Breakfast is a big deal in our family. We’re happy to have breakfast for any meal. I mean, it it’s good enough to eat in the morning, why isn’t it good enough to end your day with?
We often head out to breakfast before heading out to do something fun in Northern Virginia.
Here I wanted to share some of the best breakfast spots in Northern Virginia so you can enjoy a meal out with your family too.
Here you’ll find:
- Sunday brunch options
- Fine Dining places
- Local favorite spots
- Brunch restaurants
- Comfort food outlets
- Healthy meal options
- Cafes
- And a lot more
We’re not just listing out places here, we’re getting into the details for each one. So that you can figure out a great place to have breakfast with your family and friends.
Below are the 17 best breakfast places in northern va listed in no particular order. They’re all great, serving delicious food and each has its own charm.
Pick the one that matches your mood, and taste!
Fairfax County
#1 Chloez Cafe
5622 Ox Rd unit f, Fairfax Station, VA 22039 | Website
I visited Chloez Cafe quite recently with my family, and boy does it stand true to its tagline, “A day at the beach”.
They have this fun, friendly, bright atmosphere going on, and the staff is really helpful. I loved the vibe of this place!
We went on a weekend, so there was a lot of rush (understandably!) yet the service was great. We went as a family of three, and we ordered the Avocado toast and a Belgian Waffle breakfast combo.
It was super delicious and plentiful.
Popular Dishes:
- You have to try all their specials, but I’d personally recommend the Avocado toast and breakfast sandwiches.
- Try their oh-so-interesting smoothies
For the Kids:
- Kids are going to love the Belgium Waffles here.
- Also try the burger with fries here
After breakfast, you can even take a 5-minute walk over to the Fairfax Station Railroad Museum.
#2 Ted’s Bulletin
2911 District Ave Unit 160, Fairfax, VA 22031 | Website
I visited this place about six months ago with my daughter and she had a really great time here.
I had the biscuits and gravy, my daughter loved her blueberry cheesecake and milkshake. We ordered some tarts to go and enjoyed those at home. Their salads were fresh and yummy too.
They have all-day breakfast items on their menu so you can visit here at any time of day.
Ted’s has a nice, cozy atmosphere that can get busy during the weekends but it’s still a great spot for breakfast or brunch if you live close by.
Popular Dishes:
- Pancakes
- French toast
- Biscuits and gravy
- Crisp hash browns
For the kids
- Milkshakes (Oreo, Vanilla, Strawberry)
- Blueberry cheesecake
- Seeing tarts being made (and trying them of course!)
Our Kids Recommendation: Make sure that you reserve a table here especially if you’re heading out on a weekend.
This place is great and the server, Pete, was fantastic. He made our experience so enjoyable and my daughters kept commenting how nice he was. He brought my girls additional menus to color on and was very accommodating. The food was great and we took some tarts to go, which were amazing. You can see them making them too which was fun. We will definitely be back.
Sarah Portillo
#3 Main Street Bagel Deli
10268 Main St, Fairfax, VA 22030 | Website
Bagels on your mind? I cannot recommend a better place than the Main Street Bagel Deli.
While bagels here are the star menu item, there are plenty of other options available too. My daughter tried their pizza bagel and she could not stop raving about it.
The best part about their bagels is that they’re always freshly baked and they make their own cream cheese. It’s a family owned business and that reflects in their food and service too.
This is a casual dining spot that serves amazing food, provides quick service, and welcomes you with warm hospitality.
Our Kids Recommendation: Check out the vegetarian options for your bagel and sandwich toppings!
Popular Dishes:
- Everything bagel is a must-try
- The simple yet delicious sesame bagel
- English muffin sandwich
- Cheese Sandwich
- Sun dried tomato bagel
For the kids:
- Grilled cheese sandwich
- Pizza bagel
- Peanut Butter & Jelly
#4 Silver Diner
8150 Porter Rd, Falls Church, VA 22042 | Website
If you’re looking for that classic American diner to have breakfast, this is the perfect place for you.
The Wall Street Journal described the Silver Diner as “Food that’s cleverly conceived.”
I wanted my kids to experience the real American diner, so we visited Silver Diner last month, and it did live up to its name. It’s as American as it gets! 🙂
I ordered the Vegan Eggs Benedict, baby spinach feta & cremini mushroom omelette. All of which were not bad, but a little steeply-priced. Their super-friendly service sure makes up for it though.
I’d suggest this place if you want your family to experience the 1950s vibe, and it’s also a great place for people with dietary restrictions, lots of vegan options available.
