The Ultimate Guide to Breakfast in Boston

Henrietta’s Table. / Photo by Reagan Byrne

For those lucky days when you have time to venture out for a sit-down breakfast instead of just grabbing a Pop-Tart and running out the door, Boston’s got the goods. Behold, our guide to the best breakfasts in town in a variety of genres, whether you’re looking for dim sum in Chinatown, a power breakfast in Back Bay, or 2 a.m. breakfast near South Station. Plus: some of our dish-specific picks (best pancake, breakfast sandwich etc.), and a few favorites from local notables.

This guide was originally published in our December 2024/January 2025 print issue; stay tuned for future digital updates.

Jump to:

• Boston’s Best Breakfast Spots: Where to go for dim sum, power breakfast, locavore fare, and more
• That’s the Dish: Boston’s best pancakes, breakfast pizza, and more
• My Perfect Breakfast: Local notables’ favorites

See also: The Ultimate Guide to Brunch in Boston

Boston’s Best Breakfast Spots

Dim sum at Empire Garden. / Photo by Rachel Leah Blumenthal

DIM SUM

Empire Garden

Step into this converted theater in Chinatown, where decades of history set the stage for some of the city’s best dim sum. The ornate space fills daily with carts packed with shumai, turnip cakes, roast pork buns, braised tripe, and so much more, but our favorite is the cheung fun, a.k.a. steamed rice noodle rolls. Though it’s open seven days a week, dim sum crowds peak around noon on weekends—but the vast dining room means you’ll rarely wait for a table, even during rush hour.

690 Washington St., Chinatown, Boston, 617-482-8898.

HOTEL

Grana

Guests staying at the luxurious Langham hotel have it easy. They can pop over to this Italian-inspired restaurant, located in the cavernous space that was once the grand hall of the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston, for breakfast starting at 7 a.m. daily. (And so can you—it’s open to the public.) Match the glamorous venue with an order that feels a little fancy: strawberry-pistachio bruschetta with speck, perhaps, or carbonara Benedict. Throw in a rum-spiked milkshake for a really good time.

250 Franklin St., Downtown Boston, 617-956-8765, langhamhotels.com.

Café Q at the ‘Quin House. / Photo by Quentin Bacon

POWER BREAKFAST

Café Q at the ’Quin House

The Bristol Lounge’s legendary power breakfasts may be history, but Boston’s decision makers have found their new morning spot at Café Q. Inside the ’Quin House, the café draws the city’s most curious thinkers and creators, who gather over Mediterranean-inspired fare. Ken Fulk’s elegant design sets the scene, but it’s the morning menu—including brunch specials like the must-try tiramisu croissant—that provides the perfect fuel for quiet conversations that count.

217 Commonwealth Ave., Back Bay, Boston, 617-266-2400, thequinhouse.com.

COFFEE SHOP

Rite Tea & Espresso at the Speedway

Creative lattes are the name of the game at this cozy, lavender-hued nook at the Charles River Speedway: sweet-pea matcha, salty honey hōjicha, seasonal chestnut. But purists will find plenty to enjoy, too, including crowd-pleasing coffee from Portland, Maine-based Speckled Ax. The snack menu is short and sweet, and we love that it features the outstanding Greek yogurt from Sophia’s Greek Pantry in Belmont and French bread from Iggy’s. (Try them together with smoked salmon and—as the menu puts it—“too much dill.”)

525 Western Ave., Suite 5, Brighton, Boston, rite-tea-espresso-bar.square.site.

Salami breakfast plate at Mana Escondido. / Courtesy photo

LATIN AMERICAN

Manà Escondido

Magical mornings start with Manà Escondido’s thick coins of salty salami and golden-brown fried cheese. The friendly counter-service operation—hidden just off Tremont Street—serves up hearty Puerto Rican cuisine that’ll keep you smiling all day. Seating is scarce, so consider picnicking in South End Library Park, just a short walk away. The hefty pastelitos—stuffed with chicken, ham and cheese, or beef—are easy to eat en plein air.

