The best breakfast in Miami for the perfect start to your day

What is it? The idea behind chef Michael Beltran’s ode to the American diner is to reinvent dishes we’ve known all our lives. Like at his Michelin-starred Ariete nearby, he does it by adding a bit of flavor from his Cuban heritage and Miami upbringing to mostly traditional dishes, evident at breakfast with the lechon asado hash.

Why we love it: The vibe here is also spot-on, looking simultaneously hip and historic, with lots of natural wood tones, comfy booths and ’50s rock just loud enough to kick your day into party mode.

Time Out tip: The Breakfast Sandwich is a legend, with a sunny-side-up egg, Taylor ham, American cheese, Duke's mayo, Cuban bread, and papitas.

Address: 3444 Main Hwy Suite 21, Miami, FL 33133

Opening hours: Mon–Wed 7:30am–3pm; Thu–Sat 7:30am–10pm; Sun 7:30am–7pm

Expect to pay: $25 to $50, depending on whether there are breakfast cocktails involved.

What is it? A warm and minimalistic nook inside a tiny strip plaza serving up familiar breakfast and lunch classics with a rustic yet elevated twist. 

Why we love it: What it lacks in size, Tina makes up for in quality. The juice is cold-pressed, non-GMO, high-pressure processed and locally sourced; the chicken parm is made with tallow-fried organic breast; the side of bacon is a single thick-cut, maple-candied slice. Everything here is incredibly intentional, which is a fine way to start any day.

Time Out tip: Tina doesn’t take reservations, and when we say it’s a “nook,” we mean that quite literally. Arrive as close to opening time to avoid a long wait, keep your party small, and definitely order Tina's French Toast. 

Address: 4700 S Le Jeune Rd, Coral Gables, FL 33146

Opening hours: Wed–Sun 8:30am–4pm

Expect to pay: $25 to $35 per person

What is it? From food truck to local phenom, El Bagel is the little upstart that’s taken Miami by storm. Hand-rolled bagels are the main attraction here, but these things are good. How good? Folks wake up quite early to order from the takeout-only spot in MiMo (though there are a few shaded benches out front on which to unceremoniously scarf your bounty, should you choose that route). There’s also a second, similarly petite El Bagel location in Coconut Grove.

Why we love it: In a slice of the U.S. so replete with Jews and New Yorkers, Miami’s got a surprising dearth of solid bagelshops. This one does Miami proud, with an equally as impressive selection of schmears, house-made cookies and smoked fish salads, plus beautiful catering options.

Time Out tip: First time? Allow us to suggest the perfect B.E.C.: bacon, a fried egg and American cheese smushed between a fresh, warm bagel of your choosing.

Address: 6910 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, FL 33138

Opening hours: Wed–Mon 8am–2pm

Expect to pay: About $10 to $15 for a bagel and a coffee.

What is it? This family-run Venezuelan bakery and breakfast spot churns out pastry classics like danishes, almond croissants, quiche and loaf cakes alongside Venezuelan staples like crispy, sweet palmeritas and new-wave stuff like cruffins and avocado toast topped with the most perfect soft-scrambled eggs. 

Why we love it: A graphic designer who taught himself to bake during the pandemic, Caracas’ founder Jesus Brazon is a perfectionist, bringing an astonishing attention to detail not just to his food (which is all made with premium ingredients and without seed oils) but to the concept’s impeccable design. 

Time Out tip: Caracas has expanded from its original location in Doral (an epicenter of Miami’s Venezuelan community) to the historic MiMo District and, most recently, Coral Gables. Though you'll often find a line during peak weekend breakfast hours, it moves quickly and the smattering of indoor and outdoor tables is always lively and welcoming.

Address: 7283 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, FL 33138

Opening hours: Mon–Fri 8am–6pm; Sat 8am–4pm; Sun 8am–3pm

Expect to pay: $15 to $25 per person

What is it? Few faces have defined the Miami food scene like Zak Stern, the bohemian baker who began his now-famous Wynwood spot as a Kickstarter project.

Why we love it: The kosher menu—think breakfast sandwiches, whitefish platter, avo toast—highlights the bread and sweets baked in the back. ZTB is also fiercely Miami, as evidenced by its annual bread giveaways during mango season (trade mangoes for a loaf) and the O, Miami Poetry Festical (trade a haiku for a loaf), among other fun local collabs. 

Time Out tip: Keep up with Zak’s baking antics on Instagram to hear first about new creations, like these Klamstwo bagels (no, we hadn’t heard of them before either).

Address: 295 NW 26th St, Miami, FL 33127

Opening hours: Sun–Fri 7am–5pm

Expect to pay: $15 to $25 per person

What is it? The phrase “artisanal bakery” gets thrown around quite a bit, but there’s no better usage for it than to describe Madruga, where owner Naomi Harris mills organic whole grains into her own house-made flour practically daily. But it’s the warm hospitality and loyal regulars, not the milling machines, who make this place special. 

Why we love it: The irresistible bacon-egg-and-cheese sandwiches come on the most glorious onion poppy rolls—and is frequently named among the best egg sandwiches in the city.

