Best breakfast near Tampa Bay beaches

Tampa Bay, on Florida’s beautiful Gulf Coast, is home to some of the country’s top ranked beaches. Most notably, Clearwater attracts millions of tourists with its’ fine quartz white sand and clear water. However, there are many other wonderful beaches throughout beautiful Pinellas County. As you will probably be getting up early to beat both the heat and crowds (a good idea!), you will want to fill up with a great breakfast. Below are a few great breakfast choices, each one located near a different Tampa Bay beach destination. Also be sure to check out my Top Coffeeshops near Tampa Bay beaches if you seeking something a bit lighter.

Clear Sky Beachside Cafe

  • Nearby beach: Clearwater
  • Location: 490 Mandalay Ave. Clearwater Beach Hours: 7am-11pm (Midnight on Fri & Sat)
  • Highlight: Diverse menu
  • What to try: Veggie skillet
Veggie skillet at Clear Sky Cafe in Clearwater Beach

Clear Sky is the best casual breakfast restaurant located within close proximity to Clearwater Beach. They serve a big menu with options for everyone including numerous vegetarian choices including a Veggie Quiche and Skillet. Lots of tasty pancakes, French Toast, and waffle varieties for anyone with a sweet tooth, along with standard omelets, benedicts, skillets, and sandwiches for anyone seeking something savory and heartier. Pricing is affordable compared to nearby options. They open early (7am) so you can dine early and beat the crowds. Another bonus is the covered outdoor patio.

Sweet Sage Cafe

  • Nearby beach: North Redington
  • Location: 16725 Gulf Blvd. North Redington Beach Hours: 7am-2pm
  • Highlight: Tropical themed patio
  • What to try: Veggie Scrambler
Breakfast at Sweet Sage Cafe in North Redington Beach, Florida

Sweet Sage is the place to go if you are seeking a dining establishment which offers a tropical, laid-back vacation vibe. The many plants, lively beach decor, and tourist crowds make the ambiance at Sweet Sage much livelier and more touristy than other restaurants in the vicinity. They offer a huge Benedict menu, plus homemade Quiche of the Day, a variety of scramblers, and all your standard breakfast fare. The drink menu is extensive and includes everything from smoothies, to mimosas and tropical margaritas, to espresso based drinks. On-site you will also find a little boutique shop where you can shop homemade goods from local artists.

Note – they are a dog friendly restaurant. A full canine menu is available.

Cafe de Paris

  • Nearby beach: Indian Rocks
  • Location: 2300 Gulf Blvd. Indian Rocks Beach Hours: 7:30am-3:00pm (closed Mon & Tues)
  • Highlight: Authentic French pastries
  • What to try: Spinach, Parmesan, and Garlic Quiche
Veggie quiche and chocolate croissant at Cafe de Paris in Indian Rocks Beach, Florida

Cafe de Paris is a charming, family-owned French cafe and bakery in low-key Indian Rocks. The owners opened the authentic bakery in Indian Rocks in 2003 after operating a bakery in Southwest France for many years. Here, you can enjoy both savory buckwheat and sweet crepes, croissant sandwiches, Quiche and traditional French pastries. Try the Fresh Berries crepe for a sweet treat or the Spinach with Bechamel sauce for a savory indulgence. The space is small, yet charming and they also offer a covered outdoor patio. Best of all, you are just minutes away from the best quiet beach in Tampa Bay!

Chill Restaurant

  • Nearby Beach: St Pete
  • Location: 357 Corey Ave. St Pete Beach Hours: 11am-9pm (Mon-Thurs), 9am-10pm (Fri & Sat), 9am-2pm (Sun)
  • Highlight: Eclectic decor
  • What to try: Vegan Hash
Vegan hash at Chill restaurant in St. Pete Beach, FL

Chill is located on bustling Corey Ave. in St. Pete Beach. This area is home to many local restaurants and shops with ongoing events taking place year-round. Before strolling around the Saturday Farmer’s Market, treat yourself to a filling breakfast at Chill. The menu includes a diverse array of goodies including a Vegan Hash, Bananas Foster French Toast, and Spinach Artichoke Goat Cheese Crepes. The space is nicely decorated and they also offer great patio dining – prefect for people watching during special events.

