The Best Breakfast in Richmond, VA
If you’re looking for the best breakfast in Richmond, VA, this is the list for you! From the best healthy spot to weekday brunch options, we’ve got exactly what you’re looking for. The Richmond area is packed with tons of amazing spots. From downtown Richmond to Church Hill, this is the list of the best breakfast restaurants. These ideas aren’t just for Sunday brunch. We’re also mapping out the best place for a weekday breakfast.
The Best Weekday Breakfast Spot
Many of Richmond’s beloved brunch spots are only open on the weekend, but what should you do if you’re craving brunch on a weekday? Brunch Jr. in Scott’s Addition is open every day from 9a-3p. They have an extensive menu with classics like biscuits and gravy as well as vegetarian and vegan options like avocado toast.
Another great weekday brunch option is SB’s Love Shack. This quirky spot has all the classics (waffles, pancakes, eggs, etc.) as well as burritos, sandwiches and more. This is a great family-friendly spot, too.
The Best Healthy Breakfast
The Pit and the Peel has a menu packed with good-for-you meals like smoothie bowls, juices, and breakfast burritos. With a few locations around the city, it’s easy to grab a smoothie bowl wherever you are. They’re open 7am on the weekdays and 8am on the weekends, so it’s perfect for early birds.
The Best Bagels in Richmond
We did a lot of research for our list of the best bagels in Virginia so if you’re looking for the full list, be sure to read that post. But our favorite spot for breakfast sandwiches and bagels is Nate’s Bagels with Chewy’s bagels being a close runner-up.
The Best Diner Style Breakfast
We have to mention Millie’s Diner because it’s a Richmond favorite. They have an amazing brunch menu, friendly staff, and a full bar. It’s a small restaurant so be sure to expect a wait. But it’s the perfect place to enjoy a mimosa. They’re open 9am-3pm Wednesday-Sunday. The have familiar favorites like omelettes as well as veggie and gluten-free options. We recommend the Devil’s Mess, a dish they’re known for. It’s an open-faced omelet with curry-style spices, sausage, eggs, and tomatoes, topped with melted cheese and garnished with avocado. We’re drooling just thinking about it.
The Best Deli Breakfast
Ok, we might have made up this category just for Perly’s, but we couldn’t have a list of breakfast options and not mention them. This Jewish deli is always a popular spot, so you should expect a wait on the weekends. Open Wednesday-Sunday, there is a reason you’ll see a line out the door. We recommend the potato latkes and “The Miriam”, which is their take on a Bloody Mary.
The Best On The Go Meal
If you’re looking for a breakfast you can grab and go (or maybe eat in the car), then swing by Early Bird Biscuit Co. They have a pretty big menu of biscuit sandwich options as well as a few additional pastry options. They even have veggie sausage options. (They don’t have many gluten-free options, so keep that in mind.) But we love the way they rotate the sandwich options so there is always something new to try!
Best Breakfast to Take to a Friend
Another very specific category that we might have made up specifically for Sub Rosa, but their baked goods are too delicious not to mention. If you wanted to grab a pastry for a friend or surprise your coworkers with a tasty carb, this is the spot to visit. You might not be able to see their menu in advance, but just trust that whatever they made that day is worth the trip. Follow them on social media to stay up to date.
Best Vegan Breakfast
If you need an early-ish option, Harrison Street Cafe opens at 9am and they’re a completely vegan spot. Their menu isn’t huge but what they do have is delicious. It’s a cozy spot nestled in the VCU campus and it’s perfect for a quiet bite and a low-key hipster vibe.
Best Vegetarian Breakfast
821 Cafe is a vegetarian spot that serves breakfast starting at 10am on weekdays (except Monday) and 9am on the weekend. They have a creative diner-style that even meat eaters will enjoy. (They serve dairy & eggs, but not meat.) Give the tofu scramble a try. It tastes surprisingly similar to scrambled eggs!
The Best Weekend Brunch Spot
It is hard to pick the best brunch spot in Richmond, but Lulu’s takes the title in my book. Serving brunch Tuesday-Sunday, you may have to wait for a table but it’s worth the time. They have savory options like chicken and waffles, but their sweet red velvet waffles are always popular. They have a covered patio that is great for warm weather days.
The Best Gluten-Free Breakfast
I have to admit that I was kind of confused when I first went to 521 Biscuits & Waffles because, despite the fact that everything on the menu is gluten-free, they don’t heavily advertise it. (It’s probably a good strategy for the gluten-free skeptics.) But this was the perfect spot to take my gluten-free friend when she came for a visit. We both raved about how the waffles did not taste gluten-free.
We kept this list local, so you won’t find “classics” like Cracker Barrel or First Watch. Those places are fine, but we wanted to focus on local gems. So enjoy the most important meal of the day at a Richmond staple. Whether you’re craving breakfast pizza, brunch cocktails, or the best biscuits, you’ll find quality food at the best brunch spots! Did we miss one of your favorite spots? Let us know in the comments below!
Oh, wow! I can’t wait to check out these restaurants on our visit in August! Thanks for the recommendations!
Great list of Richmond breakfast spots. I see some of my favs, and some new ones I can’t wait to try. Thanks!!