Popular Dishes:
- Baby spinach feta & cremini mushroom omelette
- Corn beef hash and eggs
- Avocado Toast and eggs
For the kids
- Caramel french toast
- Belgian waffle and eggs
- Apple pie stuffed french toast
The restaurant was very clean and looked quite well maintained. The server that served our table was cordial and brought our drinks, appetizers and main courses promptly and he was very amiable. The food was delicious and quite tasty. I would definitely come back again.
Jorge Mendoza
Less than a mile from the restaurant is Jefferson Falls Mini Golf which is a fun post-breakfast activity from April to October.
#5 De Clieu Coffee & Sandwiches
10389 Main St B, Fairfax, VA 22030 | Website
I visited this place with a few of my friends who wanted to explore coffee shops in the DC area and we stumbled upon this quaint coffee and sandwich shop in old town Fairfax.
They had a huge selection of coffee, along with a variety of soups and sandwiches. We ordered the oatmeal with maple syrup, tomato basil soup, chocolate croissant, tuna sandwich and the Jack of All Trades sandwich.
Everything was super delicious but the best part for me was the lattes, especially the Charcoal Late. Don’t forget to try that when you visit this De Clieu’s!
Popular Dishes:
- Jack of All Trades sandwich
- Coffee
- Bagel
For the kids
- Homemade gelato is a hit with the kids
Arlington County
#6 Ruthie’s All-Day
3411 5th St S, Arlington, VA 22204 | Website
My family loves this place! It has a very chilled-out, mid-century ambiance that offers homestyle-cooked great food and has flavorful decor.
My kids had the red apple pie pancakes, and while we were not expecting much, they turned out to be delicious. And my kids don’t even like apples!
It’s one of our favorite brunch spots in the area.
They offer brunch here on Saturdays and Sundays from 9am to 3pm. You cannot go wrong with their apple donuts, biscuits and gravy, apple pie pancakes and hashbrowns.
If breakfast mimosas are your thing, you gotta go here. Over the years, Ruthie’s All Day has earned the favorite breakfast spot for my family.
Parking and finding a table at Ruthie’s could be a challenge, but the food makes it worth your wait.
Popular Dishes:
- Apple pie pancake
- Ruthie’s Big Plate
- Rad double burger
For the kids
- Cookies
- Fries
- Hash browns
Ten minutes from Ruthie’s All Day is Windy Run Park and Nature Trail where you can see a waterfall, making for a nice outdoor activity after breakfast.
MORE FUN: 100 Things to Do With Kids in Northern VA: Toddler to Teen
#7 Sweet Leaf Cafe
650 N Quincy St, Arlington, VA 22203 | Website
Sweet Leaf Cafe is one of the best places in Arlington, VA if you’re searching for healthy breakfast options.
They have a very modern appeal and outdoor seating arrangement that’s just not limited to that seasonal fresh fruit. Their breakfast menu is a variety of smoothies, salad bowls, grain bowls and healthy sandwiches.
I had the veggie stack here and I was full. My husband loved his strawberry kale smoothie which I could have never imagined. We were in a little bit of a rush so we could not try more brunch items but we’re planning to go here again very soon.
I’d recommend this place to anyone who’s looking for a fresh and light meal.
The healthy ingredients they put in their sandwiches make all the difference.
Popular Dishes:
- Sunrise Breakfast Burrito
- Harvest Bowl
- Chimichurri
For the kids
- Fruit Cup
- Frozen Yoghurt
- Quesadilla
#8 Good Company Doughnuts & Cafe
Retail 1, 672 N Glebe Rd, Arlington, VA 22203 | Website
I’d be lying if I say that I go here just for the kids. I love the smell of freshly-baked doughnuts more than anything. And they serve them with their specialty coffee which kind of makes it my favorite place to have breakfast in Arlington.
It’s one of those warm, little breakfast joints that serves handmade, homemade local delicacies. And that’s what I love about this place. We’ve been here a number of times, and I’ve even ordered dozens of packets from them on my son’s birthday.
He loved them more than he loved his cake. But, they sell out very fast, and you may not get your desired flavour every time but for me, all their flavors are incredible.
This place gets really busy on weekends, and you may have to wait in line. But, they do have ample indoor as well as outdoor dining spaces.
Good Company is my new favorite spot for Doughnuts, but they have so much more! If you like yeasty doughnuts, Good Company is for you! I love their Jelly Doughnuts. Their coffee is solid as well; they serve Intelligentsia. Plenty of indoor and outdoor seating, and their breakfast sandwiches are delicious! I went for the first time a few days ago, and wanted to try so many things on the menu! I was hooked. This is definitely a spot I will take my friends when they come visit!
Isac Kunnath
#9 Bob & Edith’s Diner
2310 Columbia Pike, Arlington, VA 22204 | Website
Bob & Edith’s Diner is a 24/7 cafe that offers great sandwiches and mash potatoes. If you want to experience the old school taste of a diner that serves hot, delicious comfort food and coffee, this is your place.
