June 4, 2025

Charming Breakfasts in Santa Rosa That Brighten Mornings

Seek out Santa Rosa's cozy breakfast spots where you can enjoy steamy pancakes and morning-fresh eggs that make every meal feel special. Delight in a casual setting with tasty treats that start your day off.

Richard Gargan
Reviewed from:
California
Editor's Note: Brunch Expert is supported by our readers. We sometimes earn commissions when you click through to restaurants or affiliate links.

Start your day in Santa Rosa with a delicious breakfast! Enjoy the taste of home-style cooking in cozy places all around the city. You can try morning-fresh dishes that make you feel warm and happy.

Chilaquiles Los Compadres

3020 Santa Rosa Ave, Santa Rosa

(707) 293-9516

Reviewed by:

Griselida Aneese

My family and I had a fantastic breakfast at Chilaquiles Los Compadres in Santa Rosa. The staff was kind and professional, and the place was spotless. The food was delicious, especially the chilaquiles—the best I've ever had. Their Café de Olla is a must-try. Prices were reasonable, and the big windows provided perfect daylight and a great view. There's plenty of parking too. Service was fast, and the atmosphere was welcoming, thanks to Raul, his wife, and their attentive team. I recommend trying the chilaquiles, chicken fried steaks, and biscuits and gravy, and for dessert, the flan and cheesecake. The salsa verde had a refreshing hint of lime, perfect for brunch. The women serving were incredibly sweet, and the food came out quickly. Breakfast was excellent, and I can't wait to try their lunch next time. This place is well worth a visit, whether you're dining alone or with family. Highly recommend!

Hank's Creekside Restaurant

2800 4th St, Santa Rosa

(707) 575-8839

Reviewed by:

Aldo Alejandro Solis

We were warmly greeted when we arrived at Hank's Creekside Restaurant for breakfast on a busy Saturday morning, which is always a good sign. Despite the full house, we waited less than 10 minutes for a table. The breakfast menu was packed with great options and truly exceeded our expectations. Service was impressively fast, considering the hustle and bustle. Portions were large, tasty, and satisfying—all at a fair price, making it a fantastic breakfast destination. The chicken fried steak was spot-on, the hash browns super crispy, and the scrambled eggs cooked perfectly. That's darn good! I'm already looking forward to coming back. You've definitely got a fan in me! Plus, the price is right—$36 for two of us. We’ve driven by this place so many times without knowing what a gem it is. The food was delicious, our server Richie was super friendly, and the atmosphere was lovely. Everything we ordered was spot-on delicious. Melissa made sure we had everything we needed, and we sat by a window with a view of the creek and surrounding greenery. The place was clean, friendly, and provided a great experience. Can't wait to return!

Donut Bagel Cafe

750 Stony Point Rd a120, Santa Rosa

(707) 284-1012

Reviewed by:

nan Hazz

Whenever I'm in Santa Rosa, a stop at Donut Bagel Cafe is a must. This is the best donut shop ever. Even though I no longer live in Sonoma County, I make it a point to visit whenever I'm nearby. Everything here is delicious, but my go-to items are the maple bar, the croissants, and their bagels with cream cheese. I've never had a bad donut here and I'm tempted to try everything on the menu. It's a family-owned business with the best customer service I've experienced, and everything is super affordable. The donuts are awesome, but the standout for me has to be their donut breakfast sandwich. I had the bacon, egg, and cheese on a glazed maple donut and it was delightful! The staff is incredibly friendly, making every visit enjoyable. While the place itself isn’t the most inviting for dining in, the quality of the food more than makes up for it. My family has been visiting for years and everything we’ve tried has been great. I highly recommend this place for any meal of the day. You will not be disappointed!

