Best Of

For those who wake up hungry, Boston offers plenty of breakfast spots that open before the city really gets moving. Here’s where to grab eggs, bagels, or pancakes by neighborhood.

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At-a-Glance

• Neighborhoods: Fenway/Kenmore, South End, Back Bay, Dorchester, East Boston
• MBTA stops: Kenmore, Back Bay, Broadway, Fields Corner, Maverick
• Price tiers: $–$$ (most breakfasts $8–$18)
• Wait/Resy notes: Walk-in friendly; weekends busier
• Dietary tags: Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free options available
• Hours: Many open 6:30–7:00 a.m.

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Fenway/Kenmore

Tatte Bakery & Café — Fenway

Tatte is one of Boston’s earliest-opening cafés, with doors open by 7 a.m. Their shakshuka, almond croissants, and loaded breakfast sandwiches bring in students, commuters, and hospital staff from Longwood. Seating fills quickly, but takeout is fast and consistent. Their vegan and gluten-free options are clear on the menu, making it easy to find something for any diet.

• Price: $–$$ (~$6–$15)
• MBTA/Parking: Kenmore (Green Line)
• Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible, counter ordering
• Link: tattebakery.com

Thornton’s Fenway Grille — Fenway

Classic diner plates with portions that fuel an entire day. Pancakes arrive fluffy and huge, while the omelets pack in the fillings. It’s a locals’ spot before 9 a.m., with quieter seating than most Fenway cafés. If you want a no-nonsense plate and hot coffee before catching the T, this is the move.

• Price: $ (~$8–$14)
• MBTA/Parking: Symphony (Green Line) or Hynes
• Accessibility: Small step at entry, booth seating
• Link: thorntonsfenwaygrille.com

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South End

Mike’s City Diner — South End

Mike’s opens at 6 a.m. and serves hearty breakfasts that lean old-school—think corned beef hash, thick-cut bacon, and home fries piled high. It’s counter seating and big mugs of coffee, with regulars mixing with visitors on medical shifts. The vibe is friendly and brisk, and plates hit the table fast. Vegan choices are limited, but vegetarians can count on eggs, toast, and sides.

• Price: $ (~$10–$16)
• MBTA/Parking: Back Bay (Orange Line)
• Accessibility: Narrow aisles, no reservations
• Link: mikescitydiner.com

South End Buttery — South End

Known for breakfast sandwiches on house-baked biscuits and scones, South End Buttery is a cozy corner café that opens early enough for dog walkers and commuters. The front bakery case is stacked with muffins and pastries, while the back café has a few tables for lingering. It’s pricier than some diners, but quality ingredients and consistent service justify it.

• Price: $–$$ (~$9–$18)
• MBTA/Parking: Back Bay (Orange Line) + short walk
• Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible entrance; indoor seating
• Link: southendbuttery.com

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Back Bay

The Friendly Toast — Back Bay

Bright, quirky décor and a menu that stretches from pancakes to breakfast burritos. They open at 7 a.m. and fill quickly on weekends, but weekdays are calmer. Portions are oversized, so splitting plates is common. Vegan scrambles, gluten-free pancakes, and almond milk lattes round out a menu that works for mixed groups.

• Price: $–$$ (~$12–$18)
• MBTA/Parking: Copley (Green Line)
• Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible, large dining room
• Link: thefriendlytoast.com

Flour Bakery + Café — Back Bay

Flour is Joanne Chang’s famous bakery-café, opening by 7 a.m. and staying steady until mid-afternoon. Sticky buns are the star, but breakfast sandwiches, yogurt parfaits, and good coffee keep it balanced. The atmosphere is friendly but bustling, so best for quick bites or takeaway. Gluten-free pastries rotate often, and staff mark allergens clearly.

• Price: $–$$ (~$6–$15)
• MBTA/Parking: Back Bay Station (Orange Line)
• Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible, counter service
• Link: flourbakery.com

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Dorchester

McKenna’s Café — Savin Hill, Dorchester

A true neighborhood diner that’s been running since the ’90s. Opens at 6 a.m. and is filled with locals grabbing eggs, pancakes, and bottomless coffee before work. Service is quick, and the staff know many by name. Prices are among the lowest in the city, making it a steady option for families and commuters.

• Price: $ (~$7–$12)
• MBTA/Parking: Savin Hill (Red Line)
• Accessibility: Step entry, counter and booth seating
• Link: mckennascafe.com

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East Boston

Angela’s Café — East Boston

Mexican breakfast served from 7 a.m., with huevos rancheros and chilaquiles that outshine most of the city’s brunch plates. It’s small and casual, with fast service and friendly staff. Regulars know to ask for extra salsa verde. It’s also a rare early-morning option for those who want something other than standard diner fare.

• Price: $–$$ (~$10–$16)
• MBTA/Parking: Maverick (Blue Line)
• Accessibility: Small entry step; tight seating
• Link: angelascafeboston.com

Caffè dell’Amore — East Boston

A cozy café that feels more European than Boston, with espresso drinks and fresh pastries ready when doors open at 7 a.m. Locals linger with cappuccinos, but they’ll pack up croissants and muffins quickly if you’re rushing to the T. Prices are modest, and it’s a quieter option than downtown cafés.

• Price: $ (~$5–$12)
• MBTA/Parking: Airport (Blue Line)
• Accessibility: Small but accessible entrance, indoor tables
• Link: caffedellosport.net

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Recommendations

For classic diner plates, Mike’s City Diner and McKenna’s are the call. For pastries and lighter bites, Flour or South End Buttery shine. If you want international flair early, Angela’s is unmatched. And for students near Fenway, Tatte opens early and stays consistent.

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At-a-Glance

• Neighborhoods: North End, Somerville, Cambridge, South End, Quincy
• MBTA stops: Haymarket, Davis, Harvard, Back Bay, Quincy Center
• Price tiers: $–$$ ($4–$7 per cannoli)
• Wait/Resy notes: Weekend lines in North End; shorter waits elsewhere
• Hours: Most open daily; Bova’s is 24/7

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North End

Mike’s Pastry — North End
Mike’s is the heavyweight of Boston cannoli, and the shop’s blue-and-white boxes are practically souvenirs. Expect oversized pastries stuffed with everything from classic ricotta to pistachio, espresso, and amaretto. The shells stay crunchy even under heaps of filling, making them ideal for sharing, though few people actually do. Weekend lines wrap down Hanover Street, but the energy, history, and payoff make the wait worthwhile.

• Price: $–$$ (~$5–$7 per cannoli)
• MBTA/Parking: Haymarket (Orange/Green Line)
• Accessibility: Narrow, crowded interior
• Link: mikespastry.com

Modern Pastry — North End
Family-owned and often the locals’ pick, Modern Pastry is all about choice. Customers can select plain or chocolate-dipped shells, pick their filling, and decide on toppings like chocolate chips or powdered sugar. The cannoli are slightly smaller than Mike’s, but their crispness and smooth ricotta filling give them staying power. With additional cakes, cookies, and tarts on display, it’s a bakery that rewards repeat visits.

• Price: $ (~$4–$6 per cannoli)
• MBTA/Parking: Haymarket (Orange/Green Line)
• Accessibility: Step at entry
• Link: modernpastry.com

Bova’s Bakery — North End
Bova’s is the North End’s answer to every late-night craving, serving cannoli 24/7. The shells are fried golden and filled with traditional ricotta, less sweet than some competitors, which makes them appealing for purists. Crowds are smaller here, so you can avoid the Hanover Street rush while still enjoying top-tier cannoli. Beyond pastries, the bakery also offers bread, cookies, and hearty sandwiches, but cannoli remain a highlight.

• Price: $ (~$4–$6 per cannoli)
• MBTA/Parking: Haymarket (Orange/Green Line)
• Accessibility: Narrow entry, busy counter
• Link: bovabakeryboston.net

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Somerville

Lyndell’s Bakery — Union Square
Founded in 1887, Lyndell’s is one of the oldest bakeries in the Boston area, and its cannoli remain a neighborhood classic. The shells are crisp, the ricotta lightly sweetened, and the vibe pure old-school charm. Though Lyndell’s is better known for sheet cakes and cookies, regulars will tell you their cannoli are underrated gems. The pace is slower than Hanover Street, and you’ll usually find friendly service and no wait.

• Price: $ (~$4–$5 per cannoli)
• MBTA/Parking: Union Square (Green Line)
• Accessibility: Step at entrance
• Link: lyndells.com

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Cambridge

Royal Pastry Shop — Harvard Square
Royal Pastry Shop feels frozen in time, in the best way possible. The bakery’s cannoli are straightforward: crisp shells, smooth ricotta, and no frills. It’s not flashy, but it’s the kind of dessert you keep going back for, with flavors that have been consistent for decades. Harvard students and longtime locals alike treat it as a dependable go-to.

• Price: $ (~$4–$5 per cannoli)
• MBTA/Parking: Harvard (Red Line)
• Accessibility: Narrow doorway
• Link: royalpastryshop.net

Flour Bakery + Café — Cambridge
Best known for its sticky buns and breakfast sandwiches, Flour also makes cannoli worth seeking out. The filling is creamier and slightly sweeter than old-school versions, making it more of a dessert-style treat. Freshly made shells keep their snap, and the café setting makes it easy to pair one with coffee or a sandwich. It’s an option that bridges the line between traditional and modern tastes.

• Price: $–$$ (~$5–$7 per cannoli)
• MBTA/Parking: Central (Red Line)
• Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible
• Link: flourbakery.com

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South End

Roma Bakery — South End
Roma Bakery channels Hanover Street without the lines, offering breads, cookies, and cannoli that hold their own against North End heavyweights. The shells are sturdy and travel-friendly, while the ricotta is lightly sweetened with subtle vanilla notes. It’s a great choice for picking up desserts before dinner parties, as everything here stays fresh well into the evening. Compared to the bustle of Hanover Street, Roma feels like a hidden neighborhood treasure.

• Price: $ (~$4–$6 per cannoli)
• MBTA/Parking: Back Bay (Orange Line)
• Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible
• Link: romabakeryboston.com

Mida — South End
While known primarily as an Italian restaurant, Mida’s dessert menu includes standout cannoli. They’re filled to order, ensuring the shells remain crisp, and the ricotta is smooth, balanced, and lightly sweet. A drizzle of chocolate and delicate presentation elevate them from casual pastry to plated dessert. It’s a refined way to finish a meal of house-made pasta or braised meats.

• Price: $$ (~$7 per cannoli)
• MBTA/Parking: Back Bay (Orange Line)
• Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible
• Link: midarestaurant.com

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Quincy

Konditor Meister — Quincy
Konditor Meister is renowned for its elaborate cakes, but its cannoli are equally polished. The shells are perfectly crisp, the ricotta filling is rich but not overly sweet, and every pastry looks presentation-ready. This is the bakery people turn to for catering, weddings, and special occasions, where desserts need to taste as good as they look. Slightly pricier than most, but the attention to detail makes it well worth it.

• Price: $$ (~$6–$7 per cannoli)
• MBTA/Parking: Quincy Adams (Red Line)
• Accessibility: Large, wheelchair accessible bakery
• Link: konditormeister.com

From champagne to shakshuka, Boston’s brunch scene covers everything from boozy weekends to family-friendly mornings. Here’s where to brunch by neighborhood.

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South End

The Beehive — South End
Known for live jazz and a vibrant weekend crowd, The Beehive pairs classic brunch dishes with cocktails and a buzzy atmosphere. The shakshuka and smoked salmon plates hold their own, while the bottomless coffee keeps things grounded. It’s a bit chaotic at peak times, but the scene is part of the draw. Reservations are smart here, especially after 11 a.m.

• Price: $$–$$$ (~$18–$28 plates)
• MBTA/Parking: Back Bay (Orange Line)
• Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible, large dining room
• Link: beehiveboston.com

Boston Chops — South End
A steakhouse that transforms brunch into a hearty feast. Expect oversized portions like steak and eggs, fried chicken sandwiches, and rich Benedicts. The dining room is upscale but relaxed in the morning, with good service and strong coffee. A better fit for groups who want a filling brunch over a light bite.

• Price: $$–$$$ (~$20–$28 plates)
• MBTA/Parking: Back Bay (Orange Line)
• Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible, reservations recommended
• Link: bostonchops.com

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Cambridge

Cafe Luna — Kendall Square
Cafe Luna has long been a brunch staple, with a menu that balances sweet and savory. Nutella-stuffed French toast and crab cake Benedicts headline, while vegan scrambles and smoothies cover other bases. The space is bright and busy, and lines form quickly, so reservations are key on weekends. Service is efficient even when it’s packed.

• Price: $$ (~$15–$25 plates)
• MBTA/Parking: Kendall/MIT (Red Line)
• Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible, indoor/outdoor seating
• Link: cafeluna-centralsq.com

Henrietta’s Table — Harvard Square
Farm-to-table brunch that leans seasonal, with produce sourced locally. Think maple sausage, farm eggs, and rotating baked goods. The space feels warm and classic, drawing both Harvard families and longtime Cambridge locals. It’s not flashy, but quality is consistently high.

• Price: $$–$$$ (~$20–$28 plates)
• MBTA/Parking: Harvard (Red Line)
• Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible, spacious dining room
• Link: charleshotel.com/dining/henriettas-table

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North End

Parla — North End
Parla is better known for cocktails, but its weekend brunch pulls a loyal crowd. Plates like lemon ricotta pancakes and breakfast pastas mix with strong coffee and morning drinks. The atmosphere is moody but welcoming, and it feels like a hidden escape from the busier Hanover Street brunch lines.

• Price: $$ (~$16–$24 plates)
• MBTA/Parking: Haymarket (Green/Orange Line)
• Accessibility: Small entry step, dim dining room
• Link: parlaboston.com

Bricco — North End
An upscale Italian restaurant that runs a polished weekend brunch. Eggs, pastries, and paninis anchor the menu, with a European feel. Seating is tighter than some brunch spots, but service is attentive and quick. Best for smaller groups or pairs who want a more refined brunch.

• Price: $$–$$$ (~$18–$26 plates)
• MBTA/Parking: Haymarket (Green/Orange Line)
• Accessibility: Narrow doorway, limited tables
• Link: bricco.com

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Jamaica Plain

The Haven — JP
Boston’s Scottish gastropub opens for brunch with hearty plates like Scotch eggs, smoked salmon toast, and full breakfasts. It’s casual but with a twist, and their beer list means brunch can stretch into the afternoon. Families mix with regulars, and the service is unfussy. Portions are generous for the price.

• Price: $$ (~$14–$20 plates)
• MBTA/Parking: Stony Brook (Orange Line)
• Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible, cozy dining room
• Link: thehavenjp.com

Brassica Kitchen — JP
Creative and seasonal, Brassica Kitchen blends comfort and innovation on its brunch menu. Expect fried chicken and waffles, kimchi scrambles, and inventive pastries. The vibe is laid-back but stylish, making it a destination for food-focused brunchers. It’s a spot where you’ll want to linger with a coffee refill.

• Price: $$–$$$ (~$16–$24 plates)
• MBTA/Parking: Forest Hills (Orange Line)
• Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible, neighborhood spot
• Link: brassicakitchen.com

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Seaport

Committee — Seaport
Mediterranean-inspired brunch with strong cocktails and small plates for sharing. The Greek yogurt bowls and spanakopita Benedicts stand out, and the energy is lively even at 10 a.m. The large space fills quickly, so reservations are strongly advised. Expect a social scene more than a quiet meal.

• Price: $$–$$$ (~$18–$26 plates)
• MBTA/Parking: Courthouse (Silver Line)
• Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible, high-energy dining room
• Link: committeeboston.com