Where to Find the Best Breakfast in Boston in 2024
As one of the oldest cities in the United States, the city of Boston is beloved for its rich history and contemporary culture, as well as an exciting food scene just waiting to be explored, including the best breakfast in Boston.
The city, also known as Beantown, has everything when it comes to picking breakfast places in Boston, from romantic breakfast dates to a full English breakfast or spicy Latin food.
Here are 29 breakfasts in Boston that you need to try.
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Find the Best Restaurants in Boston
With so many breakfast places in Boston to pick, choosing one can be a tough choice but it doesn’t have to be. Discover the hidden gems of breakfasts in Boston by joining some exciting food tours in Boston and eat like a local. Food tours are also one of the best date ideas in Boston.
The 29 Best Breakfast Places in Boston
1. The Friendly Toast
Since 1999, owners of The Friendly Toast, Eric Goodwin and Scott Pulver, have been serving locals an amazing breakfast in Boston. This quirky and vibrant bakery is popular for its breakfasts whipped up from the freshest ingredients.
The Vibe
From the bright green walls and ceiling to the collaged walls, The Friendly Toast is an exciting place to enjoy breakfast with friends.
What to Order
Breakfast in Boston wouldn't be complete without having the Pancake Monster, a signature breakfast that lives up to its hype. Enjoy a stack of pancakes coated in sugar and butter with eggs and home fries.
The Friendly Toast | 35 Stanhope St., Boston, MA 02116 | $$
2. Angela’s Café
Angela’s Café is a family-owned restaurant and the owner, Chef Angela Atenco Lopez invites all her diners to experience the wonder of authentic Puebla cuisine. From rich sauces and delicious spices, you’re sure to find a delicious breakfast in Boston at Angela’s.
The Vibe
Taking inspiration from the bright culture of the Puebla region, Angela has brought a piece of Mexico to Boston in the bright and colorful décor of the restaurant.
What to Order
Start your morning off with a classic breakfast like Angela’s special: egg, bacon, sausage and toast. For breakfast in Boston with a kick, the chilaquiles with a spicy sauce are a popular choice.
Angela’s Café | 131 Lexington St., Boston, MA 02128 | $$
3. Café Beatrice
Located within the sleek and modern Cambridge Crossing is a small bakery that is popular for serving delicious breakfasts in Boston, accompanied by a great cup of coffee.
The Vibe
Bask in the warmth of the sunlight coming through the floor-to-ceiling windows in the polished and minimalistic bakery.
What to Order
Who said cookies aren’t for breakfast? Café Beatrice’s breakfast cookie is the perfect way to start your morning with the best breakfast in Boston. Tea lovers will especially appreciate the Earl Grey-infused cookie.
Café Beatrice | 100 N First St., Cambridge, MA 02141 | $$
4. Flour Bakery & Café
Opened in 2000, the team at Flour Bakery & Café has one goal: to make the world a sweeter place. Their range of delicious breakfasts in Boston exemplifies this mission. From buttery pastries to savory bites, the menu offers something for everyone.
The Vibe
Flour Bakery & Café has a modern and contemporary vibe that focuses on the mouthwatering baked goods on display at the counter.
What to Order
Breakfast in Boston is not complete without trying the kouign-amann. Bite into laminated layers of pastry filled with butter and sugar.
Flour Bakery & Café | 209 Cambridge St., Boston, MA 02114 | $$
5. Tatte Bakery & Café
What started in the kitchen of baker, chef and owner Tzurit Or, Tatte Bakery is a combination of home and delicious pastries. Tatte Bakery is a known spot for a good breakfast in Boston.
The Vibe
From the classic white-tiled walls, funky floors and vintage accessories, Tatte Bakery is a combination of the new and old, making it a perfect place to catch up with friends over breakfast in Boston.
What to Order
With breakfast served all day, diners can enjoy smoked salmon, avocado and egg sandwiches for breakfast or lunch. Try something rich like a North African shakshuka served with sourdough for one of the best breakfasts Boston has to offer.