I’ve been there twice, both times when we had to catch a really early morning flight. My kids also love their milkshakes and fries here.
Our waitress said it gets pretty crowded on the weekends and the parking could be challenging, so pick your time accordingly.
Popular Dishes:
- Steak and eggs
- Pork chops
- Three eggs omlette
For the kids
- Hot cakes
- Waffles
Loudoun County
While we don’t live in Loudoun but we love to visit for breakfast and a day of fun things to do in Leesburg, including a visit to the Leesburg Animal Park. If I go to breakfast with friends, we head to one of the area’s amazing wineries afterwards.
#10 Shoe’s Cup and Cork
17 N King St, Leesburg, VA 20176 | Website
As a family, we love exploring local food wherever we go. And if the place also happens to offer the local brews, we definitely won’t miss it!
Shoe’s Cup and Cork is a creative cafe-like brunch place with a beautiful back garden and bocce court.
While the food here was amazing, the staff was super friendly too. And you want to know the best part? They’re dog-friendly too!
So whether you’re looking for a romantic brunch scene or a full-on family affair, this place won’t disappoint.
Popular Dishes:
- Mimosas here are exceptional!
- Charred Brussels Sprouts Salad
- The Roasted Chicken Panini
For the kids
- Kids Avocado Toast
- Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Super good food and great service in an adorable little restaurant. The portions weren’t overwhelming. The drinks were really good. I’ll definitely be trying to make my way back here.
-Jonathan Laferriere
#11 Famous Toastery Of Ashburn
43780 Central Station Dr #150, Ashburn, VA 2014 | Website
Having one of those days where you need a burger to start your day? If yes, head out to the Famous Toastery. A perfect combination of classic and comfortable American diner setting.
It is our go-to breakfast spot for omelets, waffles and french toast that we love to wash down with a couple of Irish coffees. We never had any complaints with their service either.
In short, if you’re exploring breakfast places that offer fresh coffees, generous portions of eggs benedict and breakfast potatoes, you won’t go wrong here.
Popular Dishes:
- Waffles
- Omelets
- Coffee
For the kids
- Dollar Flapjacks
- French Toast
After breakfast, my kids love going to Hyper Kidz Ashburn which is a candy-themed indoor playground.
#12 Cowbell Kitchen
26 N King St Suite 110, Leesburg, VA 20176 | Website
I remember this place because this is where I had the best brunch on a rather dull day. I loved their warm, easy-going setting that has a rustic charm to it.
The biscuits, smoothies, pastries were absolutely yummy and we could tell everything was prepared with the freshest ingredients.
They have all-day breakfast food available on their menu, which you can order online as well. What I personally love about this place is the local food they offer.
Popular Dishes:
- Pastries (they bake fresh everyday)
- Try their buckwheat pancakes
- French Toast
For the kids
- Cinnamon roll
- Breakfast sandwich
DELICIOUS baked goods and food!!! Such a cute local spot with lots of charm, you must come here. Plenty of indoor and outdoor seating. Order at the front counter, or right from your table inside (very convenient!). The variety of rotational baked sweets are always good and this is a GREAT place for coffee/snack, breakfast and lunch. Highly recommended!!!
HawaiianNavy
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#13 First Watch
603 Potomac Station Dr, Leesburg, VA 20176 | Website
This is our go-to brunch spot, especially on busy weekdays. They offer really healthy options like freshly sliced fruits, and vegetables, french toast which they make from scratch and the coffee is really good.
We’ve been there just once, and I loved their concept of the fresh wake-up juices. Not just that, their menu is really creative and so is the food. It kind of transports me back to my grandparents’ farm.
Although my kids were not that excited about this place, my husband and I are already planning to turn this into a regular thing! I am sucker for places where I can eat to my heart’s content and not feel all bloated!
Popular Dishes:
- Boozy milkshake
- Wake-up juices
- The smoked salmon and vegtable frita
For the kids
- Lemon ricotta pancake
- Fresh fruits
Alexandria County
#14 Uptowner Cafe
1609 King Street, Alexandria, VA 22314 | Website
We stumbled upon this cozy little cafe when we were just casually strolling around the lanes of old town Alexandria.
Lucky for me, I loved this place as much as I love my English muffins, they were really good, very soft and fluffy. I’d definitely visit here again with my kids too.
My husband had a breakfast sandwich here, and we both also had freshly squeezed juices. The service was fast, food was delicious and it didn’t burn a hole in our pockets.
Overall experience: Very happy!
