25 Best Breakfast Places In Boston – Savory, Sweet, All Good To Eat (2024)

Looking for the best breakfast places in Boston?

There’s something so satisfying about a hearty breakfast. The good news is there’s no shortage of amazing breakfast places in Boston.

Now that I’ve been living in the city for more than two years, I’ve compiled a list of the 25 best restaurants to enjoy a delicious morning meal.

From old-fashioned American diners to French-inspired bakeries and Mediterranean delicacies, this list has it all. Enjoy scrolling through to see what stirs your appetite! 

SHORT ON TIME? ⏰

My top breakfast recommendation: The Friendly Toast 🍞

Why I love it: The service is fast (and friendly, go figure) and the food is always so good. I love the variety of menu options they have available and they have yummy coffee — always a great morning pick-me-up! ☕️

Best breakfast places in Boston map

Below I have laid out all 25 restaurants on a map so you can see how far they are from your location.

The line-up: Best breakfast places in Boston

Here are the best breakfast places in Boston to start your day off right:

1. The Friendly Toast

This popular restaurant was first founded in Portsmouth, New Hampshire and eventually expanded to other locations across New England, including Boston’s Back Bay neighborhood. As soon as you step inside, you’ll be welcomed by the colorful, eclectic decor and friendly service. 

The Friendly Toast boasts an expansive menu with the freshest ingredients. Some favorites include the Friendly Toast Benny — Eggs Benedict with a special Hollandaise sauce and a side of hash potatoes — and French Toast or Pancake Monster. 

Expect a long line, especially on the weekend, so it’s recommended to join the waitlist online ahead of time.

Address: 35 Stanhope St, Boston, MA 02116
Hours: Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-3 p.m. | Saturday-Sunday 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Open in Google Maps

2. Tatte Bakery & Cafe

I fell in love with Tatte during one of my first trips to Boston, and after moving here it became a staple. The expansive pastry case is one of the first things you’ll see when you step through the door, where you can choose from a variety of cakes, tarts, cookies, and more. 

Tatte serves a delicious brunch menu, including breakfast sandwiches, fresh fruit, and scrambles. They also have a great coffee selection with seasonal specials. One of my favorites is their pistachio latte. 

Lines for Tatte are often out the door, so order online if you want to pick up as soon as you arrive!

Address: 70 Charles St, Boston, MA 02114 (several other locations around Boston as well)
Hours: Monday-Saturday 7 a.m.-8 p.m. | Sunday 8 a.m.-7 p.m.
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3. Flour Bakery + Cafe

Flour is another local chain of pastry shops specializing in sweet treats like scones, croissants, and sticky buns. (Psst! Their carrot cake is to die for.) 

If you’re craving something savory for breakfast, they have a large assortment of sandwiches, salads, and bowls to choose from as well. And of course, coffee. Flour has delicious coffee, both hot or iced. 

If you want to save some time, download the Flour app and place your order in advance.

Address: 190 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02139 (other locations around Boston/Cambridge as well)
Hours: Monday-Friday 7 a.m.-7 p.m. | Saturday-Sunday 8 a.m.-6 p.m.
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4. South Street Diner

For a friendly, retro diner experience, try South Street Diner, Boston’s only restaurant that is open 24/7. The diner first opened in 1947 and is located inside a traditional Pullman-style trailer. 

The Boston Cream pancakes get rave reviews, but any of their pancakes, waffles, omelets, and other menu options are solid choices. They have a large menu and food is cooked to order. You won’t be disappointed by this nostalgic treasure in Boston.

Address: 178 Kneeland St, Boston, MA 02111
Hours: Open 24/7
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5. A4 Cafe

Area Four Restaurant is typically associated with pizza, but the A4 Cafe in Cambridge serves amazing breakfast sandwiches, pastries, and coffee in the morning as well. One Google reviewer said A4’s homemade pastries have a unique taste and “will redefine your relationship with the world of croissants.” Their almond croissant is truly out of this world. 

It’s also worth trying their housemade frittata, with Vermont cheddar, your choice of meat, caramelized onions, banana peppers, tomatoes, and arugula on a made-from-scratch English muffin. Mmm.

