Review of Edelweiss Restaurant

Local, "mom and pop" restaurants, are among my favorite places to enjoy great food, particularly my favorite diner cuisine... and especially breakfast. In the small Sierra Nevada foothill town of Auburn, a great place to enjoy a wonderful breakfast, or lunch, is Edelweiss Restaurant, which is a favorite place for the locals to "hang," and enjoy a great meal.

As with all of my reviews, I have no affiliation with the restaurant reviewed, and there is no monetary gain on my part, as I am simply a person who likes to eat, enjoy great food, and I love to write-up, and publish my dining experiences.

Photo: It's around 07:30 on a chilly, foggy morning, Thursday, December 18, 2025, and my friend of 30+ years, Dan and I are ready to enjoy breakfast at Edelweiss Restaurant, located near the top of High Street, in downtown Auburn, CA.

Photo: As you enter the dining room, you'll love the classic, diner-style decor, which fits in perfectly with the downtown Auburn dining scene. On this early Thursday morning the dining room is lightly seated, but the coffee is brewing and the amazingly friendly service is there for you to enjoy.

Photo: One page of the breakfast menu highlights the "diner style" breakfasts, and the many varieties of omelettes the menu has to offer. Edelweiss Restaurant is open for breakfast and lunch, and anything listed on the menu can be enjoyed any time the restaurant is open. I found it refreshing to notice the prices hadn't changed since my last visit, back in May. All prices listed on the menu are VERY reasonable, and represent outstanding value!

Photo: Specials and homemade desserts are posted on white boards, on a partition that divides the dining room from the kitchen. Our hostess pointed out the "Lamb Omelette" on the board, which immediately became Dan's choice. I was tempted by the "Loco Moco," but in the end, I went with "New York Steak and Eggs" from the regular breakfast menu.

Photo: I took a quick peek into the kitchen, when Sammy greeted me, and said "hello" to talented Chef Mike, who was working his magic in the kitchen. Note the 1950's vintage order wheel, where printed orders are hung, but our hostess took or orders using a tablet. Truly a blend of old and new... I guess the tablet must print out the orders, so Sammy can hang them on the order wheel.

Photo: Meet Sammy, our amazingly friendly server, who brought our breakfasts to us with a smile. The atmosphere of this restaurant is both welcoming and friendly, and makes me feel right at home.

Photo: I toast our server, Sammy with a glass of ice water, and Dan toasts her friendly company with his "Lamb Omelette." The table is set, and we're ready enjoy. Condiments included a bottle of A1 Steak Sauce - for my steak - the usual... salt, pepper, sugar... a squeeze bottle of ketchup, and the star of the show... a squeeze bottle of Sammy's delicious hot sauce.

Photo: From the "Specials Board" posted near the kitchen, Dan went with a "Lamb Omelette," with a side of hash brown potatoes, and an English muffin as his choice of toast. Thanks to Sammy for pointing out this delicious off-the-menu option, as it was a new style of omelette for both Dan and I.

The menu simply described this omelette as, "Mushrooms, onions, ortega chilis and jack cheese." The menu didn't say that it had lots of grilled, diced lamb, along with garlic. The omelette was BIG ... maybe four eggs? Dan loved it.

Photo: "Lamb Omelette," hash brown potatoes, English muffins, along with Sammy's in-house-made jam made for a great breakfast. Oh... can't forget the optional side of sausage gravy!

Photo: Dan took apart his "Lamb Omelete" to show all the layers of goodness this fine breakfast entrée offered. Don't the strings of melted jack cheese look delicious? Photo was posted, courtesy of Dan Weir.

Photo: The bottle of Sammy's in-house-made salsa, which added a delicious "kick" to breakfast, especially the eggs. Sammy apologized to us that it might have been too hot, but it was flavorful, delicious, and added an extra dimension to the delicious breakfast we enjoyed.

Photo: I'm a happy guy, as Sammy has placed breakfast on the table, and I'm ready enjoy one of the best breakfasts you'll ever find in the Sierra Nevada foothills, east of Sacramento. Thanks to Dan Weir for graciously allowing me to publish his photo.

