One of the beach restaurant scene's "old-timers," Paradise Grille is a favorite with locals and seasonal visitors alike. Basically, it's a snack bar, literally on the beach, where dining is casual - and outdoors - and a menu offering basic comfort food at the right price. For such a small laid-back place, the breakfast menu is surprisingly ample with a host of omelets - including a crab and shrimp creation - along with pancakes (blueberry, banana or chocolate chip), egg platters, breakfast sandwiches and typical sides. You'll also find bagels and lox, fruit plates and fruit and yogurt parfaits. Breakfast begins at 8 a.m. seven days a week. On weekends, craft vendors set up right next to the snack stand, unveiling a varied assortment of hand-crafted items, photos and paintings.
Recommended for Breakfast because: It's one of the area's iconic snack bars with a prime location right on tranquil Pass-a-Grille Beach - just steps from the ocean.
Michelle's expert tip: Plan to go early on weekends, as it tends to get very busy after 10 a.m.
If gourmet coffee brewed into rich cappuccinos, hot foamy lattes and other specialty hot and cold drinks, accompanied by tasty home-made pastries and a bountiful selection of goodies appeal to your sweet tooth, then you've come to the right place. This European-style bakery cum café offers a mouth-watering selection of baked goods as well as ample breakfast staples. Dine indoors or outside on a covered terrace and indulge in a full breakfast, served, starting at 7a.m. An ample menu features: breakfast bagels, brioches, sandwiches, wraps, waffles and French toast. Frida's omelette is a special palate-pleaser with a tasty blend of spinach, bacon, tomato and mozzarella served with sourdough toast. Egg and bacon wraps are also a bit hit.
Recommended for Breakfast because: The food is always fresh and very tasty and it's the pastry selections are always mouth-watering.
Michelle's expert tip: Crepes are made on Saturday and Sunday only until 11 a.m., so get there early!
A mainstay on St Pete Beach since 1989, Beverly's La Croisette is known for its casual, friendly atmosphere as well as its delicious breakfast and homemade croissants - which are used for their killer French toast. If you hanker for basic eggs with all of the trimmings, pancakes or waffles, you're in the right place. The more daring might want to dive into a variety of tasty "Bennies" such as the Benedict Arnold (with Canadian bacon) or the Sea Benny (with Canadian bacon, sea crab and shrimp in a white cream sauce). For something bolder, order a specialty omelet: the Hangover (with corned beef, cheese and tomato topped with a cheese sauce) will surely cure what ails you. The Florida (with avocado, tomato and cheddar cheese) is another favorite. Open every day for breakfast and lunch - except for Christmas Day - it's a popular choice.
Recommended for Breakfast because: It has won many awards and is a fun, family-friendly place. Beverly herself is usually on hand to mingle with her guests.
Michelle's expert tip: Try the Florence Benny with savory Canadian bacon, spinach, mushrooms, onions and gooey Swiss. You won't regret it!
This sea-inspired restaurant located in the Opal Sands Resort offers Italian-influenced cuisine, a view of the tranquil Gulf of Mexico and a host of tantalizing breakfast options. Ample offerings include basics such as steel-cut oatmeal, a tasty Greek yogurt-infused granola parfait and banana berry smoothies. If you prefer to indulge, you should opt for the Amaretto French toast with toasted almond, sweet mascarpone, bananas and warm maple syrup or try the Belgian waffles with berries and cream. The tasty Breakfast Panini features farm fresh eggs, fontina cheese, arugula, griddled ham and warm tomato on sourdough with roasted garlic aioli. Bloody Marys and Mimosas are an added treat.
Recommended for Breakfast because: Opal Sands Resort is one of the latest resorts to open in the area and it's one of the favorites with locals and visitors alike.
Michelle's expert tip: Ask for a seat near the window so that you can take in views of the Gulf.
Located in the award-winning Sandpearl Resort, Caretta on the Gulf is Clearwater's only AAA Four Diamond restaurant. Indoor-outdoor seating serves as the perfect backdrop for views of the Gulf, setting the stage for their delectable breakfast line-up. Brioche French Toast served with peach compote is one of the favorites leading the list of choices which includes - among other things - freshly baked pastries, eggs, pancakes, omelets and more. The smoked salmon station is always a crowd-pleaser and the weekday breakfast buffet children 12 and younger to eat for free. The Sunday buffet is legendary with carving stations, made-to-order omelets, sushi and other treats, sure to satisfy every craving.
Recommended for Breakfast because: It's a AAA Four-Diamond restaurant, their buffet is legendary and the views aren't too shabby, either!
Michelle's expert tip: Looking for one of the best Sunday brunches in the area? Caretta on the Gulf has got you covered!
