The Best Breakfast in Florida Worth Waking Up For

Could Florida be the Breakfast State of the Nation?

I’m just back from Florida and judging from my food experiences there, the Sunshine State could be the breakfast bastion of the nation. Not only does breakfast in Florida satiate the taste buds, but it also indulges the eye (or camera lens, for that matter.) I don’t think I’ve seen such visually ravishing morning-time dishes anywhere else in the US. Judge for yourself with the photos below. Then, read on to learn why I think Florida could be the breakfast state of the nation.

Table of Contents

Pinterest graphic showing key lime green pastries and text that says "Best Breakfast in Florida USA"

Breakfast is trending in Florida

5 glasses of fruit juices: orange, blueberry, spinach, strawbery on outdoor white table
Fresh-squeezed Florida fruit juices at Ponte Vedra Inn & Club | Courtesy photo

First off, Florida is known for its oranges and orange juice. But, really, will you ever forget the Florida Orange Growers jingle, “A day without orange juice is like a day without sunshine”?

Who wants to start their breakfast without a glass of cold Florida orange juice? Well, maybe those who prefer a blend of mango, banana, grapefruit or tangerine juice. All of those fruits, by the way, are grown in Florida. On this recent trip to the US tropics, I was surprised to meet Floridians who grew mango trees in their backyards. Bananas growing around the lakes of Orlando also bowled me over.

Most popular breakfast food in Florida

charcuterie board filled with brunch items makes this an inventive breakfast in Florida
Breakfast in Florida sometimes comes via inventive presentations such as this charcuterie board brunch

As cooks take breakfast in Florida to the next level, they incorporate local foods and spin traditional southern recipes. You’ll find chicken and waffle concoctions, pimento cheese croissants, takes on biscuits and gravy, key lime pastries, guava turnovers and wild boar sausage for breakfast in Florida. As one Florida friend says, “We are very into bottomless mimosas.” Perhaps those fruity breakfast drinks are the most popular breakfast food in Florida.

BREAKFAST SAUSAGE TRIVIA: Pigs were first brought to the New World by Hernando de Soto via Tampa Bay. 

Best breakfast Orlando

Magic dust on the Key Lime Pastry at the Glass Knife which offers one of the best breakfasts Orlando
3 women sit at black glossy table in leather upholstered cubby with copper chandelier funneling light down on the table
Travel writer Gail Clifford, Orlando host Paula Ramirez and UNSTOPPABLE Stacey (L-R) at the Glass Knife
croissant sandwich cut in half filled with green arugula and ham on black table with blue coffee cup in background
Ham & Cheese Croissant on the weekend menu at the Glass Knife | UNSTOPPABLE Stacey photo
five macarons stacked on white paper doily on black plate on black table top perfect breakfast in Florida
Gluten-free macarons at the Glass Knife come in many flavors including passion fruit!

Throughout Orlando—the home of Disney World and the Magical Kingdom—I noticed that architecture, landscaping and interior design were next-level visual. Yes, even breakfasts seemed designed to stun the eye like everything else in the Theme Park Capital of the World. I thoroughly enjoyed the eye-popping design at The Glass Knife, where breakfast tasted as magical as it looked.

The good breakfast Orlando style seems to be served in a restaurant full of Instagrammable design and intimate nooks and crannies (see the photo above.) My ‘best breakfast Orlando’ was the Ham & Cheese Croissant made of savory sliced ham and Swiss cheese topped with truffle aioli, onion jam and arugula on a toasted house-made butter croissant. Served with a side of homemade pickles.

Don’t say goodbye, say hello to the next Orlando breakfast

I loved the breakfast experience so much with the friendly servers and fun decor that I’ve already chosen what I’ll order next time. It’s the Cheddar Biscuit Sandwich Plate made of egg soufflé, bacon jam, applewood-smoked bacon, arugula and aged cheddar cheese on a flaky, house-made cheddar biscuit. Like other breakfast in Florida plates, it was served with crushed rosemary potatoes and fresh seasonal fruit at the Glass Knife.

Eggs Benedict major force in the best breakfast Orlando

Eggs Benedict at Amare restaurant in the Walt Disney World Swan Reserve | UNSTOPPABLE Stacey photo

Eggs Benedict seems to be a staple breakfast in Florida, and comes in all variations. I enjoyed the Canadian bacon and Hollandaise sauce at Amare, Walt Disney World Swan Reserve hotel. Still, I’d go with the Avocado Toast next time because the English muffin was so challenging to cut at my breakfast in Florida. My dinner the night before was extraordinary and I hope to write about it later. In the meantime, read fellow travel writer Gail Clifford’s overview of our dinner here:

RELATED: Amare at Walt Disney World Swan Reserve

Eggs Bennie is also best breakfast Sarasota

two eggs on english muffins on dark brown ceramic oval-shaped plate with artistic "hammered" flatware
Aesthetically pleasing presentation of Eggs Benedict at The Art Ovation Hotel

The artistic theme carried on in Sarasota, where I spent two nights at the Art Ovation Hotel. In the heart of Sarasota’s energetic theatre, art gallery and concert district, the artfully-appointed hotel offers equally imaginative food experiences.

Again, breakfast rose to the occasion with an aesthetically pleasing presentation of Eggs Benedict. The Art Ovation version could be named the “best breakfast downtown Sarasota.” Crispy prosciutto di parma, tomato, and arugula served over toasted Wolferman’s English muffin with lemon Hollandaise sauce, grilled asparagus and smashed potato sent my taste buds over the edge. The flavorful Florida breakfast balanced the savory prosciutto and eggs with sweet Sicilian Blood Orange juice.