Address: 500 Technology Square, Cambridge, MA 02139
Hours: Monday-Friday 7 am.-6 p.m. | Saturday-Sunday 8 a.m.-3 p.m.
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6. Sofra

In Turkish, “Sofra” stands for generosity and hospitality. This Middle Eastern bakery is described as a modern interpretation of a traditional Turkish breakfast, with an assortment of sweet and savory bites. 

A few mouthwatering options include their raspberry rose petal turnover, bittersweet chocolate tahini tart, pistachio olive oil cake, and chocolate hazelnut baklava. 

The restaurant is small and it can be hard to find a table, but guests say the quality of the food makes it worth a visit even for takeout. 

Address: 1 Belmont St, Cambridge, MA 02138
Hours: Monday-Friday 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. | Saturday-Sunday 8 a.m.-3 p.m.
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7. Donna’s Restaurant

If you’re a Disney fan, you’ll love Donna’s Restaurant in East Boston, where the walls are filled with Disney-themed murals. This family-owned and operated restaurant has been around for 30 years, serving up delicious eggs benedict, waffles, pancakes, omelets, and more. 

Guests love the friendly service and comfortable, family-friendly atmosphere. They also have several kids’ menu options at cheap prices — something that can be hard to find at many restaurants in Boston.

Address: 980 Saratoga St, Boston, MA 02128
Hours: Every day from 5:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
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8. Charlie’s Sandwich Shoppe

Charlie’s Sandwich Shoppe is an old-school diner that’s been around since 1927. The walls are adorned with memorabilia and old photos of Boston. They are known for their famous turkey hash, but you likely can’t go wrong with their expansive breakfast menu. The grilled banana bread is another fun favorite.

For a cozy dining experience, friendly service, and reasonable prices, look no further for breakfast in Boston than Charlie’s.

Address: 429 Columbus Ave, Boston, MA 02116
Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday 7 a.m.-2 p.m. | Friday-Sunday 7 a.m.-3 p.m. | Closed Tuesday
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9. Milkweed

Milkweed gets high ratings for their diverse menu with globally inspired items, including French toast, Dutch pancakes, falafel power bowls, and shakshuka. They also serve American classics like breakfast sandwiches and scrambles.

There is usually a long line for breakfast, but you can reserve a table online and receive a text when it’s ready to avoid waiting on site!

Address: 1508 Tremont St, Boston, MA 02120
Hours: Monday-Friday 7 a.m.-9 p.m. | Saturday-Sunday 8 a.m.-9 p.m.
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10. Cafe Bonjour

Cafe Bonjour is another laid-back brunch option, serving up classics like avocado toast, crepes and eggs, and breakfast sandwiches. Their strawberry stuffed French toast and housemade potatoes are also favorites.

All of their food is ethically grown, locally sourced, and free of any artificial preservatives. They only use free-range meat and dairy and offer gluten-free, plant-based, and vegetarian options to ensure there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Address: 55 Temple Pl, Boston, MA 02111
Hours: Every day from 7 a.m.-3 p.m.
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11. North Street Grille

Nicknamed Boston’s Best Brunch, North Street Grille is a great place to start your day. Try their homemade banana bread, Lobster Benedict, or Boston Cream pancakes, and get amped from unlimited coffee refills.

This restaurant gets very busy, especially on the weekend, so you may want to make a reservation ahead of time to avoid a long wait. 

Address: 229 North St, Boston, MA 02113
Hours: Every day from 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
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12. Clover Food Lab

Clover Food Lab has locations all around Boston and Cambridge, and it’s an excellent place to stop in for a healthy breakfast bite and delicious, fair trade coffee. 

One of the unique things about Clover is that they change their menu from day to day based on what’s in season. They have a radical approach to fast food that emphasizes the use of high-quality ingredients and minimizes waste. 

I love eating at Clover because it feels like I’m doing something good for me and for the environment. And the food always tastes amazing!

