If you are a local in the San Fernando Valley or a visitor with an extended stay, this guide serves as an excellent resource for all kinds of breakfast foods available in the region. While this blog post was written with visitors to Universal Studios Hollywood in mind, I uncovered some gem foodie spots that anyone can enjoy for a weekend brunch in The Valley.

Growing up my family went to Universal Studios every summer because my grandmother lived very close to the park. The same goes with my husband, his aunt and uncle used to take the kids often. I have lots of fond memories and I still enjoy going going as an adult.

I wrote this blog post because oddly enough finding breakfast early in the morning near the park is a bit of a challenge. It’s very common for Universal Studios visitors to plan strategically with an early start to beat the crowds and high heat temperatures. During the months of July and August the average high temperatures are around 95 degrees, so getting to the park early is a must.

The opening hours for Universal Studios Hollywood has been fluctuating a lot lately but as of right now the opening time for the park is 10:00 AM. This means your goal is to get the family dressed and fed by 9:45 AM to be some of the first ones inside the park.

In this guide I breakdown all the best breakfast options for your trip to Universal Studios in California. All of these suggested spots are either less than a 10 minute drive from the park, inside the City Walk or the park itself. I am a strong believer in enjoying good food while on vacation so I’ve given many excellent choices, including fresh and healthy bites too.

Best Healthy Breakfast Restaurants Near Universal Studios Hollywood

If you’ve got a day ahead of you filled with indulgent junk food inside the park, maybe you’d like to start your day off with a healthy meal.

Aroma Cappuccino Cafe

Located just a quick 6 minute drive away from Universal Studios Hollywood in Studio City, we really loved our breakfast here. The decor vibes are very country cottagecore and unpretentious, but still has a modern feel.

All the photos in this blog post are from our breakfast at Aroma Cafe. My friends and I had grilled salmon fish tacos, egg omelette topped with avocado and a side of red potato hash browns, and a breakfast sandwich with scrambled eggs.

Aroma Cafe’s menu also serves a vegan breakfast and a large selection of caffeinated drinks - iced coffee, matcha, chai, teas, drip coffee, cold brew, etc.

Aroma Cafe opens at 7am for all seven days a week. They’re located at 4360 Tujunga Ave, Studio City, CA 91604.

The Front Yard

The Front Yard is a 4 minute drive away from Universal Studios Hollywood and they open very early at 7:00 AM for breakfast. They are known for their beautiful outdoor patio space with greenery and twinkling lights.

Yummy menu items you can look forward to here are eggs Benedict with pastrami, goat cheese and bacon omelette or the Nutella stuffed French toast. For lighter eats they have classic egg dishes, oatmeal, avocado toast and pressed juices.

There’s also a to-go menu if you want to eat on fly or during the drive to the park.

The Front Yard opens at 7am for all seven days a week. They’re located at 4222 Vineland Ave, North Hollywood, CA 91602.

Vegan-Friendly Sun Cafe Organic

The Sun Cafe Organic is a haven for super healthy foodies that like to eat freshly-made specialty foods. Located just a 4 minute drive away from Universal Studios Hollywood, you can pick up a morning healthy protein shake or juice from their handmade drinks bar.

Sun Cafe Organic has a large selection of both vegan and gluten free food menu options such as pizza, mac and cheese, wraps, faux vegan omelets, burgers and sandwiches. All food items are served all day long.

The Sun Cafe Organic opens at 11:00 AM and is located at 10820 Ventura Blvd, Studio City, CA 91604.

Bea Bea’s Breakfast Restaurant

Bea Bea’s is know for specializing in all kinds of breakfast foods with an enormously long menu filled with any morning meal you can think of. If you’re vacationing with a diverse crowd of friends and family, this spot will definitely have something for everyone.

Some of the standout menu items include pancakes with all kinds of toppings, waffles, french toast, crepes, omelettes, frittatas and all kinds of Beneditcs. The popular "Eggs-Xactly The Way You Want It" item menu allows you build your own meal with over over thirty items to select from.

Bea Bea’s also offers vegan and gluten free options.

