May 23, 2025

Super Yummy Breakfasts in Tampa To Start Your Day

Should explore Tampa's friendly pancake-houses that serve fluffy pancakes topped with syrupy goodness and crispy bacon. Enjoy the warmth of classic morning meals like scrambled eggs and waffles that make breakfast special every day!

Richard Gargan
Reviewed from:
Florida
Editor's Note: Brunch Expert is supported by our readers. We sometimes earn commissions when you click through to restaurants or affiliate links.

Get ready for fun in Tampa! Delight in the best breakfasts this sunny city has to offer, where friendly places cook delicious meals from scratch. Enjoy classic dishes like pancakes and eggs that make breakfast a tasty adventure.

Keke's Breakfast Cafe

13614 Bruce B Downs Blvd, Tampa

(813) 631-1000

Reviewed by:

Diana Horn

During my stay in Tampa, I discovered Keke's Breakfast Cafe and it was a delightful find. The place has a well-deserved high rating, and I can see why. The atmosphere was clean and organized, which made for a pleasant dining experience. What really stood out, though, was the exceptional customer service. Our waitress, Arlenis, was incredibly attentive and kind, always ensuring everything was perfect throughout our meal. The food arrived hot and quickly, and my students and I were particularly impressed with the generous portion of delicious bacon and the large glass of orange juice. Even though I wasn't completely blown away by the pancakes, the overall experience was fantastic. The staff went above and beyond, especially considering our driver took us to the wrong location initially. They were patient and accommodating, waiting for us to arrive. The general manager, Ruben, even surprised us with a complimentary stuffed French toast, adding a special touch to our visit. Bella, our waitress during another visit, was warm and friendly, making sure we had everything we needed. I typically don't leave reviews, but the outstanding service and warm atmosphere at Keke's Breakfast Cafe prompted me to share my experience. If you're ever in Tampa, make sure to stop by—it's well worth the visit!

Shelly's Cafe

14837 N Florida Ave, Tampa

(813) 373-6108

Reviewed by:

Leymi García

I had breakfast at Shelly's Cafe in Tampa and it was a fantastic experience. From the moment we walked in, the server greeted us kindly and made us feel welcome. The bacon was perfectly crispy, and the pancakes were generous with fresh fruit—just how I like them! While I think some music could enhance the ambiance, the overall vibe was still enjoyable. Prices felt a bit high, but considering the economy, it seems reasonable. Plus, I'd much rather support a small business like this one. My husband and I shared the Shelley's Pancakes combo with drip coffees, and the total was $29 with tip, which seemed fair. The cafe was new and very clean, which added to the pleasant experience. Although I initially wanted a breakfast to-go, I ended up dining in and loved every bite. My husband's Tampa omelette was delicious, and my Shelly's french toast was a delightful start to the day. The staff was incredibly friendly, and despite the minor issue of not being able to place a to-go order initially, they were accommodating when asked for a to-go box. The chicken sandwich was also excellent, and I'm thrilled to have found what might be my new favorite breakfast spot! Everything—from the food to the coffee and service—was top-notch. I'll definitely be coming back!

Ellie's Breakfast & Lunch

12008 Race Track Rd, Tampa

(813) 854-2483

Reviewed by:

Keila Castillo

I absolutely love Ellie's Breakfast & Lunch in Tampa. It's a charming mom and pop spot where the staff is always friendly and more than willing to offer suggestions if you need them. The bacon burger and Greek omelette I tried were cooked to perfection with generous portions. The corn beef hash skillet and Philly cheese steak skillet also did not disappoint and came in large servings. The service was outstanding—I'll definitely be back for breakfast. This is hands-down the best local diner in Tampa Bay, and I've been coming here for years. Their Philly sandwiches, potato salad, Greek salad, and breakfast options are unbeatable. The staff is incredible, the prices are fair, and I have a lot of admiration for the owners. During one of my visits, I had the breakfast veggie skillet, and it was delicious. The coffee is spot-on, though I'm not sure where they source it from—it’s just that good. My server, Georgia, was amazing with her great attitude and friendly personality. She was attentive, always checking in to see if I needed anything, making my visit even more enjoyable. If you're in the Oldsmar, Florida area, I highly recommend stopping by Ellie's and hope you get Georgia as your server. Great job all around!

