Exceptional Breakfasts in Town: The Best Morning Meals in Chesapeake

535 Belaire Ave, Chesapeake

(757) 609-3229

I had a fantastic breakfast at Toastique in Chesapeake. My server, Kimora, really knew the menu and suggested the perfect drink to match my taste. I ordered the spicy crab toast, and she recommended adding avocado. This was my second shot at liking avocado, and it was a hit! The mild heat and fresh ingredients were a perfect combo. Highly recommend trying it along with the seasonal peach smoothie. The place itself is beautiful, with a clean and fresh look that perfectly complements their food and drinks. The owners are super friendly and patient, even letting you sample their juices, which all have distinct flavors. Everything I tried, from the juices and smoothies to the food, was delicious. The ginger berry smoothie, avocado smash toast, and spicy crab toast were all amazing. Adding smoked salmon to the spicy crab toast took it to another level. Before I even left, I was planning my return visit! Toastique is definitely going on my list of favorite places. The boost shot even made my toes tingle—very delightful! The salmon toastie was full of flavors, and while the cold brew was just okay, the juice shots are a must-try. The atmosphere is well balanced with nice and simple decor. The staff is very nice and even laughed when my lips puckered after taking a boost shot. Overall, great food and service. Just a note, the collagen lattes don't have actual coffee; they're made with a scoop of collagen. Also, the spicy noodles were delicious.

Glenwood Shopping Center, #12, Chesapeake

(757) 644-4237

Tucked away in a shopping center, Lily’s Crepes took me by surprise. I started exploring new breakfast spots after City Deli closed, and I’m so glad I found this gem. The Bacon, Egg, Cheese Crepe packs all the flavors of a full breakfast plate but feels lighter than pancakes. Their menu has a range of breakfast, sweet, and savory crepes, plus build-your-own options. The coffee stands out as some of the best in the area, even though I’m no coffee expert. The staff were incredibly friendly, and the portion sizes were more than generous. I’m definitely coming back—I loved this place! The food was amazing. I highly recommend trying the Oreo milkshake, apple pie crepe, and classic crepe. The team was welcoming and polite, patiently helping as I navigated the menu. The place itself is cute and tidy, and the food quality is top-notch. They even have the viral pistachio chocolate bar and a crepe version of it, which is fantastic. For savory crepes, the GOAT crepe is my favorite. The sweet crepes are divine, bursting with fresh, flavorful fillings. The crepe breakfast meal was perfectly cooked and satisfying. The French toast was the best I’ve ever had—crispy outside, soft and fluffy inside. With such a friendly team, the whole experience was special. I highly recommend it for an amazing breakfast experience!

357 Johnstown Rd, Chesapeake

(757) 606-0756

I love visiting Hickory Trading Company for breakfast in Chesapeake. One of the standout experiences was when my fruit was cut into tiny bites, making it super easy to eat after having my wisdom teeth pulled. It's the little details like this that make this place exceptional. This was my first visit, and I was charmed by the super cute cafe atmosphere and the arts and crafts for sale from local artists. We stopped in for a quick bite and ordered the Spaghetti Western Panini. While we waited, we played checkers, which added to the cozy vibe. It was busier than usual due to the holiday, but the solo employee was quick to call in the owner for backup, which sped up the service. Their recovery was impressive, and I appreciated the effort. They also offer locally roasted coffee and honey, which is a wonderful touch. The space feels lived-in and loved, with friendly and patient staff. The affogato I tried was absolutely delicious. I'm definitely coming back. Plus, the jewelry for sale is fairly priced, and the necklace I bought feels truly unique. I come here every week with friends for breakfast, and we always have a great time. The atmosphere is eclectic, featuring local artists' work for sale, and there's a perfect mix of seating options for different needs. A special note is how supportive they are toward special needs children and adults. Most of the staff are neurodiverse, so service might take a bit longer, but they always go above and beyond if there's an issue. It's not a place for a quick stop, but rather a place to relax and enjoy. I've tried everything on the breakfast menu, and it's all amazing. The specialty coffees are a highlight, with prices more affordable than Starbucks. I love the Autumnal Bliss, but I've tried most of the seasonal flavors. There's even an option to "Roll for Flavor," where Brandon uses DnD dice to create a custom drink that suits dietary needs and preferences. I highly recommend stopping by one morning. You won’t regret it.