Tatte Bakery & Café | 318 Third St., Cambridge, MA 02142 | $$
6. The Sweet Life Café
Enjoy a delectable breakfast in Boston while supporting the local community at The Sweet Life Café. All their baked goods are focused on using local products and providing the residents of Boston with a taste of the sweet life.
The Vibe
The ambiance is classy and contemporary inside, with high ceilings painted a rich chocolate brown paired with creamy white walls. Together, they create a calming atmosphere, perfect for enjoying breakfast in Boston.
What to Order
The house-made corned beef with eggs is a favorite in the Boston foods scene, as is the basil pesto omelette.
The Sweet Life Café | 2243 Dorchester Ave., Boston, MA 02124 | $$
7. Dudley Café
Opened in 2015, Dudley Café is the dream of owners Solmon and Rokeya Chowdhury with Biplaw Rai, who wanted to create a place for people to meet while enjoying breakfast in Boston.
The Vibe
Dudley Café’s walls are filled with bright and eye-catching artworks that invoke casual conversations over a delicious breakfast in Boston.
What to Order
Don’t pass up the chance to sample Roxbury’s Deluxe, which is a traditional English muffin filled with egg, spinach, bacon, tangy cheddar and a rich housemade jam for a sweet bite. For those wanting a healthy option, you’ve got to try the yogurt bowl with granola and fruit.
Dudley Café | 15 Warren St., Roxbury, MA 02119 | $$
8. McKenna’s Café
McKenna’s Café is a must-visit for those looking for a friendly place to enjoy home-cooked breakfasts in Boston. Owned by local residents, this café is a local hangout spot for all-day breakfast.
The Vibe
Inside the café, you’ll find a warm and cozy lit room with wooden tables to make you feel right at home.
What to Order
There are plenty of choices when it comes to this spot for breakfast in Boston. Choose from a steak-loaded omelette or classic eggs Benedict served with a British staple, baked beans.
McKenna’s Café | 109 Savin Hill Ave., Dorchester, MA 02125 | $$
9. Café Bonjour
Café Bonjour is a place where locals can grab a delicious breakfast in Boston whether they are looking for something gluten-free, plant-based or plain old yummy. You’ll find only ethically grown ingredients with no artificial preservatives at this café.
The Vibe
The arched wood-paneled walls and warm low-hanging lights transport diners to a café located far away in a European country. The seated bar counter gives you the opportunity to watch the staff prepare your breakfast in Boston.
What to Order
Eat breakfast like the French by sampling the croque madame croissant, which is filled with gooey Swiss cheese and paired with a non-alcoholic mimosa.
Café Bonjour | 55 Temple Pl., Boston, MA 02111 | $$
10. Café Weekend
Looking for things to do in Boston? Enjoy one of Café Weekend’s all-day breakfasts any time of the day. Opened in 2022, this café is the perfect venue to catch up with friends while enjoying a delicious breakfast in Boston.
The Vibe
Café Weekend keeps it simple but cozy with the classic white-tiled walls and warm wood flooring. The seating at the bar counter allows diners to watch their food being prepared right in front of them.
What to Order
With a mix of American classics, we recommend trying the Toowoomba panini. The panini features an inviting mix of bacon, shrimp, onion and the Toowoomba Korean sauce that promises to elevate your Boston breakfast experience.
Café Weekend | 120 Harvard Ave., Allston, MA 02134 | $$
11. Sofra Bakery & Café
Sofra Bakery & Café brings a little bit of the Middle East to your next breakfast in Boston. Established in 2008 by Executive Chef Ana Sortun and Pastry Chef Maura Kilpatrick, diners can explore the traditional cuisines of Turkey, Lebanon and Greece.
The Vibe
The cheerful yellow walls, warm wood shelving and simple signage create a rustic yet pleasant experience for shoppers.