Copenhagen Cafe

  • Nearby Beach: Fred Howard Park
  • Location: 15 N. Pinellas Ave. Tarpon Springs Hours: 8am-11pm
  • Highlight: Homemade Danish pastries & desserts
  • What to try: Chocolate Blueberry Crepe
Delicious Americano and Chocolate Blueberry Crepe at Copenhagen Cafe in Tarpon Springs, FL

Copenhagen is an authentic Danish bakery and cafe in downtown Tarpon Springs. It’s the best place to enjoy breakfast in Tarpon Springs before taking a cruise or exploring the sponge docks. This local gem was started in 2017 by a family from Denmark. Family recipes are used for all the delicious breads, pastries, and desserts. The interior is very charming and features minimalist modern Danish furniture and decor. They serve breakfast panini, various specialty toasts (Avocado, Greek, Smoked Salmon), smoothies, crepes, and a full coffee bar. Their coffee and espresso drinks are both excellent. If you have a sweet tooth, you will definitely want to indulge in the Chocolate Blueberry crepe.

Ryan’s Island Cafe

  • Nearby Beach: Clearwater
  • Location: 432 Poinsettia Ave. Clearwater Beach Hours: 7:30am-3:00pm
  • Highlight: Cute beach themed decor
  • What to try: Vegetarian Hash Browns
Vegetarian Hash Browns at Ryan's Island Cafe in Clearwater Beach

This beachy themed restaurant is a great choice before a day of fun-in-the-sun! The casual ambiance and colorful beach decor makes it a great choice to grab a laid-back breakfast meal before heading over to Clearwater Beach, located just minutes away. You will find a bit of everything here, from a Greek Omelet, to Steak and Eggs, to French Toast. One great “healthier” entree is the Vegetarian Hash Browns – a big heaping plate of hash browns topped with sautéed green peppers, onions, mushrooms, roasted red peppers, spinach, and tomatoes.

Clear Sky Draught Haus

  • Nearby beach: Honeymoon Island
  • Location: 680 Main St. Dunedin Hours: 8am-11pm (Midnight on Fri & Sat)
  • Highlight: Vegetarian friendly
  • What to try: Burrito Grande
Breakfast burrito at Clear Sky Draught Haus in Dunedin, FL

Dunedin is home to 2 of the country’s top beaches: Honeymoon and Caladesi Island. Before heading over for a day of fun-in-sun, enjoy a delicious local breakfast at Clear Sky Draught House. This popular local gastro pub is a good place to visit if you are seeking comfort fare. While most tourists come for the craft beers, cider, and comforting pub style menu, breakfast offers the opportunity to enjoy hearty fare not offered elsewhere. From Chicken and Waffles, to Biscuits and Gravy, to Huevos Rancheros, you’ll find plenty of tempting filling choices. Omelets, Benedicts, Pancakes, French Toast, and Waffles can also be enjoyed. Also, they offer great Tex Mex breakfast specials including burritos and tacos.

Skidders

  • Nearby Beach: Pass-A-Grille
  • Location: 5799 Gulf Blvd. St Pete Beach Hours: 8am-10pm
  • Highlight: Old school diner charm
  • What to try: Buckwheat Pancakes
Greek salad at Skidder's in St. Pete Beach, FL

Skidders is a family restaurant serving your basic big diner menu. If you are seeking a sure bet for breakfast, you should be satisfied with the big menu at Skidder’s. This local Greek gem serves all your standard favorites – Omelets, Belgian waffles, French Toast, Benedicts, and more. Prices are affordable and the portions are pretty big. the setting is casual and old-fashioned and the outdoor patio a great place for dining al fresco during the cooler months.