These diners might not be the most aesthetically pleasing (and they're definitely not the healthiest), but they are consistent, affordable, welcoming, and always delicious. They're the breakfast spots you turn to when life gets real: whether you're hungover, heartbroken, just ran a half marathon, or simply craving classic sunny-side-up eggs with a side of bacon, hash browns, and a solid bagel with butter or cream cheese that doesn't cost an arm and a leg.
We're talking about longtime spots like Bagel Emporium, a beloved Coral Gables spot for University of Miami students and locals for generations, and Chuck Wagon Restaurant, a time machine with grits. We're looking at Coral Bagels, the kind of place where the regulars have their own seating chart, Donut Gallery Diner, a tiny but mighty hidden gem serving Key Biscayne breakfast since 1972. And of course, Jimmy's Eastside Diner, forever immortalized in film (Moonlight was filmed here!) and syrup. From Josh's Deli in Surfside and Lots of Lox in Pinecrest to neighborhood staples like Roasters 'n Toasters, these are more than restaurants — they're part of Miami's DNA.
So, the next time you wanna grab some breakfast in the 305, skip the chain spots. Below, check out the 13 best breakfast diners in Miami.
11th Street Diner
1065 Washington Ave., Miami Beach305-534-6373
eleventhstreetdiner.comTucked in the heart of South Beach, 11th Street Diner is located in a shiny stainless-steel dining car straight out of 1948 Jersey, shipped down from Pennsylvania, and has been parked in the 305 since the early '90s. It's a retro, neon-lit time capsule slinging all-day breakfast, including shrimp and grits, breakfast burritos, omelettes, and eight varieties of egg Benedicts on Saturdays and Sundays. Open 24 hours on weekends, it's a South Beach institution where the menu is massive, the breakfast diner vibes are unmatched, and the people-watching is a full-on sport.
Bagel Bar East is a favorite breakfast haunt for North Miami residents who crave bagels.
Photo by Nicole Danna
Bagel Bar East
1990 NE 123rd St., North Miami305-895-7022
bagelbareast.comSometimes your soul just needs some good schmear. Bagel Bar East, Steve Hochman's no-frills Jewish deli in North Miami, is the modern-day Rascal House for those of us who crave a hand-rolled, double-toasted everything bagel with a side of matzo ball soup and nostalgia. With more than 15 bagel varieties, juicy smoked pastrami, delicious coleslaw, and a to-go counter that saves the day when seats are scarce, this New York-born gem keeps North Miami well-fed and deeply comforted.
Bagel Emporium
1238 S. Dixie Hwy., Coral Gables305-306-0793
bagelshopmiami.comBagel Emporium & Grille has been a breakfast and lunch staple for University of Miami students, as well as Gables and South Miami residents, since it opened back in 1975 directly across from the university. A Coral Gables institution, it's known for its delicious bagels, deli sandwiches, breakfast plates, and wide selection of prepared deli salads like tuna fish. The cinnamon-raisin, everything, poppy, pumpernickel, sesame, salt, and egg bagels are soft, dense, and delicious. They also make excellent smoked fish and black-and-white cookies. The neighborhood staple will relocate to 4000 Ponce soon, an office and retail building along Ponce de Leon Boulevard and Bird Road in Coral Gables.
Chuck Wagon Restaurant
Locations Across Miamichuckwagonmiami.netDenny's, who? Chuck Wagon's "Chuck Wagon Grand Slam" puts the chain's version to shame with two eggs, bacon or sausage, home fries or grits, country-style sausage gravy, and toast or biscuits. The Western-themed roadside gem with locations across Miami dishes out buttery pancakes, loaded omelettes, country-fried steak, corned beef hash, breakfast sandwiches, café con leche (because, Miami), and the real stars: red Georgia sausage and thick-cut Kentucky ham that's basically Southern prosciutto. This is the kind of old-school Miami breakfast joint that makes you forget what a green juice even is.
Coral Bagels
2750 SW 26th Ave., Miami786-767-6134
coralbagels.comWinner of New Times' Best Bagels (Miami-Dade) 2025, this no-frills deli in Coconut Grove has been doing bagels long before Miami's recent bagel boom began. Established in 1986, this casual breakfast and lunch restaurant has been a Miami institution for nearly 40 years. A locals-only spot, it began as a bagel shop, but grew into a full breakfast and lunch favorite for Groveites in the know. Today, the menu serves up several classic American diner staples alongside a bagel lineup that includes flavors like egg, sesame, blueberry, cinnamon raisin, pumpernickel, and asiago. They also offer a full menu of comfort foods, from Nutella French toast and steak-and-eggs to a great Reuben sandwich.
The Daily Creative Food Co.
