The best breakfast in Manchester

Gooey Bakery + Café is one of the most popular Manchester spots for dessert lovers and coffee enthusiasts looking for a spot to enjoy a delicious breakfast, cake and coffee. With trendy decor and a laid-back vibe, it's the ideal spot to satisfy sweet cravings and sip on artisanal brews. Offering a variety of sweet treats, from gooey brownies to fluffy pastries, their menu is perfect for enjoying your food and posting on your Instagram.

The Koffee Pot in Manchester is renowned for its hearty breakfasts and brunches, offering traditional and more out-there dishes. By day, the menu features things like a proper full English fry-up, stacks of fluffy pancakes and brekky burgers, but by night, you can expect birria tacos and margaritas. The retro interior adds to its cool vibe, making it a favourite spot for locals and out-of-towners to gather and enjoy a meal or drinks in a cool, laid-back space on Oldham Street.

Ezra & Gil is a sought-after spot for breakfast and brunch in Manchester, serving a diverse all-day menu. Depending on when you visit, you can enjoy classic brunch choices like eggs Benedict, pancakes, and fry-ups or opt for international favourites such as pasta dishes, salads, poke bowls, and more. Cocktails and wine are available to pair with your meal.

Pollen is a bakery and café that has used the finest ingredients possible to craft a menu of sourdough delights, viennoiserie, and cakes since 2016. They also serve a seasonal brunch menu and speciality coffee at both venues, Kampus and Ancoats. Their sweet treats look more like art than food, which can be enjoyed in-house or taken away. They also serve bits to take home, like jars of condiments and their own inventions such as croissant butter made with caramelised croissant crumb and toasted white chocolate.

If you're looking for a spot where the cool kids have breakfast in the morning and drink margs at night, look no further than The Smithfield Social. This trendy spot on Thomas Street in the Northern Quarter serves a classic brunch menu and a main menu of hearty dishes like lobster mac and cheese and Sunday roasts. Breakfast is a winner here, from toasted banana bread and breakfast buns to fry-ups until 4 pm.

Albert's Schloss offers a refreshing retreat from the fast pace of Manchester's urban life. Here you can unwind daily to the sounds of live music and entertainment, accompanied by a selection of German beers, Alpine-influenced cuisine, and freshly baked treats. You can kickstart your day with their tempting breakfast options; they serve things like cooked breakfasts, granola, mushroom hash, and Turkish eggs, amongst other tasty options like pancakes and their special kroissant royale with various toppings.

Rustik is as a quaint, family-run Irish café-bar in the heart of West Didsbury, serving up comforting food and drinks in a pared-back space. While their brunch, lunch, and dinner menus offer plenty of tempting options like burgers and poutine, it's their breakfast that truly steals the show. From hearty full Irish breakfasts to fluffy pancakes drizzled with maple syrup, Rustik's morning offerings provide the perfect start to your day. As evening sets in, the café transforms into a lively hangout reminiscent of Dublin's Temple Bar, complete with live music, pub quizzes, and a selection of cocktails alongside the classic pints of Guinness.

Renowned as the Antipodean brunch masters, Federal boasts multiple locations across Manchester, each offering a breakfast spread that lives up to its reputation. From the classic smashed avocado on sourdough to indulgent French toast and creamy Turkish eggs, their menu is brimming with brunch favourites. Pair your meal with a choice of speciality coffees or opt for a refreshing cocktail to kickstart your day (it's 5 pm somewhere). Don't forget to grab some Aussie treats like Tim Tams while you're there.

Situated in Withington, the chic Biskits is a hospitable diner offering halal-friendly cuisine from dawn till dusk. Their menu includes brunch classics such as the full English, avocado on sourdough, and shakshuka, alongside burgers, grilled specials, loaded fries, and other substantial choices. Biskits' dessert offerings are particularly popular; their pancake stacks, waffles, cakes, and other sweet treats are the star of the show.

As you step into this cosy West Didsbury café, you're greeted with the comforting aroma of classic dishes like the full English breakfast and eggs Florentine. In addition to these staples, Thyme Out Food Co. serves daily specials and more unique options such as burritos or parmigiana. There's a lush terrace that provides the perfect spot for basking in the sun during warmer days.

Established in 2006, the family-owned Moose Coffee was born out of a passion for hearty North American breakfasts. With their trendy venues adorned with moose-themed decor, these breakfast spots have become a firm favourite in Manc, especially during peak brekkie and brunch hours. They serve a variety of generous breakfast options all day, along with classic dishes like eggs Benedict, sandwiches, and pancake and waffle stacks.

Sugar Junction is a cosy café and a haven for vintage enthusiasts and food lovers. With its quaint decor featuring China tea sets and vintage posters, this charming spot offers homemade cakes, fresh fare, and famed afternoon tea served on tiered stands. Breakfast here feels a bit like having breakfast at your grandma's house. You can also enjoy all-day brunch and vintage cocktails as evening falls, completing the retro experience.

The Pen and Pencil in the Northern Quarter offers a trendy New York-inspired setting for all-day dining, including breakfast. Brunch and lunch feature a variety of options, including bagels, French toast, cooked breakfasts, burgers, and sandwiches, with plenty of meat-free options. For dinner, enjoy light bites or one of the many mouthwatering burgers. Don't miss the monthly bottomless brunch with unlimited food and drinks. There are plenty of drink options, from non-alcoholic drinks, smoothies, coffee, and cocktails to a concise wine list and a selection of beers.

Dishoom in Manchester transports you to the bustling streets of Bombay, even at breakfast time. From the moment you step inside, you're greeted with the vibrant energy of old Bombay cafés. Dishoom's breakfast offerings steal the show, boasting a selection of traditional Indian breakfast dishes. Enjoy their iconic naan rolls, including a bacon option which includes smoky bacon, tangy tomato chutney, and fluffy naan bread. For those with a sweet tooth, the rich and creamy House Porridge, infused with hints of cinnamon and served with fresh fruits and jaggery, hits the spot.

Idle Hands is located conveniently in the heart of the city and is known for its speciality coffees and artisanal baked goods. All-day brunch is where they truly shine; your teeth into their signature Breakfast Bap, where you can choose your fillings to build your own, sandwiched between a brioche bun. Other options include things like brekkie tacos, mushrooms on toast and overnight oats, amongst more. 
Their espresso coffee selection boasts two to three choices from a constantly rotating roster of roasters. Otherwise, you can also explore their ever-changing brew bar, featuring filter coffees sourced from roasters across the globe.

Evelyn's Café Bar is a local favourite in the heart of the Northern Quarter. Drawing inspiration from Middle Eastern and pan-Asian cuisines, their menu showcases brunch classics by day and small plates by night, all prepared around a charcoal Inka grill and live fire. Choose from things like porridge, shakshuka and pancakes from their all-day brunch menu, as well as heartier options like burgers and fish and chips.