What to Order
The freshly baked pastries are what make this food some of the most delicious breakfasts in Boston. Sample your way across the menu to enjoy the pistachio shortbread cookies or a traditional Middle Eastern breakfast.
Sofra Bakery & Café | 1 Belmont St., Cambridge, MA 02138 | $$
12. Café Landwer
Not only does Café Landwer serve a delicious breakfast in Boston but it has a fascinating history. Established in 1919 in Berlin by owner Moshe Landwer who then fled Nazi Germany to Israel, Tel Aviv, where the café moved. In 2018, Café Landwer expanded to the USA.
The Vibe
Be transported to bright Mediterranean streets with the colorful green wallpapers and checkered tiles.
What to Order
A visit to Café Landwer for breakfast in Boston has to include the flavorsome falafel pita sandwich paired with a side of tangy amba.
Café Landwer | Multiple Locations | $$
13. South Street Diner
Since 1947, South Street Diner has been a landmark of the Boston food scene and is a diner where tourists and locals alike can enjoy a fresh breakfast in Boston.
The Vibe
South Street Diner is your classic American diner with blue and white checkered décor, retro metal tables, chairs and plenty of booths in which to relax.
What to Order
With so many amazing choices for breakfast in Boston, narrowing it down to one is difficult. So, why not try one of South Street Diner’s Belgian waffles or the homemade crab cake eggs Benedict for something different?
South Street Diner | 178 Kneeland St., Boston, MA 02111 | $$
14. Mike’s City Diner
Mike’s City Diner is known for two things: huge portions and the best breakfast in Boston. Chef Jay Hajj opened the diner in 1995 and has been offering American diner classics that are a staple breakfast in Boston.
The Vibe
In true diner-style, guests have their choice of red retro diner stools along the counter or a table on which to enjoy their meal. The checkered black and white walls keep it casual and fun.
What to Order
If you’re really hungry, you’ve got to tackle the Emergency Room Breakfast, which is a plate full of eggs, pancakes, bacon, fries and toast.
Mike’s City Diner | 1714 Washington St., Boston, MA 02118 | $$
15. Theo’s Cozy Corner
Theo’s Cozy Corner is a sweet breakfast and brunch spot nestled on the corner of Salem Street, Boston.
The Vibe
As the name implies, the vibe is very cozy, with brightly colored orange and red walls. From your seating, you can watch the chef prepare your delicious meal.
What to Order
The most popular dish at Theo’s Cozy Corner is the chocolate French toast, which consists of delicious brioche bread dipped in a chocolate batter and grilled to perfect golden-brown. Everyone who tries this mouthwatering breakfast will agree that this is the best breakfast in Boston.
Theo’s Cozy Corner | 162 Salem St., Boston, MA 02113 | $$
16. Milkweed
Milkweed is a stunning, modern brunch cocktail bar. Try Milkweed for a delectable and filling breakfast in Boston.
The Vibe
Milkweed boasts a contemporary and cozy aesthetic, with natural brick walls accented by a few choice painted walls to make the brick really stand out. Large windows with translucent blinds allow for natural light to bring this cozy breakfast spot to life.
What to Order
If you want to satisfy your sweet tooth during your breakfast in Boston, try Milkweed’s Lucky Charms pancakes. They are freshly-made thick, puffy, golden-brown pancakes with a dusting of sugar and a scoop of ice cream.
Milkweed | 1508 Tremont St., Boston, MA 02120 | $$
17. The Joint
A quaint breakfast and brunch restaurant offering a variety of tasty meal options, The Joint is a great spot for a different take on breakfast in Boston.
The Vibe
The Joint has a rustic vibe with a false tin roof, white-washed brick walls and timber flooring. A fan made from an old refurbished windmill adorns the ceiling with rope-hung lights scattered about.
What to Order
A popular breakfast in Boston here is the crab cake benny, a unique spin on the classic eggs Benedict with an English muffin base, a seared crab cake at the center and a poached egg.
