Flying Apron bakery celebrates good health by using gluten-free, vegan ingredients; whole grain wheat-free flours and non-hydrogenated oils. Diners can use alternative methods to sweeten items with such ingredients as agave, maple syrup and stevia. The best news? There's no guilt involved when sampling the cafe's goodies that range from salads and soups to the sweet (muffins, cupcakes, cookies) and the savory (personal pizzas and shepherd's pie). Chefs get creative with the mock rye bread, tofu scrambles, pepper peanut quinoa, pesto tapinade pizza and delectable veggie lasagna. A few sidewalk tables give diners a nice outdoor-dining option for when the Seattle sun shines.
Recommended for Breakfast because: Flying Apron bakery celebrates good health (breakfast, too!) by using gluten-free, vegan ingredients. Stop in for a tasty bite at this casual Fremont space!
Lesli's expert tip: Check out the day-old basket for discounted goodies!
Since 1994, Café Campagne has built a regional and national reputation "as Seattle's foremost classic French restaurant," in the venue's own words. Located just along the historic Post Alley in Pike Place Market, the welcoming restaurant offers an experience said to be "exceptional in traditional food and wine and comfortable in ambiance and service." Visitors and locals alike frequent this spot for breakfast, lunch or dinner as well as weekend brunches or a quick mid-afternoon coffee. Regional French cuisines stars here, showcasing dishes from the "French French Toast" and crab quiche to lunchtime tartines and such dinnertime gems as Duck Confit and Steak Frites. Check out the spot's annual Bastille Day activities, too!
Recommended for Breakfast because: The heart of France comes to the heart of Seattle; indulge in breakfast specialties like the Brioche French Toast.
Corinne's expert tip: A lovely first-stop on a day of walking about downtown: get yourself a cup of coffee (or mimosa) and enjoy a leisurely rich breakfast of the perfect Brioche French Toast.
Looking for a great place to get beignets, without making the trek to Louisiana? You've found it! Toulouse Petit Kitchen and Lounge, with its amazing French-Quarter charm and decor, offers breakfast, lunch, dinner and late-night dining. Their "Breakfast Happy Hour" runs every week day from 8am to 11am, and the breakfast menu includes cuisine from central and southern Europe, along with regional Northwestern seafood specialties. Breakfast is walk-in only, but they do take dinner reservations. Their breakfast menu includes 'cocktails you cannot get anywhere else before mid-afternoon comes along' with the Katie Mae, the Mint Julep and the Magnolia (a mimosa with grand marnier).
Recommended for Breakfast because: Toulouse Petit Kitchen and Lounge features an amazing French-Quarter charm and decor plus breakfast, lunch, dinner and late-night dining.
Corinne's expert tip: Along with the beignets (you are trying those, right?), the wonderful breakfast menu includes the Croque Madame breakfast sandwich: ham, fried egg, gruyere cheese with mornay sauce.
As Seattle's only true waterfront hotel, The Edgewater Hotel dazzles with its picture-perfect location overlooking Elliot Bay and the Olympic Mountains. At this rustic-meets-modern lodge where roughly half of the hotel's 223 rooms offer stunning Bay views (the remainder face the iconic skyline), guests enjoy the Pacific Northwest-inspired decor and spectacular on-site dining at Six Seven, where patrons savor scrumptious fare inside or out. Aside from sensational panoramic views in the light-filled dining room, Six Seven visitors find teal booths, funky wood panel walls, subtly elegant chandeliers, a central stone fireplace and faux-industrial tree fixtures that bring a whimsical bent to a classy space. Savor outstanding options like the lox or "Seasonal Farm Fresh Omelet" at breakfast time; later indulge in the "Roast Penn Cove Mussels," breading-less crab cakes, cedar plank salmon and, a must-try, the gorgonzola-crusted filet mignon, adorned with forager mushroom ragout, asparagus, potato crisp and natural jus.
Recommended for Breakfast because: Breakfast is rarely served in a more beautiful setting than Six Seven Restaurant inside the Edgewater Hotel. Try the lox or "Seasonal Farm Fresh Omelet."
Corinne's expert tip: Guests will enjoy a locally-sourced wine list as well as spectacular water views.
Sophie and Eric Banh grew up eating street food in Saigon, and thanks to these siblings' vision and talent, Seattle diners now get to experience their sophisticated, creative takes on authentic Vietnamese fare at Ba Bar. (The restaurant's named for their dad; "ba" means "father" in Vietnamese.) Located in a stylish, industrial setting, the vibe is warm in this welcoming space, located on the cusp between Capitol Hill and the Central District. Amongst Ba Bar's paper lanterns and vintage artwork, the breakfast menu can be enjoyed daily. Dishes take on a more traditional Vietnamese bent, rather than reflecting Western sensibilities. For example, diners dive into show-stopper items like Banh Xeo; a crispy crepe of shrimp and pork belly rolled up with bean sprouts, fresh herbs and nuoc cham; or Sai Gon Beef Stew, a mouthwatering combination of lemongrass, star anise and anato seed oil.
