While there’s been some debate recently about whether or not breakfast is still considered the most important meal of the day, one could easily make the case it’s the most satisfying. For the early risers among us, we crafted this list of 10 dynamite breakfast dishes from across the area full of sweet and savory options that get the day off to a rousing start.  

Berrylicious French Toast at Nuno’s Cafe

Shakshuka at The Glass Knife

Far from your ordinary breakfast dish, this menu highlight features a scalding skillet of a spiced tomato mixture that creates a silky sauce for an amalgamation of onions, green peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, two fried eggs and crumbles of feta. 

Jalapeños, Maple Chicken and Pancakes at Fluffy Fluffy Dessert Café

Good enough on their own, the airy, bouncy Japanese soufflé pancakes are made even better when crowned with crispy chicken, sliced jalapeño peppers and a sticky stream of syrup. 

Croque Madame at Le Café de Paris

You don’t have to be a Francophile to revel in this French bistro delicacy featuring ham, Swiss and tomato on white toast topped with a sunny-side-up egg. Très magnifique! 

Dirty Birdy at Nic & Luc

We’d wake up early every day for the chance to sink our teeth into this handheld consisting of a sunny-side-up egg, homemade chicken sausage, lettuce and tomato, drizzled with chipotle aioli and slotted into a brioche bun. 

Southern Breakfast at Briarpatch

Start your morning off with a hearty hello when digging into this plentiful plate of two eggs, fried green tomatoes, applewood-smoked bacon and a cup of stone-ground heirloom cheese grits. 

Chicken Fajita Omelet at Shakers American Café

Shakers has built a loyal following thanks to its retro vibe and memorable dishes like this hefty omelet stuffed with slightly spiced chicken, onions, peppers, mushrooms and melty mozzarella. 

Irish Benedict at The Town House Restaurant

We’ve had lots of variations of Benedicts over the years, but this one has to be at the top of the list as the poached eggs and buttery-smooth hollandaise pair wonderfully with crispy, browned corned beef hash.

Dixie’s Famous Brisket Hash at Dixie Cream Café

Tender, juicy beef brisket is hand pulled and then smashed with potatoes on a griddle coated with herb-infused olive oil and served hot alongside your choice of eggs and a flaky biscuit. 

Oxtail, Egg and Cheese at Hinckley Fancy Meats

You’ll forget all about that bacon, egg and cheese sandwich you’re accustomed to once you take a bite of this slow-braised oxtail with a fried egg, gruyere and pickled onion nestled inside a toasted English muffin.

Berrylicious French Toast at Nuno’s Cafe

French toast lovers will adore this version where the thick slices are stuffed with cream cheese and fresh berries, then cloaked with sweet finishing touches of powdered sugar and raspberry drizzle.