The Joint | 605 Centre St., Boston, MA 02130 | $$
18. 3 Little Figs
3 Little Figs is a breakfast and brunch bakery in Boston that offers a variety of baked goods and delicious coffees.
The Vibe
A cute, modern little bakery in Sommerville with an inviting and cozy atmosphere that makes eating here all the more enjoyable.
What to Order
With so many tasty options available, it can be difficult to decide what to order, that’s why we recommend you try the Market Sandwich for a filling and delicious breakfast in Boston.
3 Little Figs | 278 Highland Ave., Somerville, MA 02143 | $$
19. The Paramount
The Paramount is a breakfast and brunch sandwich restaurant in South Boston. The Paramount offers a lot more than just sandwiches, serving foods to satisfy your cravings and give you a fantastic breakfast in Boston.
The Vibe
The inside of The Paramount resembles a classic sandwich deli with a hint of an old-school diner, while the outside resembles a classic English pub.
What to Order
For a healthy breakfast in Boston, we suggest the Healthy Berry Parfait with Greek strawberry yogurt, quinoa, honey and fresh fruit.
The Paramount | 44 Charles St., Boston, MA 02114 | $$
20. S&S Restaurant
S&S Restaurant is an American breakfast and brunch deli offering a wide variety of breakfasts in Boston. S&S was opened in 1919 by Rebecca (Ma) Edelstein. The name S&S originates from the Yiddish saying “es and es,” which translates to “eat and eat.”
The Vibe
A true American deli aesthetic with old-school memorabilia and a long and interesting history dating back to the 1900s.
What to Order
One of the most popular breakfast in Boston options here is poached eggs with homemade crab and shrimp cakes, homemade fries and fresh fruit.
S&S Restaurant | 1334 Cambridge St., Cambridge, MA 02139 | $$
21. Clink
If you are looking for a different and fun restaurant in Boston, try Clink in The Liberty Hotel, which was formerly a prison. Fascinatingly, the hotel and Clink use elements of the former prison in their architecture and decoration.
The Vibe
As an upscale bar and restaurant, the Clink has a high-class vibe while maintaining the prison theme's mystique and intrigue. Seating is arranged both around and within 'old' prison cells, each equipped with iron doors.
What to Order
For a healthier breakfast in Boston, try the Greek yogurt parfait, made up of Vermont-style organic Greek yogurt, clover honey, banana, seasonal berries, dried fruits and nut granola.
Clink | 215 Charles St., The Liberty Hotel, Boston, MA 02114 | $$
22. Henrietta’s Table
Henrietta’s Table is a stunning breakfast, lunch and dinner restaurant and bakery in Cambridge, Boston. This upper-class bakery/restaurant offers a wide variety of fresh and delectable meals.
The Vibe
A cozy and comfortable atmosphere, with the aroma of fresh baked goods, invites you to take a seat and enjoy the delicious foods they have to offer.
What to Order
A Boston breakfast favorite is the house-smoked salmon with tomato, onion and chive cream cheese on a fresh bagel. If you want to try something tasty from the bakery, try their Valrhona chocolate croissant.
Henrietta’s Table | 1 Bennett St., Cambridge, MA 02138 | $$$
23. Buttermilk & Bourbon
Buttermilk & Bourbon is a Southern-style tapas bar located in Boston and is the perfect Sunday brunch spot for a good breakfast in Boston.
The Vibe
The vibe of Buttermilk & Bourbon is a mix of vintage and macabre. Various retro wallpapers and eerie paintings decorate the walls. In the evenings, the lights are dim and low to set that spooky tone while also giving the feeling of being in a 1920s speakeasy.
What to Order
While at Buttermilk & Bourbon, try their warm honey-glazed biscuits with smoked cinnamon butter & pimento cheese spread for a unique breakfast in Boston. You can also find delicious fresh fried beignets dusted with powdered sugar on the menu.
Buttermilk & Bourbon | 160 Commonwealth Ave., Boston, MA 02116 | $$$
24. North Street Grille
If you are looking for a small restaurant perfect for a lovely breakfast in Boston, look no further than North Street Grille. Established in 2004, they are a popular spot for many who live in or visit Boston.