First Watch

13186 N Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa

(813) 961-4947

Reviewed by:

Luisa Brockington

A Wonderful Breakfast Experience Visiting First Watch for breakfast with my kids was an absolute delight from start to finish. As soon as we walked in, the welcoming atmosphere and warm smiles made us feel at home. The staff was attentive, anticipating our needs without us having to ask. The menu was fantastic, offering a variety of options for both adults and kids, which is always a plus when dining out with little ones. Every dish we ordered was beautifully presented and full of flavor. The fresh ingredients were evident with each bite, and the portions were generous, leaving us all satisfied. The standout feature was the exceptional service. The staff went above and beyond to ensure our experience was perfect. They were patient with my children, engaging them in conversation, and even brought out a little extra treat for them, which made their day. It’s rare to find a place that combines great food with outstanding customer service. We'll definitely be returning many more times in the future. First Watch is not just a place to grab a meal; it’s an experience that leaves you wanting more. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a top-notch breakfast spot, especially for families. It's one of my favorite places for breakfast, with great service and coffee, plus a variety of healthy breakfast options. Our server, Jacob, was exceptional. He attended to all our needs without any hint of irritation or attitude. He was attentive without being overbearing. Thank you for making it a very enjoyable breakfast. Delicious meals with healthy options, great service, and quick wait times. Five stars!

Brunchies Breakfast, Brunch & Lunch

14366 N Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa

(813) 908-7023

Reviewed by:

Jesus Ortiz

Brunchies Breakfast, Brunch & Lunch in Tampa has quickly become a spot I hold dear for a satisfying breakfast experience. The moment I stepped in, the homey atmosphere felt like a nostalgic trip back in time, even if the decor and logo do seem a bit dated. The cleanliness of the place definitely stood out, making it a comfortable setting for any meal. The highlight here is undoubtedly the food. The soda and guava cheese French toast is a must-try, with its perfect sweetness. Another favorite of mine is the chorizo and eggs, which pack a flavorful punch, especially with the side of rice and the impressive tortilla. On one visit, I indulged in the shrimp and grits, which I can confidently recommend to anyone. My husband enjoyed the waffles with bacon and tried a skillet on a separate occasion, though he noted the potatoes were a bit firm for his liking. Despite that, the extensive menu ensures there’s always something new to try, and the large dining area means getting a table is never an issue. While the service was mostly attentive and friendly, there was a moment when our waitress was hard to find after dropping off the check, but it wasn't a huge deterrent from the overall experience. Prices are reasonable, especially for the generous portions, such as the Buc breakfast with blueberry crunchake. There was an unfortunate incident with an online order once, where the service was less than stellar, but that seems to be an isolated experience compared to the usual attentive service I've received. Overall, Brunchies is a delightful spot for anyone in the area looking for a delicious and hearty breakfast in a welcoming environment.

Palm River Cafe & Breakfast All Day

7754 Palm River Rd, Tampa

https://www.facebook.com/palmrivercafe/

Reviewed by:

Madison Pergament

Wow! This cafe was a very pleasant surprise! Try not to judge this book by its cover. The area isn't too hot, but the food was delicious and our service was friendly. Palm River Cafe serves authentic Cuban food for breakfast and lunch, and they even cater. The potatoes were well-seasoned, and the toast is Cuban bread. The eggs were made to order, and the protein was our choice. The grits were buttery and cheesy, just how we like them. The Cafe Con Leche coffee was so delicious! The prices are a reasonable value for the money, and portion sizes are large. My hubby and I were able to share one breakfast, and we were stuffed! Overall, our experience here was very pleasant. As always, my company ROCKS! I LOVE MY GORGEOUS HUSBAND 😍 💗. If you are looking for authentic, delicious Cuban food at low prices, this is your cafe! I ordered the chicken quarter, black beans and rice, and yucca. Everything was warm, tasty, and delicious! The chicken was very moist. My order was takeout, and my takeout box is now empty, except for the bones. I can't wait to go back! The food is very good. I ordered the baked chicken with rice, beans, and green beans through Uber Eats. I tried a few other restaurants that serve rice and beans, and they were not good. This cafe is one of the best Cuban food places in Hillsborough County. My family loves this place—it's like if mom doesn't want to cook, then let's go to a place that cooks like mom's.

First Watch

2726 E Fowler Ave, Tampa

(813) 975-1718

Reviewed by:

Edis Lugo

I went for breakfast at First Watch in Tampa and had a fantastic experience. The Bloody Mary was delightful, with a touch of sweetness from the delicious bacon garnish. I highly recommend the waffle with fruit compote – it’s absolutely amazing. The million dollar potatoes and tomato soup are also great choices. If you skip the alcohol, it's a great, affordable spot. The food consistently impresses, and the waitstaff is always friendly. My personal favorite is the lemon ricotta pancakes, which are always a win. During my visit, the restaurant was clean, and our server was polite and knowledgeable about the menu. I had the Chickichanga, and my friend tried the farm stand tacos. We also shared two large lemon ricotta pancakes, leaving nothing behind. I'm definitely coming back! The breakfast tacos are a must-try, and overall the service was excellent. We were a group of five and, as Europeans, the only thing we missed was the option of a cappuccino or espresso. If they offered those, it would be the perfect breakfast spot. Nonetheless, it absolutely earns a 5-star rating!

Keke's Breakfast Cafe

1203 S Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa

(813) 442-4262

Reviewed by:

Elizabeth Mcfarlane

I had the pleasure of eating breakfast at Keke's Breakfast Cafe in Tampa, and it was an exceptional experience from start to finish. From the moment we walked in, we were met with a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The staff was friendly and attentive, and our server really made us feel at home with their genuine recommendations. The place itself has a nice local vibe, the kind you expect to get good food without expecting to be wowed. But, surprise! The food was amazing. My husband went for the apple cinnamon stuffed French toast, and I tried something different with the steak and cheese omelette. I'm not usually an omelette person, but this one was the most delicious I've ever had. We all loved our meals, including the kids' pancakes, and couldn't have asked for a better breakfast. The service was great, with our food arriving quickly, and everything tasted solid and absolutely delicious. There were a few minor things, like the potatoes being undercooked and some toast a bit soggy, but nothing that took away from the overall experience. We had a bit of a laugh at the uneven chocolate chips on the waffles too. If you're in the Tampa area, I highly recommend stopping by Keke's for a nutritious and tasty breakfast. It's worth it for the friendly service and great food!

Metro Diner

4011 W Kennedy Blvd Suite 5, Tampa

(813) 364-0076

Reviewed by:

Harika Wish

I had a great breakfast experience at Metro Diner in Tampa. The wait staff was super friendly, making us feel right at home. As someone who lived near the original Metro Diner in Jacksonville for several years, I have a soft spot for their food. While this location has a slightly different style, it still gave me that comforting taste of home. I was a bit disappointed that they don't serve iced coffee, but their sweet tea was pretty good and really sweet. We ordered the kids waffles, Huevos Rancheros, and San Francisco Benedict, and all of them were fantastic. Everything tasted fresh, had great flavor, and wasn't too greasy. Our group of four almost finished every single plate, even the kids! The place was quite busy on a Tuesday morning, but we got seated without having to wait. The server was attentive, and our food came out hot and fast. I especially liked the Meat Lovers Bowl and The Bissell Breakfast. Though I did notice some servers were more attentive than others, overall, the service was great. This will definitely be our new breakfast spot whenever we're in town, and I'm looking forward to trying their lunch next time. I recommend stopping by if you’re in the area!