Breakfast wraps, French toast specialties, a different quiche daily, endless omelets, eggs Benedict and their signature "Waffle Daffle," (a Belgian waffle with whipped cream, raspberry sauce and seasonal fruit) are just the beginning at this charming bistro. Once frequented by late and greats such as Marilyn Monroe, Mickey Mantle, Alfred Hitchcock, Buster Crabbe and others, it's been a frequent favorite with locals and savvy visitors for three decades. Along with delicious "human" food, there's a patio and special Canine Cuisine menu for dogs. "French poodle toast," "mutt loaf" and "beagle with cream cheese and salmon" are just a few of the canine specials offered."Wake up Little Shih Tzu" (creamy scrambled eggs), "These Paws are Made for Walking (toast with peanut butter), "Can't Take my Paws Off of You' (ham or turkey) and "Mutt Loaf" (4 oz. of ground sirloin) promise more pleasing options for "Fido."
Recommended for Breakfast because: One patron sums it up best, "I come to Sweet Sage Café to eat and feed my soul."
Michelle's expert tip: Check out their history wall for a peek into the area's past as well as celebrity photos.
Since 1982, this colorful St. Pete Beach establishment has been pleasing customers with its family-friendly, laid-back atmosphere - and truly tasty food. Famous for its six-egg omelets, delicious Belgian waffles and savory selection of eggs Benedict, the portions are also legendary. Homemade quiches are special palate-pleasers and the cinnamon roll French toast has been described as, "a religious experience." Try the Frog Benedict, a delicious blend of poached eggs, Canadian bacon, mushrooms and Swiss cheese on an English muffin, topped with homemade Hollandaise sauce. A special menu is available for "tadpoles," (ages 10 and under) and whimsical frog decor adds to the colorful, fun ambiance. The Frog Pond has two other locations, one in North Redington Beach one in downtown St Petersburg. All are open for breakfast and lunch.
Recommended for Breakfast because: It's been wooing customers since it opened in 1982 and a favorite with savvy locals.
Michelle's expert tip: If you're going for breakfast, get there early or be prepared to wait for a table. This is a very popular place!
If you're an Eggs Benedict fanatic, then you've come to the right place. Clear Sky Café has been dishing up palate-pleasing favorites to discerning patrons since they first opened in 2008. Topping the list are the "Bennies" (eggs Benedict) and Bloody Marys. With a choice of seven varieties to choose from, starting with the classic Eggs Bennie to Nova Scotia, California or Steak Bennie to the more exotic Lobster Brie, you'll have a hard time deciding which way you want to go. Add to that a choice of more than a dozen omelets, seven varieties of French toast and a selection of "skillet" egg dishes, this is no ordinary breakfast experience. You can, of course, order something simpler such as fruit, oatmeal, lox and bagels and more - but where's the fun in that? Their Bloody Mary bar promises the perfect accompaniment to any breakfast choice.
Recommended for Breakfast because: In their own words, "breakfast is served with an upscale twist." A Bloody Mary/Mimosa bar and live music add to the fun.
Michelle's expert tip: Breakfast is served from 7 a.m. to noon Monday through Friday and till 1 p.m. on weekends.
Tucked into the charming waterfront town of Gulfport, Stella's is a favorite breakfast spot with locals and tourists alike. Named for restaurant-owner Barbara Banno's beloved Aunt Stella - a member of the Dominican Sisters - and drawn from her childhood memories of Stella's cooking, this popular eatery, known as the "Cheers of Gulfport," has been getting rave reviews since it opened in 2009. Breakfast is served throughout the day and guests can dine indoors or out, where you can catch a view of Boca Ciega Bay. Breakfast favorites include their signature homemade corned beef hash, fried green tomatoes, southern shrimp and grits and more. Other crowd pleasers are their Texas-style barrel French toast and the quiche du jour. A winner of the Judge's Choice for Best Savory Dish in the 2016 Top Local Chef + Tampa Bay Marketplace competition and other awards, they're open daily from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Recommended for Breakfast because: It's a favorite with locals and visitors alike because you're treated like family and the food will remind you of "home."
Michelle's expert tip: If you have furry four-legged friends, bring them along, too - they love the bacon!
What can be said about a restaurant which is set in a chic, historic landmark, with classy decor and indoor - or outdoor seating boasting sweeping views of the tranquil sea? Add to that delicious cuisine and you have a match made in gastronomic heaven. This St Pete Beach favorite housed in the legendary Don CeSar wows both locals and visitors alike who are drawn to fine dining with a tropical flair. The cinnamon Monkey Bread with warm toffee sauce is a "must," as is the Corned Beef Hash Skillet consisting of poached eggs, potatoes, onions and grain mustard cream. For a healthy start, try the tasty yogurt parfait with Greek yogurt, mixed berries and granola. A selection of coffees, teas, smoothies and frosty cocktails add to the experience. The Sunday Champagne Brunch is a special favorite, with made-to-order specialties and an unending flow of Mimosas.
Recommended for Breakfast because: The stately Don CeSar is one of the area's most iconic landmarks and is a "must" when visiting the area.
Michelle's expert tip: For mesmerizing beach views (and of course, people watching), sit outside - and kick start your breakfast with the gooey, cinnamon monkey bread!