Best Breakfasts I’ve ever had in Europe

Where can you find the best Best Breakfasts in Europe?? This is the question i asked the travel blogger community.

From a Full English breakfast to an Ulster Fry and Crepes in Paris they came back with some good suggestions for you.

When travelling a good hearty breakfast can make your day. They say it is the most important meal of the day and I agree. Eat well at breakfast time and you can go the whole day without feeling hungry. This is important when you have a long bus or train ride ahead of you and don’t know when your next food stop will be.

If you are new to an area ask the locals where they eat. Don’t just head for the nearest Macdonalds for a dose of junk food. Find out where locals eat and you will always be satisfied.

If you aren’t in Europe you can read where to find the  Best Breakfasts from Around the World

A Full Scottish Breakfast at the Coffee Mill Café Edinburgh by Graham of My Voyage Scotland

One of the best breakfasts in Europe I’ve had was in Edinburgh and it wasn’t in a fancy 5 star hotel or restaurant. It’s in a quaint little café a stone’s throw away from Edinburgh Castle.

The Coffee Mill Café is just off Edinburgh’s Haymarket – a bustling hub of pubs, restaurants, hotels and small shops in the heart of Edinburgh’s old town.

When we went I ordered a full Scottish breakfast. A full Scottish breakfast is very similar to a full English breakfast with the welcome inclusion of a potato/“tattie” scone, haggis and square sausage. There’s also none of that bubble and squeak nonsense.

The café itself is an absolute hidden gem. Edinburgh can be overtly touristy, with high prices for meals and drinks. The Coffee Mill Café is more of a local eatery. Nothing fancy, but delicious food! We were all in £48 for our meal, or £6 a head for an amazing meal, which is cheaper than most takeaways in Edinburgh.

From the café you can look out and watch the hustle and bustle of Edinburgh’s old town. After lunch, you can take the short walk through the Haymarket to Greyfriars Bobby, or ascend the side stairs up towards Edinburgh castle.

“He said rich fare might be difficult for you to manage.”
Keir snorted at the thought. “Difficult for an Englishman, maybe. But I’m after having for a full Scottish breakfast.”  – Lisa Kleypas

Stuttgarter Frühstück by Marianne of The Journeying Giordanos

One of the most memorable and best breakfasts in Europe our family had was in Germany, during our visit to Stuttgart. Stuttgart is the largest city and capital of the German state of Baden-Württemberg. It is also the birthplace of the Porsche.

Our family chose Carls Brauhause for our Sunday breakfast. The restaurant is centrally located in the königstraße shopping district, is easily accessed by public transit, and is right next to the gorgeous Schlossplatz.

Carls Brauhause has an outdoor patio with wonderful views of the palace and fountains. It is the perfect place to people watch, enjoy the weather, and indulge in a good meal. The restaurant is also very family-friendly, with menu items geared towards younger kids.

It is said that simple is often best, and that concept definitely applied to our amazing breakfast! We chose the Stuttgarter Frühstück for two, which consisted of house-made bread and wholegrain rolls, cheese, salami, two eggs, fresh salad, butter, marmalade and jam, fruit, and orange juice.

The kids indulged in a fresh pretzel with Nutella and a Kindercappuccino. The presentation was fabulous, and the fresh taste of the food was incredible.

We could not have asked for a better summer Sunday breakfast, than the one we enjoyed in Stuttgart, Germany!

Cornetto e Cappuccino in Italy by Claudia of My Adventures Across The World

Italians favorite breakfast is “cornetto e cappuccino” and locals typically enjoy that at a bar – Italian for café. Traditional Italian breakfast is actually not a very healthy or nutritious meal – it’s very high in fat and carbohydrates. 

A typical cornetto e cappuccino breakfast is just that: a cornetto, which will remind you in shape of a French croissant but which is not nearly as flaky or buttery, and is actually way sweeter (it can be plain or filled with custard, apricot jam, chocolate and hazelnut spread or even pistachio spread); and a cappuccino, which is traditionally made with steamed and frothed whole milk and a shot of espresso (though in the last decade, options for vegans or lactose intolerants have become available too). 

Don’t expect cappuccino to come in various sizes – unless you are at the airport, you will only find it in one smallish size and the only option to have a larger portion will be to order two. 

This really is a special meal that most people have once in a while, whereas for the most part they’d enjoy a healthier version at home, which usually includes yogurt, fruit and some light cookies, cereals or bread and jam. One of the best breakfasts in Europe too

“ Food is for eating, and good food is to be enjoyed… I think food is, actually, very beautiful in itself.” 

Polish breakfast by Karolina of Lazy Travel Blog

Polish breakfast is one of the best breakfasts in Europe! Why? Let’s start with the bread. It’s crispy from the outside and soft inside. Usually made of sourdough starter, it will keep you full for hours. 

In Poland, people usually have scrambled eggs with sausage and onion for breakfast. Alternatively, they eat spread for bread made of cottage cheese, fish, or eggs.