Another Broken Egg Cafe

4041 S Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa

(813) 769-9906

Reviewed by:

Felipe De Jesus Rubio

During our stay in Tampa, we had the pleasure of visiting Another Broken Egg Cafe and I must say, it was a delightful experience. The atmosphere was welcoming, and the staff greeted us warmly upon arrival. I appreciated how pet-friendly the patio was, allowing us to bring our pup along for brunch. It’s always a nice touch when a place offers that kind of inclusivity. The menu offered a great variety of options. I especially loved their house-made sausage patties—absolutely to die for! My husband couldn't stop raving about the city grits. As for drinks, the Bloody Marys packed a punch, and getting mimosas by the pitcher was perfect for our brunch vibe. The service was fantastic, thanks to Nicole and Kristalyn, who were both attentive and amazing throughout. The staff really added to the positive experience. The restaurant was clean, and though it was only our second visit, the consistency in service and food quality stood out. While there were small hiccups on a previous visit, like timing and some dishes, this time around, everything was much better. The standout dishes like the cinnamon roll French toast were delicious, and the atmosphere was pleasant for a leisurely brunch. It’s not every day you find a place that combines good food with great service, and that's what keeps us coming back. Another Broken Egg Cafe definitely remains one of the best brunch spots around, and we look forward to returning on our next trip to the area!

Keke's Breakfast Cafe

13121 N Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa

(813) 968-0005

Reviewed by:

Luzdelmar Salgado

Keke's Breakfast Cafe is my go-to spot for a delicious breakfast in Tampa. They have all the classic breakfast dishes like omelets, Belgian waffles, and French toast. I’ve been there a few times, and it never disappoints. My favorite choice is the Blueberry Belgian waffle, and I usually upgrade to a combo to get two additional sides. It can be busy, especially on weekends, but it's worth the wait. The food is always fresh and tasty, whether you're there for breakfast or lunch. The service is terrific, and our server made sure we never ran out of coffee. My fiancé and I shared the raspberry French toast and blueberry waffle meal combo, complete with home fries and bacon. Everything was phenomenal. I also enjoyed a side of hot chocolate, which was fantastic. What I love about Keke's is the atmosphere—it’s lively without being overwhelming, unlike some places where the music is too loud. Overall, I had an excellent experience and definitely plan to return soon!

First Watch

8646 Hunters Village Rd, Tampa

(813) 807-3563

Reviewed by:

Isabel Contreras

Awesome top notch service! The food was great, though the portions felt a bit small for the price. I visited on 10/12/24 after a frustrating morning and decided to treat myself to breakfast. I'm so happy I did! My server, Cayla, was wonderful and truly made my morning. I left feeling much better. The food was awesome, and the coffee, biscuits and gravy, and works omelet were all delicious. The atmosphere is nice, whether I'm there solo or with family and friends. It's always a good experience. Excellent food and service are key for me, and the special dishes are always worth trying! Please thank Cayla for her exceptional service and friendliness.

Village Inn

215 N Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa

(813) 877-2617

Reviewed by:

Jessica Guerra

We always enjoy coming to Village Inn for breakfast. The prices are good, the food tastes great, and the staff are friendly. I love their pancakes, and my wife does too. The pies are to die for, with the French silk being the best, and the pumpkin pie (though seasonal) a very close second. The food is really good, and I appreciate how pleasant the staff is. Special shoutout to our server, Denise, who is the best! It's no frills, but the great food and affordable prices make it worth the visit. Our total bill was around $56 for six people, which is a fantastic deal.

