Best Breakfasts in Sarasota and Bradenton

Are you looking for the best breakfast places in the Sarasota and Bradenton areas?  Maybe a place by the water to enjoy the morning sun as it hits the ocean or a shaded outdoor patio with a city vibe.

The selections below are meant to be something different. Yes, there are plenty more places for breakfast in the Sarasota area. Still, these restaurants are just a cut above the rest and go the extra mile in customer service while offering a twist on the traditional breakfast menu.

Whether you are looking for casual or for a special occasion, this list of the best breakfasts in the Sarasota and Bradenton area will not disappoint you with a variety of selections.

Breakfast in Downtown Sarasota

Sarasota’s downtown neighborhoods, with their electric vibes, bring some of the best breakfast places in all of Sarasota for breakfast.

The Rosemary: 411 Orange Ave, 941-955-7600. Sat & Sun 8AM-2:30PM. The Rosemary is a charming French fusion café that serves breakfast and lunch daily. The breakfast menu has plenty of healthy options too. The Rosemary is known for their quiches and crepes.

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Station 400: The Rosemary District: 400 N. Lemon Ave. 7:30AM-3. 941-906-1400. This is one of 3 restaurants for Station 400.  The other 2 locations are in Lakewood Ranch and South Sarasota.  If you haven’t had breakfast at Station 400, you may want to start with their flagship location in downtown Sarasota.  Located in an old Indiana railroad depot built in 1852, Station 400 has an ambiance like no other and some of the best chef-inspired breakfast dishes around.  Take advantage of the outdoor patio and its charm in the winter months.

If calories are not an option, you have to try the Cinnamon roll pancakes with vanilla bean maple syrup.  Station 400 does have healthy selections and organic eggs. But seriously, come hungry and go to the gym the next day.  This place is worth it!

Made Restaurant: 1990 Main Street. 10 AM-3 PM.  This place is busy, and they do take reservations. Made was voted Best Brunch by Sarasota Herald-Tribune, and I know why! 

Made takes comfort food to a new level. Try the Elvis or Chicken & Biscuits.  The Bloody Marys are spicy and almost a meal in itself.  Great food, comfort food with a twist. This is one of my favorite places for breakfast/brunch.

C’est La Vie: 1553 Main Street, 7:30AM-9: 30 PM.  Authentic French restaurant with a fabulous bakery. **Closed Sunday**  Saturdays usually attract the crowd from the downtown Farmer’s Market just a block away.  Outdoor seating is available along the sidewalk. Casual dress with the neighborhood feel. The interior packs quite a few people but it’s worth it.  Great bakery with chocolate-filled croissants that are to die for.  There are healthy options too.  Try the buckwheat pancakes, they are light, fluffy, and filling.

Boca Sarasota: 19 S. Lemon Ave, Sat: 9:30 AM – 12 AM, Sunday 10 AM – 10 PM, Throughout the week, they open at 11 AM. 941-256-3565. This is a fun, urban vibe, especially on the weekend for breakfast. When I eat a Boca for breakfast, I always order fried green tomatoes. They top them with pimento cheese. An authentic southern dish! Boca has a great breakfast menu and also offers Bottomless Mimosas on Saturday & Sunday for brunch.

Word of Mouth: 711 S. Osprey Ave #3, 941-365-1800.  This is a casual neighborhood friendly atmosphere.  Word of Mouth has a great outdoor patio area too. Sundays can be busy so come early.  Word of Mouth has great baked goods. Take some home for the next morning.

Fresh Start Café: Burns Ct District: 630 Orange Ave, 941-373-1242.  Fresh Start Café offers an international twist to breakfast.  Great Israeli dishes, fresh muffins, and a gluten-free menu as well. Try the frittatas, made fresh, packed with protein, and without the fat.

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Breakfast in Sarasota

Yoders: 3434 Bahia Vista St, 6AM-11AM. **Closed Sunday**. Yoders is one of the best casual, homemade breakfasts around. Amish style food with healthy options too. If you haven’t had a homemade sweet roll or the raspberry-stuffed French toast, you have been missing out! Reasonably priced and popular.

Toasted Mango Café: 430 N. Tamiami Trail, 941-388-7728. * Dog-Friendly Outdoor Patio.  Toasted Mango is a small café that prides itself on great customer service.  Even if this is your first time, you will feel like a regular.  Tasty, simple home cooking. Try the mango butter.

