Half Day Cafe — Kentfield's Beloved Scratch-Made Breakfast & Brunch Destination Half Day Cafe delivers exactly what locals want from a Marin morning: scratch-made comfort food, strong coffee, fast friendly service, and a bright Kentfield dining room that feels welcoming every day of the week.

There is a particular kind of morning that only a truly great neighborhood cafe can deliver — the kind where the coffee is hot, the food is made with real care, the light through the windows feels exactly right, and you leave feeling like the day ahead is genuinely going to be good. Half Day Cafe on College Avenue in Kentfield has been delivering that kind of morning to Marin County residents for years, and it has earned every bit of its devoted local following.

Ranked at the top of local Kentfield breakfast picks and holding a strong stream of positive reviews, Half Day Cafe is not just one of the best breakfast spots in Kentfield — it is one of the most consistently loved morning dining experiences in central Marin.

Everything Made from Scratch — Every Single Day

The philosophy at Half Day Cafe is straightforward and uncompromising: everything is scratch made, with a commitment to providing healthy and delicious items that can fit almost anyone's dietary needs. In an era when "house-made" can be a marketing term, Half Day Cafe takes the concept seriously — every sauce, every batter, every component prepared fresh in their kitchen and served with the kind of care that only comes from genuinely meaning it.

The cafe offers a broad menu with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options woven naturally throughout. The tofu scramble, avocado toast, and other plant-forward choices sit comfortably alongside heartier egg dishes, sandwiches, and comfort-food classics, making Half Day Cafe one of the more genuinely inclusive breakfast menus in the county.

The Menu - California Comfort Food at Its Finest

The California Benedict is the dish that has stopped first-timers cold and kept regulars ordering the same thing for years — a beautifully executed take on Eggs Benedict that reflects the kitchen's California sensibility and commitment to quality ingredients. The grits with scallions, sausage, and eggs is a deeply satisfying, filling plate for anyone wanting something substantial. The Dough Gods — the cafe's beloved house-made pastries — pair perfectly with a latte and have their own dedicated fan base.

The breakfast panini with eggs, spinach, ham, and cheese served with hash browns is another standout with balanced, satisfying flavors, and the French toast is the kind that earns repeat orders. Beyond breakfast, the lunch menu delivers strong sandwiches, salads, and comfort-food favorites that make Half Day Cafe a worthy destination into the afternoon as well.

The Space - Skylights, Plants & a Building With History

The bright, bustling room features skylights and plants, creating an airy interior that feels welcoming at 7 AM just as much as it does at noon. The building itself has local history too, having once housed a garage, an antique store, and a real estate office before becoming the cafe locals know today.

Outdoor seating is available for anyone who wants to soak up the Marin morning sunshine, and the patio is especially good on clear Kentfield weekends. The staff is attentive, coffee refills come quickly, service moves at a steady pace without feeling rushed, and portions are generous — the exact combination that turns first-time diners into regulars.

Right Across from the College of Marin

Half Day Cafe sits on College Avenue directly across from the College of Marin, making it a natural breakfast and lunch destination for students, faculty, and nearby neighborhoods. The parking lot behind the restaurant and the easy approach from Sir Francis Drake Boulevard make it one of the more convenient morning stops in central Marin.

848 College Avenue, Kentfield, CA 94904 (415) 459-0291 halfdaycafe.net

Open Monday-Friday 7:00 AM - 2:30 PM · Saturday-Sunday 8:00 AM - 2:30 PM · Dine-in, outdoor seating, takeout & delivery available