Best Breakfast Spots in Cambridge, MA
Cambridge's best breakfast spots — from diners to bakeries
Overview
Cambridge takes breakfast seriously. This is a city of early-rising academics, pre-dawn lab researchers, and coffee-obsessed grad students — so the morning food scene has evolved to match. Whether you want a full sit-down breakfast, a perfect pastry with coffee, or a bagel that rivals anything in New York, Cambridge delivers.
Our Picks
From all-day breakfast diners to artisan bakeries that open at dawn, these are the Cambridge morning spots that make waking up worthwhile.
The Friendly Toast
All-day breakfast with creative twists on classics — think red velvet pancakes and Almond Joy french toast alongside solid eggs and bacon. The retro-funky decor is Cambridge at its most playful. Expect weekend lines; go before 9am or after noon.
Sofra Bakery
The morning bun at Sofra is worth a pilgrimage. Turkish and Middle Eastern pastries, shakshuka, and savory pastries from Ana Sortun's team. Tiny space, so get there early. The tahini shortbread cookie is breakfast dessert you deserve.
Mamaleh's
A proper Jewish deli breakfast: house-smoked fish, fresh bagels, and scrambled eggs with pastrami. The smoked fish platter is extravagant and worth every dollar. Weekend brunch gets crowded; weekday mornings are the move.
Tatte Bakery & Cafe
Israeli-inspired bakery with stunning pastries and reliable breakfast sandwiches. Multiple Cambridge locations mean you're never far from a halva croissant. The shakshuka and breakfast hash are excellent sit-down options.
Black Sheep Bagel Cafe
Hand-rolled, wood-fired bagels that satisfy New Yorkers and locals alike. The egg sandwiches are simple and excellent. Multiple locations; the Harvard Square spot is most central. Arrive before 8am on weekends or prepare to wait.
Flour Bakery + Cafe
Joanne Chang's beloved bakery serves flaky, buttery pastries and solid breakfast sandwiches. The sticky bun is a Cambridge legend. Multiple locations with reliable quality at each.
S&S Restaurant & Deli
An Inman Square institution since 1919. Classic diner breakfast with massive portions — eggs, pancakes, corned beef hash, the works. No Instagram aesthetics, just honest, filling breakfast. Cash friendly.
Veggie Galaxy
All-day vegetarian/vegan diner with creative breakfast plates. The tofu scramble actually tastes good, and the vegan pancakes are fluffy and satisfying. Central Square location with a retro diner vibe.
Rebelle Artisan Bagels
Artisan bagels that give New York a run for its money. Creative cream cheese flavors and excellent egg sandwiches. The everything bagel is textbook-perfect. Worth a special trip.
Darwin's Ltd
Not strictly breakfast food, but Darwin's excellent sandwiches and coffee have been fueling Cambridge mornings since 1993. The Mt. Auburn Street location is a Harvard Square institution. Grab a sandwich and eat in the Yard.
Coffee Pairings
Cambridge's breakfast game is complemented by an exceptional coffee scene. George Howell, Broadsheet, Curio, and 1369 Coffee House all serve specialty coffee that'll elevate your morning. Sofra and Tatte have their own excellent coffee programs. For the ultimate Cambridge morning, pair breakfast at any of these spots with a walk through Harvard Yard or along the Charles River.
Frequently Asked Questions
Cambridge has excellent breakfast options for every preference. For full sit-down breakfast, try The Friendly Toast or S&S Deli. For bakery-style breakfast, Sofra, Tatte, and Flour are outstanding. For bagels, Black Sheep and Rebelle are the top picks. For Jewish deli breakfast, Mamaleh's is unbeatable.
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This guide is updated regularly to ensure accuracy.
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