Where to Get the Best Breakfasts in Leeds (2024)

Written on 9th February 2023Ella AldridgeFood and Drink Updated on 27th June 2024

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day and Leeds has plenty of places where you can start your day right.

From hip indie cafes to good ol’ fashioned greasy spoons, upmarket restaurants to cosy coffee houses, Leeds is awash with a flurry of fantastic breakfast options. Whether you’re in the mood for a massive full English, looking for a big stack of pancakes or searching for the city’s best breakfast sandwich, we’ve got you covered. Take a look through this trusty list – breakfast heaven awaits.

Residence

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Credit: Dexter Freshman

With locations in Cookridge and Headingley, you’re never too far away from one of Residence’s tasty breakfast dishes. When the all-purpose cafe isn’t brewing up artisan coffee or mixing tasty co*cktails, they’re perfecting their breakfast offering, with vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options galore.

The breakfast sandwich is a tried and tested favourite – you can choose three ingredients, and we don’t think you can get much better than egg, bacon and a hash brown. If you’ve got a sweet tooth, though, the French brioche toast with Biscoff sauce and banana is sure to hit the spot.

Address: 74 Otley Old Road, Cookridge, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS16 6LQ & 5 North Lane, Headingley, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS6 3HG
Open from: 9am in Cookridge and 10am in Headingley.
Top tip: You can’t book, so be prepared to wait for a table.
Check them out: residence74.co.uk

Galleria

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Credit: Devon Chambers

When you’re in the mood for a tasty breakfast in Leeds, you won’t need to look much further than Galleria. You’ll find the stylish all-day restaurant at Project House, where they serve fresh pastries, juice and North Star coffee from 8am, with their full breakfast menu available at 9am.

If the Turkish eggs with ‘nduja butter or the blueberry pancakes haven’t got your mouth watering already, how about the stuffed hash browns? Available with either sugar pit bacon & fried eggs or smoked salmon & creme fraiche, they serve up the perfect combination of flavours and textures.

Address: Armley Road, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS12 2DR.
Open from: 9am Monday to Saturday and 10am on Sunday.
Top tip: Their breakfast co*cktails are incredible.
Check them out: galleria-lds.com

Bricklebank’s

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Credit: Bricklebank’s Cafe & Bar

A breakfast in Leeds that’s served all day? Yes, please. Chapel Allerton favourites Bricklebank’s have got their breakfast game down to a tee, and it’s the perfect way to start (or end) your day. The menu begins with the Bricklebank’s Belta breakfast (a mountain of bacon, sausages, rostis, tomatoes, sourdough and more).

There’s also stops for eggs Royale, smashed avo on toast and a vegan full English on the way. We love the cleverly named Brickles Benny, which sees two English muffins topped with two poached eggs and streaky bacon before being drizzled with Hollandaise sauce.

Address: 14 Stainbeck Lane, Chapel Allerton, Leeds, West Yorkshire LS7 3QY
Open from: 9am every day.
Top tip: You can’t go wrong with their pancakes.
Check them out: bricklebanks.com

Things in Bread

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Things in Bread may be your go-to for a lunchtime pick me up, but did you know they also serve up some of the best breakfast sandwiches in Leeds? Available from 8am to 10am, there are four butty choices on offer, from the bacon to the veggie sausage.

Want to go the whole hog? It has to be ‘The Full Break’, which sees Lishman’s sausages and bacon, a free range omelette and American cheese sandwiched between two impossibly fluffy hunks of bread. If you’re on the go, it’s the perfect way to start your day, but be warned, they sell out quickly!

Address: 15 Boar Lane, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 5EL.
Open from: 8am Monday to Saturday and 10am on Sunday.
Top tip: They’re popular, so you may have to queue.
Check them out: thingsinbread.com

The Ivy

Looking to splash out for your next breakfast? The Ivy is the perfect place to do just that. The British institution is known for its tasty dishes and stunning decor, and Leeds’ Victoria Quarter venue is no different.

Smoothies and juices set the tone before diving into a stacked breakfast menu – will it be the muesli or scrambled eggs & smoked salon? If you’re asking us, we’d go the whole hog with The Ivy Full English Breakfast. Streaky bacon and Cumberland sausages sit alongside hen’s eggs, rostis, black pudding and more. Delicious.