Photo: From the "Breakfast" section of the menu, I went with "New York Steak and Eggs," which sounded perfect for this foggy Thursday morning. "Loco Moco," listed on the "Specials Board," really tugged at my breakfast strings, but it had been WEEKS since I'd enjoyed steak and eggs, so after careful consideration, I went for it in a "New York minute." I requested my eggs to be fried sunnyside up, with hash brown potatoes as my side, sourdough toast, and like Dan, a side of breakfast gravy.

The showcase of my breakfast was a New York Steak, probably around 6-ounces in weight, seasoned, perfectly grilled medium rare - at my request - complete with attractive grill marks. The slab of steak was juicy, tender, and made for the perfect entrée for my perfect breakfast. I cut the meat into bite-size pieces and dipped some of them into the side of gravy... oh my... what a treat!

A bottle of A1 brand steak sauce was offered as a condiment, and I truly love the sauce, but the steak was so delicious that I forgot to use sauce, as the steak was amazing by itself.

My large slab of hash brown potatoes made for the perfect side dish. As in all "old school" diners, the hash browns were golden crispy and crunchy on the outside, and tender, white and juicy on the inside, which made perfect hash brown potatoes. Enjoyed as a side dish to the steak, dipped into the eggs, or the gravy, the hash browns were simply perfect.

And the gravy... this breakfast is "standalone delicious" but why not go the extra mile and add an optional side of sausage gravy? You won't regret it, as the gravy was thick, creamy, rich, full of flavor and included lots of sausage bits. The gravy could almost make for a standalone side dish, but when you dip your potatoes or toast into the gravy... it's shangri la time at Edelweiss Restaurant!

My two eggs, fried sunnyside up, as per my order, arrived fried... perfectly. The sourdough toast was perfectly buttered and toasted, and added to the enjoyment of my delicious breakfast. I didn't use any of Sammy's in-house-made jam - I gave mine to Dan - as I prefer my toast simply buttered.

Sammy's in-house-made salsa was simply wonderful with the eggs. Need I say any more?

"New York Steak and Eggs" for breakfast at Edelweiss Restaurant... simply an amazing breakfast!

Photo: My plate of "New York Steak and Eggs," showing all of the juicy goodness this amazing breakfast had to offer. To sum up this breakfast in a single word... PERFECT! Sammy's amazing hot sauce really worked wonders on the eggs, as her hot sauce is a side for all breakfast lovers to savor.

Photo: One small piece of steak, dipped into the side of gravy was simply delicious. If you look closely, you can see the amazing medium rare color of the steak, which tasted even better than it looked in the photo! When you enjoy breakfast at Edelweiss Restaurant, do yourself a favor and order a side of gravy, as talented Chef Mike makes some of the best breakfast gravy in Placer County.

Let's turn back the clock a few months to 08:30 in the morning, Monday, May 19, 2025, when I enjoyed a previous enjoyable breakfast experience at Edelweiss Restaurant, located on High Street, in downtown Auburn, CA.

Photo: It's around 08:30 in the morning, Monday, May 19, 2025, and I've arrived at Edelweiss Restaurant, located in downtown Auburn, CA., to enjoy a delicious breakfast. A breakfast at this fine restaurant is a great way to jump start your morning!

Photo: As you enter the restaurant, you'll notice the quaint decor that could easily be described as "country." The dining room is friendly, comfortable and truly "old school," like the restaurant.

Photo: The kitchen isn't exactly open, but I took a peek through an open door and saw Sammy chatting with the talented chef. Note the "old school" order wheel which relays orders to the kitchen, as orders are taken on a note pad.

Fast forward to 2025 and when you check out, your order is presented on a handheld computer. Truly 1955 meets 2025!

Photo: Here's a small part of the breakfast menu, showing only a portion of the breakfast menu. The restaurant specializes in omelettes, and offers a wide selection. This is the "meat" selection of the omelettes, as the menu offers many meatless choices as well.

Photo: A special menu board is posted near the entrance to the kitchen, which lists specials that are dynamic, and easily changed on the board using a felt pen. "Loco Moco" was offered today, with the option of Spam as meat, just as in Hawaii, and I confess that I was tempted, but I eventually went for "Ham Steak and Eggs."