First Watch

3712 Henderson Blvd, Tampa

(813) 350-3447

Reviewed by:

Jacob Carlo

First Watch never disappoints when it comes to breakfast in Tampa. The coffee and juices are absolutely delicious, and the meals are consistently mouthwatering. Words really can't do this place justice—you need to experience it for yourself. For an enjoyable breakfast, this is the spot to be. It can be a bit crowded, but that's a small trade-off for the quality of food and service. Our server, Frankie, was attentive and apologized for the short delay in getting our food. Once it arrived, the million-dollar bacon and other breakfast items were among the freshest and best I've ever had. Everything is made with farm-fresh ingredients; the omelets have fresh-cut vegetables and cage-free eggs, and the pan-fried potatoes are cooked to perfection. You must try the sourdough bread! They offer breakfast, lunch, and brunch, and the restaurant is clean, with a cute farmhouse-themed decor. Plus, there's a $5 military discount with ID. I went for Sunday brunch with my toddler, and Maria at the front was incredibly kind and accommodating. Our server, Blake, was amazing—getting our food and drinks to us quickly, which is critical when dining with a toddler. He was on point with everything, making the experience smooth and enjoyable. The food was hot and delicious, and I plan to come back and ask for him specifically. Management should definitely recognize his efforts! Looking forward to my next visit.

First Watch

1111 N Westshore Blvd Ste 100A, Tampa

(813) 940-5509

Reviewed by:

Marlyn De La Cruz

First Watch in Tampa is a fantastic spot for brunch! The food is excellent, and the drinks just elevate the experience. I absolutely love their menu. A bit of a downside is the wait time for a table, even when there are open tables. After a 45-minute wait, we asked and were seated immediately outside; it was a bit puzzling. However, our waitress was super friendly, and the food came out quickly. I'll definitely be back, with reservations next time! I love First Watch, regardless of the location. The hosts and servers are always friendly and attentive. Our server was in training during our visit and did an excellent job. Their million dollar Bloody Marys and million dollar potatoes are must-tries – so delicious! We visited on a busy day, my Buddy's birthday and Veterans Day, before heading to Busch Gardens, and despite the crowd, the service was great, and the food was fresh and delicious. Savannah, our server, was awesome. First Watch consistently delivers high-quality food and service, and I've never had a bad meal at any of their restaurants.

Denny's

2004 N Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa

(813) 877-6311

Reviewed by:

Orlando Thornton

Came for breakfast at Denny's in Tampa, and I had a great experience. Cheryl was very friendly and provided excellent service. The food was just what you'd expect from Denny's—good-sized portions and cooked just right. Ivan did a great job serving as well! The service was on point. Our server was friendly, quick, and knew the menu inside out. They managed to be attentive without hovering, and our dishes arrived at a comfortable pace. The food was wonderful, and I particularly enjoyed Brian D's enthusiasm; he was very friendly and fun. Charles stood out by being incredibly outgoing and going above and beyond. All the staff were great. Our food was perfect and delicious. The restaurant and tables were clean, which added to the overall pleasant experience. It was an excellent visit!

Panera Bread

3420 W Dr Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Tampa

(813) 443-4909

Reviewed by:

Kosova Weeks

The staff at Panera Bread in Tampa are absolutely amazing, with the manager, Anissa, standing out as particularly welcoming and awesome. Her recommendations were spot on, and her outstanding service is something Panera should be proud of. Despite a busy location, it's always been easy for me to grab a drink quickly while on vacation, and the restaurant is clean and well-maintained. However, I have some concerns about the menu and portion sizes. The sandwich I received was mostly thick slices of bread with very little chicken and avocado, which was disappointing given the price. The new limited menu feels like a step back, offering fewer options than before. In recent years, I've noticed that portions have shrunk, choices have diminished, and prices have increased, affecting the overall value. While the service and cleanliness are impressive, the food offerings and pricing could use some attention.

Get More Brunch Ideas

Discover new brunch secrets in our monthly newsletter: