If you’re looking for a low-key neighborhood brunch spot in San Diego, look no further than Second Nature restaurant. Nestled among a quaint row of Pacific Beach restaurants that include the likes of Fig Tree, Leilani’s Cafe, and The Fishery, Second Nature embraces the open-air beach vibe (don’t miss the surfboard-toting bear on a bike), while remaining modern and elegant.
With its lush, indoor garden and sleek, minimalist design, the restaurant feels like a secret garden tucked away in the heart of the city, with greenery hanging from the ceilings, and adorning the walls and bar tops.
These days, it probably not a surprise for a beach town restaurant like this, but it’s always nice to know the restaurant is fully committed to sustainable and environmentally-friendly practices. The menu is comprised of locally-sourced, organic ingredients, and the restaurant utilizes eco-friendly materials and practices whenever possible.
The food is fresh and the menu is constantly evolving, as the chefs take inspiration from the freshest ingredients available each season. Expect to find dishes like grilled octopus with heirloom tomatoes, corn puree and aji verde, or locally caught black cod with summer squash and mussels in a saffron broth.
Brunch menu felt like all the typical San Diego fare from omelettes and benedicts to breakfast burritos and chilaquiles.
We opted for the loco moco, which includes steamed rice, short rib, a perfectly cooked sunny side up egg, gravy, green onion, furikake, arugula, and dash of chili sauce.
And our second dish was the breakfast salad, which, to be fair, does not sound very enticing, but was fresh and delicious. The serving was substantial and included spring mix, sprouts, bacon, poached eggs, avocado, cherry tomatoes, pepitas, everything bagel seasoning, choice of toast.
While we didn’t get drinks, we have been told that the cocktails are tasty, crafted with fresh, seasonal ingredients. The cocktail menu is just as innovative and sustainable as the food menu, utilizing ingredients like fresh herbs, fruit juices, and even edible flowers.
Overall, Second Nature Restaurant is a nice stop for anyone looking for a casual brunch or a fueling station on their way to the beach. From the atmosphere to the cuisine, you can’t go wrong. Ample seating, both indoor and outdoor means you have options for larger groups or families. Not only that, but its proximity to other restaurants means if it’s too busy, you can bop down the road and find seats elsewhere if need be.
Second Nature Details
Address: Second Nature Restaurant 1770 Garnet Ave, San Diego, CA 92109
Phone Number: (858) 866-6199
Website: https://www.secondnaturesd.com/
Hours of Operation:
- Monday – Thursday: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
- Friday: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
- Saturday: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM & 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
- Sunday: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM & 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Social Media:
- Facebook: @SecondNatureSD
- Instagram: @secondnaturesd
Reservations: Reservations are recommended and can be made through their website or by calling the restaurant directly.
Parking: Street parking is available in the surrounding neighborhood, as well as several nearby public parking lots.
Note: It is always a good idea to check the restaurant’s website or call ahead to confirm any information, especially in light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, as hours and policies may have changed.
