Finding a brunch spot in Sacramento isn’t a matter of luck—it’s an adventure laced with flaky pastries, perfect omelets, and locally roasted coffee. This city takes brunch seriously, serving up everything from classic comfort food to inventive bites that surprise even the most seasoned foodies. Sacramento’s brunch scene fits every craving, whether you love a quiet garden patio, a buzzing family joint, or somewhere with a riverside view.
After years of hunting for that perfect French toast or the kind of scrambled eggs that make you question your loyalty to breakfast, I’ve learned something: Sacramento’s best brunches balance flavor, atmosphere, and that little sense of discovery that keeps you coming back. If you’re on the prowl for local gems where every plate tells a story—or just looking for a Saturday spot that actually lives up to the hype—this list will help you find your next favorite table.
Where to find the best brunch in Sacramento, CA
Here are some of the top spots to find the best brunch in Sacramento, CA:
- Tower Cafe
- Grange Restaurant & Bar
- Zocalo
- Cafeteria 15L
- Bacon & Butter
- Ettore’s Restaurant & European Bakery
- Orphan
- Firestone Public House
- Pilothouse Restaurant on the Delta King
- The Porch Restaurant and Bar
1. Tower Cafe
Tower Cafe, tucked next to the iconic Tower Theatre, is a local brunch legend. Its leafy patio feels like a secret garden, with tables shaded by lush greenery and cheerful chatter rising on lazy mornings. The eclectic decor immediately sets a warm, unpretentious tone—this is a place people return to for comfort and surprise in equal measure.
The real draw is the brunch menu, where global flavors meet Sacramento produce. The French toast arrives golden, crisp at the edge, pillowy inside, and easily the most talked-about in town. If you’re leaning savory, their huevos rancheros bring heat and depth without sacrificing freshness.
Everything tastes like it’s made with care. Breakfast and brunch at Tower Cafe turn into a ritual for locals and out-of-towners alike, often sparking the kind of conversations you don’t want to end.
2. Grange Restaurant & Bar
Grange Restaurant & Bar sits inside The Citizen Hotel, but its reputation stretches far beyond hotel guests. Every visit feels a bit like stepping onto a sophisticated set—high ceilings, dramatic shelves, and welcoming staff who know their brunch game. This spot captures the spirit of Sacramento through a devotion to farm-to-table cooking, making each dish feel both elevated and rooted in the region’s best ingredients.
For brunch, I gravitate to their fluffy buttermilk pancakes and vegetable hash—the kind you wish you could recreate at home. Their fresh-squeezed juices wake you up in the brightest way. Order the Power Lunch three-course option if you want to taste their range; it’s surprisingly wallet-friendly for a MICHELIN-rated kitchen.
Grange brings a quiet sense of occasion to brunch without ever feeling stuffy.
3. Zocalo
Zocalo shines as a celebration of Mexican cuisine in Sacramento, all in the heart of Midtown. The converted 1920s dealership glows with original art and bold colors, making brunch feel both festive and relaxed. The buzz of happy tables and sunlight pouring into the airy patio set the mood for weekends that linger a little longer than planned.
What sets Zocalo apart is the focus on authentic, vibrant flavors borrowed from every corner of Mexico. Their chilaquiles burst with layers of chili, cheese, and salsa, while the vegetarian huevos rancheros is hearty and satisfying. If you’re craving something lighter, the fruit-studded pancakes add a playful twist to the usual brunch fare.
Brunch here feels special, with attentive service and dishes that balance comfort and creativity.
4. Cafeteria 15L
Cafeteria 15L serves up a playful take on classic comfort food in the middle of downtown Sacramento. The space is all about relaxed fun—think mismatched chairs, wide booths, and a breezy patio made for people-watching. There’s an energy here that reminds you why brunch should never feel rushed or formal.
The menu’s greatest strength is its mix of nostalgia and fresh twists. The lemon ricotta pancakes are my guilty pleasure, fluffy yet bright with citrus, while the veggie scramble piles on garden-fresh flavor in every forkful. If you lean savory, the avocado toast comes with just the right amount of punch.
Brunch at Cafeteria 15L always leaves me a little happier—and never hungry.
5. Bacon & Butter
Bacon & Butter feels like the beating heart of Sacramento’s brunch scene, drawing crowds who know what a real breakfast should taste like. The laid-back buzz, with servers ferrying towering plates, brings a comforting sense of weekend celebration to every visit. The kitchen here lives up to its promise of “American breakfast, done right”—but with a few creative twists.
The menu is famous for its biscuit sandwiches. Imagine a flaky, golden biscuit stacked with egg, cheese, caramelized onion, and layered in a creamy vegetarian gravy. It’s as indulgent as brunch gets, but every bite feels fresh, not heavy. The fluffy pancakes, topped with fruit or a tangy syrup, always stand out for their perfect balance.