Brew Coffee and Beer House

555 Healdsburg Ave, Santa Rosa

(707) 303-7372

Reviewed by:

Dominic Dvs

Brew Coffee and Beer House in Santa Rosa is a fantastic spot for breakfast. The atmosphere is relaxed, both inside and out, and the setting under a giant tree gives the place a unique charm. The coffee is very good, and the breakfast bagel is worth trying, though the wait for it was longer than I expected. However, the service was friendly and attentive, which made up for the wait. The burritos are outstanding, definitely a highlight for me, while the waffles are amazing and a must-have. The macro bowl didn’t quite hit the mark in terms of flavor, but everything else was delightful. Their specials menu on the wall near the bar offers some great options beyond the regular menu. For those needing gluten-free options, you'll be pleased to know they have bread from Revolution Bread, made with ancient grains. The sunshine toast I had was magical, topped with eggs, avocado, spinach, ricotta, and microgreens. I appreciated how well they know their locals—it was nice to see them prepping orders for regulars while I was there. A unique feature here is the 'unicorn flight,' which lets you sample espresso blends with house-made flavors like cinnamon, ginger, and caramel. Plus, they have wine and beers on tap. It was a cozy spot to play a game of Trivia near the windows with beautiful morning light streaming in. If you ever find yourself stood up for a date, this is the place to be—lovely outdoor seating, perfect for relaxing with tea, reading, or meeting friendly dogs brought by other patrons. Highly recommend this welcoming and vibrant cafe.

Brothers Cafe

3135 Cleveland Ave, Santa Rosa

(707) 541-6345

Reviewed by:

Ana Escamilla

My family and I have visited Brothers Cafe four times, and every visit has been fantastic. The food is always fresh, delicious, and very affordable. The staff is incredibly inviting and attentive, offering excellent food recommendations. We've never had anything missing or incorrect in our orders. This place has quickly become our number one favorite spot in all of Santa Rosa, and I give it a 10/10. We discovered Brothers Cafe on Google Maps when we needed to get out of the house, and it's a hidden gem tucked into a business park on the north end of Santa Rosa. You might miss it if you're just driving around, as the area isn’t one you'd usually explore without knowing what's there. It offers a classic diner experience with a huge menu packed with sandwiches, soups, salads, entrees, and an all-day breakfast menu. The breakfast food here is spot-on. Jorge, the owner, is an amazing host who makes you feel like family from the moment you walk in. The portion sizes are generous, and the prices are very reasonable, which is refreshing compared to the rising costs at other restaurants. If you're in the mood for classic, comforting food, this is the place to go. During our visits, we've tried the Hole in the Wall Scrambled, the Nutella crepe, and the Dutch Baby. The Dutch Baby takes about 15 minutes to prepare, but it's definitely worth the wait. While I’ve only been here for breakfast, I've heard great things about their lunch and dinner menus, too. Between my sister, her husband, and me, we've had about a dozen meals here, all of which have been excellent. I'm particularly fond of their egg scramble breakfast with sausage, spinach, and red peppers, paired with their homemade biscuit and potatoes. The eggs are perfectly cooked and always served hot. While the biscuit is a bit dry as it's meant for gravy, I enjoy it with just butter. The potatoes are seasoned just right—flavorful but not spicy. The coffee is enjoyable as well. The staff is friendly and attentive, and although it can get busy on weekend mornings, the wait is always worth it.

Dierk's Parkside Cafe

404 Santa Rosa Ave, Santa Rosa

(707) 573-5955

Reviewed by:

Konstantin Acevedo

Dierk's Parkside Cafe is the go-to spot for a fantastic breakfast in Santa Rosa. The flavors are spot on, and the prices are really reasonable. They serve cinnamon rolls in the morning, and I'm not sure if it's an everyday thing, but they're a must-try. The staff is super friendly, and even the cooks said hello, which I absolutely loved. I'm already looking forward to my next visit. Their corned beef hash is top-tier, with super crisp hashbrowns and perfectly cooked corned beef and eggs. The pull-apart fried dough was insanely good too. Despite being busy, the food came out quickly, and our server was really chipper. I would absolutely recommend this place to a friend. It's seriously good. The food is great, and the service is awesome. If you sit at the counter, you can see the kitchen working like a well-oiled machine. Portions are big, so come hungry! Walking into Dierk’s feels like discovering the best local breakfast spot. The atmosphere is warm, with visible cooks and cheerful servers. The pull-apart dough was a perfect breakfast appetizer and totally lived up to its hype. The country benedict was a nice twist on an eggs benedict, even without the poached egg. I might ask for crispy bacon next time, but it was still incredibly tasty, especially with the golden hashbrowns. Food came out quickly, and the service was friendly and prompt. Parking can be a bit tricky since the residential streets are narrow if you can't snag a spot up front, but it's worth the effort.