Hours of operation are 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM every day of the week. They’re located at 301 North Central Ave
Glendale, CA 91203 which is a 12 minute drive from Universal Studios Hollywood.

Alfred Coffee in Studio City

Alfred Coffee is one of the most popular coffee house chains in all of Los Angeles and there’s a location less than a 10 minute drive from Universal Studios. The Valley’s Alfred Coffee is located on Ventura Place which is considered the trendy hot spot of The Valley. They serve coffee, tea and breakfast burritos.

Home Style Waffles, Pancakes and Eggs Breakfasts Near Universal Studios Hollywood

& Waffles

& Waffles is such a close drive to Universal Studios Hollywood (a 4 minute drive). In fact you could actually walk off your breakfast with a brisk 15 minute stroll to the park entrance.

& Waffles serves those hearty breakfast staples you can expect from American diners. On the menu you’ll find corned beef and hash, chicken fried steak, steak and eggs, egg skillet meals, chicken and waffle sandwich and Texas style fried chicken and waffles.

& Waffles opens at 6:00 AM all days of the week and is located at 4141 Lankershim Blvd, North Hollywood, CA 91602.

Your Good Neighbor Restaurant

Good Neighbor serves home style breakfast and lunch and opens its doors at 8:00 AM. They’re a 4 minute drive from Universal Studios.

Good Neighbor’s breakfast offerings include a wide variety of signature omelettes (their chicken tarragon omelette is a popular choice), build your own omelette, pancakes and egg dishes. The lunch menu has pita pockets, sandwiches, burgers and salads. Don’t forget to try the homemade banana pudding for dessert!

Good Neighbor is open everyday except Monday between the hours of 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM. They’re located at 3701 Cahuenga Blvd West, Studio City.

Vivian’s Millennium Cafe

Although Vivian’s Millennium Cafe is only located a short 4 minute drive away from Universal Studios, all of their breakfast offerings are take-out or delivery only. This is perfect for folks who would prefer to eat their meal inside the comforts of their hotel while they ready in the morning.

Vivian’s Millennium Cafe breakfast menu has popular eats such as omelettes, pancakes, huevos rancheros, lox dishes, biscuits and gravy and all kinds of egg scrambles.

Vivian’s Millennium Cafe begins taking breakfast orders at 8:00 AM, 7 days a week. They use Best Deliveries for their ordering and delivery service. Their restaurant is located at 10968 Ventura Blvd Studio City, CA 91604. Additionally you can call them for takeout orders with phone number 818-762-8710.

Jinky’s Cafe

Jinky’s Cafe is a local Los Angeles chain restaurant with spots all over the city. The Jinky’s Cafe located in Studio City has a special bargain breakfast called the "Breakfast Special" which includes two buttermilk pancakes and two eggs with a choice of two slices of bacon or sausage and coffee - all for the cheap price of $9.99.

Other popular breakfast items on the Jinky’s Cafe menu are pumpkin pancakes, banana Nutella stuffed french toast, lemon pistachio cream french toast, chilaquiles, guacamole toast and egg white omelettes.

Jinky’s Cafe is located at 4000 Colfax Ave in Studio City. They’re open everyday from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM.

The Magnolia Grille

Since you know you’ll probably be spending a bundle on food and souvenirs inside Universal Studios, saving some cash on a hearty breakfast can be a smart frugal move. The early bird combo special at Magnolia Grille has two pancakes, two eggs and choice of sausage or bacon. This special runs only Monday - Friday and before 10:00 AM.

Other breakfast menu items at Magnolia Grille include eggs Benedict with homemade hollandaise sauce, thin slices potatoes with parmesan cheese, country fried steak, chorizo and eggs, waffles and french toast. Brave souls can try the liver and eggs for breakfast!

The Magnolia Grille is open 7:00 AM on Saturday and Sunday, 8:00 AM during the week. Restaurant is located at 10530 Magnolia Blvd., NoHo, CA 91601.

Hotels Walking Distance to Universal Studios That Serve an Early Breakfast

Talk about convenient if you can get an early meal right at the hotel where you’re staying. Even better if your meal is complimentary with your hotel stay!