Address: Vicar Lane, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 6BA.
Open from: 8:30am every day.
Top tip: They have a breakfast special meal deal.
Check them out: ivycollection.com

Browns Greens Vegetarian Cafe

There’s no doubt about it, Browns Greens cook up some of the best vegetarian breakfasts in Leeds. This lovely Rawdon cafe is completely meat-free, so if you’re veggie, you definitely won’t be stuck for choice.

Drinks cover coffees, teas and tasty smoothies, while the food menu starts with toasted fruit teacakes, with stops for porridge, vegan breakfast and ‘BG’s’ Benedict along the way. In the mood for something sweeter? You can’t go wrong with two slices of fluffy brioche French toast, with your choice of topping – will it be Biscoff, Nutella, fruit compote or maple syrup?

Address: 3B Harrogate Road, Rawdon, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS19 6HW
Open from: 9am Tuesday to Saturday and 9:30am on Sunday. Closed on Monday.
Top tip: It’s rustic, laidback and the perfect place to relax.
Check them out: instagram.com/brownsgreensvegetariancafe

Wapentake

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Wapentake is a Leeds institution, serving up hearty Yorkshire scran made from local ingredients, often sourced from Kirkgate Market. Breakfast is big here, so roll up your sleeves and get ready to dig in. Their all-day breakfasts are some of the best around, with veggie and vegan versions available.

Laynes Espresso

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Credit: Tom Martin

Ask a local where to find the best breakfast in Leeds, and there’s a high chance they’ll say Laynes. As well as pouring some of the city’s finest coffee, their food menu leaves nothing to be desired. The breakfast roll is a popular choice, available in veggie and vegan form too.

More experimental offerings feature confit duck leg hash and tiramisu French toast, which delights with orange mascarpone, coffee syrup and pistachio. They’ve also got an in-house bakery, so you can grab one of their famous pastries and a coffee to go if you’re in a rush.

Address: 16 New Station Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 5DL.
Open from: 7:30am on weekdays, 8am on Saturdays and 9am on Sundays.
Top tip: It’s perfect if you’re close to the train station.
Check them out: laynesespresso.co.uk

Moose Coffee

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If you love nothing more than massive American breakfasts, head on down to Moose Coffee. Renowned for its larger than life dishes – and menu – Moose prides itself on serving authentic US and Canadian brekkies, all day long.

There’s plenty to choose from, but there’s no better place to get pancakes. Made to order, you can keep it classic with maple syrup and butter, or add bacon for a sweet and salty treat. For something savoury, but equally as decadent, there are no less than nine Benedicts to go for.

Address: Bond Court, Wine Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 2JZ.
Open from: 8am every day.
Top tip: The dishes are seriously big, so come ready.
Check them out: moosecoffee.co

San Co.co

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For a very affordable yet delicious breakfast in Leeds, San co.co ticks all the boxes. It’s a no-frills affair, but this old-school cafe certainly knows how to start mornings right. The homemade fare is best appreciated in the form of a classic full English, and you can grab a brimming plate loaded with six items for just £5.80.

Expect all the classics – sausage, bacon, eggs, mushrooms, beans and tommys. It’s even served with homemade ciabatta, primed for mopping up all the good stuff. Need something light? You can’t go wrong with avo on toast.

Address: 12 New Briggate, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 6NU.
Open from: 7:30am from Monday to Saturday and from 9am on Sundays.
Top tip: The bread is made fresh every morning, so a breakfast roll is the way to go.
Check them out: instagram.com/san_co.co

Sociable Folk

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Credit: Bevan co*ckerill

Sociable Folk has a short but sweet morning menu, making it a great choice for grabbing breakfast and a coffee on-the-go in Leeds. Their coffee is sublime – and with beans provided by North Star and a head barista with over 10 years’ experience, it’s no wonder.

And then there’s the food. You can’t go wrong with a breakfast sandwich – at just £3 for a take-out bacon, sausage or egg sarnie, you’ll be laughing. You can even combine all three in a breakfast wrap for just £5.50. There are plenty of fresh pastries and bakes on offer if you’d prefer.