68 Aguadilla St., South End, Boston, 617-266-0900, manabostoncafe.com.

WEEKEND BRUNCH

Comfort Kitchen

This Dorchester hot spot, which celebrates African-inspired flavors from around the globe, has won so many awards that it can make dinner reservations seem like the city’s most competitive sport. The recent addition of brunch service on Saturdays and Sundays, however, adds a golden opportunity to give it a try. In the mood for savory? Go for the pepper stew, a hearty taste of West Africa. Sweet? Plantain pancakes with walnut praline and jerk butter. And be sure to get an order of plump Nepali momos for the table; they pair well with a hot chiya, Nepali milk tea.

611 Columbia Rd., Dorchester, Boston, 617-329-6910, comfortkitchenbos.com.

DAILY BRUNCH

Lincoln Tavern & Restaurant

Time to make a random Tuesday taste like Sunday brunch? This always-bustling South Boston destination serves breakfast until 3 p.m. daily, meaning you can spend a weekday morning indulging in stacks of Fruity Pebbles pancakes, mini Wagyu corn dogs, elaborate salads, wood-fired pizzas (including one topped with hash browns and a poached egg), and a whole six-inch Funfetti cookie-dough cake (because YOLO!). A robust list of brunch cocktails turns the meal into a party—toasted coconut espresso martini, anyone?

425 W. Broadway, South Boston, 617-765-8636, lincolnsouthboston.com.

DINER

Victoria’s Diner

Nostalgic diner vibes, plate-size pancakes, a full bar, and a burst of energy since new owners breathed fresh life into this beloved spot last year: Victoria’s, dating to 1949, is as good as ever. The Mass. Ave. institute is open all weekend long (only closing for two hours from Friday to Sunday morning), which means it’s virtually always a good time of day for the diner’s corned beef hash Benedict, buttermilk biscuits with sausage gravy, or berry-topped brioche French toast, washed down with a slice of seven-layer chocolate cake, if you like your breakfast extra-sweet.

1024 Massachusetts Ave., Roxbury, Boston, 617-442-5965, victoriasdiner.com. 

Lakon Paris Patisserie. / Photo by Jack MacMullin for Boston Seaport by WS

BAKERY

Lakon Paris Patisserie

Lakon’s outrageously beautiful (and delicious) croissants have been known to draw outrageous lines, but the company’s explosive growth—now with four locations across Boston, Brookline, and Newton—is making it easier than ever to get a taste. Try weekend-only specials like milk cream-passion fruit cube croissants and pistachio-mascarpone croissants, with preordering available for the Brookline and Newton shops. Or head to the newest outpost in Boston’s Seaport, which offers an exclusive tiramisu latte.

Multiple locations, lakonparis.com.

ON-THE-GO BREAKFAST

Nubian Markets

This café, market, and halal butcher has proven to be a Nubian Square gem since its 2023 opening, and the addition of breakfast a few months ago kicked things up another notch. The omelets (including collard greens and corn) and breakfast sandwiches (such as jerk beef sausage with peppers and onions) served on honey turmeric pita each tell a piece of the story of the African diaspora. Complete the meal with a seasonal sweet potato-nutmeg latte.

2565 Washington St., Roxbury, Boston, 617-608-4940, nubianmarkets.com.

LOCAVORE

Henrietta’s Table

While trendy spots come and go, this Charles Hotel pioneer has spent nearly 30 delicious years letting farm-to-table cooking lead the way. Breakfast starts at 7 a.m. daily, with straightforward New England fare and as much local sourcing as possible (think beef sirloin from Maine with eggs and hash browns; whipped Vermont ricotta on toast with a drizzle of honey, berries, and chia and hemp seeds; and bagels from Cambridge-based Iggy’s). Can’t decide on just one thing? Head in on a Sunday afternoon for all-you-can-eat brunch.

1 Bennett St. (Charles Hotel), Harvard Square, Cambridge, 617-661-5005, henriettastable.com.

ALL-NIGHT BREAKFAST

South Street Diner

This may be the only place in the city where you can eat 3 a.m. Boston cream pancakes while killing time before your early-morning train (South Station’s right around the corner). But don’t mistake convenience for compromise—here you’ll find consistently above-average diner food, with around a dozen eggs Benedict variations, build-your-own omelets, breakfast sandwiches, and burritos available at all hours. We’ll take those pancakes with a late-night frappe, thank you very much.