4300 Indian River Rd, Chesapeake

(757) 200-0220

Irwin's Fountain is an amazing hidden gem for breakfast in Chesapeake! At first glance, you might get fooled by the fact that it's inside a pharmacy, but don’t let that deter you. Their limeade is hands-down the best I’ve ever had! The food is consistently fresh and made with love, which is evident in every bite. Over the past year, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed eating here. Their she crab soup is among the best in Tidewater, and their sandwiches are simply amazing. We stumbled upon this place by chance and couldn't be more grateful for that serendipity. The homemade quality of the food, generous portions, and the warmth of the staff make every visit a delight. Plus, Steven is fantastic and always goes above and beyond to accommodate our big family. Living just around the corner makes it easy for us to indulge in Sunday breakfasts here, and it’s something my whole family looks forward to. It’s incredibly family-friendly, and my son absolutely loves sitting next to Carlos. After every meal, I leave full and satisfied, already anticipating my next visit.

605 Volvo Pkwy suite 100, Chesapeake

(757) 720-6200

Biscuit Belly in Chesapeake is a fantastic spot for breakfast! The food here was quite tasty, and the menu offers a lot to choose from, which means more visits are definitely on the cards. I really enjoyed the loaded tots and biscuits with gouda gravy—they were warm, savory, and filling. Pairing them with a smooth cold brew was a great choice, and I finished with a rich cinnamocha that had the perfect hint of spice. The brisket biscuits were delicious, and the donut pieces were a delightful treat. Visiting on a Sunday morning, I appreciated the casual atmosphere. The order-then-seat-yourself system was unexpected but not a problem at all. The restaurant seemed clean, and the staff were friendly and appeared to enjoy their work, which added to the positive vibe. I did notice the silverware was openly available at the tables, which wasn't ideal, but it didn't detract from the overall experience. The prices are okay for the quality of food you get, though the $4.75 charge for a side of country gravy seemed a bit steep. Nonetheless, everything from the T-bird with grits to the Biscuit Bennie was tasty, and the coffee was good too—my partner loved the Brown Sugar blend while I had the Praline Mocha. It's worth noting that there's no table service, which was a surprise, but the system worked smoothly. The one hiccup was a mix-up with the choice of meat for my eggs, but the situation was eventually resolved. Overall, Biscuit Belly offers a great breakfast experience, and it's worth visiting to form your own opinion.

1124 Volvo Pkwy, Chesapeake

(757) 645-0203

My first visit to Metro Diner in Chesapeake was fantastic! I had breakfast there, and it was such a delightful experience that I've been going once a week ever since. Becky, our waiter with the sweetest spirit, made sure we felt right at home. Those cinnamon bun pancakes are out of this world—seriously, they'll have you weak in the knees with each bite. The menu is impressively diverse, offering something for everyone. From chicken pot pie to poutine and shepherd's pie, they cover all bases. During lunch, everything was delicious, and the service was spot-on—very attentive and friendly. Becky deserves all the praise, and I hope she starts that cake business soon so I can order for my kids! The atmosphere at Metro Diner is clean, quiet, and cozy, perfect for enjoying a meal with family or friends. Kudos to the kitchen staff—they really know how to cook up something amazing. Tiffany, Devita, Craig, and the rest of the team deserve a shout-out for making each visit enjoyable. Metro Diner should be on everyone's radar, and I highly recommend giving it a try!