Brunch at Bacon & Butter is generous, memorable, and just a little bit over the top—in all the best ways.
6. Ettore’s Restaurant & European Bakery
Ettore’s Restaurant & European Bakery immediately sweeps you in with the scent of fresh bread and sweet pastries. The cozy dining room and bustling bakery counter make this place feel like Sacramento’s own slice of Europe. The team here balances old-world charm with local flavor, turning each brunch into a mini escape from the ordinary.
The bakery case alone is a reason to visit, but their brunch menu goes deeper. The garden omelet bursts with herbs and crisp veggies, while the almond croissant is as delicate and flaky as anything you’d find in Paris. For a friend who can never decide, the brioche French toast hits the perfect note—soft, sweet, and carefully made.
Brunch at Ettore’s is always bright, satisfying, and just a bit out of the ordinary.
7. Orphan
Orphan delivers a refreshingly unfussy take on brunch in a charming corner of East Sacramento. Sunlight streams in through big windows and the relaxed atmosphere is the first clue that you’re about to eat something memorable. Orphan is known for its creative spins on classic dishes, all with a health-conscious flair. The place bursts with locals on weekends, everyone savoring the kind of food that seems deceptively simple.
The standout for me is the banana blackberry pancakes—airy, packed with fruit, and never overly sweet. The Mexican scramble, loaded with veggies and a light kick of spice, brings warmth without weighing you down. Their house coffee, rich but not overpowering, rounds out every meal here.
Orphan is where you go when you crave brunch that leaves you feeling both full and energized.
8. Firestone Public House
Firestone Public House feels like Sacramento’s unofficial brunch gathering place—spacious, buzzy, and never too formal. There’s a good chance you’ll end up watching a game on one of the many TVs while waiting for your order. The kitchen excels at comfort food with a modern twist, making it impossible to leave hungry.
I never skip their breakfast pizza, which brings together fluffy eggs, roasted vegetables, and a crisp crust for the best kind of brunch mashup. The veggie omelet is another go-to—fresh, colorful, and as hearty as any classic. Pair it with a fruit smoothie for the full experience.
Firestone manages to satisfy large groups and solo diners equally, making it one of those places you return to without even planning it.
9. Pilothouse Restaurant on the Delta King
Pilothouse Restaurant on the Delta King floats right in Old Sacramento, giving brunch a dash of riverfront charm you can’t get anywhere else. Housed on a historic paddlewheel boat, meals here feel leisurely and scenic. Watching boats drift by as sunlight sparkles on the water instantly makes any meal more relaxing.
The menu focuses on fresh, seasonal California fare with a classic touch. The vegetable frittata, full of color and flavor, stands out for its brightness and balance, while their steel-cut oatmeal arrives creamy and studded with fruit. Each plate feels carefully constructed, with ingredients that highlight Sacramento’s reputation for farm-fresh produce.
If you crave an experience that pairs brunch with local history and river views, Pilothouse is impossible to resist.
10. The Porch Restaurant and Bar
The Porch Restaurant and Bar brings a taste of the South to Midtown Sacramento, complete with vintage farmhouse charm and a breezy front porch for soaking up the neighborhood vibe. It’s warm, inviting, and perfect for unhurried weekend mornings with friends. This spot stands out for its hearty, Southern-inspired brunch served with genuine hospitality.
The veggie omelet here is loaded with roasted peppers and seasonal greens, wrapped in soft eggs that are never overworked. Their cornbread, fresh from the oven and a little sweet, is a side worth savoring. For something on the lighter side, the mixed greens salad is dressed with their signature tang that ties everything together.
Brunch at The Porch feels like a slice of Southern comfort, right in the heart of California.
More Things to Try in Sacramento, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most popular brunch dishes in Sacramento?
Brunch in Sacramento highlights include fluffy pancakes, fresh veggie omelets, garden scrambles, French toast, and locally baked pastries. Many spots also serve seasonal salads and vegan options.
Are there vegetarian or vegan-friendly brunch places in Sacramento?
Absolutely. Most top brunch spots offer vegetarian and vegan-friendly dishes, often marked on their menus. Places like Orphan, Bacon & Butter, and Ettore’s have dedicated plant-based choices.
Is brunch in Sacramento kid-friendly?
Many brunch restaurants welcome families with kid-friendly menus and casual atmospheres. Cafeteria 15L, Zocalo, and Tower Cafe are especially popular with families.
Do Sacramento brunch spots take reservations?
Some do, especially on weekends. It’s a good idea to check the restaurant’s website or call ahead to secure your spot, as popular locations can fill up fast during brunch hours.
What time does brunch usually start and end in Sacramento?
Most brunch services run from about 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on weekends, though some locations start earlier or serve brunch until midafternoon.