Start your day off right with breakfast made fresh from some of the best diners and restaurants in the Burgh. Whether it’s a classic American breakfast, upscale brunch, fully loaded waffles, or a retro-inspired plate, these eight breakfast joints will knock your socks off.
The Lot at Edgewater
Located in Oakmont, The Lot at Edgewater offers hearty breakfast plates, including classic steak and eggs, green eggs and ham, crab cakes benedict, and short rib hash. For breakfast lovers with a sweet tooth, don’t miss the Nutella french toast. Breakfast is served from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
The Lot at Edgewater has covered patio and outdoor tables, as well as indoor dining at 25% capacity.
Ma’s Honey
Ma’s Honey owner, Justin, is a Pittsburgh native who has a love for cooking. The name “Ma’s Honey” comes from a childhood nickname.
Breakfast is served all day here! They have all the classics — french toast, waffles, pancakes, and breakfast sandwiches. Ma’s Honey has several different omelet options as well. Stop by their Penn Hills location for breakfast, morning, noon or night.
Simone’s
Simone’s in Mt Lebanon opened in February 2019 and is nestled uptown on the corner of Washington Rd. and Cedar. Simone’s is an intimate dining experience that puts a twist on breakfast and brunch. For starters, the salmon scramble includes a salmon filet laid on top of sauteed spinach, pepper, onion and goat cheese, scrambled with eggs, and then drizzled with homemade dill aioli.
Simone’s is known for its superb omelets, and the most popular is the Avocadonator with bacon, tomato, onion, Monterey Jack cheese, and avocado spread. For lovers of gyros and tzatziki sauce, try the Greek benedict that includes gyro meat, sauteed tomatoes, onions, gyro, and feta cheese on top of farm bread with poached eggs.
Gab & Eat
Sometimes only a classic diner will satisfy a breakfast craving. Gab & Eat offers the quintessential “old school” diner atmosphere — it’s a community gathering place with plenty of regulars. Sue Smith and Karie Goedert have owned It for 21 years, and the restaurant has been around for over 30 years.
You’ll be able to watch your food be cooked in front of you. Homemade sweet and hot sausage is cooked fresh on the grill, and the diner offers many American breakfast classics, including omelets, eggs, waffles and pancakes. If you stick around after breakfast, be sure to try their well-known Smash Burgers. And Gab & Eat caters events with an upscale menu, bringing together over 40 years of experience in the catering business.
PapaGallo Cucina
Founded in July 2010, Chef Len Spampinato adds a unique twist on classic American breakfast by creating every dish from scratch. PapaGallo Cucina features an open-dining setting where you can chat with the chef as he cooks. Papagallo means “rooster” in Italian, so you’ll notice rooster artwork throughout the restaurant. Their breakfast specialties include brussel sprouts over cheese grits, classic egg benedict, and the best salmon hash you can find.
Papagallo Cucina also is the only restaurant in Pittsburgh to serve Kangen water, which is the cleanest water you can drink. Chef Len has been the recipient of several best seafood awards, and he’s been featured in several Pittsburgh cultural magazines and on WQUD’s Hot and Spicy series with Chris Fennimore. A Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reviewer immediately ordered a takeout lunch sandwich upon trying the breakfast — that’s how good it is!
JT’s On Brownsville Diner
Come hungry when you head over to JT’s On Brownsville Diner because the food is delicious and the portions are huge. The homemade potato pancake is a local favorite at this family-owned diner. Get there early for weekend brunch as the place fills up.
Located in Brentwood, JT’s is open Wednesday through Sunday. Mention this article and get a free pancake!
Waffles, INCaffeinated
Waffles, INCaffeinated believes breakfast should be a boutique experience. Come relax and enjoy unique, delicious, and artistically plated dishes prepared from scratch at their E. Carson Street, and Fifth Ave., Pittsburgh locations. Offering a variety of sweet and savory waffles as well as crepes, omelets, French toast, breakfast sandwiches, and gourmet coffees and teas. Go bananas with the Funky Monkey chocolate chip waffle (pictured here) topped with bananas, house-made peanut butter chiffon, and chocolate sauce. Or, try the Vegetarian Delight omelet with roasted tomatoes, sautéed spinach, mushrooms, red onions, tarragon, and feta cheese drizzled with our spicy mayonnaise.
Have a dietary need? The waffle dishes may be requested as dairy, soy and gluten-free, no-sugar-added, low carbohydrate, or vegan. Creative? Experiment with a “build your own” option from a cornucopia of toppings and mix-ins choices. Beginning November 2020, enjoy a mimosas, a Bloody Mary, and other adult beverages with your visit.
Valliant’s Diner
For over fifty years, Valliant’s Diner has served breakfast and lunch, seven days a week, to hungry customers in the North Hills. The retro-style 50’s diner decor will take you back in time! As one of the longest-standing restaurants in the area, Valliant’s Diner has been serving customers delicious breakfasts including 12 different types of omelets. Outdoor seating is available, and they’re open for breakfast, lunch and dinner takeout as well.
The original owner, Peter Valliant, emigrated from Greece in 1950 and opened the diner with his wife, Helen, in 1968. Gerri, the current owner, continues to keep the Valliant tradition alive that Pete began over 50 years ago.
Caffe Mona
This Bloomfield bistro brings together American and French influences. Caffe Mona is loved for its patio covered with colorful umbrellas – a perfectly Instagrammable breakfast location. The cafe has been in business for almost 10 years, and specializes in savory, gourmet, and sweet crepes. Caffe Mona has all of the classic breakfast staples as well, including pancakes, french toast, and omelets.
And just like you’d expect from any great cafe, you can enjoy fresh espresso, lattes, and mochas with your breakfast.
This content was provided by a local, independent contributor to Made in PGH, a lifestyle blog.