1329 Battlefield Blvd N Suite 140, Chesapeake

(757) 410-9898

I stopped by Duck Donuts with my mother for their Leap Year special, which included a cinnamon sugar donut and a cold foam coffee for just $2.29—what a deal! The donuts were warm and delicious, and the coffee was creamy and flavorful. The service was friendly and helpful, making the experience wonderful from start to finish. I thoroughly enjoyed interacting with Zaviera and Katy; they really brought creativity and energy to the store. We were so impressed with the six donuts that we forgot to take pictures! This Duck Donuts location is the best in the area, with a staff that's incredibly friendly and courteous. I had an awesome morning visit, trying two breakfast sandwiches on donuts—delicious! I also ordered two latte coffees and a morning box assortment of donuts, all fantastic. The donuts are as beautiful as they are tasty, like something from a high-end bakery. I had the pleasure of meeting the owner, who was very nice. I’d rate this place ten stars if I could because they excel in customer service, presentation, food quality, and price. The donuts are made fresh while you wait, and the flavors change with the seasons, so there’s always something new to try. Perfect for picking up a dozen for yourself or for the office. YUM YUM 😋. Initially, the coffee and breakfast sandwich didn’t thrill me, but everything was fresh and well-presented. The shop's appealing design and setup stood out to me. As of October 13, I have a new perspective: the staff is vibrant and full of energy, and the donuts are simply awesome. This place rocks!

222 Battlefield Blvd N, Chesapeake

(757) 436-9534

I’ve been coming to Sunrise Breakfast Shoppe often after church with my family, and we absolutely love it here. Despite always being packed with a line, the wait is worth it. The food is fresh and delicious, especially the Filipino breakfast—my family really enjoys the sweet sausage. The staff is friendly and welcoming, and the atmosphere is clean and homey, which makes it a great spot for us. Even my kids love it and always ask to come back. The service is wonderful, and during a recent stay for a wedding, I found it conveniently close to my Airbnb. From the moment we walked in, the staff made us feel like family. The food was hot, cooked perfectly, and served quickly. I tried the Filipino breakfast and an almond joy cappuccino. The cappuccino was good, and while the breakfast wasn’t the best I’ve ever had, it definitely wasn’t the worst. I’m curious to try other items on the menu. I once stopped by to meet a friend for brunch and was glad I did. The prices are fair for the portions, and the food was satisfying. Our server was pleasant, and the place had a charming mom-and-pop feel. You can tell it’s a favorite spot among locals. Plus, they were very accommodating with my friend’s restricted diet, making sure her food was prepared separately. I definitely recommend stopping by for a bite!

4408 Indian River Rd, Chesapeake

(757) 420-0051

Pancakes N Things is a delightful mom-and-pop breakfast spot in Chesapeake that truly impressed me. If you're a picky eater, you might want to reconsider, but if you’re open to a hearty, traditional American breakfast, this is the place to be. The fish was amazing, and even though my grits and eggs were cold, I ate them all because the flavors were spot on. The atmosphere is homey and inviting, perfect for a breakfast date or just a relaxed morning meal. The staff is incredibly friendly, and our host, Gus, made us feel right at home. I can’t rave enough about the bottomless hot coffee and the rich, buttery pancakes. The hashbrowns looked homemade, and their chicken tenders were made with all the right ingredients. Parking can be a bit tight, but there’s extra parking in the back if you need it. Just remember to bring cash, as they only accept cash payments, but they do have an ATM upfront. The decor is simple and fitting, creating a cozy vibe that complements the delicious food. I had the French toast, sausage links, and eggs, which were all delicious. My husband enjoyed a turkey club on white toast with breakfast potatoes. The sweet tea and pink lemonade are also great choices. While it can get busy, leading to a slight wait, the quick service and delicious, hot food make it worthwhile. Pancakes N Things is a hidden gem that offers good comfort food and amazing customer service. I’m definitely going back and highly recommend it to anyone looking for a wonderful breakfast experience.