Sunnyside Café:  4900 N. Tamiami Trail, 941-359-9500. 7 AM-3 PM, Open Eve Thurs & Fri 5PM-9PM with live music.  This is one of my favorite places.  This restaurant is owned by a Hungarian couple, and they cook with the wonderful spices of that region. One of their specialty breakfast dishes is Fried Green Tomatoes Egg Benedict.  They offer Vegan dishes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.  If you stop by for lunch or dinner, try the Chick-Pea Burger.  Take home a homemade Hungarian pastry. Sunnyside Café has a great selection of specialty pastries and desserts.

C’est La Ve: 8527 Copper Creek Blvd, (The Shoppes at UTC) 941-355-2323, 8:30AM-5: 00 PM.  This is the second restaurant for this successful French bakery and café (the original is downtown).  Great French pastries and crepes.  Healthy options as well.

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Best Sunday Brunch in the Sarasota/Bradenton Area

When I think of a Sunday brunch, I picture a spread of food served buffet style and endless mimosas or bloody marys.   Just going to a place for breakfast between breakfast and lunch to me does not constitute brunch.  It has to be special and a wide selection of food to choose from. 

Otherwise, all the restaurants serve brunch.  Here is a collection of restaurants that serve brunch buffet style in Sarasota, Bradenton, or Lakewood Ranch areas.

Pier 22: Sunday Brunch 11 AM-3PM. What could be better than sitting waterside on a cool, breezing Sunday morning sipping a mimosa and enjoying a smoked salmon crepe?  Pier 22 does brunch up right!  They offer additional “starters” like oysters, shrimp cocktails, and Mimosas & Bloody Marys.  Great food!!  Perfect location.

The Grove, Sundays only 11AM-1PM, 941-782-0899.  Come here if you are missing the real deal New York Bagels. Chewy inside and made to perfection. Pair that perfect bagel with one of the selections from the giant spread offered. There is also an omelet bar and a Bloody Mary or Mimosa Bar.  Casual Dining inside and a shaded patio too.

Riverhouse Reef & Grill: 995 Riverside Drive, Palmetto 941-729-0616. 11AM-2PM. Dine waterside at this Sunday brunch.  Served buffet style with traditional breakfast items, sweets & pastries. Mimosas and Bloody Marys for $4

Ophelia’s on the Bay, Siesta Key, 9105 Midnight Pass. 11 AM-2PM.  Enjoy a scrumptious buffet in one of the prettiest places in the US.  What’s better than a champagne brunch with a tremendous spread of traditional breakfast items, a roast beef carving station, seafood dishes including crab legs, and desserts to die for.

Peridia Golf & Country Club: 4950 Peridia Blvd E, Bradenton, 941-758-2582.  Sunday Buffet Brunch 10 AM-2PM.  Dine on the terrace on the green and partake in the delicious spread Peridia has to offer. This buffet includes specialty egg dishes, a roast beef and ham carving station, prepared salads, fresh fruit and homemade desserts.  Don’t forget about the champagne punch!

Breakfast in Lakewood Ranch

If you haven’t considered having breakfast out at Lakewood Ranch, you should!  Lakewood Ranch has several top-notch eateries that give breakfast a wake-up call.

Station 400: 8215 Main Street, Lakewood Ranch (next to Starbucks) 7:30 AM-2: 30 PM, 941-907-0648.  Locally owned, this is one of 3 locations, the other 2 are in Sarasota. Station 400 has an awesome menu for breakfast you won’t know what to choose. But, if you want something different, try the Crabby Patty.  There is a small area for outdoor dining, which is great during the cooler months. Specialty mimosas and some of the best pancakes in town!

Paris Bistrot: 8131 Lakewood Main Street, 941-388-0564, Can you picture yourself dining outside on a sunny, relaxed weekend morning enjoying a French-inspired breakfast? What will you choose?

You may have the Quiche Lorraine or a Buckwheat Crepe filled will prosciutto, blue cheese, walnuts, and sour cream. If neither sounds good, don’t worry, there is an extensive menu to satisfy your craving.

The Granary, 2547 Lakewood Ranch Blvd (Ace Hardware Plaza) M-Sat 7:30 AM-2: 45 PM, Sunday 8AM-2: 45 PM. The Granary does breakfast like your Mom (if your Mom was a good cook, that is).  Breakfast tacos, or healthy options like a breakfast wrap with egg whites.  Whatever you want, the Granary has it. Great bar area too, perfect for whipping up a specialty drink. Nice pastry menu. There is an outside dining area just off of the sidewalk.  If you don’t mind eating at the bar, you may be able to get to eat quicker.

