(All of the places in this article open at 7am or earlier on weekdays, but opening hours during weekends may be different – for complete details, check out the venue information provided for each restaurant.)
1/10
Á table!
Nothing is better for warming the heart early in the morning than the smell of freshly baked pastry... well, except for the taste of real French croissants savored amid an authentic patisserie milieu that actually makes guests feel like they are starting their day in France. Á table! offers this experience at multiple locations even in the dewy AM hours. They offer a hearty croquet madame, slices of delicious quiche, and all kinds of flaky baked treats. This is a great choice for those looking for a charming place for Francophile feasting – bon appétit!
2/10
BITE Bakery Café
BITE Bakery offers additive-free breakfast gastronomy early in the morning, spicing up the usual morning-meal selections with a few twists – quite literally, since they serve freshly baked pretzels with various toppings. Empty stomachs can be filled with their huge pretzel sandwiches, sweet cinnamon rolls, steaming pies (like the one filled with pear and gorgonzola), or a cup of yogurt with cereal at two locations around Nyugati Railway Station. With a view of the always-busy depot, sitting down with a hot cup of coffee while watching the daybreak bustle can be a real urban experience.
3/10
Comix Coffee
This comic-book empire is a unique place to get breakfast – and not just for geeks (although they will probably appreciate the design and the ambience of Comix Coffee more than most). The breakfast choices are simple yet great; a tasty sandwich or a waffle accompanied by a big mug of latte with a Batman logo on it is guaranteed to waken those who are still sleepy. And while the empty stomachs get filled, the comic book selection (featuring everything from X-Men to Star Wars) provides imaginative stimulation for the head. Although a breakfast here doesn’t guarantee super powers, it will give you more than enough energy to seize the day.
4/10
Ecocafe
The peaceful Ecocafe on busy Andrássy Avenue is a great choice for those who are conscious about their consumption even early in the morning. They prepare everything from natural ingredients, and it’s always energizing to know you’re getting a healthy start to the day. Even those who forsake a healthful diet will find something to get them going – from sandwiches, pastries, and mueslis to freshly made salads and smoothies. As for the drinks, guests can stick to bio-coffees and teas, but a wheatgrass juice can kick off the day just as well.
5/10
Fruccola
Fruccola is a colorful spot for getting your morning boost, and contrary to how it may appear, it’s not only for vegetarians. Here an English breakfast and a fruit salad can coexist in harmony, as this is a happy place for all kinds of eaters. They have tasty croissants (like the marzipan-almond variety) and eggs prepared in various ways, as well as bagels and mueslis. Other than coffee and flavored hot drinks, they also offer freshly pressed vegetable and fruit juices for morning people to sip on.
6/10
KisBécs (Closed)
Early risers on the Buda side, we have good news for you: there are also some fine breakfast spots that open early on the hilly side of the city. Near Déli Railway Station, KisBécs brings a little Viennese atmosphere into Budapest’s everyday life. Since this is mainly a wine shop, the place has a wide selection of Austrian vintages, but morning people will love it for their heady breakfast selection. Of course, Vienna sausage is on the menu, just like varied types of egg dishes, and diverse pastries. Spicing up these delicacies with some of Austria’s best hams is a surefire way to start the day off on the right foot.
7/10
Kolosy Ébresztő
Kolosy Ébresztő – another early-opening eatery on the Buda side – is a locals’ favorite for its tasty tuna creams, French croissants, quesadillas, and other tempting dishes. This little breakfast nest is the best choice for those who are always on the run, even in the early hours – specializing in to-go orders, there’s no place to sit down here, but taking a walk with a vitamin-bomb fruit juice or a hot coffee in hand is always a good way to get going in the morning. UPDATE: Closed
8/10
Kollázs Brasserie & Bar
With a particularly early opening time of 6:30am, Kollázs Brasserie & Bar, located in the beautiful Art Nouveau building of the Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace, has a very broad selection of breakfast foods to offer. Naturally, they serve continental and American breakfasts, eggs, pancakes, granolas, and muffins, but on top of these perfectly prepared sunrise repasts, they offer specialties like the goose liver and wild mushroom omelet, or the smoked Irish salmon. Pair one of these courses with the breathtaking view of the city as it is just waking up is a one-of-a-kind way to get a great day started.
9/10
My Little Melbourne
The coffee machine at My Little Melbourne starts steaming up early in the morning, making this a perfect spot to grab something to feast on for early birds who are serious about their java jones. But it is also a lovely day-starting spot for those who are looking for more than a strong caffeine boost. Other than specialty coffees, they also have delicious teas and fresh JUICY juices – one of these paired up with a sandwich, some freshly baked pastry, or a cup of granola makes the perfect start for another great day.
10/10
Pöttyös Bögre Bisztró
This place is the perfect breakfast spot for lovers of French pastry, as Pöttyös Bögre Bistro is one of the city’s best providers of tasty croissants. Their heartily stuffed sandwiches and bagels are also great options for starting the day. For those who suffer from food allergies, Pöttyös offers alternative options for their sweet treats and coffee as well. This cozy haven with perfect service can easily become an early-morning home away from home – no surprise it’s busy even before the first sunbeams hit the dome of the nearby St. Stephen’s Basilica.
