Where to start your day with the best breakfast in Miami

What is it? The all-day diner gets an elegant upgrade at Mason. Brought to you by the minds of Beaker and Gray, Mason Eatery has a smart menu with classic breakfast food done wonderfully as well as slightly more adventurous morning fare like duck confit with creamy collards, crispy potato and a fried egg.

Why go? To attempt the daring pancake challenge. If you finish a mountainous stack of their amazing buttermilk pancakes, the whole thing is free.

What is it? The always-bustling, charming spot serves classic and well-executed options like French toast, omelettes, bagels and more. It’ll fill you up without hurting the wallet. Be warned, though, the line for weekend brunch can be quite intimidating.

Why go? Green Street’s placement on a bustling corner in Coconut Grove makes it ground zero for breakfast people-watching.

What is it? A hip Downtown coffee shop serving the best damn java in town. As if the coffee’s not enough, their breakfast items are also shockingly tasty. The French toast and Runny & Everything (fried egg, bacon, cheddar, lettuce, tomato and garlic aioli on an everything brioche bun) are must-order items.

Why go? Arrive in the early morning on Sunday and you’ll get to watch club kids stumble out onto the street after a long night. It’s some prime people-watching.

What is it? Brickell’s tastiest bagel spot, where folks line up (especially on the weekend) for some truly delicious bagel sandwiches named after different Miami neighborhoods. Iced coffee addicts will appreciate the frozen coffee ice cubes served with every cup.

Why go? To dig into the Little Havana, a formidable bagel topped with eggs, steak, onions and American cheese.

What is it? A place where you can throw a dart at the menu and always end up with something delicious (and quite filling). Hankering for a giant breakfast? Try the Me So Hungry: fried rice with cilantro and sriracha topped with sunny-side up eggs. The challah French toast is always a winner, as is the decadent Elvis sandwich with peanut butter, banana and bacon.

Why go? For efficiency. The Daily will have you in and out pretty quick, so you don’t have to spend your Saturday morning waiting for a hostess to call your name.

What is it? Our favorite vegan spot in town. Open at 9am every day, Love Life is a great healthy option to start the day. Grab an avocado toast, smoothie or acai bowl and you’ll be feeling like a million bucks by noon.

Why go? We could fill a swimming pool with Love Life’s rich smoothies and dive in head first.

What is it? A beloved neighborhood diner you might recognize 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 go? For some tasty nostalgia. The clientele and decor have not changed much in 40 years.

What is it? A fresh concept from some Maui transplants who give their breakfast an elevated twist. Think quinoa flour waffles with coconut milk whipped cream and organic eggs on homemade whole wheat toast. The cute restaurant is a great place for the health-conscious who still want something yummy.

Why go? The acai bowl (served all day) is one of the best in Miami.

What is it? 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. 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.

Why go? One word: authenticity.

What is it? A favorite of those old-school folks who still call it “Dade County.” Fancy, it is not. But it’s got charm all over the place, from its wooden dining room to the waitresses who have seen their customers grow up and bring their children to the table. Omelette and waffles are the stars of the show here.

Why go? Not a morning person? Wagon West serves breakfast anytime—just the way it should be.

What is it? Though widely known for its stone crab and fried chicken, the breakfast here is also one of the best deals around. Joe’s Take Away offers a much more casual option than its adjacent dining room—plus you’ll get the same high-quality food.

Why go? Order the Miami Beach omelette and they’ll throw some stone crab in there—for under $14 too.

What is it? This gourmet bakery does eggs, omelettes and brioche French toast as well as anyone, but the real draw is the indulgent sweets in the display case. Try not to think too hard about the calories, and be sure to take plenty of pictures for ’gram.

Why go? You can take home an entire cake for just over $30. Cake is breakfast, right?

What is it? A New York-style deli with a few different locations throughout Miami. This place provides some familiar comfort to northerners who have flocked south thanks to its classic bagels, smoked fish platters and towering pastrami sandwiches.

Why go? The fresh-baked bagels seem to keep folks coming back here. Get it topped with pastrami, nova or—if you dare—both.

Your weekend plans just got tastier.