Polish breakfast won’t be complete without fresh veggies. Poles usually eat bell peppers, tomatoes, cucumbers, chives, and onions. Some of them also have the famous ogórki kiszone (dill pickles) in the morning.

When it comes to drinks, black coffee or black tea with some sugar is a must.

If you are traveling to Poland, look for milk bars to have a traditional Polish breakfast. These are cheap bars with fresh, authentic Polish food. This is also where locals eat so you will have a chance to make new friends.

“The first duty of a revolutionist is to get away with it. The second duty is to eat breakfast.” ‒ Abbie Hoffman.

​Full English breakfast with Derbyshire Oatcakes by Molly of Lovely Local Indie

The Peak District was recently voted the fourth best national park in Europe in the TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards. There’s stunning scenery, fascinating historical sites and extensive walking, hiking and cycling routes. But what I love most is the food. 

One of the local delicacies and probably one of the Best Breakfasts in Europe is Derbyshire Oatcakes. A cross between a pancake and a tortilla, they can be served with savoury or sweet fillings. Many cafés and tearooms will serve oatcakes as part of their breakfast menus and so this is an excellent opportunity to try a regional speciality. 

One of the UK’s most famous national dishes is a cooked breakfast. An English breakfast typically consists of bacon, sausage, egg (usually fried or scrambled), cooked mushrooms and tomatoes. Sometimes it’s served with black pudding (a seasoned blood sausage) and sometimes also baked beans. Usually all the items are fried, hence it being known as a ‘fry up’ or a ‘full English’ (since it will certainly leave you feeling full and quite possibly stuffed!). A cooked breakfast is typically served with or on top of toast. Sometimes in Derbyshire, oatcakes would replace the toast.  

The best cooked breakfast I’ve eaten recently was at The Robin Hood pub in Baslow. This country inn is wonderfully situated for walking and hiking, or exploring nearby Chatsworth House and has a large car park. 

According to the menu, a Derbyshire oatcake is part of both the Derbyshire breakfast and the vegetarian breakfast. The breakfasts were delicious and very generously portioned. On this occasion I opted for a vegetarian breakfast which included meat free sausages and halloumi cheese. 

When you have bacon and eggs for breakfast, the chicken makes a contribution, the pig makes a commitment 

​Full Breakfast of Charlotte by Zoe from Together In Transit 

When finding yourself travelling to the cities of Krakow and Warsaw in Poland, head straight to Charlottes for breakfast on your first day. Charlottes is a lovely little place in both cities for super early or late breakfasts for anyone who still needs it. For their locations, they are not always in the city centre, but still well worth visiting. The location in Krakow is lovely near the park and down a side street away from tourists too. 

 They provide a bit of everything on their latest menus, but we recommend choosing the Full Breakfast of Charlotte. This is a combination of all they provide in one sitting. You get a range of many of their items, such as eggs, croissants and fresh breads, condiments, yoghurt and fresh butter. This of course is combined with a warm drink such as a morning coffee, fresh juice and also a small glass of champagne.

 If this sounds like too much, Charlottes also offer delicious pastries and cakes, as well as other dishes such as omelettes, granola mixes with yoghurt and other baked bread choices. If you are tight for time, grab something to go, it’s well worth it! 

“‘When you wake up in the morning, Pooh,’ said Piglet at last, ‘what’s the first thing you say to yourself?’ ‘What’s for breakfast?’ said Pooh.” ‒ A. A. Milne

Scottish Porridge on Islay by Lannie of Lannie’s Food and Travel

For those who don’t know, everything about Scotland is epic including their breakfasts.  A full Scottish includes any combination of the following: eggs, sausage (either links, or the lorne “square” sausage), bacon, mushrooms, roasted tomato, haggis, black pudding, baked beans and tattie scones. 

On the Isle of Islay (pronounced EYE-lah), where I call home, there’s a particular local twist to these mouth-watering breakfasts.  At Glenegedale House, the island’s 4-star bed and breakfast, their full Scottish breakfast is made from ingredients either local to Islay or “as close to the island as possible,” as Emma, the owner and proprietress would say.  Their eggs are mostly sourced from their own hens outside, and the sausage from the butcher in the next village over.  It can’t get any fresher or local than that! 

Besides incredible hospitality, Islay is known for one thing – whisky.  As one of Scotland’s whisky regions, Islay is home to 9 whisky distilleries.  At Glenegedale House, you can honor this whisky tradition at any time of day, including breakfast.  Order a bowl of porridge and enjoy it with brown sugar, cream, and a drizzle of smoky, Laphroaig 10 whisky.  The smoky whisky pairs perfectly with the brown sugar and cream. It makes a gorgeous and fun start to your day, and definitely one of the best breakfasts I’ve had in the world!

“My perfect morning is spent drinking coffee, eating porridge and reading the paper at a local cafe” — Anton du Beke

​French Crêpe by Theresa – Fueled By Wanderlust

The best breakfast I experienced on my travels was eating crêpes, or very skinny pancakes, while in Paris.  This traditional French dish was invented in the northwestern Brittany region during the 13th century.  Legend has it, the first crêpe was discovered when a woman accidentally spilled some buckwheat porridge on a hot cooking stone.

