Best Breakfast in Santa Monica
Updated June 16, 2026 · Ranked by combined rating and review volume
Where to find the best breakfast in Santa Monica
Step back in time at Rae's Restaurant, an iconic 50s-style diner serving up classic American breakfast favorites. Guests rave about the fluffy pancakes, perfectly cooked eggs, and delicious chilaquiles, all complemented by hot, fresh coffee. This beloved spot offers an expansive menu with great prices, making it a perfect choice for a nostalgic and satisfying morning meal.
Shoop's Delicatessen offers a consistently excellent breakfast experience with a diverse, European-style menu that goes beyond a typical deli. Diners frequently praise the incredible smoked salmon dishes, like the Nellish and salmon pancake, noting the freshness of all ingredients. With a relaxed, non-pretentious vibe and plenty of indoor and outdoor seating, it's a charming spot for a unique morning meal.
Experience breakfast with your toes in the sand at Back on the Beach Cafe, offering unparalleled ocean and island views. This charming spot provides a delightful dining experience with both indoor and outdoor beach seating, where guests can enjoy tasty food like fish tacos and salmon burgers. Arrive early to secure convenient parking and a prime spot for a memorable meal right by the water.
Bru's Wiffle Santa Monica is a casual joint celebrated for its fantastic waffles, featured in a range of breakfast and lunch dishes, including their popular chicken & waffles. Guests consistently highlight the generous servings and the outstandingly friendly, attentive, and fast service. It offers a pleasant, intimate atmosphere with good food and drink options, plus an outdoor patio for a relaxed meal.
Lunetta is an upmarket diner offering imaginative Californian cuisine in a trendy yet relaxed atmosphere, attracting a loyal local clientele. The food is consistently described as incredible and full of flavor, with standout dishes like the rock shrimp sandwich and Pappardelle Bolognese. Despite occasional busy service, the overall ambiance and delicious menu make it a highly recommended spot for a leisurely meal.
Contenders
Places submitted by the community. The top contender with more points than #5 gets promoted.
How we ranked the best breakfast in Santa Monica
Every place on this list is scored by a Bayesian weighted formula combined with a volume bonus. It rewards consistent positive feedback at scale, not just a high average rating — a 4.9-star place with 12 reviews ranks below a 4.6-star place with 800.
score = (v / (v + m)) × R + (m / (v + m)) × C + γ × log₁₀(v)
The prior m adapts to each neighborhood: it's the median review count among local candidates. So 200 reviews counts as “small sample” in dense markets like the West Village, but “solid” in quieter neighborhoods. Places with extreme review volume that clearly dominate their peers are promoted to #1. No paid placements — every spot earns its position via the public data.
Frequently asked about Santa Monica breakfast
What is the highest-rated breakfast in Santa Monica?
Shoop's Delicatessen has the highest Google rating in our list of the best breakfast in Santa Monica, with 4.7 stars across 708 reviews.
Which breakfast in Santa Monica has the most reviews?
Back on the Beach Cafe has the most reviews of any breakfast on this list — 1,633 ratings averaging 4.5 stars on Google.
How are the best breakfast in Santa Monica ranked?
Each place is scored using a Bayesian weighted formula that combines its average Google rating with its review count. This pulls small-sample places toward the local mean — so a 4.9-star spot with 12 reviews is ranked below a 4.6-star spot with 800 reviews. Volume and consistency matter, not just an inflated average.
When was this ranking last updated?
This ranking of the best breakfast in Santa Monica was last refreshed in June 2026 using the latest Google ratings and review counts. Restaurants and bars change constantly — always verify hours and current status before visiting.
Why isn't my favorite breakfast on the list of best breakfast in Santa Monica?
To be considered, a place needs enough Google reviews for the rating to be statistically meaningful (at least 5 reviews, ideally 25+). Newer or hyper-local spots can be excellent but score lower until enough people review them. Boundaries also matter — a spot just outside the Santa Monica area may show up on a neighboring ranking instead.