Best breakfast Sarasota: mango waffles

golden waffle covered in chunks of yellow-orange mangos and rosettes of whipped cream on square red plate - coffee cup in background
It takes two to 'mango' Belgian-style waffle with fresh mango, toasted coconut and real whipped cream

And speaking of fresh Florida fruit, Toasted Mango Café is famed for its mango-laden waffles and mango mimosas. This casual Mom and Pop is a must-stop for those seeking the best breakfast in Florida and particularly the best breakfast Sarasota.

Indeed, the Sarasota restaurant’s mango version was voted the “Best Waffle in Florida” by Food Network in 2018.

RELATED: Gifts of Good Taste: Exotic Fruit Basket & Deluxe Pantry Box

Breakfast St Petersburg FL

In St Petersburg, the hotel breakfast buffet was so good that I didn’t make it out of the Hyatt Place hotel for a morning meal. However, my friend and colleague, Chris Cutler, who lives in St Pete, recommends Sea Dog Brewing Co. for its egg croissant. There are many places for downtown St Pete breakfast, so let me know in the comments below if you’ve tried a downtown St Pete breakfast.

Shop UNSTOPPABLE Stacey's guidebooks:

Bruncharcuterie is the best breakfast St Augustine style

bowl of whipped cream, pitcher of syrup, pieces of waffle decorated with blueberries, strawberries and fruit compote on large flat board on lace table cloth for one of the most beautiful breakfast in Florida
Breakfast items meet the charcuterie board for “Bruncharcuturie,”

Across the state from St. Pete on Florida’s Historic Coast, St. Augustine brunch spots are over the top. I loved the concept at Ancient City Brunch Bar, where tasty and Instagrammable breakfast items meet the charcuterie board for “Bruncharcuturie,” where families or galpals sample and share. This breakfast St Augustine Beach spot has crazy brunch boxes and vegan options to go or eat in. Try the Gouda pimento cheese, turkey empanada or brunch burger for your breakfast St Augustine FL style.

RELATED: First Thanksgiving in St Augustine Florida, not Plymouth? Seriously!

Do you have a favorite breakfast in Florida? Please name it in the comments below.

Beg to differ? Do you think your state should be named the breakfast state? Then leave your state name and reasons why in the comments below.

More stories like this

woman stands on rooftop with Med sea in background

Hi, I’m Stacey

UNSTOPPABLE Stacey Travel is a travel blog focused on immersive travel that highlights food, wine and the spirituality of place. I also occasionally write about life as a Camino de Santiago pilgrim. I hope you enjoy what I post here. Feel free to leave comments! Read more…

JOIN MY FREE NEWSLETTER

Enjoy this story? Then never miss the latest travel news, tips and inspiring finds by signing up for free:

As is common in the travel industry, UNSTOPPABLE Stacey was provided with accommodations, meals, and other compensation for the purpose of review. While it has not influenced this review,  the author believes in full disclosure of all potential conflicts of interest.

In addition, this blog, UNSTOPPABLE Stacey Travel, contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, Stacey earns a commission at no extra cost to you. These commissions help reduce the costs of keeping this travel blog active. 

“As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Thanks for reading,” UNSTOPPABLE Stacey Wittig

Enjoy this article? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments section below. Please share this article with the red- and blue-colored social media buttons.

To get more FREE travel tips and inspiration, simply subscribe below and updates will be delivered directly to your email inbox.

Orca rises out of water with shoreline lined with rocks and evergreen trees during whale watching Victoria

Thrilling Whale Watching from Victoria BC on Vancouver Island

Whale watching from Victoria BC was more than I ever imagined!   Please, please, please don’t leave Victoria without doing at least one whale watching tour. I made that mistake on my first three visits to Victoria, British Columbia. However, now that I’ve whale watched there, it will be the first thing I do when I

Read More »
Rider on mule has back to camera as hiker peers around corner of tight grand Canyon trail with majestic layered canyon behind

Bright Angel Trail Map of Recent Trail and Campground Closures

Grand Canyon Trip Planner Things To Do at Grand Canyon Best Grand Canyon Viewpoints Best Places To Stay at Grand Canyon November 30, 2023–Sections of the Bright Angel and Tonto Trails will be closed on December 1, 2023-April 14, 2024, to support the work on the Transcanyon Waterline Project–see the Bright Angel Trail map below.

Read More »
collage of 2 images the first of the Grand canyon to Anteope Canyon in the second depicting glowing beauty of light on timeless canyon walls

How To Get From Antelope Canyon to Grand Canyon

Here’s how to get from the incredible Antelope Canyon to Grand Canyon National Park. The journey is not so straightforward, so we’re including shuttle service information and how to reserve Antelope Canyon tours. INSIDER TIP: Since Antelope Canyon is on the Navajo Reservation, you must be accompanied by a Navajo guide when visiting Antelope Canyon,

Read More »

4 thoughts on “The Best Breakfast in Florida Worth Waking Up For”

    • Thanks so much for your comment, Gail! It was great to travel with you in Orlando! My G-F friends should head over to your articles (link in this story) to get your GF tips!

      Reply
    • Toasted Mango Cafe in Sarasota was so fun with you! “it takes two to Mango!” The Mango pancakes looked good, too!

      Reply

Leave a Comment

Want to know How to Buy Cheap Flights?

Master UNSTOPPABLE Stacey’s secrets for finding cheap flights, and you’ll be going to more of your dream destinations than you thought possible.

Get instant access to the
How to Buy Cheap Flights report

Like what you see?

Then Subscribe Today

Get UNSTOPPABLE Stacey’s email updates delivered conveniently to your inbox.
No spam, promise!