eggs, and lemon hollandaise on an English muffin) in Zazie’s garden patio. A beautiful spot in Cole Valley, Zazie is beloved by Bay Area natives for their delightful breakfast or brunch. Other options like challah French toast in orange cinnamon batter keep regulars faithful, while enticing newcomers to pledge their allegiance.

Zazie is located at 941 Cole St., (415) 564-5332.

Brenda’s French Soul Food
If you can’t wake up in New Orleans, then do the next best thing; have breakfast at Brenda’s. The beignet flight (one plain, one stuffed with Ghirardelli chocolate, one with apples and powdered sugar, and one stuffed with craw-fish etouffee) will have you tapping your toes, licking your lips, and feeling like you just stepped off Bourbon Street. Native New Orleans chef Brenda Buenviaje knows comfort food, and knows it well. Hearty braised ribs with cheddar grits and eggs sunny side up will keep you warm and happy inside all day, and the Bananas Foster French Toast is just what the doctor ordered. (Not really. The doctor would probably tell you to skip this thick and sweet French toast altogether.)

Brenda’s is located at 652 Polk St., (415) 345-8100.

Mama’s
Homesick? Need a morning pick-me-up just like Mom used to make; hearty, filling, and fresh? Historic Mama’s, located on Washington Square has been filling hungry bellies for 40 years with no signs of slowing down. Choose from a thorough menu of classics: freshly baked pastries, a French toast sampler made with three different types of freshly made bread, or the Farmer’s breakfast of eggs, spinach, sauteed leeks, goat cheese, and bacon.

Mama’s is located at 1701 Stockton St., (415) 362-6421.

Absinthe Brasserie & Bar
As executive chef of Absinthe, Top Chef contender Jamie Lauren has made Absinthe’s house-made granola and duck confit hash equally as delicious and sought after, as their famed burger and French onion soup. Absinthe offers an exceptional fine dining experience in the morning. From artfully presented options like a soft-boiled egg with gray sea salt and toast points to hearty warm biscuits with buttermilk-sausage gravy, sage, fried eggs, and grits, you will find something to get out of bed for.

Absinthe is located at 398 Hayes St., (415) 551-1590.