Lita's Cafe

1973 Mendocino Ave, Santa Rosa

(707) 575-1628

Reviewed by:

Prerana Angeles

Lita's Cafe in Santa Rosa is an absolute gem for breakfast. Whoever creates their breakfast specials is brilliant! I tried the bacon and Brussels sprouts bowl with hash browns, eggs, and a special aioli sauce; it was phenomenal. The service was outstanding, and they kindly accommodated our large party without prior notice. Everything was five-star worthy, especially considering the value for money. The food was delicious, and I appreciated the nice extra touches, like the fresh fruit with our meals, which included a variety of ripe options like oranges, berries, grapes, and pineapple—not just a few unripe melon slices. Compared to other places, Lita's offered so much more for the price. The service was prompt and friendly, and the food arrived quickly. Despite being in a strip mall, Lita's has created a charming patio oasis with flowers and plants, making it easy to forget the surrounding parking lot. We stumbled upon this place while searching for a brunch spot offering more than just basic staples at a reasonable price. Seeing locomoco on the menu was a pleasant surprise. The staff was incredibly welcoming and accommodating, even making substitutions for my diabetes by offering sautéed veggies instead of rice or bread. My coffee cup was never empty! The food hit the spot perfectly. We enjoyed our experience so much that we returned the next day. This place quickly became a favorite, and I can't wait to visit again next year. The atmosphere, music, and people reminded me of Miami's vibrant, artsy vibe. Hats off to the chef! My boyfriend's oxtails were so good, and we also loved the prawn pasta, pepper shrimp, kale salad, and plantains. Every dish was outstanding. This experience transported me to the tastes and vibes of Miami and the Caribbean. Thank you to the chef, staff, and everyone at Lita's Cafe for such a wonderful experience!

J&M's Midtown Café

1422 4th St, Santa Rosa

(707) 545-2233

Reviewed by:

Jose Barry

Joel and Marla really know how to run a café! The creativity of the menu at J&M's Midtown Café in Santa Rosa is impressive, making it a perfect spot for breakfast or lunch. I love supporting local businesses, especially ones that showcase original artwork from local artists, and J&M's does just that with monthly receptions. The food is simply delicious. During my visit, we had breakfast, and every bite was enjoyable. A small note is that the fried chicken Benedict doesn't come with a carb like a muffin or biscuit, which isn't quite clear on the menu, but honestly, it didn’t bother me since the bacon was cooked to perfection. The service was exceptional. Even though it was New Year's Day, everyone was friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable about the menu. It was a great touch seeing Hoppin’ John on the menu—a dish from my childhood—which held special meaning for me, being so far away from home. J&M's is a cute little place, cozy and intimate. It's definitely a new favorite of mine, and I'm eager to return to see how it continues to delight. We found this café through a Google search while looking for a quick breakfast, and it certainly delivered. Although you won’t find lattes here, the drip coffee is excellent, and the menu offers something for everyone. The service was fast, the food quality was high, portions were generous, and the prices were fair. Overall, J&M's Midtown Café is a fantastic spot that stands out among other local options.

Colibri Grill Cafe

4233 Montgomery Dr, Santa Rosa

(707) 538-2726

Reviewed by:

Maria Thompson

I have a sweet tooth, so when I saw the coffee pear chocolate chip pancake on the menu, I knew I had to try it, and it did not disappoint. The balance of flavors was perfect, and it quickly became my favorite breakfast treat. Overall, the food and service at Colibri Grill Cafe were good. The staff was very accommodating with our special requests, which I truly appreciated. This is a cute little spot that I chose for my husband and me to have lunch, and it was a delightful choice. The house special was amazing and reasonably priced for two people. Our server was kind, and both the presentation and taste of the dishes were excellent. I’d definitely go back for brunch again and would highly recommend this place. Though there were a few minor hiccups, like the eggs benedict having too much lemon in the hollandaise sauce and the sourdough toast not being perfect, the overall experience was enjoyable. The chai latte was delicious, and the ambiance made for a very relaxing meal. While some dishes didn't hit the mark, I’m inclined to give it another shot and explore other options on the menu. Despite some imperfections, this place has a lot of potential and is worth trying out.

