Spreading aloha one plate at a time from 5109 Cass St in the 92109 ZIP code, Leilani’s Cafe is a family-run Hawaiian restaurant that has been a Pacific Beach fixture for well over a decade. The namesake owner, Leilani, runs the operation with her children Monique and Tyson, and the family treats regulars like extended ohana—Tripadvisor reviewers describe returning summer after summer to hugs and conversation before even placing an order. The menu draws directly from Hawaiian home cooking: Hilo-style loco moco with spicy fried rice and a pair of over-medium eggs, spam musubi done Leilani’s way, kalua pork plates, Portuguese sausage, and the Ha-affles, a waffle creation made on sweet Hawaiian bread and topped with fruit, coconut syrup, and powdered sugar. A short walk south on Cass Street leads to the Pacific Beach Taylor Branch Library, making a morning plate and a library visit an easy pairing for families. Google reviewers consistently call the fried rice the best in San Diego. The café is outdoor seating only with no restroom on-site, which keeps the vibe casual and sun-soaked in a way that fits the food perfectly. Street parking is the only option, and the kitchen operates from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily. With a 4.7 rating across more than 500 Google reviews and over 1,300 on Yelp, Leilani’s has built its reputation entirely on word of mouth and repeat customers. Visitors who want to compare PB breakfast spots can also swing by Broken Yolk Cafe, another neighborhood staple with a very different take on the morning meal. The laid-back ohana spirit here is something no chain can replicate.