18 best breakfast spots in Boston

This cafe from beloved Cambridge chef Will Gilson is a must for perfect pastries to start your way, especially with local pastry talent Brian Mercury at its helm. Located at Cambridge Crossing, the cafe bakes a variety of pastry, such as salted hazelnut sticky buns and everything danishes. You can also start your day with well-composed breakfast sandwiches, overnight oats and Greek yogurt with granola. If you’re lucky enough to have the time, make use of its beautiful patio and take your orders al fresco.

Sun 8am-4pm, Mon 7am-5pm, Tues 7am-9pm, Sat 8am-9pm

Neighborhood favorite South End Buttery is the place to be for brunch on Sundays, but it’s worth a stop for a morning fuel-up any day of the week. House-made pastries, breakfast sandwiches and toasts (they come smeared with avocado or ricotta) are all-natural and satisfying, whether you’re dining in or taking out. Canine companions are also taken care of with fresh doggie cupcakes.

6:30am-8pm daily

A local gem for nearly 30 years, this family-owned restaurant is beloved for its huge portions of American breakfasts with a Portuguese twist—and served on the cheap. While every breakfast dish at this Somerville staple will hit the spot, its cream of wheat has basically a cult following amongst locals, and once you’ve tried it, you’ll find yourself converted, too. Folks who are looking for a hearty, distinctly Portuguese bite should also be sure to snag some linguica sausage, whether it be tucked inside a fluffy omelet, on top of a breakfast sandwich or simply as a solo side order. Keep in mind that the vine-covered patio makes this place a popular choice when the weather is warmer, so show up early or be prepared to wait on the weekends.

South Street Diner welcomes hungry patrons at any hour. This retro spot looks like it's straight out of a '90s sitcom—complete with the giant coffee cup sign perched atop its roof. But the true appeal of this place is that it serves breakfast staples and diner classics 24/7, accomodating early risers, night owls and everyone in between. The “Diner Special” (three eggs, two pancakes or French toast, home fries, toast, and choice of bacon, corn beef hash, ham or sausage) is always a winner.

If its name leaves any room for confusion, this Davis Square eatery specializes in crepes—and a whole lot of them. With an entire menu spanning savory and sweet, this place satisfies every palate and even allows for multi-crepe meals (because you know you want more than one). Favorites include the Super Pesto (it’s stuffed with smoked chicken, fresh mozzarella, baby spinach, roasted mushrooms and sun-dried tomatoes) and the Belgian chocolate with strawberries, with the option to substitute in buckwheat crepes for gluten-free guests. It’s open every day and offers a full coffee and tea menu, as well as an espresso bar, so you can wash down that magically thin French pancake with your morning beverage of preference.

Take in sweeping views of the harbor in this sunny room, or if the weather cooperates, outside on the verandah, while enjoying one of the best breakfasts in town. You’ll find the Sea Grill on the first floor of the luxurious Boston Harbor Hotel, and you can enjoy a continental breakfast, a full American, and a la carte offerings like ricotta and lemon pancakes or maple house smoked salmon. 

6:30 - 11am

This Beacon Hill mainstay has been in business since 1937 and has become only slightly snazzier over the years—and that's just how we like it. Its greasy grill, Formica tabletops and cafeteria-style service all add to its charm, making breakfast here a low-key yet satisfying affair. Standards such as omelettes and corned beef hash are on the menu, but there are also somewhat fancier items like avocado toast, Nutella waffles and healthy quinoa parfaits. It's perfect for late starters because breakfast goes well into the afternoon, and there's even a Southie offshoot for folks who live too far from Charles Street.

8am-9pm daily

3 Little Figs is a tiny but top-notch spot when it comes to getting your morning caffeine fix. This Highland Ave cafe carefully selects its coffee beans from a variety of roasters, and its espresso-based drinks are appropriately strong with impressive foam work. On the food front, try any number of its scratch-made muffins, scones and sandwiches (go for the feta and egg with prosciutto) for a complete breakfast on the go.

8am-2pm daily

A staple in Cambridge’s Inman Square since 1919, offerings at the S & S are not only tasty, but time-honored. Alongside omelets, waffles, and a vast roster of breakfast and brunch favorites, revisit those days of yore by partaking in the bacon and cheese-loaded Quiche Lorraine, sweet and fluffy chocolate chip pancakes or hearty Eggs Florentine. Torn between french toast and grilled cheese? Filled with turkey, swiss, ham and strawberry jam and enveloped in an egg batter, a classic Monte Cristo will give you the best of both worlds. Open from 11 am to 7 pm on weekdays and 10 am to 7pm on weekends, not only is breakfast served all day, but you can pair it all with a selection of boozy beverages, from the Bloody Mary, Mimosa, and Peach Bellini to a champagne and Cointreau-based Pomegranate Spritzer if the mood strikes. 