Sheraton Universal Hotel

The Sheraton Universal Hotel is located next to the entrance to Universal Studios Hollywood, super easy to just walk to the park. They have an on-site restaurant which serves an early breakfast at 6:00 AM on the days Monday - Friday. On the weekends the restaurant opens at 7:00 AM. See the Sheraton Breakfast menu here.

Hilton Universal City

The Hilton Universal City is a large and modern hotel with a short 5 minute walk to Universal Studios Hollywood. The on-site Coffee Corner opens at 6:00 AM.

Nite Inn Motel

If you’re looking for budget accommodations very close to Universal Studios Hollywood, the Nite Inn Motel is a very short 3 minute walk to a free Universal Studios shuttle. They serve a complimentary breakfast for guests.

Indoor patio decor at Aroma Cappuccino Cafe in Studio City.

Breakfast Spots Inside the Universal CityWalk Hollywood

The Universal CityWalk Hollywood is a hidden secret by Los Angeles locals because there’s no ticket required to enter this area of the park. You’ll find shops and restaurants with fun themes, but the only catch is that most these storefronts are not open early in the morning. The CityWalk opens at 11:00 AM.

As far as finding breakfast in the CityWalk, you’re going to be very limited to sugary sweets and carbs. Anyone looking for a wholesome or healthy meal will be very disappointed.

Although outside food is not allowed into Universal Studios, food purchased at the CityWalk is an exception. Food bought at the CityWalk can be brought into the park and can even be eaten while waiting in line and riding the Tram Ride (this is the only ride that allows food).

Read on to see what options are available for early eats at the CityWalk Hollywood.

Starbucks

Starbucks really doesn’t need an introduction, everyone pretty much has their standard order down. But it is important to know that Universal Studios does have three Starbucks locations (2 are inside the park). The CityWalk location tends to be the less busy so if you’re jonesing for your caffeine kick early in the morning, this might be a necessary stop.

Voodoo Doughnut

VooDoo Doughnuts are known for having crazy and unexpected flavor combinations. And they decorate the doughnuts with bold and eye catching toppings. Some of my favorite flavors are pumpkin spice, Captain Crunch, Grape Ape (vanilla and grape), bubblegum and Mango Tango (mango jelly and a Tang topping).

Sparky’s Mini Donuts and Chocolates

This sweet shop really only has one real option for breakfast food which is Trish's Mini Donuts. They are made hot to order and coated with cinnamon sugar. Yum!

Cinnabon

Cinnabon is a popular American chain bakery that makes enormous cinnamon rolls. The aroma of the cinnamon and sweet icing in the air is unmistakable when walking past a Cinnabon location. They are usually found inside shopping malls but you can get your breakfast fix of Cinnabon inside the CityWalk.

Jamba Juice

Another food chain that needs no introduction is Jamba Juice. Sometimes in addition to smoothies they will have small food bites too.

Breakfast Options Inside Universal Studios Hollywood

If you’re eager to get into the park in the morning and would just rather grab food on-site, be aware that your options will be limited.

What Food Can You Bring Inside Universal Studios Hollywood?

The short answer to this question is no outside food is allowed inside the park unless it is medically necessary. So if you were planning on taking a meal to-go and eat it inside the park, better skip the idea. The foods that are allowed in the park are:

Bottled water (maximum 2 liters).
Small snacks.
Any food required for medical purposes and medically-indicated nutritional supplements.
Any food required for special dietary needs including food allergies.
Baby food and formula.
You can the park’s policies and restrictions here.

Take 5 Cafe & Grill

Located inside Water World you’ll find this very casual diner. There’s very little information about Take 5 online but I have seen photos of people eating pancakes and bacon here. They also have a lot of lunch foods such as hot dogs, pizza, burgers, etc.

French Street Bistro

Inside the park is the French Street Bistro with a selection of artisan sandwiches, gourmet salads and fresh pastries. Specifically for breakfast you’d have to have some kind of croissant or pastry.

They do have gluten free, vegetarian and peanut free food options for patrons with allergies.