As the TikTok algorithm gets to know me better, it continues to show me aesthetic restaurants all over Southern California, resulting in my bank account declining and my stomach getting fuller. One restaurant that took TikTok by storm was Morning Glory, a brunch restaurant in Little Italy, San Diego. The videos all over my “For You” page featured thick pancakes, crazy breakfast cocktails and decor that was one of a kind. Brunch with the girls is more than a basic concept, and Morning Glory is for anyone that’s more than basic.

I had the opportunity to try Morning Glory this summer and was more than impressed with my experience. My biggest tip: Go at a random time. My party of two arrived on a Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. and only had to wait about 30 minutes. When we were leaving, the wait time grew to an hour and a half. We were seated at the bar, and the decor was nothing less than stunning; the best way to describe it is a beautiful hodgepodge. In the corner hangs a giant flower with an eyeball, constantly looking at you. The booths are a beautiful pink velvet, matching the pink-and-green checkered floors.

Jill Ridens / Daily Nexus

I ordered the famous TikTok souffle pancakes, and they definitely lived up to the hype. The plate came with two massive, one-inch thick pancakes and a side of whipped cream and butter. The pancakes were hot, sweet and so filling. I highly recommend this dish if you are a pancake fanatic and love a sweet breakfast. Be sure to top your souffle pancakes with the whipped cream, too — it’s the perfect combo of hot and cold.

My friend, Summer, ordered the Morning Glory Fried Rice and Dirty Hashbrowns. Consisting of pork belly, cheese, spinach, scallions and a fried egg on top, this dish is also not to be passed on. Morning Glory Fried Rice can be underappreciated, but Morning Glory’s take was flavorful, savory and filling. She stated, “When first going to Morning Glory, I thought it was only going to be a cute, trendy restaurant. I didn’t expect much for the food, but I was pleasantly surprised with the fun and tasty menu! I got the breakfast fried rice and the hash browns which were both super delicious!”

Jill Ridens / Daily Nexus

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In short, this brunch lived up to the social media hype. I promise you, you will definitely get your picture worth posting on Instagram here. If you ever find yourself in San Diego for the weekend or want to go on an adventure with your not-so-basic friends, you have to try Morning Glory.

A version of this article appeared on p. 12 of the October 14, 2021 print edition of the Daily Nexus.

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