Note the 1960's era wood paneling, the artificial plants and the colorful paintings that decorate the walls. I absolutely adore the "old school" decor!

Photo: Meet Sammy, my amazingly friendly server who brought my breakfast to me with a smile. It was simply amazing, as she remembered me from my previous visit from eight years ago! I can hardly remember a week ago, lol.

I promised her that it won't be eight years before I return to enjoy another delicious meal, along with her amazing company.

Photo: I'm a happy guy, as I toast my server Sammy, Edelweiss Restaurant, and the beautiful Monday morning with a glass of ice water.

Diner cuisine is among my favorites, and that would be a great way to describe the fine food served at this amazing restaurant.

Photo: From the "Breakfast" section of the menu, I went with "Ham Steak and Eggs," with hash browns as my side of choice, along with sourdough toast. My breakfast also included a small cup of homemade berry jelly, along with a bottle of Sammy's homemade hot sauce. More on the hot sauce later...

The showcase of this delicious breakfast was the slab of ham, and honestly, it was one of the most delicious slabs of ham that I can remember enjoying. The large ham steak was probably around 6 ounces or so, thick, but not "too thick," deliciously flavorful, and simply fork tender. The serrated knife was simply window dressing, as I cut this tender ham steak into small bites by simply using my fork. The attractive grill marks added to the stunning presentation and the delicious taste.

I have never met a potato on the planet that I didn't love, and it's always a difficult choice - hash browns or country potatoes - but most of the time, hash browns win out, as I simply adore the crispy "crunch" on the outside as you bite into them, and the tender, white juiciness on the inside. I wasn't disappointed in my hash browns, as they were fried to a perfect, crunch golden brown on the outside, and tender and juicy inside. The hash browns were simply perfect!

I ordered my eggs fried sunnyside up, and they arrived exactly as ordered. Speaking of eggs, what goes better with eggs than a couple slices of buttered sourdough toast? Sourdough toast is my de facto standard, and that's where I went today.

Included with the toast was a small cup of berry jam, that Sammy pointed out was homemade from scratch. I'm not a fan of jam, jelly, syrup or anything sweet, but I simply couldn't resist enjoying it with a slab of toast; I saved the other slab to wipe my plate clean. The jam was sweet, but simply delicious, with robust flavor, which made those little pre-packaged tubs of jam pale in comparison. It has been YEARS since I've eaten jam, and I enjoyed every bite!

A squeeze bottle of ketchup, along with a squeeze bottle of Sammy's made-from-scratch hot sauce was brought to my table. Forget the ketchup... it was hot sauce time! I squeezed a bit of it on my eggs, took a bite, and it was simply delicious! To my taste buds, the "heat" was on the mild side, but the flavor was simply delicious. I really can't describe the flavor, except it was a wonderful blend of tomato, chili peppers and seasoning. I applied it liberally to my eggs and hash browns and savored every bite!

Such a delicious breakfast! My server, Sammy, is as friendly as it gets and the chef has talent. I truly enjoyed my breakfast, and it started out my Monday morning with a flavorful BANG!

I cannot say enough good things about the breakfast I enjoyed at Edelweiss Restaurant, located on High St. at the eastern end of downtown Auburn, CA.

Photo: Eggs... hash browns... along with a perfectly grilled ham steak... what could be a better breakfast?

Edelweiss Restaurant is a favorite breakfast spot for Auburn locals, and noted among western Placer County "foodies" for serving an amazing breakfast. Fine Gold Country dining, any way you look at it!

Photo: I cut a piece of the fork tender ham steak to enjoy, and show all of the goodness. After taking the photo, this went into my mouth, as I simply couldn't resist. Delicious!

My Monday morning breakfast at Edelweiss Restaurant was simply delicious! Amazing food, super friendly service, and great Gold Country dining. I highly recommend this fine restaurant!

Lets go back to 06:00 in the morning, Friday, January 27, 2017 when I enjoyed a previous visit at this fine restaurant.

Photo: It's just after 6 in the morning, on Friday, January 27, 2017, and I'm ready to enjoy a delicious breakfast at Edelweiss Restaurant, a favorite breakfast and lunch diner of the Auburn locals. The neon sign reads OPEN, so that's good, as I'm hungry for a delicious breakfast.

