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Where to Get Breakfast in Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh is a municipality in western Pennsylvania. As of the 2020 census, more than 300,000 people lived in Pittsburgh.

full breakfast meal at best pittsburgh restaurant

Home to the NFL team, the Pittsburgh Steelers, it is also known as “Steel City” because more than 300 steel-related businesses are headquartered in Pittsburgh. With hundreds of thousands of residents and many visitors annually, Pittsburgh has a robust culinary scene.

If you are searching for where to get breakfast in Pittsburgh, I have compiled a comprehensive list of Pittsburgh breakfast restaurants to fit every need. The Strip is a famous district in Pittsburgh for dining and fun, and many of our eateries are in that area. 

From a pancake stack to sides of crispy bacon, ordering breakfast from one of these eleven best restaurants in Pittsburgh is fun and fulfilling!

Square Cafe

134 S Highland Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15206
Phone: 412-244-8002
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The Square Cafe
Source: Square Cafe

Located in the East End near East Liberty, Square Cafe is a convenient place for breakfast. With a welcoming atmosphere, the restaurant has indoor and outdoor seating. Square Cafe accepts online orders and works with guests to offer private dining options. The restaurant was open between 7:00 am to 3:00 pm six days a week.

One of the restaurant’s specials is the Orange Cranberry Pancakes topped with icing and powdered sugar. I enjoyed the Chorizo & Toast, chili oil-toasted sourdough bread topped with two eggs, chorizo sausage, sautéed onions, and cheddar cheese. Don’t forget to try one of the seasonal cocktails like the Apple Cider Mule.


Gepetto Café

4121 Butler St, Pittsburgh, PA 15201
Phone: 412-709-6399
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The Gepetto Café
Source: Gepetto Café

The Geppetto Café specializes in European crepes. The restaurant has a relaxed vibe and, along with its name, offers a quaint and charming atmosphere. The restaurant is open at 9:00 am daily and operates in the Lawrenceville community.

The savory crepes, including the chicken and gruyere and the ham and cheese, are incredible. The sweet crepes include the classic Nutella and a take on cheesecake with ricotta cheese and raspberry compote.

The Apple Tree French Toast with challah bread is a charming breakfast bite that you must try here.  The coffee menu is also extensive. Try their mocha or Turkish coffee.


Kelly O’s Diner

Multiple locations
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The Kelly O’s Diner
Source: Kelly O’s Diner

Kelly O’s Diner is a woman-owned family business with two Pittsburgh locations in the Strip and North Hills. The founder, Kelly O’Connor, is known as a breakfast expert across the city. The menu is filled with breakfast favorites, lunch sandwiches, soups, and burgers.

The Famous Grilled Cinnamon Roll is a breakfast treat you must try. I would also recommend the Biscuits & Gravy and the Steak & Eggs. The menu holds five different kinds of eggs benedict, including the traditional, crab, and hot mama. Try the Famous BLT or the Jumbo Fish sandwich with a delicious Root Beer Float.

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Pamela’s Diner

Multiple locations
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The Pamela’s Diner
Source: Pamela’s Diner

Since 1980, Pamela’s Diner has been serving breakfast. The dinner has multiple locations across Pittsburg, including in:

  • The Strip District
  • Squirrel Hill
  • Shadyside
  • Millvale
  • Oakland
  • Mt. Lebanon

The restaurant is open from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm daily. In classic diner fashion, Pamela’s welcomes all guests and offers comforting dishes and bottomless coffee.

When I visited, I enjoyed Gail’s Favorite Eggs, which are lightly scrambled and topped with cream cheese and scallions. Other popular menu items include the Blueberry Hotcakes, Croissant French Toast, and the Western Omelet. Try the Turkey Club for a savory lunch bite.


Waffles INCaffeinated

Multiple locations
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The Waffles INCaffeinated
Source: Waffles INCaffeinated

Waffles INCaffeniated is a fun restaurant with a lively atmosphere that specializes in sweet and savory waffles. The eatery is veteran-owned and serves breakfast in multiple locations in Pittsburg. Notably, guests can create their own waffle from a wide variety of menu options!

I loved the Bananas Foster Waffle topped with bananas, vanilla bean ice cream, and foster’s sauce. Try the Benny waffle that is reminiscent of an eggs benedict and is topped with hollandaise sauce.

I also enjoyed many of the savory waffles, like the Sausage Gravy flavor. The toppings menu is insane and includes items like onion rings and balsamic reduction.


Pear and the Pickle

1800 Rialto St, Pittsburgh, PA 15212
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The Pear and the Pickle
Source: Pear and the Pickle

Pear and the Pickle is a neighborhood café serving breakfast and lunch. Bobby Stockard and Alexis Tragos, a husband and wife, are the owners and operators of the restaurant. Pear and the Pickle is in the Troy Hill community and serves locals delicious breakfast and coffee.

