We’ve previously explored the bounty of brunch options in Old Town Temecula and you’ll find wineries that serve brunch listed at the bottom of our main dining guide. But there are a few gems hidden around town that are worth knowing about. Don’t let the strip mall locations of a few of them deter you. These are popular places that fill up quickly. It’s a good idea to make a reservation or get on a waitlist where possible on the weekends.
Quiero Brunch
Quiero Brunch is the new kid in town and has been in demand since their doors opened. It’s no wonder, the owners also have a successful taco shop in nearby Menifee with a built-in fan base.
The restaurant’s small storefront belies the size of the place. There’s a small bakery counter and plenty of seating inside that winds around the kitchen out to the back patio where there are more tables. The dining room has a lively vibe and is colorful too, with pink walls, green banquets, brass finishings, and neon signs that will have you reaching for your phone’s camera.
The menu is teeming with tempting Mexican treats. Fresh baked conchas, chilaquiles, Mexican coffee drinks, tres leches pancakes, churro waffles, and more. The food was a little slow to come out of the kitchen, but I’ll forgive them that since they’re new and still getting into a rhythm. My group tried the conchas and 3 of the 7 chilaquiles options. We all agreed that the Verde-quiles was the most flavorful.
It’s a busy place, so make a reservation before you head over. You still might have a wait even with one, everyone loves checking out a new place! Open daily. Reservations recommended.
27423 Ynez Rd, Temecula, CA 92591
Toast
Toast has locations in Temecula and Murrieta. The Temecula location is in a decidedly unsexy strip mall along Temecula Parkway, but that doesn’t stop throngs of guests from descending upon the place for weekend brunch. (The good news here is that you can put yourself on the waitlist before you head over to cut that wait down significantly.)
Toast has a nice outdoor patio designed to accommodate large parties and a super cute inside with comfy booths and tables. They have everything your group could want for brunch: Benedicts, avocado toasts, chilaquiles, shrimp and grits, pancakes, waffles, crepes, omelettes, skillets, and more. There’s a solid kids menu for the little ones too. They also serve cocktails and famously create specialty themed cocktail menus around the holidays. Open daily.
31093 Temecula Parkway Ste D6 Temecula, CA 92592
Lorimar Cafe
At the less trendy, more nicely appointed diner, end of the spectrum is Lorimar Cafe. Part of the Lorimar Winery family, they opened last year and have a steadily growing crowd each weekend. Favorites a creative preparation of Huevos Rancheros, Florentine Benedict, and “I Know Mark.” A bagel platter named after winery and cafe owner Mark Manfield that’s served with smoked salmon and all of the traditional fixings.
You’ll also find plenty of salad, egg, and sandwich options. Pro tip: If you’re a fan of onion rings, be sure to order some for the table. They’re always perfectly fried with a satisfying crunch. Lorimar Cafe serves breakfast, brunch, and lunch daily. Reservations recommended on weekends, on weekdays, arrive before 10 am for 10% off your check.
30520 Rancho California Rd Suites 101-3, Temecula, CA 92591
The Brunch House and Kilarney’s Irish Pub
The Brunch House is a tiny gem tucked in the back of a strip mall near an Irish pub and tattoo parlor on Temecula Parkway. Walk-ins only. They also have a first-come first-serve outpost at Doffo Winery on weekends. Start off with a latte or mimosa flight, then move on to decadent treats like use waffles, cinnamon roll pancakes, crepes, French toast, build your own burritos, and more.
It’s a cute but small spot with no reservations, so come early or be prepared to hang out and wait on the weekends. The Irish Pub Kilarney’s next door is also a good option. Authentically designed with decorations imported from Ireland, they also serve a weekend brunch to go along with your Irish coffee.
32475 Temecula Parkway, Temecula, CA 92592
Corkfire Kitchen
On the upscale side of brunch around town is Corkfire Kitchen. Located at the Temecula Creek Inn, Corkfire has a dining room and bar with floor to ceiling windows as well as outdoor with gorgeous golf course views.
The restaurant sources ingredients locally and from its own chef’s garden right on the resort from which they create their seasonal menu. Year-round standbys include Wayne Farms Chicken Wings with a shoyu-gochujang glaze, Tempura Fish & Chips, Huevos Rancheros, Garden Herb & Burrata Cheese Omelet, and seasonal salads. The dining room and patio are great for groups. My husband and I are partial to the bar area, with comfy booths and high top tables where we can watch the latest golf tournament, or spy on the bartenders prepping perfectly made cocktails or pouring local Temecula wine. Open daily. Reservations recommended.