Keke’s Breakfast: 11633 State Road 70 East, Bradenton, FL 34202 M-Sun 7 AM – 2:30 PM.  Keke’s is located in the Winn Dixie shopping center.  I try to be good diet-wise when I visit.  However, if you want to splurge a little, try the Banana Split Waffles.  Great service and friendly staff.  

Another Broken Egg: 6115 Exchange Way.  Great twists on the traditional breakfast dishes.  One of my favorites is the Bananas Foster Belgium Waffle or maybe it’s the Lobster and Brie Omelette.  What’s your dish?  Not sure, come check it out here. Outdoor dining too.  Good neighborhood vibe, even though its tucked back off of I75.  It gets busy here so you might want to come here early.

Forked at Waterside: 7600 Island Cove Terrace #100, Sarasota. Closed Monday. Open Monday – Thursday 8 AM-2 PM, Friday-Sunday 8 AM-3 PM. Forked offers twists on traditional breakfast plates. If you want to splurge, try Elivs, Hunk of Burnin Love (French Toast), or Let’s Hash it Out.

Best Breakfast in Bradenton

Sage Biscuit: 1401 Manatee Ave. West.(Bottom Level of the Bradenton Financial Center Bldg)  7AM-3PM.  941-405-4744.  This is the newest restaurant for Sage Biscuit.  Their original location is closer to Anna Maria Island, just off of Cortez.  Sage has a good thing going and if you ever tried to eat there on the weekend, the wait can feel like forever. So, it’s a good thing there is an additional outlet for their unique breakfast dishes and organic fare.  Sage’s walnut waffles and eggs benedict are a few of my favorites. They do offer some gluten-free dishes too. Outdoor shaded seating is available at both locations.

The Breakfast Company: 7246 55th Ave E., Bradenton. Closed Monday. Open Tues-Sun 7 AM-2 PM. Join the waitlist. You may see me here! This is one of my favorite places for breakfast. The staff is friendly, and the service is quick too. But…that is all okay. However, it is the pastries I cannot resist! Some of my favorites here include the Breakwich and Breakfast Burrito.

Donut House & Espresso: 3211 Manatee Ave. West, Closed Monday. 5AM-1PM.  This is some serious donut-making.  If you love an entrepreneur who takes a risk and makes it, then come and enjoy the sweets of their success.  This is a family-owned business and the owners are in at 1 AM making fresh donuts and pastries for you.  Don’t forget the coffee.  This is serious coffee making.  Not the typical coffee house. Every cup of coffee is freshly ground right before they make it.

Keke’s Breakfast Café: 1121 Cortez Road West, 941-345-4463. 7AM-2: 30 PM.  Keke’s has a nice menu for breakfast with Banana Nut Waffles, Stuffed French Toast, and traditional breakfast items too.  Try the Blueberry Stuffed French Toast, with blueberry filling and cream cheese.  Great food and fairly well priced.

Mocha Joe’s: 3633 Cortez Road West, 941-753-7094,7AM-2PM, Fridays 7AM-7PM.  This is a wonderful, casual dinner with a big menu including breakfast sandwiches, omelets and lite choices too. Try the no guilt healthy skillet.

Blue Jasper:  5718 Cortez Road West. 7 AM-3 PM, Closed Monday. 941-896-4874.  There’s something to be said about eating locally at a chef-owned restaurant. Blue Jasper comes with an Indian flare. This little diner is owned by an experienced chef that cooked for the Ritz Carlton and went out on his own. If you haven’t had a sourdough slider, you are missing something.  I am not a big fan of corned beef hash, but my sister says this is some of the best she has ever had.  Not sure why but the slider and breakfast quesadilla are always what I fall back on when I am here.
I am looking forward to trying something different like the Curry en Croute (it includes brie cheese, everything goes better with cheese).

Breakfast Anna Maria Island

If you want a good breakfast and don’t feel like leaving the island.  You’re in luck!  You can take the trolley to any of these establishments.  I lived on Anna Maria Island and just love the fact that everything is nearby.  If you are going to be here during the winter months, bring your patience with you.  This island is popular and the wait times can be long.  My advice for a great breakfast without the crowds…come here early.  The longer you wait to eat, the longer you will wait to eat.