For a sweet start to the day, head to Joanne Chang’s popular cafe and bakery. You’ll be tempted by the glasses cases filled with baked goods galore, including sticky buns, scones, brioches, slices of coffee cake and so much more. For a savory option, definitely go for the egg sandwich with bacon, cheese, tomato, arugula and dijonaise served on house-made bread. With multiple locations sprinkled throughout the city, Flour is a handy option for a quick, high-quality breakfast.

Mon-Fri 7am-7pm, Sat-Sun 8am-6pm

Casual sibling to Oleana and Sarma, Sofra attracts throngs of guests to its location on the Cambridge-Belmont border with its selection of Mediterranean specialties like gözleme, shawarma and börek. But this spot isn't all about the savory; it also offers Turkish, Greek and Lebanese baked goods, including tasty breakfast treats. Try items like the olive oil granola, chickpea pancakes or a morning bun with orange blossom glaze, available for breakfast on weekends. 

Mon-Fri 9am-5:30pm, Sat-Sun 8am-3pm

This tiny Bay Village eatery specializes in quick and comforting breakfast sandwiches. Having only two stools in house, Mike & Patty’s is ideal for grabbing breakfast and enjoying it on a park bench or maybe even a nearby stoop. The Fancy is their claim to fame and has customers lining up around the block, including at their more recent Bow Market outpost in Somerville. They’re open daily until 2pm for anyone who craves breakfast for lunch... or just hit the snooze button a couple too many times.  

7:30am-2pm daily

Nestled in the bustle of the Lower Mills, this local favorite offers far more than your average diner. The cozy chic space (be ready to wait on the weekend) serves housemade quiche, classic breakfast sandwiches, yogurt parfait, and, of course, a full Irish with blood pudding – it is Dorchester after all!

Tucked into the historic Liberty Hotel, Clink offers a hearty continental breakfast, vanilla cinnamon country French toast, Irish oatmeal and much more, all in a sun-filled, brick-lined space. Those who need a little recuperation after a night out on the town will appreciate the cold pressed holistic juice, packed with elderberry, turmeric, blood orange and black pepper.

7am - 11am

Henrietta’s Table is a Harvard Square institution, serving farm-to-table fare to the locals, scholars and powerful business people who consistently fill its tables. With a menu spotlighting seasonal ingredients, its breakfast is a real treat, especially when enjoyed on its sunny patio during the warmer months. Wake up with hearty favorites like malted waffles, red flannel hash and sirloin steak beef with farm fresh eggs. Don’t miss out on its freshly squeezed juices and baked goods.

Mon-Tues 7am-2pm, Weds-Sun 7am-9pm

The menu may be massive at this Jewish delicatessen in the heart of Coolidge Corner, but the minute you take your first bite, you will peg down your favorites quickly at Zaftigs. From cheese blintzes topped with luscious berries, savory potato to meat knishes to bagel and lox platters with all the fixings to potato pancakes and banana stuffed french toasts to a variety of omelets, hashes, and Benedicts, with more-than-ample portions, all the dishes will definitely fill you up. With such comforting breakfast fare at moderate prices, no wonder there’s a line out the door on weekend mornings.

Serving all day breakfast every day of the week, The Friendly Toast's menu is just as eccentric and colorful as its dining room decor. With a big menu, big portions and big flavors, this place will have you leaving full, happy and quite possibly ready to go back to bed for a nap (especially if you have one of their concoctions from the bar). The Friendly Toast has mastered the art of breakfast and makes everything in house, from the hollandaise sauce right down to the freshly baked bread. The restaurant is so popular it has locations in the Back Bay, Cambridge and beyond. 

Mon-Fri 8am-3pm, Sat-Sun 8am-5pm (Back Bay)

Tatte is a local success story, building a little empire that now boasts more than 15 locations around the city. With a super European ambiance, each café is friendly and welcoming, making it the perfect spot for a morning linger over coffee and pastry. Breakfast highlights include freshly baked croissants, pan au chocolatea, kouign amanns and delicious coffee. But we highly suggest you order items inspired by founder Tzurit Or's Israeli roots, such as the lamb hash, halloumi and egg breakfast sandwich, and selection of shakshukas. 

Mon-Fri 7am-3pm