178 Kneeland St., Leather District, Boston, 617-350-0028, southstreetdiner.com.

Pink Carrot. / Photo by Mark Manne Photography

HEALTHY

Pink Carrot

Sure, “healthy” means something a little different to everyone, but a Pink Carrot breakfast promises to leave you feeling energized and ready to take on the day. The soon-to-be trio of casual-yet-elevated shops (expanding to the Back Bay soon) offer the freshest juices and protein-packed smoothies aplenty. Those on the hunt for complex carbs, meanwhile, will find loads of morning-friendly options, from power bowls with eggs, black beans, quinoa, and brown rice to subtly sweet overnight oats. The pleasantly pale-pink décor adds to the feel-good vibes.

North End and Chestnut Hill, pinkcarrotboston.com.

Sure, Friendly Toast is very kid-friendly, but this mimosa flight is just for the grownups. / Photo by David Hayman

WITH KIDS

The Friendly Toast

Bright-colored walls, cheerful vibes, and breakfast-whenever-you-want-it make this New England charmer a family go-to. Even your pickiest pint-size eater will find something to enjoy, from powdered-sugar-topped chocolate chip pancakes to Rice Krispies–coated chicken strips with waffle fries. As for the parents? Mimosa flights and coffee cocktails, of course. Bonus points for the virtual waitlist, which lets you monitor your place in line remotely—perfect for kids who are allergic to waiting.

Multiple locations, thefriendlytoast.com.

UNDER $10

Archie’s New York Deli

Boston office workers know the secret: Archie’s, steps from the Downtown Crossing T station, is the prime spot for no-frills, affordable weekday breakfast (and lunch). The “Yahoo” breakfast sandwich will start your day off right—partly because it’s fun to order, but also because it’s tasty, highly customizable, and only $6.50. Your choices of meat and cheese get topped with a fried egg and a crispy hash brown. Insiders order it on the Portuguese muffin, though it’s also available on various bagels and breads if you’re in more of a bulkie roll or everything bagel mood.

101 Arch St. #150, Downtown Crossing, Boston, 617-330-5145, archiesnydeli.com.

That’s the Dish

PANCAKES

Brookline Lunch

You don’t know decadence until you’ve tried this Central Square mainstay’s baklava pancakes, topped liberally with baklava pieces and crushed pistachios, stuffed with walnuts, and drizzled with rosewater syrup.

9 Brookline St., Central Square, Cambridge, 617-354-2983, instagram.com/brookline.lunch.

Johnny Boy’s longganisa sandwich at Juliet Social Club. / Photo by Rachel Leah Blumenthal

BREAKFAST SANDWICH

Johnny Boy

Popping up regularly at Juliet Social Club, Johnny Boy melds Filipino flavors with the convenience of a breakfast sandwich, to irresistible success. Don’t miss the longganisa, a sweet and garlicky sausage patty with fried egg and banana ketchup on a light brown-butter bun.

257 Washington St., Union Square, Somerville, johnnyboyeats.square.site.

Rosemary and salt bagel from Goldilox. / Courtesy photo

BAGEL

Goldilox Bagels

The signature rosemary and salt bagel at this tiny Medford shop is reason enough to brave the weekend crowds; it goes great with jalapeño or curry cream cheese. But we also fully endorse using the cinnamon raisin as a vehicle for “bear butter” (blended with honey, cayenne, cinnamon, and salt).

186 Winthrop St., Medford, goldiloxbagels.com.

Chicken and waffles at Moonshine 152. / Courtesy photo

CHICKEN AND WAFFLES

Moonshine 152

Named for Parks and Recreation’s noted waffle fan, Moonshine’s “Leslie Knope’s Fried Chicken and Waffle” is topped with cinnamon-honey butter and sriracha–bourbon “awesome sauce” (it is.)

152 Dorchester Ave., South Boston, 617-752-4191, moonshine152.com.

The cream of wheat at Neighborhood Restaurant & Bakery. / Photo by Rachel Leah Blumenthal

CREAM OF WHEAT

The Neighborhood Restaurant & Bakery

Union Square’s worst-kept secret is the to-die-for cream of wheat at this breakfast-and-lunch institution. Well, its existence is no secret, but the recipe sure is. Lots of cinnamon, lots of love, lots of people waiting on weekend mornings (so try a weekday instead).