Address: 27 School St, Boston, MA 02108 (other locations throughout Boston and Cambridge as well)
Hours: Monday-Saturday 7 a.m.-8 p.m. | Closed Sunday
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13. Angela’s Cafe

Angela’s Cafe is a beloved Mexican restaurant in East Boston known for their award-winning guacamole and other Mexican staples, but they also have a delicious breakfast menu. Guests recommend their French toast, steak and eggs, chocolate chip pancakes, and huevos rancheros.

Angela’s has reasonable prices and good service (even for families with small kids!). On nice-weather days, they have an outdoor patio that offers a pleasant place to sit and enjoy your breakfast. 

Address: 1012 Bennington St, Boston, MA 02128
Hours: Sunday-Monday 8 a.m.-3 p.m. | Tuesday-Thursday 8 a.m.-9 p.m. | Friday-Saturday 8 a.m.-10 p.m.
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14. Bagelsaurus

Bagelsaurus is your go-to stop if you’re craving a bagel for breakfast. Their bagels are crisp and chewy on the outside and airy and light on the inside. Choose from a variety of bagels and spreads to make your own sandwich or order one of their bagel sandwich specials. 

Some mouthwatering options include their Chicken Salad with dill, currants, dijonnaise, and red onions; Hot or Cold Smoked with smoked salmon, capers and red onion; or Charcuter-Brie with French brie, fennel salami, and arugula.

Address: 1796 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02140
Hours: Tuesday-Friday 7 a.m.-2 p.m. | Saturday-Sunday 8 a.m.-2 p.m. | Closed Monday
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15. Buttermilk & Bourbon

For a taste of New Orleans from celebrity chef Jason Santos (who stars in Hell’s Kitchen), stop by Buttermilk & Bourbon for a Sunday brunch. 

Savor the flavors of flaky beignets, warm honey biscuits, chicken and waffles, deviled eggs, dark chocolate cherry pancakes (um, yum!), and much more.

Address: 160 Commonwealth Ave, Boston, MA 02116
Hours: Brunch served Sunday only from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. (open other days of the week for lunch and dinner)
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16. Brookline Lunch

For a casual mixture of Mediterranean and American fare, try Brookline Lunch in Cambridge. They have BAKLAVA PANCAKES — need I say more? 

If you’d prefer a savory breakfast, the zatar egg bowl, shakshuka, and garden omelet (loaded with a surprising amount of healthy and fresh ingredients) also come highly recommended. And you won’t want to miss the chance to try some authentic Turkish coffee! 

Address: 9 Brookline St, Cambridge, MA 02139
Hours: Wednesday-Monday 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. | Closed Tuesday
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17. Mike & Patty’s

Mike & Patty’s is another local favorite, which made it to Boston Magazine’s Best of Boston 2022 list. They specialize in delicious breakfast sandwiches, with one of their most well-known being the “Fancy,” consisting of fried eggs, bacon, cheddar, avocado, red onions, and house mayo on toasted multigrain bread. 

Another popular sandwich, “Grilled Crack,” comes with fried eggs, bacon, and American, Swiss, cheddar, and Gruyere cheese on sourdough.

Ingredients are locally sourced, and the sandwiches are made fast. But if you want to really save time, you can order online and get it to go.

Address: 12 Church St, Boston, MA 02116 (and four other locations in or near Boston)
Hours: Every day from 7:30 a.m.-2 p.m.
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18. Vester Cafe

Another awesome breakfast joint in Cambridge is Vester Cafe. Everything is made fresh to order for each customer using sustainably sourced ingredients. 

I love their avocado toast, and the egg and cheese or smoked salmon sandwiches are also recommended. They are also known for their cold-pressed orange juice and delicious coffee. (Try their Cookie Butter latte with oat milk!)

Address: 73 Ames St, Cambridge, MA 02142
Hours: Monday-Friday 7 a.m.-6 p.m. | Saturday 9 a.m.-3 p.m. | Closed Sunday
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19. Mother Juice

For quick and healthy breakfast bites, try Mother Juice on Newbury Street. They have a good selection of bowls, overnight oats, toast, and smoothies, and are very allergy-friendly. All items are gluten and dairy-free, and most items are vegan. 

For a nice “spice,” try the Golden Hour smoothie with turmeric. The Almond Love smoothie is another excellent choice!