1401 Tintern St, Chesapeake

(757) 312-9008

My wife and I had an amazing experience at Denny's on our way down to Myrtle Beach, largely thanks to Anita, a true local gem. Her warm hospitality made our visit truly unforgettable. If you're in the area, make sure to stop by and support her. Don't forget to show Anita your appreciation with a generous tip! The service was exceptional. Azza, our waitress, was gracious and friendly, ensuring our order was spot on. Our stuffed French toast arrived just like the picture on the menu, which was a first for us. The food was amazing, and I was pleasantly surprised that the strawberry stuffed French toast wasn't too sweet—it was perfect. Azza was fantastic, very polite, and seemed to be managing everything flawlessly. The diner is cute, and we had a great overall experience.

1448 Mt Pleasant Rd, Chesapeake

(757) 482-5160

My first visit to the Waffle House in Chesapeake was perfect. Shea and the team were spot on. I've been coming here with my family since we moved back in 2021, and we love it. The team, including Kim, Sean, Alex, Rachel, and the two line cooks, are amazing. They know our orders by heart and treat us like family. We joke that we’re the Kardashians of this Waffle House because everyone knows us, even down to the "Free Bird" song playing when we walk in. While there have been a few bumps with new servers not quite getting the rhythm right away, the staff always handles it gracefully. They're genuinely kind and accommodating. The place is always clean, and the food is consistently great. However, the music can be too loud, especially in the morning. We did ask for it to be turned down, and they obliged, but mornings aren’t the time to rock out. Still, this Waffle House is a crucial part of our family routine, and we wouldn't have it any other way. We truly love it here.

217 Hillcrest Pkwy, Chesapeake

(757) 421-7077

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store in Chesapeake is a wonderful place for breakfast. The meals are delicious and filling, truly satisfying. The servers are pleasant and provide excellent service. Although they don't have booths, which I see as an opportunity for improvement, the overall experience is still fantastic. I absolutely love their pancakes and single syrups. I wholeheartedly recommend this place and will definitely return. The food is fabulous, and the atmosphere, especially sitting by the fireplace, is perfect. The maple grilled cheddar chicken stands out as phenomenal, better than any chicken dinner I've had anywhere else. After not visiting Cracker Barrel for over three years due to past food quality, I'm thrilled to say the recent experience was amazing. The biscuits were hot and fluffy, the grits were perfect, and the eggs and bacon left no room for complaints. The service was divine, making it a place I will surely visit again. Thank you for such a wonderful dining experience!

1148 Volvo Pkwy, Chesapeake

(757) 410-3646

This morning was my first visit to Einstein Bros. Bagels in Chesapeake, and I was pleasantly surprised by the experience. The selection of bagels is impressive, offering something for everyone. I decided to order the Texas Brisket for my husband and the Maple Egg for myself. Both sandwiches were delicious and satisfying. When I arrived earlier than my scheduled pickup time, Kim was incredibly polite and started my breakfast sandwiches right away to ensure they were fresh and warm. Within 10 minutes, my order was ready, and the service was top-notch. The Maplehouse Egg Sandwich is definitely a must-try! Despite this being my first visit to this location, the staff's efficiency and the quality of the food made it a memorable experience. I highly recommend visiting, but if you find yourself needing another option, the Virginia Beach location is also great. Overall, excellent customer service and tasty food make Einstein Bros. Bagels a solid choice for breakfast.

1400 Pinnacle Dr, Chesapeake

(757) 401-4617

My first visit to First Watch in Chesapeake was really enjoyable. My wife and I loved everything we ordered, and the service was good too. It's a popular spot, so you shouldn't expect to be seated right away during peak hours. We went for an early brunch on a Sunday and used their website to reserve a place in line when we were about 10 minutes away. We only had to wait about 5 minutes to be seated, which was right within the wait time they listed online. For an appetizer, we had the salted caramel donut holes, and they were great. This was my first time at this location, and the food was just as good as other First Watch locations I've been to. The inside has great windows, adding to the overall pleasant vibe. The only downside of my visit was the server bringing the check halfway through and then not coming back. I've also wanted to try their pickup service since it’s next door to my job. Ordering was smooth, and the pickup experience was seamless. Unfortunately, my potatoes were burned to the point of being inedible, and I specifically asked for no ice in my drink but received ice. This was disappointing since half of my $20 breakfast wasn't good. I tried to upload photos to share the issue, but there was a problem with the system. I'll try to upload them again later.