25 Bow St., Union Square, Somerville, 617-623-9710, theneighborhoodrestaurant.com.

BISCUITS AND GRAVY

Brassica Kitchen + Café

This J.P. favorite is known for its fried chicken, and one of the best ways to try it is atop a pretzel biscuit, smothered in a zesty herb gravy. Vegetarians can get in on the biscuit-and-gravy fun, too, by swapping out the chicken for crispy fried tofu.

3710 Washington St., Jamaica Plain, Boston, 617-477-4519, brassicakitchen.com.

BREAKFAST BURRITO

Taqueria el Amigo

There’s not one but three breakfast-burrito options at this popular pick for Mexican in the ’burbs. We love the chorizo, which is wrapped up with fluffy scrambled eggs, fried beans, and sour cream in a big flour tortilla.

196 Willow St., Waltham, 781-642-7410.

STEAK TIPS AND EGGS

Dom’s Sausage Co.

Need a supersize dose of protein for breakfast? Head to the deli counter at this local market for six ounces of Dom’s iconic steak tips, served with three eggs, toast, and home fries or hash browns.

10 Riverside Pk., Malden, 781-324-1310, domsausage.com.

BRUNCH BURGER

The Haven

On Saturdays and Sundays, the Haven’s popular cheeseburger—featuring bacon-onion marmalade and pickle sauce—gets the brunch treatment with the addition of a fried egg. Try it with a Scotch bonnet-infused bloody mary.

284 Amory St., Jamaica Plain, Boston, 617-524-2836, thehavenjp.com.

HASH

Puritan & Company

After a multi-year hiatus, Puritan’s brunch has returned, and we are totally here for the smoked brisket hash. Roasted peppers, potatoes, sunny eggs, and honey mustard crema bring it all together.

Eggs Benedict at Prima. / Courtesy photo

BENEDICT

Prima

Eggs Benedict get an Italian spin at this Charlestown spot, with smoked tomato hollandaise, prosciutto, and toasted ciabatta taking the dish to the next level. You’ll want to drag the side of crispy potatoes through every last bit of the savory sauce.

10 City Sq., Charlestown, Boston, 617-804-7400, primaboston.com.

Pizza at Source. / Courtesy photo

BREAKFAST PIZZA

Source

The pepperoni-smothered pizza gets top billing here, but the even meatier “hangover” pizza—with sausage, pepperoni, bacon, scrambled eggs, and three-cheese gratin—might be just what the doctor ordered after a fun night out.

27 Church St., Harvard Square, Cambridge, 857-856-6800, sourcerestaurants.com.

My Perfect Breakfast

Photo courtesy of Scampo

Lydia Shire

CHEF AND RESTAURATEUR

At Qué Mas, the Beverly restaurant co-owned by her son Alex Pineda, Lydia Shire has turned Sunday brunch into her favorite meal of the day. “I love the French toast,” she says, noting that it’s made from a French brioche loaf, cut extra thick, and topped with a rum banana butter and maple syrup. “There is nothing better than the combination of vanilla, butter, rum, salt, and banana for breakfast.”

114 Rantoul St., Beverly, 978-330-1212, quemasrestaurant.com.

Photo courtesy of the Boston Celtics

Jayson Tatum

CELTICS PLAYER

Locals can now get their açai fix at Everbowl, thanks to Celtics superstar Jayson Tatum’s new five-store partnership in Greater Boston. The NBA forward, a superfood superfan, starts his day with the chain’s signature “Whatever Bowl”—a custom blend of pitahaya and coconut bases topped with granola, blueberries, pineapple, and vegan gummies from his Small Wins brand.

300 Mishawum Rd., Suite 510, Woburn, everbowl.com.

Courtesy photo

Colette Phillips

CEO, COLETTE PHILLIPS COMMUNICATIONS

Colette Phillips is in the business of connecting people, so it makes sense that her local breakfast spot of choice is none other than the ’Quin House, the members-only club where powerful relationships are forged. Her order: the egg whites or frittata. “You can’t go wrong,” she says.

217 Commonwealth Ave., Back Bay, Boston, 617-266-2400, thequinhouse.com.

You Might Also Like

Where to Find the Best Pot Pies around Boston

50 Years of ‘Best of Boston’: Bars

Where to Indulge in Holiday Lunch in Boston