Piner Cafe

975 Piner Rd, Santa Rosa

(707) 575-0165

Reviewed by:

Rita Gilda

Piner Cafe is a charming spot in Santa Rosa that serves up a satisfying breakfast experience. The warm and friendly staff truly set the tone for a welcoming visit. Despite the small-town diner vibe, the service was quick, and the food arrived in no time. I appreciated the handmade burger patties, especially the thoughtful touch of lettuce on the bottom, which added a nice texture. For my breakfast, I opted for the ham and eggs with hashbrowns, accompanied by a cup of coffee. The food was fresh and delicious, and the attentive service meant my coffee was always topped up. Although the atmosphere was quite noisy, making it tough to hear my friends, the overall experience remained enjoyable thanks to the efficient and kind server. Piner Cafe is still a worthwhile stop for a good breakfast in Santa Rosa.

Carlos' Country Kitchen

90 College Ave, Santa Rosa

(707) 569-9734

Reviewed by:

Jose Ash

We absolutely love Carlos' Country Kitchen for breakfast in Santa Rosa! The food is amazing, and the customer service is top-notch. We ordered the corned beef hash & eggs and the hot links omelet, both with hash browns, and everything was cooked perfectly. Our coffee was refilled promptly, which was a nice touch. Carol, our waitress, was friendly and attentive, making our experience even better. It's definitely one of the best breakfast spots around, and we can't wait to come back when we're in the area. Carlos, your place is a gem! The diner has a friendly atmosphere, and the food is just fantastic. Although the place could use a bit of a remodel and it was quite warm inside, the overall experience was still wonderful. The menu has so many great options, making it tough to choose just one thing. I tried the biscuits & gravy with poached eggs and sausage links, and everything was spot on. Plus, I enjoyed bottomless coffee, a hot chocolate with whipped cream, and a root beer float! It's great that they're willing to customize dishes, like making 2-egg omelettes or super spuds without eggs. This local spot is perfect for breakfast or lunch with a welcoming environment and good food. Seems like a place where regulars meet up. Thanks, Carlos, for creating such a treasure!

Sam's For Play Cafe & Catering

1024 Sebastopol Rd, Santa Rosa

(707) 528-0506

Reviewed by:

Ducky Griffin

Sam's For Play Cafe & Catering is genuinely one of my favorite spots for breakfast in Santa Rosa. The food here is consistently amazing, and the service is top-notch. Everyone working here is prompt, attentive, and exudes a positive vibe that brightens my day every time I visit. The prices might be a bit steep, like many places these days, but the quality and experience make it worthwhile. What I love most is how this place has remained unchanged since my childhood, offering that classic diner feel that I always recommend. Every dish I've tried has been a delight, and their homemade salsa is to die for—though it's got a kick, so beware! Don't even get me started on their milkshakes; they're the real deal and absolutely incredible. It's always comforting to see the same friendly faces, which speaks volumes about how well they treat their staff. I've been coming here since high school, and I'm 47 now, so that says a lot about their consistency and excellence. Whenever I'm back in town from Tahoe, a visit to Sam's is a must. Hi Troy! Thanks for always making it a wonderful experience. 😋

Village Cafe

2575 Guerneville Rd, Santa Rosa

(707) 579-6087

Reviewed by:

Martin Santos

If you're on the hunt for a quick and quiet spot for breakfast in Santa Rosa, Village Cafe is a gem. Andrea, our waitress, made the experience truly memorable with her fantastic service. Honestly, I'd return just for her. The menu offers a great selection of American comfort food. My breakfast choice was the french toast with strawberries and cream, which was delightful. My boyfriend chose an omelette paired with pancakes and hash browns, and everything arrived incredibly fast. Although my fish filet sandwich was a tad dry, it's something easily fixed and did not overshadow the overall quality of the meal. The service was timely, and the attentive staff ensured we were well taken care of. The restaurant was clean, and the cooking was spot on. The atmosphere felt warm and welcoming, making it a place I'd love to have with me wherever I go. Despite the dining area being a little on the small side, it added to the cozy vibe. Having tried Village Cafe a few times in a week, I'm thoroughly satisfied with their breakfast offerings. The California Omelette was rich with cheese and fresh avocado, and the house fries with green onions were cooked well, just with a few slightly overcooked pieces. I'm still full from that tasty omelette! For a reliable, tasty breakfast, I'll definitely be visiting again.

Cafe Mimosa

456 College Ave, Santa Rosa

(707) 293-9450

Reviewed by:

Dylan Boa

First time at Cafe Mimosa for breakfast in Santa Rosa, and I was really impressed. The food and mimosas were awesome. Although the service was a bit slow, even with it not being too crowded, we still had a great experience and definitely plan to return. Everything we tried was delicious, and the staff was super friendly. The French toast, Smoked Salmon Benedict, and Waffles were all hits. It’s a busy place, so we had about a 15-minute wait around 11 am, but they send a text when your table is ready, which is convenient. The waitresses were quick to bring our food and drinks, and the mimosa sampler was a highlight with flavors like guava, strawberry, and mango. I highly recommend this spot! The food was not only great in taste but also beautifully presented. Though I couldn’t enjoy the mimosas this time because I was the driver, the setup looked great. The buttermilk pancakes were fluffy and delicious, and the hot corned beef was perfect for sharing. The garlic fries had a flavorful kick with big chunks of garlic. I also liked the simple touch of serving water with a slice of lemon. Overall, a fantastic breakfast spot!

Norm's Kitchen

478 Larkfield Center, Santa Rosa

(707) 579-4007

Reviewed by:

Annette Mota

Wow, Norm's Kitchen in Santa Rosa is a real gem for breakfast. The moment we walked in, it felt like a classic diner experience. The place was bustling, which was a great sign, and we were seated outside to enjoy the lovely weather. Our drinks were served promptly by a friendly young lady while we perused the menu. The food was fantastic. I went for the chicken fried steak, and my companion had the french toast with eggs. Both dishes were delicious and delivered in a timely manner, even as the restaurant was busy. The portions were generous, and everything was cooked perfectly. What truly stood out was the warm and welcoming atmosphere. The service was attentive, and the staff was genuinely cordial. It felt like stepping back into the late 40s and early 50s, with a charming small diner vibe. Despite being a drive away in Healdsburg, I love coming to Norm's whenever possible for breakfast and great conversations with both the employees and regulars. It's a wonderful hole in the wall with reasonably priced meals that always leave me satisfied. I can't wait to return.

Cafe des Croissants

2444 Lomitas Ave, Santa Rosa

(707) 544-6710

Reviewed by:

Milton Ng

The Café des Croissants in Santa Rosa turned out to be a delightful surprise for breakfast. While my wife found her eggs and spinach dish a bit lacking, my husband enjoyed the chicken salad. I was particularly impressed with their breakfast sandwich—it was truly amazing! The croissants, especially the ones filled with apricot jam, were a standout. They're much larger than what you'd typically find in Europe or artisan bakeries in Silicon Valley, so sharing one was plenty for the two of us. The coffee wasn't exactly to our taste, being a bit over-roasted, but it didn't dampen the overall experience. The café has a charming vibe, with a huge chessboard outside and a one-hole mini golf setup that adds a fun twist to your visit. Balls and golf clubs are conveniently available inside the café. It's a small location, so parking is limited, and it's wise to call ahead. All in all, Café des Croissants is a super delicious spot for breakfast, especially if you're looking for a break on your way to Sonoma Valley.