Address: 10 Wellington Place, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 4JP.
Open from: 7am Monday to Friday.
Top tip: The porridge is great with honey and banana.
Check them out: sociablefolk.co.uk

North Star Coffee Shop

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The North Star does indeed shine the brightest. Many of the venues in this list serve North Star coffee, and it’s no wonder – they’re one of Leeds’ best roasters. Alongside impeccable coffee, they also serve up cracking breakfasts down at Leeds dock.

A rotating seasonal menu keeps things interesting, and freshly baked pastries from Nova Bakehouse are always a surefire hit. The breakfast butty, crammed with pork belly patty and an organic fried egg, will definitely fill a gap, while the loaded hummus bowl is a veggie delight.

Address: The Boulevard, Leeds Dock, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS10 1PZ.
Open from: 8am on weekdays and 9am on weekends.
Top tip: Make sure you grab a cup of coffee, obviously!
Check them out: northstarroast.com

Olive & Rye

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Credit: Maisie Slater

Located in the stunning Queens Arcade, Olive & Rye is a charming indie cafe with a friendly and welcoming vibe. Creative breakfast dishes are put together from locally sourced ingredients, providing a wholesome way to start the day.

Their full breakfast comes with a couple of inspired twists – crispy pork belly replaces the bacon, while homemade black pudding stars in place of sausage. It’s all backed up by tomato, mushrooms, beans, hash browns, sourdough toast and eggs-your-way. Definitely a winner.

Address: 18-20 Queens Arcade, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 6LF.
Open from: 9:30am on weekdays and 9am on weekends.
Top tip: Their Darkwoods roasted coffee is a must-try.
Check them out: oliveandrye.co.uk

If Coffee Bar

Presentation matters at this Leeds favourite. If’s stunningly crafted breakfasts look almost too good to eat. But let’s start with the coffee. They get theirs from North Star, and these brews really hit the spot.

In terms of food, you’re spoilt for choice. The Benedicts are a dream, dripping in vibrant hollandaise, topped with crispy onions and loaded with your choice of salmon, bacon, or spinach. The pancakes are also legendary – Biscoff spread with berry compote is a must for folks with a sweet tooth.

Address: 43 Call Lane, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 7BT & 18 York Place, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 2EX.
Open from: 8:30am Monday to Saturday and from on Sundays (Call Lane only).
Top tip: If it’s sunny, there’s no better place to enjoy than sat outside their Call Lane venue.
Check them out: ifupnorth.co.uk

Heaney & Mill

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Heaney & Mill is here to prove that the ‘burbs can do breakfast, too. They serve it daily until 11:45am, making it perfect for both late and early risers. Once you’ve grabbed a brew – they serve their own blend of coffee – or even a breakfast co*cktail, it’s time to peruse the menu.

There are four types of Benedicts to suit all tastes, but it’s the pancakes worth writing home about here. A super-fluffy buttermilk stack is topped with blueberry compote, fresh blueberries and Greek yoghurt. It’s a sweet sensation.

Address: 48 Otley Road, Headingley, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS6 2AL.
Open from: 9am every day.
Top tip: It can get a little noisy sat outside, so we’d recommend a table inside.
Check them out: heaneyandmill.com

Basco’s

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Credit: Andy Basco

Basco’s is one of the friendliest breakfast joints in Leeds. Priding themselves on their customer service, they serve up speciality coffee and freshly cooked food in a wonderfully welcoming environment.

The food is exemplary too. Take your time poring over an extensive menu, but the chicken & waffles is a real crowd-pleaser. Elsewhere, the Oreo chocolate waffle will satiate your sweet tooth, with dark chocolate syrup, white chocolate sauce, ice cream and, of course, Oreos.

Address: 23 Albion Place, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 6JS.
Open from: 10am daily.
Top tip: The chicken & waffles is the perfect blend of savoury and sweet.
Check them out: bascos.co.uk

Fika North

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Speciality coffee bar Fika North is a hit up in Headingley, where it slings tasty pastries, cakes and bagels all day long. Once you’ve grabbed a coffee, made using beans from a local indie roaster, it’s a bagel you’ll want to go for.

Hot toasted and made fresh to order, they come loaded with a range of scrummy fillings. The pastrami is a classic – a generous serving of meat with cheese, mustard and of course pickles. Add a couple of hash browns for an extra treat. It’s available vegan, too, so everybody wins.