Time Out tip: Besides the breakfast, Madruga is a salad go-to for lunch (available after 10:30am) and take-away items like chicken salad, whole quiche, and, of course, confections like the incredible Basque cheesecake.

Address: 1430 S Dixie Hwy STE 117, Coral Gables, FL 33146

Opening hours: Wed–Fri 8am–3pm; Sat, Sun 8am–2pm

Expect to pay: $15 to $25 per person

What is it? The always-bustling, charming spot serves classic and budget-friendly options like French toast, omelets, pancakes and more. Be warned, though, the line for weekend brunch can be quite intimidating. 

Why we love it: GreenStreet’s longtime placement on a bustling corner in Coconut Grove makes it a neighborhood institution and ground zero for breakfast people-watching, both while you wait and if you’re patient enough to snag a coveted table on the patio.

Time Out tip: This isn’t an in-and-out sort of breakfast spot—especially on the weekends. Go when you have a couple of hours to while away, sip a couple of mimosas, and soak in the neighborhood scenery with a solid eggs Benny or coconut French toast.

Address: 3468 Main Hwy, Miami, FL 33133

Opening hours: Sun–Thu 7am–midnight; Fri, Sat 7am–2am

Expect to pay: $25 to $50 per person, depending on whether you’re making it a boozy breakfast.

What is it? The team behind Miami’s much-loved Middle Eastern chain Motek has opened up Sesame, a bakery in North Miami. The all-day brunch menu hits on favorites like avocado toast, shakshuka, and a salmon bagel sandwich, all infused with bold Mediterranean flavors.

Why we love it: The indoor-outdoor space itself is beautiful—sunny and airy in a palette of earthy pinks and whites. The food and drinks are likewise aesthetically pleasing, including a lineup of colorful and incredibly fluffy matcha lattes that would stop even the staunchest coffee loyalist mid-scroll. 

Time Out tip: Though inspired by French boulangeries, Sesame also serves specialty Israeli pastries that you won’t find anywhere else, like the pistachio sufganiyah—a stunning take on the traditional Hanukkah doughnut stuffed with a rich, nutty filling.

Address: 2211 Sole Mia Sq Ln, North Miami, FL 33181

Opening hours: Daily 8am–5pm

Expect to pay: $20 to $40 per person

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What is it? If it’s buttered, baked or toasted, you’ll find it at Henry Hané’s popular Brickell spot. B Bistro doubles down during brunch, when its superb baked goods become part of signature dishes like the Croque madame and tarts that serve as the perfect excuse to indulge in dessert for breakfast.

Why we love it: Mornings at B Bistro start with flaky croissants in an assortment of flavors, from gooey Nutella to sweet red velvet and classic chocolate. 

Time Out tip: In a neighborhood filled with flashy spots, B Bistro is a reliable neighborhood staple that strikes the perfect balance between casual and upscale, with a pet-friendly patio and walk-in seating only.

Address: 600 Brickell Ave #175, Miami, FL 33131

Opening hours: Daily 8am–5pm

Expect to pay: $20 to $30 per person

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What is it? Enriqueta’s is hands down one of the best Cuban restaurants in Miami. And it wouldn’t be one of the best Cuban restaurants in Miami if it didn’t serve a classic Cuban breakfast. 

Why we love it: Here, chowing down on a tostada while dipping your freshly baked-and-buttered Cuban bread in café con leche creates a flavor that is pure Magic City.

Time Out tip: The platters at Enriquetta’s are gut-busting big, but there are few things more Miami than ordering at the window a café con leche and a couple of ham croquetas and devouring it all in the parking lot. 

Address: 186 NE 29th St, Miami, FL 33137

Opening hours: Mon–Fri 7am–3pm; Sat 7am–2pm

Expect to pay: $10 to $20 per person

What is it? Our favorite vegan spot in town opens at 9am every day and is a great healthy option to start the day. 

Why we love it: The menu is extensive, especially for a vegan spot, spanning everything from salads and pizzas to handhelds, sushi and decadent desserts. For breakfast (served all day), grab an avocado toast, smoothie or acai bowl and you’ll be feeling like a million bucks by noon. 

Time Out tip: Need something heartier? Fill up on an egg and cheese croissant made with all plant-based ingredients and served with a side of golden roasted potatoes—because balance.

Address: 2616 NW 5th Ave, Miami, FL 33127

Opening hours: Daily 9am–10pm

Expect to pay: $20 to $30 per person

What is it? You might recognize this beloved neighborhood spot from that one scene in Moonlight. But even before its Hollywood moment, Jimmy’s was famous among the MiMo locals as one of the great greasy spoon experiences one can have in this city.

Why we love it: Even if an old-school diner isn’t your scene, give it a go for the sake of nostalgia—the clientele and decor have not changed much in 40 years. The food will take you back to a simpler time, too. My go-to is the corned beef hash with a side of bagel and cream cheese.

Time Out tip: It’s all booth seating here, so plan accordingly. A party of six is about as many as you’ll squeeze into most tables here.

Address: 7201 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, FL 33138

Opening hours: Daily 7am–3:30pm

Expect to pay: $15 to $25 per person