What’s pink, funky, and irreverent all over? San Diego’s hottest (and cheekiest) new brunch that opened earlier this year in Little Italy and it’s like nothing you’ve seen before – unless you’ve seen a simultaneously retro yet futuristic, dark yet neon, and feminine yet punk brunch spot before. And it’s called Morning Glory.
The second-story, daytime-only establishment is the brainchild of the only restaurant group such a place could be born from: Consortium Holdings. Known for their projects like Ironside, Craft & Commerce, False Idol, Noble Experiment, and Polite Provisions to name just a few, CH is San Diego’s leading creative restaurant group that pushes boundaries, creates one-of-a-kind spaces, and encourages meaningful gatherings.
Morning Glory, in particular, is no exception to their way of doing things. The $4 million, 3-year long project made sure no detail or opportunity for something more went unexplored and the result is a 4,000 sqft, collaborative creation that San Diegans can’t get enough of. Today we’re taking you on a digital tour of the stunning space until you can make it in IRL. 
Photography: Zack Benson
The Diner of the Future
As with most of CH’s projects, you’re on sensory overload as soon as you step inside: the pink and black terrazzo floor is reflected in the antique mirrored ceiling while the wood-encased booths lining the perimeter have plants cascading down around them and the pink velvet booths in the center are accented by more pink with marble-topped tables. It’s somewhat tonal and somewhat high-contrast, depending on where you’re sitting and what your view is. Designed by BASILE Studio, the overall vibe is retro-diner chic mixed with futuristic accents like the neon starburst centerpiece and eyeball-esque light fixtures, making for nothing short of a theatrical brunch affair. 
Photography: Zack Benson
Cheeky Consortium Creations
Open daily from 7am-3 pm, the all-day brunch, or more like all-morning-and-part-of-the-afternoon-brunch is served with a global twist: trendy souffle Japanese pancakes, Middle Eastern shakshuka, and “very Frenchie French toast” alongside a host of classic stateside dishes like eggs bennie, avo toast (kindly named “millennial tears”), and regular ‘ol flapjacks. The entire menu is designed to be satirical and punny backed by actually delicious food. Fun fact: the menu is filled with food and pop culture references, so keep your eyes peeled. If you’re a serious bruncher, like actually serious, this is not the place for you. If you enjoy some cheek with your weekend ritual, you’ll fit right in.
Not feeling brunch food? There’s a small lunchable (nostalgia, anyone?) section with options like salads and grain bowls which might excite some people. Cheers to health! An adorable afternoon tea is also available for just $15 per person featuring finger sandwiches, deviled eggs, macarons, and more, all served on one of those classy tiered towers. 
Photography: Morning Glory
Literary-Quality Libations
Yep, the drink menu is a stand-alone feature of Morning Glory and we’ll tell you why: approved by Noble Experiment’s team, the menu is lengthy yet playful and divided up into sections like “cloud-based technology,” a foamy category of cocktails or, “salt of the earth,” a savory section. “The reign of blood” is not to be missed as well – a bloody mary experience for you and three friends prepared tableside with every accouterment imaginable. 
Photography: Morning Glory