Address: 94 Otley Road, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS6 4BA.
Open from: 8am Monday to Friday and 9am on weekends.
Top tip: If you go on a weekend you might be waiting for a table.
Check them out: fikanorth.co.uk

House of Koko

In Chapel Allerton and Oakwood you’ll find House of Koko, whose breakfasts have become the talk of Leeds. In addition to great coffee and a huge range of teas, this modern yet rustic cafe serves a delightful selection of dishes to kickstart your morning.

Turkish eggs is the pick of the bunch. One for the garlic lovers, clove-infused yoghurt is topped with poached eggs, dill and chilli oil. Top it with merguez sausage or halloumi for an extra £2.25. A huge array of sides makes it easy to customise your order just how you like it.

Address: 62 Harrogate Road, Chapel Allerton, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS7 4LA & 466 Roundhay Road, Roundhay, Oakwood, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS8 2HU.
Open from: 9am every day.
Top tip: If you’re getting pancakes, choose Nutella and banana as toppings.
Check them out: houseofkoko.com

Crust & Crumb

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Another Chapel Allerton favourite, the bakery-cum-cafe Crust & Crumb is a must when you’re after something warm and freshly baked. Aside from selling a massive selection of breads and pastries, their breakfast menu will also keep you happy.

Why not try a Bury Benedict? This classic Benny is given a northern twang with the addition of Bury black pudding and mushrooms, then slathered in Yorkshire hollandaise. Wash it down with an excellent coffee and you’re set for the day.

Address: 110B Harrogate Road, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS7 4NY.
Open from: 8am Tuesday to Saturday.
Top tip: Grab something to take home from their deli.
Check them out: crustandcrumbleeds.co.uk

Hyde Park Book Club

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Hyde Park Book Club is a hipster’s paradise. Boho and studenty, it’s super relaxed and exactly as you’d expect a cafe in a second-hand book store to be. In addition to fresh coffee and cake, they serve a fully-veggie, mainly vegan breakfast menu, packed with comforting, affordable food.

The fiery beans on toast is incredible – spicy homemade baked beans are loaded onto sourdough, then topped with dukkah and chilli oil. Top it with a fried egg or two for the ultimate breakfast treat. It’s messy, glorious and a stellar way to start your day.

Address: 27-29 Headingley Lane, Headingley, Leeds, LS6 1BL.
Open from: 10am Monday to Thursday and 9am Friday to Sunday.
Top tip: Play a game of Scrabble while you wait for food.
Check them out: hydeparkbookclub.co.uk

Mill Kitchen

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Sunny Bank Mill’s Mill Kitchen is brimming with character, all exposed brickwork and old school furniture. They serve rustic breakfast food with a twist and you can find unique dishes such as Mexican breakfast, shakshuka and halloumi & sun-dried tomatoes on toast.

For something more traditional, the full English is cracking, and the cheesy beans on toast will warm your soul – house-baked sourdough loaded with homemade beans, cheddar cheese and spring onions. Fill your boots, then head into the mill to explore the gallery.

Address: 1 The Old Combing, Paradise Street, Sunny Bank Mills, Farsley, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS28 5UJ.
Open from: 8am on weekdays and 9am on weekends.
Top tip: Take home a loaf of freshly baked bread with you.
Check them out: millkitchen.com

Popina’s

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Popina’s is a legend in the Leeds student community and beyond. Serving a range of breakfasts and hot sandwiches, it’s most famous for its ‘Mega Breakfast’ – a behemoth of a full English, which earns you a keyring and a spot on the wall of fame if you manage to finish it.

This absolute monster comes loaded with all the usual characters, from salty bacon and big bangers to an ocean of beans and no less than three eggs. It’s just bloody massive. Bring your hangovers, they’ll be cured. Not up to it? You can also get more scoffable portions.

Address: 31 Brudenell Road, Hyde Park, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 1HA.
Open from: 9am every day.
Top tip: Only get the Mega Breakfast if you’re feeling brave.
Check them out: popinasleeds.com

The Greenhouse

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The Greenhouse is an all vegan eatery out in Horsforth, and the first of its kind in the area. An extensive all-day breakfast menu offers plenty for plant-eaters to enjoy, from the tasty tofu scramble to creamy mushrooms on sourdough.