Judy’s Restaurant: Technically, Judy’s is just off of the island, at 9516 Cortez Rd. W, 941-527-8683 Open for breakfast and lunch.  I like Judy’s place.  My husband and I stop in there after working out at the gym when we used to live in Anna Maria Island.  We still occasionally go there for breakfast. This is just a nice place to eat.  The food is good, they make great hash browns (nice and crispy). The service is good too.  The pancakes taste like they have a hint of vanilla, which I just love. Good prices too

Paradise Bagels: 3210 E Bay Drive, Holmes Beach, 941-779-1212 7AM-2PM, Sunday 7AM-12: 30 PM.  I have been coming to Paradise Bagels since it opened.  Paradise Bagels has a super friendly atmosphere, pour your own cup of coffee and have a seat.  This laid-back establishment where even if you are here on vacation, you’ll feel like a local.  I just cannot resist the egg, ham, and cheese on an everything bagel.  They are huge and can be shared.  There is inside dining and a few seats outside as well.  This place fills up if you come after 9 AM.  But don’t worry, they get the food out fast.

Peaches: 3240 E Bay Drive, Holmes Beach, 941-779-0738 6AM-2: 30 PM.  This is an island mainstay.  Peaches can seat quite a few people and the service is good.  Peaches serves a traditional breakfast menu and quiche specials.  Hearty portions and the food is good. I don’t think I have ever been there when they were not busy.

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Anna Maria Island Beach Café: This is located next to the ocean at end of Manatee Ave & Gulf Drive.  7:30 AM-11 AM Weekdays and 7:30AM-Noon **For Breakfast** on the weekends.  They are open for lunch and dinner too.  This is just breakfast service. It looks like a pavilion. There is a public beach here and changing facilities too. Plenty of parking, however, it fills up very quickly. But if you are staying on the island, do yourself a favor, walk or take the trolley.  I love this place!  This is one of the prettiest spots on Anna Maria Island and to think you get to eat breakfast in your swimsuit too!  Hearty portions, great prices, and friendly staff.  You can eat by the sand or shaded.  Endless pancakes or try their 3 egg omelets.  Super casual (it is the beach).  You have to try this place at least once.  You order at one of 2 windows and they bring out your food.  If you bring cash to pay, your line is quicker.  Did I say I love this place??  I do!  They have a bar too if you want a Bloody Mary or Mimosa.

Anna Maria Oyster Bar: 200 Bridge St, Bradenton Beach, 941-778-2662.  8AM-9PM. This is located on the historic Bridge Street Pier. So, needless to say, this place has a wonderful view.  It is tucked away all the down Bridge Street. They do offer Free shuttle service. Call them 877-743-3264 to arrange a ride to the restaurant. You can do brunch at the Pier on Saturday & Sunday from 11AM-2PM. Good diner cooking and build your own Bloody Mary too. Great prices too.

The Donut Experiment/Anna Maria Island Donuts:  210 C Pine Ave, Anna Maria. 941-896-3172. 7AM-1PM.  This is like picking up the pizza and eating a slice before you get home type of place.  Seriously, these donuts rock.  Wait while your donut is made just for you.  I am unsure which is the best because I cannot stray from the Key Lime or Peanut Butter Drizzle.  Do yourself a favor and just order a dozen.  That way, you can eat one on the way home.

Island Creperie: 127 Bridge Street, Bradenton Beach, 941-778-1011 8:30AM-2PM.  The Island Creperie brings France to Anna Maria Island! This quaint establishment serves all kinds of crepes.  What about some champagne to go with your breakfast?  You can have it here. Traditional breakfast dishes are offered too.  But, the crepes, well you just gotta try one. I like the buckwheat crepes that are more on the savory side than sweet.  But whatever you want, they have it.  Parking can be a challenge here. Take the trolley.

The Sandbar: 100 Spring Ave, Anna Maria, 941-778-0444. Sunday Jazz Brunch. 10AM. If you are looking for an upscale place to have breakfast with a fabulous view, this is your place.  The Sandbar makes a mean Bloody Mary too.  Nice selection for breakfast too.  Beautiful water views inside or outside.  Casual but can be pricey. Valet parking is best here.

Sign of the Mermaid: 9707 Gulf Dr, Anna Maria, 941-778-9399. 9AM-2PM.  Don’t let the outside of this place fool you.  The food is super good here.  My friend Anne loves this place. Breakfast is affordable (dinner can be pricey).  If this is free calorie day, try the stuffed French toast.  Nice fresh fruit.