Popular Dishes:
- The Washington Street sandwich
- Cinnamon resin bagels
- Muffins
For the kids
- Croissant
- Cookies
Of all the coffee shops around, they open the earliest. For me who was battling jet lag, that was a life saver. Their breakfast sandwiches are solid, and they have a good selection of pastry, fruits, and drinks.
Howard T
#15 Café du Soleil
215 S Union St, Alexandria, VA 22314 | Website
Café du Soleil is a cute little coffee shop that offers the best pastries with organic coffee. I love just how thoughtful this place is. If you’re into gourmet food and quality coffee, do check this place out!
For me, finding good coffee places has always been a challenge, but their coffee really impressed me. And now, I can’t wait to go back here again.
My kids loved the french style seating here and gorged on crepes. We also ordered sandwiches, but crepes and coffee are the clear winners at this place.
Popular Dishes:
- Croque madame
- Sweet crepe
- Chai Latte
For the kids
- Nutella Crepe
- Scones with chocolate chips
#16 Grateful Kitchen Co.
727 N Henry St, Alexandria, VA 22314 | Website
The brunch menu at this place, as you would have guessed by the name, is filled with nutrient-rich, fresh and organic food.
They have tons of vegetarian options on the menu, and honestly, eating a salad here didn’t feel boring at all. I found the prices to be a bit on the higher side, but their quality is also exceptional.
This has to be one of the best restaurants in Virginia to offer vegan, vegetarian, and nutritious breakfast items. My kids who give me a hard time with the juices seemed to like their green smoothie here, so I would definitely go here again.
The food is exceptional here. The meals are simple which is great for people with allergies and the ingredients are extreme high quality. The higher pricing corresponds to the high quality of the food because better food costs more. They also have a wine menu here including natural sparkling wine with no additives which is very good. I love coming here.
Mary Last
Popular Dishes:
- Greateful Noodle Bowl
- Smoothies
- Nori Wrap
For the kids
- Egg Sandwich
#17 Table Talk Restaurant
1623 Duke St, Alexandria, VA 22314 | Website
We love going to Table Talk. It has a really cozy, homey vibe to it, plus it is quite affordable too. We frequent this place a lot because I love how the food is served here. Feels like you’re enjoying a home cooked meal!
The absolute family favorites at the Table Talk are the eggs benedict, home fried potatoes, french toast, bacon and not to forget, the freshly squeezed OJs. I also have to mention, the staff here is really polite.
It does get a bit crowded around here during the weekends like most places, but everything is so incredibly delicious that you won’t really mind the waiting around (sometimes).
Popular Dishes:
- Eggs Benedict
- Sausage Gravy on Biscuits
- Home fried potatoes
For the kids
- Pancakes
- Crabcakes
Best place around for breakfast. The food is fantastic and very affordable. French toast is to die for. The biscuits and gravy have a nice little spiced twist to them. I don’t know where they source their strawberries but they’re consistently top notch and fresh. The staff is very friendly, service is fast, and the environment is very quaint and inviting. I’ve been here more times than I can count, both with people, or on my own to just have a nice breakfast, some coffee, and to read a book.
Jake
Prince William County
#18 My Cravingz
7381 Sudley Rd, Manassas, VA 20109 | Website
My Cravingz is a really cute, Turkish cafe and we haven’t had a breakfast here that isn’t good. Our waiter was really helpful in helping us decide between some of their breakfast items.
We ended up trying their puff pastry filled with 3 cheeses and potatoes.
They make all their jams and spreads here without any added sugar or additives so you can enjoy as much as you want without the guilt. They also have extensive coffee, tea and beverage options.
If you’re looking for something different or are getting bored with the typical breakfast spots, this is definitely the place to go!
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Popular Dishes:
- Supreme breakfast
- Simit toast
- Breakfast plate
For the kids:
- Simit toast
- Borek
- Simit and chocolate
#19 Ashton Family Restaurant
9920 Cockrell Rd, Manassas, VA 20110 | Website
This has got to be the best breakfast you can find in Manassas. Everything is so good! We had the belgian waffles, turkey and pork sausages and eggs while the kids had french toast.
The menu is a bit interesting as you’ll find American, Latin American (like their Guatemala Tipico) and greek food. The people seated next to us both ordered huevos con chorizo. They said it is delicious and they rarely order anything else.
I’ll be trying their Central American plate next time that comes with fried plantains.
Popular Dishes:
- California eggs benedict
- Chorizo eggs enchiladas
- Gyro omelet
For the kids:
- Egg & bean burrito
- Pancakes
- Waffles
- Strawberry french toast
Visiting the Best Breakfast Spots in Northern Virginia
It’s hard to argue there are a wealth of options when it comes to breakfast spots in Northern Virginia. Hopefully, this list will help you find all the breakfast options you desire—and then some.
