Top Breakfast And Brunch Spots In Hamburg's Old Town, Germany

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Tucked away in Eimsbuettel, Gluck und Selig is a great breakfast destination, serving up tarts, crumbs and coffee. It can get packed during the lunch hour, but beat the crowds and head over in the morning instead. Interiors resemble a country cottage in style, with pretty white-washed and wooden furnishings and a vintage-esque glass display cupboard.They have a great selection of coffees, as well as other hot drinks such as Chai, Green Tea, hot chocolate and that European favourite, Ovomaltine.

Cafe, Tea Room, French, Tea , $
If you are sick of savory breakfasts and are craving a sweeter selection, look no further than Zuckermonarchie. As the name suggests, this is a spot specializing in sugary treats, from pretty pastel macarons to a full afternoon tea. The decor feels like a modern French tea room. Beautiful soft colors contrast with contemporary clear Louis XIV-style plastic chairs. It’s a relaxing, feminine spot and perfect for a get-together or a tea-stop amid sightseeing.

Cafe, Restaurant, German, European, $$
Though the restaurant is decorated with vintage tastes, the flavors served up here are anything but dated. Gnosa is just a few steps from the Central Station and serves all-day brunches and delicious sweets to go along with a fabulous selection of teas. They are famous throughout the city for their cakes, with a massive choice of 25 in their roster. There’s also an impressive torte buffet case to tempt you at any hour of the day.

Hungry? Then Café May is your place. It serves a huge breakfast buffet, covering pastries, cheeses, meats, eggs, vegetables and more. It gets crowded, but this creates a lingering breakfast buzz that can continue well into the afternoon at the weekend. There are locations dotted across the city, each with their own opening times. Some even serve breakfast until 2 pm in the afternoon.

Bistro, German, Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-free, $
Feeling more like indulging in petit déjeuner than Frühstück? Bistro Tati offers traditional French foods, such as galettes, crepes, cheeses and wines. Its breakfast menu is only available at the weekend, but it’s worth the wait. Customers rave about their crepes and galettes (thin pancakes originating in Normandy). Both are available for takeaway, but are best enjoyed in the pretty cafe, complete with antique French-style furnishings and the occasional live band.

Cafe, Coffee, $
A quaint little cafe, Osterdeich prides itself on its welcoming and friendly atmosphere. It doesn’t hurt that the breakfast is also great, with a selection of everything from fruit salad to croissants served with homemade marmalade. if you’re feeling indulgent, they also do a good line in cupcakes, beautifully decorated and favorite of local parties and events. It’s pretty small, so be prepared to get cozy with the neighboring tables.

Restaurant, Vegan, German, European, $
A popular Sunday brunch spot, Pauline buzzes with a local and tourist crowd, all eager to sample the homey decor and the homemade foods. Breakfast platters include a cheese selection, cold cuts, and even a vegan breakfast. There’s a scrambled egg menu and, for healthy breakfasters, a pretty extensive fresh juice selection. For the rest of us, there are plenty of coffees, teas and other hot breakfast beverages.

Bakery, Pastries, Dessert, $
Lieblingsplatz means ‘favorite place’, and this could easily become your top breakfast spot in Hamburg. The restaurant is buzzing with youthful, cool energy, perfectly suited to its Harbour City location. The interiors are bold and contemporary and coffee is highly recommended. Do as the locals do and pair it with a made-to-order omelet for the perfect start to the day.