Today, savory crêpes are still made with buckwheat flour, while sweeter versions are made with normal wheat.  There is even a French holiday on February 2nd, called Jour des Crêpes, which used to mark the end of the Christmas season, but today mainly consists of families devouring crêpes together.

Being a breakfast lover myself, I couldn’t wait to try some authentic French crêpes while in Paris.  Therefore, on my first day exploring the city with my husband, we made eating crêpes a top priority.  As we were staying in the Marais neighborhood, it didn’t take long to stumble upon the most adorable crêpe stand called La Droguerie. 

This small blue storefront had all its flavors and prices displayed on a chalkboard, and one man behind a window making crêpes to order.  I stayed traditional with my first authentic French crêpe, choosing banana and Nutella.  My husband, on the other hand, went for a savory flavor.

The owner folded the finished crêpes into a cone-like shape and wrapped the bottom in paper for us to take away.  We were then free to continue our explorations around Paris, while enjoying our delightful breakfast.

Image Courtesy La Droguerie du Marais Facebook page

“One of the great things about being a grown up is eating pancake for breakfast without having to ask for permission.” —Unknown

Ulster Fry by Izzy of The Gap Decaders

If you are travelling in Northern Ireland in a campervan, you must try an Ulster Fry. Ulster refers to what was historically an Irish province of nine counties; six of these are now in Northern Ireland, the remaining three are in the Republic of Ireland. 

An authentic Ulster Fry consists of thick, thick back bacon, fried eggs, thick pork sausage, black pudding and the real key ingredients of potato bread and soda farls (quarters) – oh yes, two types of bread! The potato bread is always fried in butter and the soda farls may be griddle-baked or toasted. 

Fried tomato, sauteed mushrooms, baked beans and white pudding can also be added, but these are not traditional elements of an Ulster Fry. 

The perfect pit stop for an Ulster Fry in Northern Ireland is Ballycastle, on the fantastic Antrim Coast road.  This breakfast stop is just a fifteen minute drive from the UNESCO Giant’s Causeway, and eight miles from the picture-perfect Game of Throne location of Ballintoy Harbour. 

Head for Barnish Cafe, a traditional cafe with gingham tablecloths, where you’ll get fantastic service alongside your home cooked Ulster Fry. Order the full works with a cup of tea and tuck in!

Image – Jamezcd at English Wikipedia, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

“There was always laughter in our house. And I have great memories of my dad making an Ulster fry on a Saturday morning. They were legendary even though he couldn’t really cook” – Dick Strawbridge

 Welsh breakfast by Shireen from The Happy Days Travels

There is one breakfast that is loved dearly by all natives of all four countries of the UK and that is the full breakfast. It’s commonly known as a ‘full English’ but in Wales, it’s called a ‘full Welsh’ because of the use of local produce for the ingredients and because Wales prefer to use the term ‘British’ instead of ‘English’ unless ‘Welsh’ can be used. 

On the full Welsh breakfast in Wales you will find baked beans, fried/scrambled/poached eggs, bacon, black pudding, mushrooms, hash browns, grilled tomato, toast or fried bread (using local butter is best) and sausages. 

One of the foods you must try in Wales is the Glamorgan Sausage which is vegetarian but packed with flavour to complement your breakfast so well. No breakfast is ever served in Wales without a cup of tea or coffee, using pure Welsh water and brewed to your liking. Digestive biscuits to dunk in your cup of tea or coffee are optional (but highly recommended).

If you visit Wales, don’t miss out on this hearty breakfast to keep you energised for your travels around the lush country!

“And now leave me in peace for a bit! I don’t want to answer a string of questions while I am eating. I want to think!”
“Good Heavens!” said Pippin. “At breakfast?” – J.R.R. Tolkien, Fellowship of the Ring

A Wetherspoons Full English Breakfast by Silverbackpacker

On my last road trip around England besides enjoying breakfast in local cafes I planned my early morning meals at one of the Wetherspoon pubs where I could also use their free wifi to catch up with some online work.

Wetherspoon’s popularity as a breakfast pub is due to the British obsession with a bargain. Ask anyone why they go to these pubs and they’ll mention two things: affordability and reliability. There are around 800 pubs scattered all over the UK, so you’re more than likely always near one.

A Wetherspoons breakfast consists of egg, bacon, sausage, mushrooms, tomatoes, baked beans, black pudding and toast. Finish all that and you will be set up for the day. They also had an unlimited brewed coffee for 99p until 12 noon the last time i was in the UK which means you can spend a whole morning working online with coffee every now and then.

There are plenty of sockets to plug your laptop into and the pubs don’t have any music or tv’s to distract you. Find a table near a window and you will have a view too.

A Wetherspoons Breakast must be one of the best breakfasts in Europe for the value it gives.

“Everyone runs around trying to find a place where they still serve breakfast because eating breakfast, even if it’s 5 o’clock in the afternoon, is a sign that the day has just begun and good things can still happen. Having lunch is like throwing in the towel.”
– Jonathan Goldstein

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