It's interesting to note, Edelweiss is called both Edelweiss Cafe and Edelweiss Restaurant on the web, depending on where you channel your search engine. The sign says "restaurant," so that is the official name in this review. But any way you look it, it's a "mom and pop" diner, which is a good thing...

Photo: Can you say 1970's? The decor is definitely "old school" and reminds me of the 1970's, which, sadly, I can remember. If you look at the far center of the photo, you'll get a peak into the kitchen. The restaurant is clean, cozy, and a favorite "hang-out" of the Auburn locals.

Photo: Local diner, Dave, seated at the far right, as I stand near the kitchen, and take a photo of the restaurant, and through the windows facing High Street. My table is the window, just to the left of Dave.

Photo: Decor includes lots of photos of local events, happenings and musicians. Also offered are bottles of in-house made salsa, and homemade jam.

Photo: Edelweiss Restaurant is open for breakfast and lunch, so you know they're serious about breakfast. This is only a small portion of their extensive breakfast menu. Nothing comes "cheap," but the quality, quantity, and the service is worth the price. I enjoyed the "Edelweiss Special Breakfast," at the top left of the menu photo.

Photo: If you care to linger, the restaurant welcomes you, as there is a bookcase, located near the entrance to the restaurant, that has many books to read. It's a drop-in, drop-out affair, as locals take books out to read, and either keep them, return them, or replace them. For your dining pleasure, you can choose a book, and read it at your table as you dine. If books aren't your pleasure, copies of the local newspaper are here to enjoy.

Nay I say 1970's "old school?" I love the friendly, welcoming atmosphere, not to mention great food, enjoyed at Edelweiss Restaurant.

Photo: My friendly and gracious server, Sammy, puts down her coffee, to allow me to take her photo, as she brings my breakfast to the table.

During my wonderful breakfast experience at Edelweiss Restaurant, Sammy greeted practically every customer by name, and in many cases, she knew exactly what they planned to order, as she'd say, "You want the usual?" Folks, that's true local, Auburn flavor!

Photo: Thanks, Sammy, for putting down your coffee and taking the time to snap my photo, as I prepare to enjoy my wonderful breakfast. The coffee was great, and Sammy kept it coming. Now, that's service!

As a side note, the avocado sauce was interesting, as this is a breakfast first for me. It appears to be a mixture between avocado and sour cream, but whatever it's made of, it's a delicious item for breakfast. I deliberated about what to do with it, but I soon came to a simple, tasty solution: Dip the potatoes in the avocado. Yes!

Photo: Before visiting Edelweiss Restaurant, I'd been doing a bit of surfing on the web, and since this was my first visit to the restaurant, and since I was enjoying breakfast, I decided to order their first-on-the-breakfast, headlining offering of "Edelweiss Special Breakfast." Right, as you need to begin at the beginning of the menu...

When you order the "Edelweiss Special Breakfast," you have your choice of sausage or ham for meat, for potatoes, you have a choice between hash brown or country style potatoes. I chose the former in both alternatives: sausage and hash browns. Any variety of potatoes works for me with any meal, especially breakfast.

So... two poached eggs, placed on top of sausage or ham - sausage in my case - on top of a sliced-in-half English muffin. Next, you get a mountain of hash brown potatoes, along with Edelweiss's avocado sauce. Additional condiments include ketchup and hot sauce, but with the beauty of this breakfast, nothing else is needed to enhance the wonderful breakfast experience.

If you're a reader of my posts, you may note this breakfast departs from my de-facto diner standard, as I actually ordered poached eggs for breakfast. "Artsy" in my case? Yes, but I had to start at the beginning of the menu, and I can safely say that I enjoyed this wonderful breakfast.

Talk about a one-of-a-kind, and a local Auburn favorite! The food is amazing, the staff, along with the local diners are friendly, and the atmosphere is priceless. No wonder Edelweiss Restaurant is a favorite of Auburn locals!

Edelweiss Restaurant
627 High St.
Auburn, CA 95603
530 885-1772