These are the best places for brunch on the Central Coast, according to Yelp
Bottomless mimosas, anyone?
Just in time for Mother’s Day weekend, Yelp.com has released a list of the best brunch spots on the Central Coast of California.
These include several beloved San Luis Obispo County restaurants, as well as popular places in Monterey County, most of them along scenic Highway 1.
Yelp compiled its list by using customer reviews and rankings to determine the best places to gather your friends or family and enjoy breakfast or lunch food.
Here are Yelp’s nine best places for brunch on the Central Coast:
Springside Restaurant, Paso Robles
Location: 1646 Spring St., Paso Robles
Info: 805 238-2629 or springside-restaurant.com
This Paso Robles restaurant made the list as a “great low-key breakfast spot” for those “chill lazy Sundays,” according to one Yelp review.
Known for its expansive breakfast menu featuring omelets, French toast, scrambles and more, Springside also serves lunch and dinner.
Within walking distance of downtown Paso Robles, the restaurant has both indoor and outdoor seating, and is open every day from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. for breakfast and lunch, and 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. for dinner Wednesday through Saturday.
“You will leave stuffed and your wallet won’t be hurting too bad either,” read the review.
The Hidden Kitchen, Cambria
Location: 2164 Center St., Cambria
Info: 805-395-7029 or hiddenkitchencalifornia.com
When talking about beloved San Luis Obispo County brunch spots, you can’t forget The Hidden Kitchen.
The local restaurant, which has a distinct cult following, is 100% gluten-free and features unique blue-corn waffles that can be topped with savory or sweet additions depending on your preference. The restaurant also offers seasonal smoothies, bowls, coffee, mimosas and more.
“The Hidden Kitchen is a VIBE!” one Yelp reviewer said. “Gluten-free, organic, locally sourced food served with a smile along with a view of the ocean. What else could you ask for!? These blue corn waffles are probably the best oceanside food you can get. Trust us.”
The Cambria location is open 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, while the restaurant’s newer Cayucos location, located at 113 North Ocean Ave., is open 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday through Monday.
The Nest Cafe, Atascadero
Location: 9700 El Camino Real, Atascadero
Info: 805-464-2548 or thenestatascadero.com
A breakfast and lunch hotspot, the Nest Cafe in Atascadero is one of the most welcoming restaurants on the Central Coast, according to Yelp reviewers.
The cafe “focuses on family-friendly services with a small town feel,” according to the restaurant description and features a variety of fresh and local products. That includes Joebella organic coffee and locally made fresh-baked bread.
The restaurant also has a large dog-friendly patio that reviewers love.
“The massive back patio is enough to draw you in, but the food and friendly service will keep you coming back,” one review said. “The Nest Cafe is inclusive for dietary restrictions and almost completely dog friendly!”
The Nest Cafe is open daily from 5:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Kitchenette, Templeton
Where: 105 South Main St., Templeton
Info: 805-400-1006 or kitchenettetempleton.com
Opened in 2015 by the owners of Artisan in Paso Robles, Kitchenette is most often described in reviews as “a cute little place” with a great brunch.
“Love this cute breakfast spot!” one review said. “There are tons of delicious and creative breakfast and brunch options.”
According to reviews, Kitchenette is great about catering to dietary restrictions, and has vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options on the menu. It’s also well-liked for its coffee, kombucha and pastries.
Dining is both indoors and outdoors, with different sized tables to accommodate larger or smaller groups.
Kitchenette is open 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday.
Deetjen’s Restaurant, Big Sur
Location: 48865 Highway 1, Big Sur
Info: 831-667-2378 or deetjens.com
If you are looking for a scenic place to enjoy brunch, look no further than Deetjen’s Restaurant, nestled among the trees of Big Sur.
The restaurant, which is attached to the rustic Deetjen’s Big Sur Inn, is a popular stopover for those traveling along Highway 1. According to reviews, the menu may be small, but it packs a big punch with favorites such as eggs Benedict, French toast, breakfast burritos and more.
The restaurant also has a unique aesthetic thanks to the influence of Englishwoman Barbara Blake in the 1940s; according to the hotel website, Blake added traditional English decor to the restaurant that has changed little over the years.
“Oh my, this aesthetic has our hearts!” one review said. “Tucked literally in the trees making you feel like you are in a tree fort! The food is hands down AMAZING. Their eggs Benedict and stuffed French toast is not going to disappoint.”
The restaurant is open for breakfast 8 a.m. to noon and for dinner from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., Friday through Tuesday.
Big Sur Bakery, Big Sur
Location: 47540 Highway 1, Big Sur
Info: 831-667-0520 or bigsurbakery.com
For a simple but delicious Central Coast brunch option, check out Big Sur Bakery. The eatery is a popular stop for those traveling along Highway 1, as well as those enjoying the region’s many trails and hiking offerings.
The bakery offers “a nice setting with pretty gardens and comfortable places to enjoy your vittles, both inside and outside,” according to one review.
Beyond bakery goods, the spot is also open for breakfast, lunch and dinner service.
It’s open 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday, with breakfast beginning at 9:30 a.m. and lunch at 11:30 a.m. Dinner is available 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday.
There’s all-day brunch service from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Sunday.
From Scratch Restaurant, Carmel
Location: 3626 The Barnyard, Carmel
Info: 831-625-2448 or fromscratchrestaurant.com
A long-time Carmel favorite, From Scratch Restaurant opened in 1977 and has been owned by the same family since 1995.
Known for its all-day breakfast, the restaurant was featured on a recent season of the Food Channel TV show “Diners, Drive-ins and Dives.”
Breakfast faves include eggs Benedict, omelettes and huevos rancheros.
“What can we say? We sometimes love the touristy Carmel-by-the-Sea restaurants,” one reviewer said. “From Scratch keeps it simple with traditional breakfast that you will melt over. Plus, their little outdoor courtyard is very cute and dog friendly!”
From Scratch Restaurant is open 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday through Tuesday.
Winston’s Brunch Place, Pacific Grove
Location: 602 Lighthouse Ave., Pacific Grove
Info: Instagram.com/winstonsPg
The newest place on Yelp’s list, Winston’s has already been making a lot of waves as a hot Central Coast brunch spot. The restaurant, which opened in early 2022, is known for its unique takes on traditional breakfast fare.
Highlights of the menu include the lemon ricotta pancakes, French toast with bananas and hazelnut spread and chicken waffles.
“This brand-new brunch spot is already making a lot of noise in the Monterey community,” one review read. “Items like their chicken and waffles, blueberry ricotta pancakes, and caramelized onion omelette are being whispered about throughout the town. The best part? They offer free food to the homeless or those in need! Way to give back, Winston’s!”
The restaurant is open 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Wednesday through Monday.
This story was originally published April 13, 2022 at 10:46 AM.
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