1412 Greenbrier Pkwy Suite 125A, Chesapeake

(757) 424-2600

I often visit the Panera Bread in Chesapeake for breakfast, as it’s conveniently close to my office. Each time, I appreciate the ease of placing my order at the kiosk upon entering. The restaurant is always clean and well-kept, which makes for a nice atmosphere. Even when I do carry out, the order is prepared quickly, making it a smooth experience. The food is consistently good, and though the prices can be high for the portion sizes, the quality makes it worthwhile. I’ve had minor hiccups with missing items like a straw or a spoon, but the positives far outweigh these small oversights. All the staff, especially Jane, are always sweet and patient. I love their Cinnamon Crunch Bagel, and they did a fantastic job splitting our salad to go, thanks to Shawna and the prep crew who went above and beyond. The atmosphere is welcoming, and the outdoor seating is a great option when the weather is nice. My husband enjoyed the Mediterranean bowl with the autumn squash soup, which filled him up and was delicious. Overall, the service is wonderful, and I look forward to returning whenever I’m in the Hampton Roads area.

1440 Greenbrier Pkwy, Chesapeake

(757) 366-0525

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store in Chesapeake is a delightful spot for breakfast with a charming atmosphere and friendly staff. One of the standout features is their awesome fried chicken, which I wouldn't have discovered if not for a great recommendation from the staff. The restaurant's curb appeal is quite inviting, and the staff maintain a professional and friendly demeanor, making the dining experience pleasant. On a recent visit, I ordered the Hashbrown Casserole with egg and bacon, and it was satisfying overall, though a piece of bacon wasn't cooked to my liking. My sister had a different experience with her meal, finding the grits too watery and the eggs cold. However, the manager handled the situation well and ensured her meal was not charged. The store itself is a fun place to browse, with nostalgic items like Charles Chips, which brings back fond childhood memories for me. Despite some inconsistencies with the breakfast menu, I appreciate the effort made by the staff to provide a welcoming environment. I'll definitely be back to indulge in that fantastic fried chicken and enjoy the charming decor.

1509 Cedar Rd, Chesapeake

(757) 410-3551

I visited the Village Inn in Chesapeake for breakfast, and overall, it turned out to be a pleasant experience. When we arrived around 9:30 on a Saturday, it was a bit surprising to be told about a 15 to 20 minute wait since there were only about nine tables occupied, but we decided to stick around. The food took some time to arrive, but it was worth the wait. My husband tried the biscuits and gravy, which needed some extra seasoning, but he enjoyed the eggs and bacon. Despite not having tried the pies yet (I took home Banana Cream, French Silk, and Coconut), I'm optimistic about their taste. The restaurant was clean, and the staff was very friendly. Their milkshake was a highlight for me, and I found the chicken strips with fries to be deliciously seasoned. On the other hand, the pancakes didn’t quite hit the mark for me, but that might just be personal preference. Visiting on Sunday, we found the place almost empty. Our server was excellent, though they were out of some basics like coffee, sweet tea, and white bread, which was a bit puzzling. My savory crepe was unexpectedly sweet, and my boyfriend’s eggs and fried steak didn’t quite meet expectations. Still, the overall food quality was pretty good, and the portions were generous. The staff handled our large group with a long table setting, which didn’t quite foster conversation, but it was manageable. It was a special day celebrating my niece’s christening, which added to the experience. I would recommend Village Inn for their good food selection and would happily return for more.

237 S Battlefield Blvd, Chesapeake

(757) 482-1803

Panera Bread in Chesapeake has a great atmosphere for a morning stop, especially if you're looking to get some work done while the kids are at school. The best spot to sit is towards the back, away from the busier areas of the restaurant. The employees are attentive and acknowledge customers when they come in, which is a nice touch. Having the option to purchase unlimited drinks is also a huge plus if you plan on staying for a bit. Overall, it's a convenient spot for a quick breakfast or work session, even though the food didn't quite meet my expectations this time.