Recommended for Breakfast because: In Capitol Hill (and now South Lake Union, too), Ba Bar serves delicious breakfast options that range from western (steak and eggs) to traditional Vietnamese.
Corinne's expert tip: Thanks to the use of rice ingredients, many Ba Bar items are gluten-free, and several are vegan, too. Check out the newest Ba Bar location in South Lake Union, and another one will soon be coming to University Village!
This charming spot on South Capitol Hill near Seattle University (open since 2007) offers full coffee service featuring Caffe Vita, house-made pastries, affordable French wines, a full bar open daily until 2 a.m., a newsstand of various magazines and newspapers and a menu of "casual Parisian cafe classics." Patrons feast on options from baguette sandwiches and French onion soup to cod filet, crispy duck leg and vegetarian Raclette. Weekends at Cafe Presse mean soccer matches featuring teams from America, Europe and around the globe in the bar up front. Cafe Presse is open every day from 7a.m. til 2 a.m.
Recommended for Breakfast because: This bright and charming spot on South Capitol Hill proves the perfect place to begin the day with tasty French fare among friendly locals.
Lesli's expert tip: Futbol fans: this is a great weekend spot for watching global soccer matches!
The view of the skyline is spectacular at this West Seattle hot spot, which consistently receives awards like "Best Waterfront Restaurant" and "Best Sunday Brunch in Seattle." The picture window offers a postcard-like vista. The only thing that may distract you from the scenery is Sunday brunch, regularly voted tops by Seattle's citizens in local publications. Sit on the breezy wrap-around deck or the patio, and enjoy a massive array of options, including delectable homemade cinnamon rolls, muffins, scones, sausage, eggs benedict, crab, salmon, fruit, pizzas, salads, omelets, cakes, pies--the works! Salty's also provides complimentary limo service from most downtown hotels. Ask your hotel concierge for more information.
Recommended for Breakfast because: Salty's on Alki Beach in West Seattle received raves reviews for its extensive Sunday brunch.
Corinne's expert tip: Take the water taxi here from downtown Seattle for a scenic adventure.
Breakfast available all day, from every region in America. How excellent is that? Breakfasts available from all American regions and all cuisines...all day. Scan the menu at this fun and funky American eatery, and you'll likely find your favorite region of the States soundly represented, from Southern-style Tasso ham and honey-stung fried chicken to Northwestern salmon cakes and Southwestern shrimp enchilada con queso. Indeed, 5 Spot is nothing if not dynamic, even changing its artwork and decor every so often to transport patrons to various seasonal locales. Early-risers (and late-risers, too!) take heed: their breakfast menu, available until midnight, features the likes of red flannel hash, smoked salmon scramble and homestyle biscuits and gravy.
Recommended for Breakfast because: This light-filled Queen Anne restaurant and bar boasts changing theme menus and a dining room filled with Americana.
Corinne's expert tip: The 5 Spot features rotating theme menus like a current example: "The Texas Gulf Coast."
Start your day with piping-hot fresh coffee, and accompany it with any of the wonderful breads, cakes or pastries served at Macrina Bakery. Meet with friends and plan your day, or spend some quality alone time reading the morning news; the friendly staff and cozy, welcoming cafe atmosphere at any of the locations (Belltown, McGraw or SoDo) provide pleasant surroundings in which to enjoy the freshly-baked, amazing fare whipped up in the cafe kitchen. Try gems like the brioche egg sandwich, housemade granola parfait or cafe quiche, with a rotating selection of seasonal ingredients. (Come for the delectable weekend brunch, too!)
Recommended for Breakfast because: Macrina Bakery serves fresh and seasonal breakfast items at all of its locations--inside welcoming cafe spaces.
Corinne's expert tip: Can't decide? Try tea or coffee with one of their Morning Glory muffins. If your sweet tooth is a late riser, try the Parmesan Rosemary Ham biscuit.
At four bright and airy spaces around town, enjoy consistently delicious fare at four Portage Bay Locations, where the food is always "local, organic and sustainable." The menu boasts the tagline "eat like you give a damn" and an impressive list of local farms and producers that the restaurant's chefs proudly work with. Breakfast and brunch items include migas, an array of benedicts (from pork belly to Dungeness crab cake), gluten-free French toast (topped with unlimited fresh berries), goat cheese omelettes and Swedish pancakes. Tuck into a pitcher of refreshing mimosas, or savor Columbia Gorge fresh-squeezed juices (the berry-lemonade is a sure bet). These restaurants are ideal for large groups and families, and patios prove popular summer hangout spots at the 65th and SLU locations.
Recommended for Breakfast because: Enjoy a fresh, regionally-sourced breakfast at four Portage Bay Locations, where the food is always "local, organic and sustainable."
Corinne's expert tip: Find three other locations around town, including a bustling location near downtown in South Lake Union (by the Amazon HQ) and one located on the stretch between Ballard and Golden Gardens beach.