"Breakfast is the most important meal of the day," as the saying goes, and as a foodie city, what better place to eat breakfast then New Orleans? From the city's classic sweet morning treat, Beignets, to delicious, southern staples like Chicken and Waffles, these top 10 breakfast spots throughout the city are sure to leave you full, satisfied, and ready to take on the day! Whether you're grabbing brunch with friends, or having a morning meeting over breakfast, these spots serve the best breakfast in New Orleans.
Don't forget to try a New Orleans signature coffee while visiting these spots, including Chicory and French Roast!
Places for Breakfast in New Orleans
1. The Ruby Slipper Café
Multiple Locations
rubybrunch.com
The award-winning and famous Ruby Slipper Café is both a local and regional favorite, known for their from-scratch and daily fresh baked biscuits. The Ruby Slipper Café's brunch is a fan-favorite, whether you want something sweet, savory, or in-between, there is so much to choose from, especially from their large menus.
With special eggs Benedicts like Chicken St. Charles, Eggs Cochon, and Bayou Shrimp, and sweet French Toast and Cinnamon Swirl Pancakes, there is many options for everyone to enjoy! Their cozy fall specials and food-allergy friendly menus ensure that everyone has something to choose from.
2. Bearcat Café
Multiple Locations
bearcatcafe.com
Focused on serving high-quality, fresh and locally sourced ingredients and food, Bearcat Café is known for their diverse menu which features Vegan, Paleo, and Vegetarian options. Breakfast is served all day and includes fresh biscuits, and coffee sourced from small roasters.
The Bearcat Cafe Menu includes delicious options like chia seed pudding, tiramisu pancakes, crab scrambled eggs, biscuit sandwich, and more. They also serve a multitude of sides that can accompany any breakfast!
3. Surrey's Cafe & Juice Bar
1418 Magazine St., 504-524-3828
surreysnola.com
A colorful stop along Magazine Street, Surrey's Cafe & Juice Bar is a Latin-American inspired restaurant that serves a fantastic breakfast. Considered the oldest organic juice bar in the city, it's an eclectic spot to enjoy a fresh and well-prepared meal.
Boasting a large menu that can satisfy any craving, Surrey's serves Huevos Rancheros, Costa Rican Breakfast, Bananas Foster French Toast, Breakfast Burritos, and more. So, whether you like a savory or sweet breakfast, their menu has something on it for you! Don't forget to try some of their freshly squeezed juices.
4. Toast
Multiple Locations
toastneworleans.com
The local Toast chain has skyrocketed in popularity since it's 2014 opening. One of the best parts about this homey restaurant is that the breads, biscuits, jams, custards, and curds are all made in house. The menu is creative and extensive, with an entire menu just for toast and French toast.
They make toast with anything from prosciutto and herbed ricotta to avocado and even loaded with eggs and fried oysters. Toast likes to blend classic New Orleans foods with breakfast staples. Their menu also includes plenty of crepes, yummy omelettes, waffles, breakfast sandwiches, and aebelskivers—their oh so special puffed pancakes. Yum!
5. Jimmy J's Café
115 Chartres St., 504-309-9360
jimmyjscafe.com
Jimmy J's Café has become a destination restaurant in New Orleans. It prides itself in using only the freshest local ingredients and making everything from scratch, and the taste really is awesome. Jimmy J's serves a variety of unique dishes along with some traditional NOLA cuisine like their delectable fried shrimp and oyster po-boy. If you're looking for something different from your usual choices, try their grilled eggplant sandwich—you will not be disappointed.
The cozy interior and colorful windows that characterize Jimmy J's Café make the perfect backdrop for photos, giving you all the more reason to visit this destination restaurant. The friendly staff and fun atmosphere will keep you coming back for more. If you are looking for the best breakfast in the French Quarter, Jimmy J's Café is the perfect place to go.
6. Slim Goodies Diner
3322 Magazine St., 504-891-3447
slimgoodiesdiner.com
Slim Goodies Diner is another great foodie destination located on Magazine Street. The quirky diner has both indoor and patio seating and is visited by both locals and travelers because the food is just that good.
The diner opened doors to the public in 2003 with the hopes of creating a friendly atmosphere and enjoyable environment for patrons of New Orleans. The artsy backdrop sets the perfect stage for the iconic NOLA dishes served at this joint. Their menu varies from your standard egg breakfasts to waffles and you can even opt for a steak breakfast if you are in need of something filling. You can't go wrong with these Creole-inspired foodie options.
7. Wakin' Bakin'
Multiple Locations
wakinbakin.com
Wakin' Bakin' has two interesting restaurants scattered around the city of New Orleans. You'll find branches in the French Quarter and Mid-City, each with its own unique style. They provide guests with the traditional breakfast options as well as offering some NOLA classics like shrimp étouffée with grits and biscuits with gravy.
The portion sizes are quite generous, so if you stop by for breakfast you can count on staying full for a good portion of the day. If you're looking for a place with a laid-back atmosphere where you can sit back and eat at a leisurely pace, Wakin' Bakin' is definitely a spot you should try.
8. Willa Jean
611 O'Keefe Ave., 504-509-7334
willajean.com
Willa Jean is not just your average breakfast joint, and there is nothing standard about the meals they serve, either. Every meal is carefully handcrafted, with a look and feel that will make your mouth water for days to come.
While they might not be the most affordable restaurant on the block, they do have snacks that are both filling and will suit every budget. Be sure to end your meal the right way with some of their "sweet stuff," the southern coconut cake being an all-time favorite. Willa Jean does tend to get busy most days of the week, so if you want to ensure you get a seat, it's best to make a reservation in advance through their website.
9. Crack'd
1901 Sophie Wright Pl., 504-381-4678
crackdbrunch.com
Boasting a unique and stylish interior, Crack'd is the perfect place to grab brunch and snap a few aesthetic photos for your Instagram. With a disco ball right in the room, Crack'd is fun even in the early hours of the morning. There large menu is diverse and ensures that everyone can find something that they enjoy!
Their eggs Benedict, shakshuka, and steak and eggs are all hits. But if you're not feeling breakfast foods they also serve shrimp n' grits, mac and cheese, and a charcuterie board. And for any bacon lovers out there, the bacon tower—with duck bacon hung on clothes pins—is a festive way to eat your breakfast!
10. The Vintage NOLA
3121 Magazine St., 504-324-7144
thevintagenola.com
The Vintage says it all in the name. This gorgeously decorated vintage restaurant has an ambiance second to none, and its food fits right in. The owners are passionate about good coffee, beignets, wine, bubbles, and other snack foods.
This is a great place to stop by for a pastry or small bite to eat and although they are open in the evenings, breakfast time is when they really shine. Every meal served here looks like a work of art, which keeps customers happy and coming back for more. If you're visiting in the afternoon or evening, pair your bite to eat with a quality glass of wine for the full experience.
The Most Delicious Breakfast New Orleans Has to Offer
Whether you're looking for something more hearty, or a bit light and refreshing to start your morning in the city, these top 10 breakfast spots are sure to not disappoint! Try out something new and New Orleans style like a fun twist on eggs Benedict, Bananas Foster pancakes or waffles, or anything in between!