I enjoyed the Lox Bagel with house-cured salmon, the corned beef Reuben, and the oat and almond blondie. It was a delicious sweet treat. The PB&J is elevated and is an excellent option for older and younger guests alike. From the coffee bar, I enjoyed the chai latte and the iced Americano.


Cafe Raymond

2009 Penn Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
Phone: 412-281-4670
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The Cafe Raymond
Source: Cafe Raymond

Cafe Raymond is located in The Strip District of Pittsburgh. The restaurant is open for breakfast and lunch every day. Chef Raymond Mikesell is from the Northside of Pittsburgh, and he studied culinary arts in France. Notably, Raymond served his freshly baked loaves of bread in the White House during the Bush and Clinton Administrations.

For breakfast, try the Blueberry Ricotta Pancakes with local maple syrup or the Ham and Gruyere Croissant. I also enjoyed the Grilled Peanut Butter and Jelly on house-made challah bread and the Ciabatta and Lox sandwich. For a refreshing beverage, try the Raspberry Mule or the Irish Coffee.

See also  11 Best Fast Food Breakfast Sandwiches Ranked

Cafe Moulin

732 Filbert St, Pittsburgh, PA 15232
Phone: 412-291-8119
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The Cafe Moulin
Source: Cafe Moulin

Cafe Moulin is in the Shadyside of Pittsburgh. The restaurant is open between 8:00 am and 4:00 pm daily and offers a rustic vibe. They provide sweet and savory crêpes and espresso. Follow the restaurant on social media for the most up-to-date information about seasonal menu items.

I enjoyed the spinach and savory feta crepe as well as the banana and Nutella sweet crepe. The omelet crepes are a creative version of a classic dish. I recommend the avocado toast with harissa aioli and the traditional French toast. Try the vanilla latte with your meal.


Central Diner & Grille

6408 Steubenville Pike, Pittsburgh, PA 15205
Phone: 412-275-3243
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The Central Diner & Grille
Source: Central Diner & Grille

Central Diner & Grille is a family-owned diner serving Greek and American classics via an all-day breakfast menu. In 2019, they won a TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence for their delicious food.

The restaurant is in Robinson, Pennsylvania, about fifteen minutes from Downtown Pittsburgh and they are open from 6:00 am to 11:00 pm daily.

My favorite breakfast item was the Ribeye Steak and Eggs. I would also recommend the pastrami omelet, the Western Skillet, and the Chocolate Chip Pancakes. Try the spinach salad, the Grilled chicken wrap, or the Cuban panini for more lunch-like items. The bar also has coffee and hot tea.


DeLuca’s Diner

Multiple locations
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The DeLuca’s Diner
Source: DeLuca’s Diner

DeLuca’s Diner serves breakfast and lunch all day. The restaurant is located in the center of the Strip District in Pittsburgh. Notably, the dinner only accepts cash. No debit or credit cards are accepted. The restaurant has been serving the community for more than seventy years, and the vibe of the diner is classic and comforting.

I enjoyed the Peanut Butter and the Strawberry Rhubarb pancakes. The Ham Steak, Eggs, and Homefries is a delicious platter. The Super Bowl omelet is the MVP with kielbasa sausage, onions, cheddar, hot apples, and sour cream. Look for the benedict and the crepes. On the weekends, try the lobster bisque.


The Dor-Stop Restaurant

1430 Potomac Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15216
Phone: 412-561-9320
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The Dor-Stop Restaurant
Source: The Dor-Stop Restaurant

The Dor-Stop Restaurant is a family-owned establishment that opened in 1986. Justin and Jennifer Berger own the eatery and have aimed to provide a welcoming space for residents and guests alike.

The restaurant is open on Sunday and Monday and Thursday through Saturday. Follow the restaurant on social media for special updates and hours of operation changes.

Most guests believe that the stuffed raspberry French toast is the best item on the menu! The specialty hotcakes were my favorite and offered various flavors like apple cinnamon, chocolate chip, oatmeal, pumpkin, banana, and walnut. The Irish Benedict with Corned beef is creative and delicious.

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  1. Tupelo Honey in Station Square has a great Southern style breakfast. Less than a year old but excellent alternative.

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Written by Brian Nagele

Brian attended West Virginia University, then started his career in the IT industry before following his passion for marketing and hospitality. He has over 20 years experience in the restaurant and bar industry.

As a former restaurant owner, he knows about running a food business and loves to eat and enjoy cocktails on a regular basis. He constantly travels to new cities tasting and reviewing the most popular spots.

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