The Vibe
North Street Grille is a small, quaint breakfast and brunch restaurant. The little restaurant has a friendly and comfortable feel, the perfect spot for breakfast in Boston.
What to Order
Do you want to satisfy your sweet tooth? Try the mouth-watering cinnamon roll with vanilla glaze. For something different, try one of the owner Robin's favorites: the sweet and salty sandwich.
North Street Grille | 229 North St., Boston, MA 02113 | $$
25. Zaftigs Delicatessen
Zaftigs Delicatessen is a deli in Boston that serves a variety of diner foods and Jewish comfort foods. Zaftigs is a favorite among many in the Jewish communities of Boston, as well as visitors from all over.
The Vibe
The atmosphere in Zaftigs is very friendly and comfortable, great for the whole family. The large interior is simply decorated, with paintings and different artworks decorating the walls.
What to Order
While at Zaftigs, try the loaded latkes, a traditional Jewish food. Latkes are a type of potato pancake with a deep, crispy brown exterior and are soft on the inside.
Zaftigs Delicatessen | 335 Harvard St., Brookline, MA 02446 | $$
26. Great Taste Bakery
Great Taste Bakery is a Cantonese bakery in Boston. Great Taste Bakery offers a wide variety of dim sum, Cantonese baked goods, noodles and soups, giving you a change of pace for breakfast in Boston.
The Vibe
As you step into the door of Great Taste Bakery, you are greeted by the smell of sweet treats and mouth-watering Cantonese meals. The staff are really friendly and always ready to help.
What to Order
There are so many different options available. Dim sum is a popular choice, allowing you to pick from a variety of different options for this popular Cantonese breakfast.
Great Taste Bakery | 63 Beach St., Boston, MA 02111 | $$
27. Saigon Chicken House
For a different breakfast in Boston, try Saigon Chicken House, a restaurant with some of the best Vietnamese food outside of Vietnam.
The Vibe
A modern interior offers a comfortable and friendly environment in which to enjoy a delicious Vietnamese meal. The walls are lined with comfortable cushioned seating and large tables.
What to Order
In Vietnam, pho is usually eaten for breakfast. Many visitors highly recommend the pho ga, a savory and aromatic broth with uniquely sweet chicken and a delicious dipping sauce for your chicken.
Saigon Chicken House | 223 Adams St., Boston, MA 02122 | $$
28. Rubato
Rubato is a Hong Kong-style café in Quincy, Boston, offering Cantonese comfort foods. The quaint café is often busy but offers fast service and delicious food.
The Vibe
The outside of Rubato is unassuming and seems small. However, upon entering, you are welcomed by a cozy, Hong Kong-style café. The interior is simple yet vibrant, with windows that are covered with a fun translucent bamboo-themed sticker.
What to Order
A popular choice amongst visitors is the various flavors of bao buns that are sold here. For a more traditional Cantonese breakfast, try the pork and century egg congee.
Rubato | 412 Hancock St., Quincy, MA 02171 | $$
29. Mei Sum
Mei Sum is a small, quaint bakery located in Boston. The bakery is a popular spot among the older Asian community, where they get to enjoy the feeling of home while enjoying a tasty treat.
The Vibe
Mei Sum has a traditional Vietnamese bakery vibe, with minimal seating and a small interior. The staff is friendly and the food they prepare is always delicious.
What to Order
Mei Sum offers a variety of different traditional Vietnamese sweet treats and meals. The bahn mi and the nai huang bao (custard buns) are among the most popular choices for breakfast in Boston.
Mei Sum | 36 Beach St., Boston, MA 02111 | $
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As you can see, finding a good breakfast in Boston is not hard. There are so many amazing choices whether you’re looking for a traditional English breakfast, something sweet like a waffle or a North African favorite like shakshuka.
For even more ways to explore Boston and beyond, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.
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