Carlsbad Brunch

Three delicious reasons to head north for morning meals

Posted on August 9, 2019

Pancakes Perfected

A favorite breakfast destination downtown and in La Jolla, Richard Walker’s Pancake House is now heartily developing its North County fan base. The new spot has recently opened in Carlsbad’s The Square at Bressi Ranch.

Packed since day one, the multi-generational, family-run operation opened this past spring. Arrive early — this uber-popular spot doesn’t take reservations. You’ll be far from alone when you show up craving their famous apple pancake. Or, take a tip from us and go a little later so you can nab a prime spot on the pet-friendly patio.

For our fork, there’s nothing better than the German Pancake. It arrives piping hot, dwarfs the plate on which it’s served, and even comes with directions on how to properly enjoy it. 760.893.8400, richardwalkers.com   Deanna Murphy

Always in Season

Both great food and setting makes Seasons Restaurant at the Four Seasons Residence Club Aviara a favorite. Sit inside the contemporary dining room with patio/pool views, or outside along a banquette on the landscaped terrace. There’s even an option to enjoy your time around a communal table. If there’s a bunch for brunch, make sure to order the breakfast pizza. This long crispy pie is topped with mozzarella, caramelized onion, bacon, salsa roja, hash browns, and sunny-side up eggs. I also like the Avocado Benedict with poached eggs, smashed avocado, tomato, and sprouts with crunchy herb potatoes.

For a sweet tooth, try bananas foster pancakes with butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Or taste the churro waffle with vanilla cream, cinnamon sugar, and berries. There are also ample salads, such as the Aviara Cobb, and hefty sandwiches. Work off your brunch with a walk along the nearby Batiquitos Lagoon, watching for great blue herons, least terns, and snowy egrets in this coastal wetland. 760.814.8677, seasonsaviara.com   Andrea Naversen

Seasons Restaurant’s Breakfast Pizza

Toast to That!

Sami Ladeki might be celebrating 30 years of Sammy’s Woodfired Pizza, but that doesn’t mean he’s sitting back and relaxing. The restaurateur’s newest offering is Toast Gastrobrunch, a hip breakfast and lunch spot on Avenida Encinas in Carlsbad. “Toast offers a wide selection of interesting flavor combinations to start everyone’s day off right,” says executive chef/partner Alfred “Alfie” Szeprethy.

Menu highlights include Smoked Brisket Hash, Pistachio Shredded Toast (featuring filo with ricotta and mozzarella filling soaked in sweet orange blossom sauce), Toast’s signature Eggs in Purgatory (a sourdough bread bowl cradling poached eggs in a spicy shakshuka sauce), and a variety of twists on “toasts” atop Bread & Cie bread, including the Smoked Salmon with egg, capers, pickled onion, jalapeño cream cheese, and dill. A thorough beverage menu offers everything from boozy coffees and bloodys to an array of mimosas, bellinis, piscos, and creative cocktails. 760.438.1212, toastgastrobrunch.com   Mia Park