Best Brunch Spots Around Monterey Bay: 5 Local Favorites

EARLY MORNING HUNGER? WE KNOW JUST THE PLACE.

Updated July 2026: We've refreshed this guide to make sure these brunch favorites are still serving up memorable mornings around Monterey Bay.

Everyone knows Monterey, California, thrives on hospitality. Whether you're visiting for the weekend or lucky enough to call the Monterey Peninsula home, you'll find incredible restaurants around nearly every corner.

While we'd love to show you some of our favorite local eateries on our Old Monterey Walking Food Tour, we know not everyone starts their day thinking about lunch. If brunch is more your style, we've rounded up a few of our favorite spots around Monterey and Pacific Grove to help you kick off the day with great food, local flavor, and maybe even a mimosa or two.

Crema — Pacific Grove

@cremaloverspoint / via Instagram.com

Crema has long been a favorite among Pacific Grove and Monterey locals, and its beautiful new location overlooking Lovers Point has only made it more popular. With bright indoor seating, a spacious outdoor patio, and gorgeous ocean views just steps from the beach, it's the kind of place where brunch easily turns into a leisurely morning. If you're looking for even more places to soak up the sunshine while dining outdoors, check out our guide to the best sunny patios around Monterey.

Known for its creative brunch menu, handcrafted coffee drinks, and refreshing cocktails, Crema is well worth the wait if you happen to arrive during the weekend rush. Whether you're craving a hearty breakfast burrito, a sweet stack of pancakes, or one of their seasonal specialties, you'll find plenty of delicious options to start your day. Grab a table outside if you can—the coastal views are hard to beat.

First Awakenings — Pacific Grove/Salinas

@firstawakeningspg / via Instagram.com

Another longtime favorite among locals, especially for those who enjoy dining outdoors, First Awakenings never disappoints. Their generous portions, friendly service, and classic breakfast and brunch menu have earned them a loyal following for good reason. Whether you're sipping coffee on the patio or settling in for one of their hearty omelets, pancakes, or scrambles, it's easy to see why this spot is often buzzing with hungry locals and visitors alike.

The Pacific Grove location, conveniently situated near Cannery Row, is especially popular on weekends, so be prepared for a wait during peak brunch hours. If you can't snag a table there, don't worry—the original Salinas location is just as delicious and well worth the short drive.

The Breakfast Club — Seaside

@breakfastclub831 / via Instagram.com

If you're looking for a classic neighborhood breakfast spot where everyone feels like family, look no further than The Breakfast Club in Seaside. A favorite with both locals and visitors, it's known for its warm hospitality, generous portions, and menu full of breakfast classics with a creative twist.

Weekend mornings are especially busy, so be prepared for a bit of a wait—but trust us, it's worth it. Whether you're in the mood for fluffy waffles, decadent French toast, a hearty omelet, or perfectly prepared Eggs Benedict, you'll find plenty of delicious options to satisfy your brunch cravings. Once you're seated, you'll quickly understand why this beloved spot has become a Monterey Peninsula favorite.

Salt Wood Kitchen & Oysterette — Marina

@saltwoodkitchen / via Instagram.com

Known for its fresh seafood, impressive oyster bar, and handcrafted cocktails (see our 6 Incredible Whiskey-Based Drinks in Monterey Bay), Salt Wood Kitchen & Oysterette is also a fantastic weekend brunch destination. Located inside the Sanctuary Beach Resort in Marina, it's the perfect place to enjoy a leisurely meal just steps from the ocean.

Their seasonal brunch menu features everything from creative Benedicts and seafood-inspired dishes to sweet breakfast favorites, all made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients whenever possible. Pair your meal with a brunch cocktail and take in the relaxed coastal atmosphere—it's the kind of place where you'll want to linger long after your last bite.

Melville Tavern — Old Monterey

@melvilletavern / via Instagram.com

If you're familiar with our Old Monterey Walking Food Tour, you've probably already experienced—or at least heard about—Melville Tavern. While it's one of our favorite lunch stops, it's also a fantastic place to start your day.

Set in the heart of historic Old Monterey, Melville Tavern serves a delicious weekend brunch in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. Pair your meal with one of their well-loved bottomless mimosas, and it's easy to see why brunch has become a local weekend tradition. Whether you're craving something savory or something sweet, you'll find plenty to love on the menu. It's the perfect excuse to come back and experience a different side of one of our favorite local tour partners.

Have you tried any of these brunch spots? We'd love to hear which one is your favorite—or if there's another Monterey Peninsula brunch destination we should add to our list! Let us know in the comments.

And if you're looking to discover even more local favorites, join us on our Old Monterey Walking Food Tour. It's one of the best ways to experience the history, culture, and incredible food that make Monterey such a special place to visit.