Last updated: 2025-04-07
Along Monterey’s scenic coastline, brunch spots like Wave Street Cafe and LouLou’s Griddle In The Middle serve up fresh catches and coastal-inspired morning fare. These local favorites blend the region’s seafood heritage with classic breakfast dishes.
From First Awakenings’ cozy Pacific Grove location to the beloved Rosine’s Restaurant downtown, each establishment offers a distinct take on morning dining that captures the laid-back Central Coast vibe and ocean-fresh ingredients.
Explore Monterey’s best breakfast spots by the bay!
Featured Brunch Spots in Monterey
- LouLou’s Griddle In The Middle
- Salt Wood Kitchen and Oysterette (Marina)
- Stationaery (Carmel-by-the-Sea)
- Rosine’s Restaurant
- Wave Street Cafe
- First Awakenings (Pacific Grove)
- Nuernberger’s German Sausages
- Crepes of Brittany
Crepes of Brittany
What to Expect
Authentic Brittany-style crêpes in a traditional French cafe setting
Description
Authentic French crêperie nestled in downtown Monterey, specializing in traditional Brittany-style sweet and savory crêpes. Signature dishes include classic Galette Complète with ham, cheese, and egg, and decadent Nutella-banana crêpes that transport diners straight to the French countryside. Intimate cafe setting offers a genuine taste of Brittany's culinary heritage.
Where: Monterey | More Info: Crepes of Brittany
First Awakenings (Pacific Grove)
What to Expect
Dog-friendly outdoor dining with free parking
Description
First Awakenings serves fresh, All-American brunch cuisine across two charming locations in Monterey County. Their Pacific Grove spot near Monterey Bay Aquarium offers a dog-friendly outdoor patio with free parking. Signature dishes include the hearty Breakfast Bomber Burrito and delectable Homemade Belgian Waffle, showcasing their commitment to generous portions and classic morning comfort food.
Where: Pacific Grove | More Info: First Awakenings
LouLou’s Griddle In The Middle
What to Expect
Griddle-style pancake specialties
Description
Classic American diner nestled in Monterey offering hearty brunch classics with a local twist. Specializing in generous portions of Chicken & Waffles and signature griddle-style pancakes, LouLou's delivers a quintessential California coastal breakfast experience. Their robust menu features homestyle cooking that celebrates traditional diner fare with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients.
Where: Monterey | More Info: LouLou’s Griddle In The Middle
Nuernberger’s German Sausages
What to Expect
Authentic German sausage preparation and traditional breakfast offerings
Description
Nuernberger's German Sausages offers an authentic German deli experience in Monterey, specializing in traditional German wursts and breakfast classics. Their menu features classic German sausages prepared in the traditional style, serving hearty breakfast and brunch options with a distinctly Bavarian flair. Known for their homemade sausages and casual deli atmosphere, this spot provides a genuine taste of German culinary traditions.
Where: Monterey | More Info: Nuernberger’s German Sausages
Rosine’s Restaurant
What to Expect
Award-winning comfort food and desserts with local culinary recognition
Description
Rosine's Restaurant offers a classic comfort food brunch experience in downtown Monterey, featuring hearty family-style dishes celebrated by local media. Known for their award-winning comfort food and desserts, they showcase signature items like Minestrone Soup and Lasagna, as featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives with Guy Fieri. Their extensive menu includes a children's selection, ensuring something delicious for every family member.
Where: Monterey | More Info: Rosine’s Restaurant
Salt Wood Kitchen and Oysterette (Marina)
What to Expect
Oceanfront live-fire kitchen with locally-sourced coastal cuisine
Description
Salt Wood Kitchen & Oysterette offers a coastal California brunch experience highlighting Monterey Bay's local ingredients. Weekend brunch features wood-fired seafood specialties like fresh oysters and locally-sourced egg dishes. The restaurant boasts a stunning oceanfront patio, live-fire kitchen, and an inviting bar with Central Coast-inspired cocktails and wine selections.
Where: Marina | More Info: Salt Wood Kitchen and Oysterette
Stationaery (Carmel-by-the-Sea)
What to Expect
Neighborhood restaurant with elegant brunch and take-away window
Description
Stationaery offers an all-day brunch experience in Carmel-by-the-Sea, celebrating comforting flavors with elegant presentation. Their daily brunch from 8am-3pm features locally-sourced cuisine with a sophisticated neighborhood restaurant vibe. Guests can enjoy a curated menu with take-away options, complemented by a thoughtful wine selection and coffee offerings.
Where: Carmel-by-the-Sea | More Info: Stationaery
Wave Street Cafe
What to Expect
Waterfront casual dining with expansive all-day breakfast menu
Description
Wave Street Cafe offers a casual coastal brunch experience nestled in Monterey's iconic Cannery Row. Specializing in all-day breakfast classics like hearty omelets and fluffy pancakes, this family-friendly spot provides a relaxed dining atmosphere with local charm. Their extensive menu features kid-friendly options and beer and wine selections, making it perfect for leisurely weekend mornings.
Where: Monterey | More Info: Wave Street Cafe
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