2001 Biscayne Blvd., Ste. 109, Miami305-573-4535
thedailyfood.coThe Daily Creative Food Co., also known as "the Daily" on Biscayne Boulevard, has become one of Miami's go-to breakfast diners. With a massive, all-day breakfast menu that spans from Cuban scrambles and omelettes to pancakes, challah French toast, the "Tony Montana," made with two sunny-side up eggs over chorizo rice with hot sauce, and breakfast sandwiches like the "Elvis," made with Texas toast, crunchy peanut butter, sliced bananas, apple smoked bacon, and wildflower honey, this spot hits every breakfast craving. The portions are huge, and the vibe is always upbeat. Whether you're grabbing a quick bite or brunching with the crew, the Daily delivers fast service and has an awesome breakfast menu.
Deli Lane
7230 SW 59th Ave., South Miami305-665-0606
delilane.comRegulars have filled the outdoor patio seats of Deli Lane for delicious and no-frills breakfast and brunch since 1988. This neighborly spot serves up hearty all‑day breakfast favorites, like perfectly poached eggs Benedict nestled on English muffins to fluffy French toast served in an unpretentious, family‑friendly setting. The laid‑back vibe, complete with TV‑lined walls inside and colorful décor, draws multigenerational crowds looking for nostalgia and comfort alongside affordable weekend specials.
Donut Gallery Diner
83 Harbor Dr., Key Biscayne305-361-9985
donutgallerydiner.comFounded in 1972, this Key Biscayne landmark was founded by Acela and Benjamin Zambrano, two Cuban immigrants who met while working in New York and moved to Miami in 1971. Over 50 years later, it's run by their son Nelson and his immediate family, who turn out stainless steel diner classics like corned beef hash, patty melts, and BLTs with scrambled eggs and cheese on rye bread. Key Biscayne residents love this breakfast diner for its steak and eggs, French toast, pancakes, and doughnuts.
Jimmy's Eastside Diner
7201 Biscayne Blvd., Miami305-754-3692
jimmyseastsidediner.shopNo breakfast diner roundup would be complete without Jimmy's Eastside Diner, the beloved Biscayne Boulevard staple that's been serving early birds and late-night revelers for decades. Starting at 7 a.m., regulars pack the booths for omelettes, frittatas, and bottomless coffee, all served with home fries, hash browns, or grits and at prices that feel like a throwback. On any given morning, you'll find cops swapping stories over eggs and hungover Gen Z-ers hoping a greasy spoon cure still exists.
Josh's Deli
9517 Harding Ave., Surfside305-397-8494
joshsdeli.comJosh's Deli goes harder than most New York delis, serving up thick, glistening cuts of house-cured pastrami and corned beef made from Angus brisket that's smoked, braised, and bursting with flavor. Every sandwich lands on house-baked rye slathered in mustard, with all meats and fish cured or smoked in-house — even the sour pickles are made by owner Josh Marcus himself. Don't miss the "Jewban," a boundary-pushing Jewish-Cuban mashup stacked with pastrami, Swiss, pickles, and pork.
Lots of Lox Deli
14995 S. Dixie Hwy., Miami305-252-2010
instagram.com/theoriginallotsofloxFrom grandma-approved matzo ball soup and crisp potato pancakes to bagels, blintzes, white fish, starchy knishes, and mounds of perfect pastrami, Lots of Lox in Pinecrest is a New York or Boca transplants' dream. For more than 20 years, Lots of Lox has been making incredible bagels. They also sell sandwiches, like the "Schlemiel" stuffed with turkey, salami, Swiss cheese, and Thousand Island dressing, and the "East Side" filled with roast beef, tomato, onion, and chopped liver. Winner of New Times' Best Jewish Deli South 24 years ago (in 2000!), this neighborhood gem is a classic for a reason.
News Cafe
800 Ocean Dr., Miami Beach786-644-6061
newscafesouthbeach.comNews Cafe is back and better than ever, bringing its iconic South Beach sidewalk scene and a side of piña colada pancakes to Ocean Drive once again. The historic café, once a favorite of Gianni Versace, is serving up classic breakfast dishes like Hollandaise-topped eggs and Cuban tostada dippers alongside fresh juice blends and morning cocktails. After a two-year hiatus, its return in 2023 marked not just a comeback but a delicious continuation of Miami Beach's golden-era charm.
Roasters 'n Toasters
Locations Across Miamirntdeli.comRoasters 'n Toasters has been a Miami favorite since 1984, serving up New York-style deli classics that channel the Miami of yesteryear. The breakfast menu is stacked with smoked fish platters, Nova lox, and freshly brewed cappuccinos that smell like comfort in a cup. Whether you're craving a hot pastrami sandwich on rye or a turkey Reuben that rivals those made in New York, this spot hits all the right notes. Plus, it's the kinda spot where waiters know your name, the coffee refills are aplenty, and the chocolate rugelach are divine.
