The 10 Best Breakfasts In Tampa Heights Florida

Sitting next to downtown and Ybor City, Tampa Heights is a picturesque neighborhood with stately oak trees, brick streets, and dedicated residents creating a small town feeling. It is one of the oldest areas in Tampa, Florida, and recently, city officials have taken notice of its central location, sparking many redevelopment projects to revitalize the neighborhood. If you’re in the area and looking for a great breakfast or brunch, check out our top picks below.

1. Cafe Hey

Cafe, Coffee Shop, Coffee, American, Vegan

A little place with unique character and the creations of many local artists on display, Cafe Hey is a favorite breakfast and lunch stop for vegans and health nuts. Delicious options like the peach waffles, vegan tuna wrap (made with shredded jackfruit), homemade soups, vegan BLT, kale salad and sandwiches on fresh cuban bread keep patrons coming back again and again. They also have numerous great coffee options, including a tasty iced caramel latte and cafe con leche, and they even have some great gluten-free menu items.

2. International Cafe

Bar, Cafe, American, North American

True to its name, International Cafe features an array of diverse options on its menu, and spacious seating makes this place the go-to spot for residents in the area. The champ omelet is a great choice for breakfast, and the lunch specials are a fantastic deal for what you get. The breakfast special with skinless sausage, eggs, delicious cuban toast and coffee is also extremely popular. In addition, they have lots of good sandwiches to choose from, and an espresso bar for those who need their coffee fix.

3. Café Perera

Cafe, Restaurant, Coffee

For over 20 years, Café Perera has served up a variety of Cuban breakfast and lunch items at a great price. The owner and staff are known for being super friendly, attentive, and efficient. They serve breakfast until 11am, but if you stop in a little later, you can also get great mojo chicken, salad with breaded chicken strips, and their cup of beans, rice, and meat.

4. Bizou Brasserie

Brasserie, American, Beer, Vegetarian

Located within the historic Le Méridien Hotel, Bizou Brasserie dishes out fantastic French and American comfort food, wine, and cocktails. The eggs florentine and salmon hash are particular favorite breakfast menu items, with perfectly poached eggs and fresh berries. They even have a great French pastry and bread counter, with beautiful displays and delicious eclairs on offer. Patrons also love the fact that the hotel used to be an old courthouse building, with many of the old details still intact.

5. Sono Café

Cafe, Coffee, American

Inside the Tampa Museum of Art overlooking the banks of the Hillsborough River, Sono Café is an expansive, covered, outdoor terrace with tables that offer a view of the iconic University of Tampa Minarets, Curtis Hixon Park, and the downtown skyline. Sono serves up hand-crafted lunch seven days a week, weekend brunch, locally made gelato, and a full coffee and tea menu. They also have guest appearances by local chefs and entrepreneurs, as well as local products for sale like Urban Juice and Kahwa Coffee. It’s the perfect place to go for a delicious meal before admiring the beautiful exhibits in the museum.

6. First Watch

Cafe, American, European

Each morning at the crack of dawn, First Watch slices fresh fruits and vegetables, bakes muffins, and whips up their French toast batter from scratch. Everything is made to order and freshness is never compromised. The staff is friendly and helpful, and there are loads of healthy options to choose from, like the popular blueberry pancakes and Benedict Florentine. Local families love weekend brunches in this light and airy establishment.

7. Yolk, White & Associates

Food Court, North American

Operating out of a cart normally parked near the river at MacDill Park, or sometimes the Generation Food Court in Seminole Heights for Sunday brunch, Yolk, White & Associates is widely known as one of the best places to get quality coffee and egg breakfasts in the area. The South of the Border special, Steak and Eggs special, and the French roast are just some of the amazing concoctions whipped up by owner Dylan. Patrons love to stop and chat with him, and he’s been known to make food any way you ask for it and even deliver to families sitting at tables nearby.

8. La Creperia Café

Cafe, Restaurant, French, American

Over the past 22 years, La Creperia Café’s Chef Dino has perfected the art of crêpe making. Chef Dino has popular creperies in France, Greece, and California, in addition to the one in Tampa. This small cozy restaurant has cute French decor and offers over 100 items including more than 60 breakfast, sweet, and savory crêpes, as well as paninis, soups, salads, wraps, and some pasta dishes. Favorite savory crêpes include the Lulu (ham, cheese, and pineapple), Bon Curry (cheese, chicken, and curry sauce with sour cream on top), and the Bianca Mia (chicken and cheese). The number one seller among the sweet crêpes on offer is the Romeo y Julieta, which contains Nutella, bananas, and strawberries and is topped off with more Nutella, whipped cream and sugar.

9. West Tampa Sandwich Shop

Sandwich Shop, Cafe, Snack Bar, Cuban, Spanish, South American

In a tiny little shop with humble surroundings, West Tampa Sandwich Shop truly makes its patrons feel like locals with their inexpensive and tasty Cuban food. The servers all speak Spanish, which is great if you want to practice the language or are a fluent speaker. From the Cuban sandwiches to the ropa vieja empanada and the papa rellena, everything is fantastic. This well-known institution in the Tampa Cuban community has had visits from many celebrities, sports heroes, and politicians – even President Obama.

10. Zelda’s Cafe & Deli

Cafe, Deli, Coffee

Combining Jamaican and American flavors, Zelda’s Cafe & Deli serves up southern food to comfort the soul. The staff are always very friendly and welcoming. The omelets, hash browns, blueberry pancakes, macaroni salad, and sandwiches, especially the Cubans, are especially popular, and breakfast is served all day.

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