You can place your order online ahead of time to pick it up right away. 

Address: 291 Newbury St, Boston, MA 02115
Hours: Every day from 7:30 a.m.-6 p.m.
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20. Theo’s Cozy Corner

Theo’s Cozy Corner is a fantastic breakfast place in Boston’s North End. It’s usually hopping, especially on the weekend, but once you’re inside, you can enjoy the cozy, diner-style atmosphere. 

A few popular menu items include the fried egg BLT, French toast, pancake stack, and steak and eggs with home fries. They serve several delicious gluten-free items as well.

Note that like many other places in North End, Theo’s accepts cash only. If you don’t have cash on hand, there are ATMs within a short walking distance.

Address: 162 Salem St, Boston, MA 02113
Hours: Every day from 6 a.m.-3 p.m.
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21. Trident Booksellers

Have you ever dined in a bookstore? If you’re a bookworm, you’ll love stopping for breakfast at Trident Booksellers and browsing their book selection. 

You can conveniently access their full menu and place your order directly from your phone, and your food will be delivered to your table in no time. Some guest favorites include the French toast, eggs benedict, and pancakes.

Address: 338 Newbury St, Boston, MA 02115
Hours: Every day from 8 a.m.-10 p.m.
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22. Swissbakers

If you’re craving a breakfast sandwich at a decent price (ranging from $5.25 to $7.25), look no further than Swissbakers. They offer a variety of sandwiches on French rolls, pretzels, and croissants. 

The avocado, egg, and cheese or the turkey sandwich both come highly recommended, as well as a chocolate croissant for a sweet treat. You may also want to try their cold brew, which gets great reviews. 

Pro tip: Skip the line by ordering online ahead of time! 

Address: 168 Western Ave, Boston, MA 02134
Hours: Monday-Friday 7 a.m.-2 p.m. | Saturday-Sunday 8 a.m.-2 p.m.
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23. Metropolis

Called the “small kitchen with big flavor,” Metropolis is an excellent choice for weekend brunch, where you’ll experience a Mediterranean-meets-Parisian cafe ambiance. 

How do three buttermilk blueberry pancakes with whipped maple butter and strips of hickory smoked bacon sound? That’s what you’ll get with their “Smoke Stack” menu item, one of many delicious options to choose from.

Address: 584 Tremont St, Boston, MA 02118
Hours: Saturday 10 a.m.-3 p.m. | Sunday 9 a.m.-3 p.m. (daily dinner hours 5-10 p.m.)
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24. The Paramount

Enjoy a cozy breakfast at The Paramount in Boston’s charming Beacon Hill neighborhood. Their expansive menu offers anything your heart might desire for breakfast: French toast, pancakes, waffles, huevos rancheros, shakshuka, omelets, and more. 

During the warmer months, you can opt to sit outside to admire the quaint scenery on Charles Street.

Address: 44 Charles St, Boston, MA 02114
Hours: Every day 8 a.m.-9 p.m.
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25. Rox Diner

For an informal diner atmosphere and locally sourced ingredients, try Rox Diner in West Roxbury. Guests rave about the fluffy pancakes and delicious French Toast. 

Or if you’re looking for something savory, try the corned beef and hash with roasted potatoes and eggs over easy. Farm fresh at its best!

Address: 1881 Centre St, West Roxbury, MA 02132
Hours: Monday-Friday 6 a.m.-2:30 p.m. | Saturday and Sunday 7 a.m.-3 p.m.
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Wrap-up: Best breakfast places in Boston

Whether you’re craving something sweet or salty, traditional or eclectic, there are plenty of amazing breakfast places in Boston to satisfy your palate. 

• Want a traditional diner? Try South Street Diner or Charlie’s Sandwich Shoppe.
  
• Looking for a quick bite? Try A4 Cafe, Clover Food Lab, or Mother Juice.
  
• Want to try something unique? Go to Trident Booksellers, Milkweed, or Bagelsaurus.
  
• Craving something from a good bakery? Head over to Swissbakers, Flour, or Tatte.

I hope you find something you love! Bon appetit!