Page's Diner

1039 W College Ave, Santa Rosa

(707) 579-8479

Reviewed by:

Sameer Stanciu

Page's Diner in Santa Rosa offers a cozy and comfortable atmosphere that makes for a welcoming breakfast spot. Despite a few hiccups, there's a lot to appreciate here. The staff stands out for their friendliness and attentiveness, making sure we felt well taken care of during our visit. The caramel latte was a highlight, rich and satisfying, and the eggs benedict was tasty, although it doesn’t quite beat my favorite spot at Hank’s Creekside. The country potatoes were perfectly cooked and a delightful addition to the meal. While the food was generally delicious and reasonably priced, there were a few moments where it could be improved. The lox croissant sandwich needed a bit more freshness, and there was some inconsistency with the order deliveries. In a group of nine, some of us received our meals at different times, which could be fine-tuned for a better dining experience. I also wish they would consider using ceramic mugs instead of paper cups for coffee, as it's better for the environment. Despite these areas for improvement, there’s a certain charm to Page's Diner that warrants a return visit. With a bit more attention to food quality and presentation, I think this diner has the potential to become a go-to breakfast spot. Parking is easy, which is always a plus.

IHOP

2745 4th St, Santa Rosa

(707) 579-4000

Reviewed by:

John Krum

During my visit to the IHOP in Santa Rosa, I had a generally positive experience, especially with the welcoming and friendly staff. We went there on Mother’s Day weekend and were seated promptly, which was a nice start to our meal. The service was efficient, as they took our order and delivered the food quickly. The food itself was good, not extraordinary, but definitely satisfying. A couple of months ago, we also stopped by IHOP after a long day of driving, mainly because not much else was open. Despite the restaurant being quiet at the time, with only two or three other tables occupied, it took a while for staff to notice us and for us to place our order. Even though the service was slower that evening, the food was still good. My meal of chicken tenders and shrimp was enjoyable, though I passed on the fries. Overall, I found IHOP in Santa Rosa to be consistently decent. The coffee was always delivered promptly, and although there were a few hiccups, the service was generally reliable. I do wish they would bring back the flavored syrups they used to have. The prices are on the higher side for what you get, but the atmosphere and dependable service made for a pleasant experience.

Huckleberry's Breakfast & Lunch

3441 Cleveland Ave, Santa Rosa

(707) 575-5012

Reviewed by:

Sanchez Seheult

Huckleberry's Breakfast & Lunch in Santa Rosa is a fantastic spot for breakfast. The variety of options caters to all ages, making it perfect for brunch as well. Even though the service was a bit slow, it was super friendly, and the food was definitely worth the wait. Everything was cooked perfectly, and there's plenty of hot sauce available, which I love. I didn’t realize they had a drink menu, so next time I’m definitely trying the mimosas. The chicken and waffles were a standout, a must-try for sure. They really nailed it with the flavors. Plus, they offer great drinks like cappuccino and lemonade, so whether you're in the mood for breakfast or lunch, there's always something new to try. Just a heads up, they close early in the afternoon, so check their hours before heading over. This place is truly a gem, conveniently located right off the freeway. The staff is polite and helpful, making the experience even better. On my visit, I indulged in the chicken & waffles stack with biscuits & gravy, while my buddy Steve enjoyed the chicken fried steak with some delicious pastry bites that were like donut balls. To top it off, I had a Bloody Mary that came with a crispy piece of bacon - it was amazing! Overall, Huckleberry's delivers great food at a great price with generous portions. It's definitely five stars in my book!

Railroad Stop

170 Railroad St, Santa Rosa

Reviewed by:

Jayanti Salinas

Breakfast at Railroad Stop in the Hyatt Regency Sonoma was a fantastic experience. The buffet was solid, offering a good variety of fresh, well-presented dishes. The Starbucks-brewed coffee hit the spot, and the service was excellent. Chris, the manager, deserves a special mention for going above and beyond. As Hyatt members, we thought we could use our club access awards, but found out this restaurant operates independently. Chris made an exception, and we truly appreciated it. Despite a busy morning and a bit of a wait, we were well taken care of. The restaurant isn't open beyond breakfast, but the menu offers a good variety of small and shareable plates, catering well to diverse groups. The wine selection is great, and the staff was incredibly pleasant throughout our visit. Thank you for a wonderful breakfast experience!

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