But the pancakes are the real deal. This impeccably-presented stack comes with fruity berry compote, fresh berries, yoghurt, granola and maple syrup. If you’ve still got room (or want a treat for later), try a homemade cake, or keep it healthy with a smoothie.

Address: Town Street, Horsforth, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS18 5LJ.
Open from: 9am Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday and 10am on Sundays. Closed on Tuesdays.
Top tip: Don’t forget to try one of their freshly baked cakes.
Check them out: thegreenhousehorsforth.co.uk

Cha Lounge

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The wonderfully charming Cha Lounge has built itself quite the reputation, and its breakfast menu is one of the best in Leeds. Expect a warm and welcoming vibe from this zero-waste cafe bar, alongside some seriously good food and drink.

The sumac-roasted tomatoes are a flavourful delight – these oven-roasted spiced cherry tommies with Sriracha are simple yet sublime, and can be topped with eggs or bacon if you fancy. You can also build your own breakfast sandwich, starting from just £3.50.

Address: 24-26 Dock Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS10 1JF.
Open from: 8am on weekdays and 9am on weekends.
Top tip: They’re really family-friendly.
Check them out: chalounge.com

FINT

Pairing Scandi decor with Nordic-inspired cuisine, FINT is a great choice for a breakfast with a difference in Leeds. Each dish is thoughtfully crafted, with plenty of interesting options on offer, both sweet and savoury.

The FINT breakfast is the place to start and it comes with a twist. Yes, there’s apple & tarragon sausage and maple bacon accompanied by poached egg and beans. But then it gets interesting – there’s pickled mushroom, confit tomato and a Raggmunk, a delightfully crisp potato pancake.

Address: 73 Great George Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 3BR.
Open from: 10am every day.
Top tip: They have loads of gluten-free options.
Check them out: fint-leeds.com

Scoff’s

Scoff’s is a feel-good, friendly vegan diner over in Horsforth, and it’s home to some banging breakfasts. The menu will make you want to scoff the lot – there are breakfast sandwiches and burritos, along with a hefty full English packed with alt-meats.

But for the ultimate breakfast treat, it has to be the Mac’Scoffin Sandwich. Plant sausage patty, chickpea ‘egg’ omelette and melted cheeze snuggle up between a soft English muffin. Whisper it quietly, it might even be better than its fast-food namesake!

Address: 86 New Road Side, Horsforth, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS18 4LZ.
Open from: 9am Thursday, Friday, Sunday and Monday and 8am on Tuesdays. Closed on Wednesdays.
Top tip: It’s great if you’re on a budget.
Check them out: scoffsleeds.co.uk

Fleur

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Credit: Bobby Geetha

The oh-so-Instagrammable Fleur provides a pretty in pink breakfast spot from its home inside The Light. Come for the decor, but stay for the exceptional food. Headed up by Masterchef star Bobby Geetha, the kitchen serves a delectable range of unique brunch dishes.

A highlight is the chicken & cheese naan – a toasted naan bread topped with minced chicken, mature cheddar and a fried egg, then finished off with pickled onion and pomegranate. For the ultimate indulgence, why not make it bottomless? You deserve it.

Address: 8 The Light, The Headrow, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 8TL.
Open from: 11:30am Wednesday to Friday and 11am on weekends.
Top tip: Take a picture on the swing to post on Instagram.
Check them out: fleurrestaurants.com

Riveresque

Sitting on the banks of the River Aire, Riveresque is a no-frills cafe that’s loved by Leeds locals. Order one of its sprawling breakfasts and you’ll find out why. You can keep it simple with a coffee and a breakfast sarnie, or go all out with a full English.

The latter will see you take on a massive plate of bacon, sausage and eggs, served with beans, mushrooms, tomatoes and two rounds of toast. What’s more, it’s super pocket-friendly, so you can chow down on a hearty plate of scran without breaking the bank.

Riveresque,

Address: 15 Bridge End, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 7HG.
Open from: 7am on weekdays and 8am on weekends.
Top tip: Take your breakfast away to enjoy by the river.
Check them out: riveresque.co.uk