Brunch is, simply put, the best. Especially while on vacation. There’s something about indulging in a decadent, leisurely midday meal that feels oh-so lovely on a Saturday, but even better when you’re on a blissed-out vacation. We never want you to go hungry, so we rounded up a handful of our favorite brunch spots in Oceanside, including our go-to dishes to order. The only thing you need to decide? Whether or not you want to order a mimosa with that.
Piper
Tucked in The Seabird Resort, this buzzing restaurant is beloved for its housemade pastas, locally sourced ingredients and high-glam, Instagrammable interior design. But Piper’s diners tell us time and again that Piper’s brunch buffet alone is worth traveling for. Offered Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. ($42 for adults, $30 for children, ages 5-12), the over-the-top spread is stocked with a jaw-dropping array of deliciousness, from stone fruit salad with fennel flowers and bee pollen to black garlic hummus with tri-colored quinoa and market veggies.
Don’t miss: The toast bar, where you can adorn your locally baked Sadie Rose Baking Co. sourdough or multigrain bread with avocado, living greens, whipped ricotta, and more.
High/Low
Under the glowing woven pendant lights or at the seafront patio at Mission Pacific, our sister property, High/Low certainly leans more towards the high life…as proven by its locally sourced brunches. On the breakfast menu, which is served from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.? Sourdough French toast with Carlsbad strawberries and rhubarb curd, and Santa Barbara salmon scrambles with creme fraiche and herbed Boursin cheese. Note that High/Low does not take reservations — and are as busy as you’d expect with a brunch this good — so arrive early (we promise, they’ve got all manner of caffeine options from Revolution Roasters).
Don’t miss: The white corn fritters with arugula and bacon salad and sweet chile sauce, and the strawberry almond pop-tart croissant…which is just as divine as it sounds.
Masters Kitchen and Cocktail
In a former drag car shop, Masters has, true to its name, totally mastered brunch. We love the 1920s-inspired cocktail menu (you can’t go wrong with an Aperol spritz or paloma), and the covered patio complete with cozy outdoor heaters. Their brunch, served on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., is legendary for good reason, thanks to perfected classics like Belgian waffles with berries and whipped cream and biscuits and gravy served on homemade cheddar and herb biscuits.
Don’t miss: the made-in-house crab cake burger, served on a brioche bun with remoulade, truffle fries and petite strawberry greens.
Carte Blanche Bistro & Bar
If you’re a food obsessive who often finds themselves torn between Mexican and French fare, may we suggest a delectrible compromise? The French-meets-Mexican Carte Blanche Bistro & Bar is everything you could want. Stop by for brunch throughout the week (held Tuesday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.), and you’ll find staffers churning out all kinds of addictive dishes, including fluffy beignets and housecut bacon.
Don’t miss: The carne asada steak and eggs with avocado chimichurri, or the duck confit tacos with avocado crema and smoked cotija — with duck skin chicharrons for crunch!
Petite Madeline Bakery
Raspberry cheese croissants. Pecan twists. Apricot almond danishes (swoon!). For carboholics, there may be no more toothsome destination in all of Oceanside than Petite Madeline, which makes everything on the menu from scratch. Options for brunch range from Belgian liege waffles with pearl sugar and French toast made with their croissant dough.
Don’t miss: the chicken pesto sandwich with a heavy drizzle of buttery bechamel sauce, served on toasted pesto and cheddar jack cheese house-made rustic bread.
Beach Break Cafe
Socal locals flock to this morning glory spot (open from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.) for their oversized portions, obscenely delicious coffee cake, and charming decor (yep, those are real surfboards lining the walls). The family-owned Beach Break is known for its especially warm welcome, down to the honor system coffee station.
Don’t miss: The fluffy buttermilk pancakes with chocolate chips and the grilled mahi mahi sandwich, served on jalapeno cheesy bread.
264 Fresco
Ok, so it’s technically in Carlsbad — an 11-minute drive from The Seabird Resort — but believe us when we say breezy Italian eatery 264 Fresco is well worth the schlep. Curl up in a tufted mint green booth and prepare to order edible thrills galore, thanks to options including wild mushroom and spinach omelets and braised short rib hash with gnocchi and broccolini with wild mushroom marsala sauce.
Don’t miss: the thick-cut French toast with lemon curd and lavender, and the wild arugula salad with ricotta, shaved fennel and strawberries.
Now, the question is? How long will you be staying in Oceanside so you can try out all the city’s delicious brunch spots? Enoy!
