Food brings people together, so when the need to grow Giardino’s brunch menu came about, owner Karina Kravalis and her head chef created new options.

“We always had a small brunch menu, but we recently expanded our menu because our customers said they wanted more brunch options in the East County,” Kravalis said.

Giardino is an Italian-inspired restaurant in Lemon Grove, which has been open since 2017. It serves classic weekend brunch items, including fried chicken and waffles, omelets and bottomless mimosas, but also offers new takes on dishes such as the brûléed banana French toast and cannoli waffles. There are also fusion dishes: Italian chilaquiles and breakfast pizza.

“We are trying to incorporate Italian vibes and traditional brunch,” Kravalis said. “Sometimes we make food available for a few days as a special and ask customers for their feedback, and the better ones end up on our permanent menu.”

Giadiano is not the only restaurant in San Diego County providing unique breakfast options. This guide details nine restaurants serving distinct brunch and breakfast items.

Here’s where to find soufflé pancakes, a birria breakfast burrito, peanut butter and banana-stuffed French toast and mole poblano chilaquiles.