Last updated: 2025-04-07
South Bay brunch enthusiasts flock to National City’s diverse morning dining scene, where local favorites like Goodies Plates and Pours serve up hearty breakfast classics. Just off Mile of Cars Way, Menuderia Don Vicente draws crowds for authentic Mexican breakfast specialties.
From the aromatic coffee drinks at Lani Coffee to the bustling weekend atmosphere along 8th Street’s restaurant row, National City’s brunch spots blend Filipino, Mexican, and American flavors that reflect the community’s rich cultural heritage.
Explore South Bay’s best brunch spots below!
Featured Brunch Spots in National City
- Broken Yolk Cafe
- Cafe La Maze
- Tita's Kitchenette
- IHOP
- Goodies Plates and Pours
- Winchells Donut House
- Menuderia Don Vicente
- Lani Coffee
Broken Yolk Cafe
What to Expect
Extensive brunch menu with California-inspired flavor combinations
Description
Broken Yolk Cafe in Irvine delivers California-style brunch with bold culinary creativity. Signature dishes include the Golden State Benedict with sriracha drizzle and Hawaiian sweet bread French toast called 'Tiki Toast'. Their expansive menu offers everything from hearty country skillets to light acai bowls, complemented by mimosa and Bloody Mary flights on a welcoming covered patio.
Where: National City | More Info: Broken Yolk Cafe
Cafe La Maze
What to Expect
Historic Hollywood-era restaurant with nightly live music performances
Description
A historic National City restaurant founded in 1935 by Marcel Lamaze, a legendary Hollywood restaurateur. Specializing in premium beef dishes, Cafe La Maze offers a diverse dining experience with live entertainment featuring nightly music genres like jazz, blues, cumbia, and Latin beats. The restaurant celebrates its rich heritage while providing a vibrant atmosphere for guests.
Where: National City | More Info: Cafe La Maze
Goodies Plates and Pours
What to Expect
Southern-style chicken and waffles with bourbon maple glaze
Description
Goodies Plates and Pours brings a vibrant Southern-inspired brunch experience to National City. Specializing in indulgent Chicken & Waffles with a crispy buttermilk chicken and bourbon maple glaze, this casual dining spot offers a hearty weekend feast. The relaxed atmosphere welcomes families and brunch enthusiasts, featuring craft cocktails and a warm, inviting patio perfect for leisurely weekend mornings.
Where: National City | More Info: Goodies Plates and Pours
IHOP
What to Expect
24-hour breakfast and extensive pancake menu
Description
IHOP offers an all-American casual dining experience specializing in classic breakfast and brunch favorites. Their signature Buttermilk Pancake Stack comes with endless syrup options, while their extensive menu features everything from hearty Country Fried Steak to fluffy Belgian Waffles. The restaurant provides a family-friendly atmosphere with 24-hour service, making it perfect for early risers and late-night diners alike.
Where: National City | More Info: IHOP
Lani Coffee
What to Expect
Hawaiian-sourced 100% Kona coffee with island-inspired breakfast menu
Description
Downtown San Diego's Hawaiian-inspired coffee sanctuary offering vibrant breakfast selections and specialty coffee experiences. Specializing in 100% Kona coffee from Hawaii's lava-rich soils, Lani Coffee delivers exceptional brunch options like breakfast burritos, crepes, and signature Banzai Acai Bowls. Their menu celebrates island-inspired flavors through carefully curated coffee blends and fresh morning fare.
Where: National City | More Info: Lani Coffee
Tita's Kitchenette
What to Expect
Authentic Filipino grab-and-go brunch with continuous food preparation
Description
Tita's Kitchenette serves authentic Filipino brunch with hearty classics like Chicken Adobo and BBQ Chicken. This National City gem offers grab-and-go and dine-in options featuring traditional Filipino comfort food. Generous portion sizes and consistently fresh-prepared dishes make this a local favorite for those craving genuine Filipino breakfast and lunch selections.
Where: National City | More Info: Tita's Kitchenette
Winchells Donut House
What to Expect
24-hour West Coast donut chain with extensive regional presence
Description
West Coast's largest donut chain serving up classic and creative donuts around the clock. Specializes in their signature 'Warm 'n Fresh Donut®' with over 170 locations across 6 states, including California, Guam, and Saipan. Offers a wide variety of donut styles including bars, jellies, and twists for sweet-tooth enthusiasts seeking convenient, all-hours donut satisfaction.
Where: National City | More Info: Winchells Donut House
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