Updated: August 04, 2025
Craving a sunrise scramble or a waffle fix by the waves? This guide dishes out New Smyrna Beach's top 8 breakfast spots—from classic diners to vegan cafés—plus insider tips on hidden gems, cozy rentals, and where to feel like a local while digging into your first bite of the day.
Set against the backdrop of Florida's beautiful Atlantic coast, New Smyrna Beach is a gem
full of diverse experiences. From its sunlit beaches to its historic treasures, this charming
coastal town offers a perfect getaway for those seeking a memorable adventure in the Sunshine
State.
With so many things to do, you need to be energized for a day of exploration in the city. There's nothing like a hearty and substantial breakfast to give you the fuel you need to stay active throughout the day.
New Smyrna Beach is home to several breakfast spots where you'll find perfectly cooked dishes, pleasant atmospheres, and friendly service. There are options for every taste! To help you discover local favorites and must-try eateries, we've put together this blog featuring the top 8 breakfast spots in New Smyrna Beach.
Curious about other local tips and hidden gems? At our New Smyrna Beach destination blog, we offer expert insights on everything from the best restaurants and nightlife to fishing tips and hidden gems. Our goal is to make your stay in New Smyrna Beach unforgettable!
Looking for the perfect vacation home? Visit our booking page for a curated selection of the
best vacation rentals in New Smyrna Beach. We're here to ensure you have everything you need for
an amazing trip.
Contents
2. Cafe Verde
3. C's Waffles
7. A.M. Cafe
8. Wake Up Cafe
9. Bonus: What about a cozy breakfast at your short-term rental?
10. Want to find more local breakfast spots in New Smyrna Beach?
11. Where to Stay in New Smyrna Beach, FL
1. Beacon Restaurant
When I'm craving an old‑school diner experience, I head to Beacon. This place has been run by the same Greek family for decades. Their omelets and pancakes live up to the hype; I especially love sitting on the patio, watching Flagler Avenue wake up.
The staff have always been warm and treat regulars like family, and there's a comfort‑food vibe that makes me linger over my coffee.
It's tough to pick favorites, but their egg dishes definitely stand out. The Eastern and
House Special omelets are absolute must-tries. However, the real highlight of their menu
is the Breakfast Favorites section, which includes Beacon's famous pancakes, French
toast, biscuits and gravy, and bagels, among others.
2. Cafe Verde
For those who prefer a lighter and healthier morning meal, Cafe Verde is the best
choice. Their extensive menu offers a wide variety of vegan, vegetarian, and
gluten-free options, catering to all tastes and dietary restrictions.
Their tacos are great options for breakfast. For something lighter, salads like
the Mediterranean, Quinoa Cucumber, Tuna Poke, and Vegan Poke salads are
excellent choices.
Adding to the dining experience, Cafe Verde features beautiful interior decor with warm colors and plants. You can also enjoy your breakfast on their patio, which is set under a charming gazebo and surrounded by trees.
3. C's Waffles
After an early paddleboard session, nothing hits the spot like a plate at C's Waffles. Their buttermilk waffles (from fresh strawberries and chocolate chips to apple cinnamon and caramel pecan, you can't go wrong with any flavor you choose), loaded omelets and fluffy pancakes are available all day.
Other highlights include their French Toast, egg plates, wraps, and sandwiches. I'm partial to their "Waffle Benny," a playful twist on eggs Benedict, and the casual, cozy atmosphere means I never feel rushed.
With two locations in New Smyrna Beach one on Canal Street and another on South Atlantic Avenue, just a few steps from the beach C's Waffles offers the classic and irresistible American breakfast we all love.
The décor is unassuming and simple, but the welcoming
atmosphere and friendly staff will definitely put you in the right mood
to start your day.
4. Bagel Barn
Cafe
Bagel Barn Cafe is a local favorite for a quick and delicious
breakfast in New Smyrna. One (or two) of their freshly baked
bagels paired with a cup of coffee is all you need to kickstart
your day.
The menu is extensive, offering everything from breakfast
sandwiches and juicy burgers to omelets and fresh salads. We
highly recommend trying their bagels there's a wide
variety of flavors to choose from, but the one you can't miss is
the bagel with their special cream cheese.
The staff is always kind and ready to offer suggestions. The no-frills atmosphere makes it perfect for a casual breakfast. Chances are, you'll find yourself coming back more than once while visiting New Smyrna Beach.
5. Ruthy's
Kozy Kitchen
Known for its hearty, home-cooked breakfasts, Ruthy's
Kozy Kitchen is another local favorite that serves
classic American breakfast staples with generous
portions at reasonable prices.
Must-try dishes include Ruthy's Gravy Omelet, the Sausage
& Cheese Sandwich, the Little Piggy Burger, and the
Hearty Breakfast. They also have a Specials section on
their menu with superb options like the Avocado
Benedict, Mediterranean Toast, and other delicacies that
will help you start your day on the right foot.
It's not just the consistently good food, reasonable prices, and great service that attract customers to Ruthy s their decor, resembling an old American diner, adds a charming touch for anyone visiting New Smyrna.
6. Mom's
Home Cooking
Mom's Home Cooking is a cozy, family-owned diner
known for its comforting homestyle breakfast
dishes. This hidden gem in New Smyrna Beach is a
must-visit if you're looking for
cooked-to-perfection meals and a genuine local
atmosphere.
The menu features classic favorites like fluffy
pancakes, loaded omelets, biscuits and gravy,
and breakfast sandwiches, all served in generous
portions. However, the standout on their menu is
the waffles with fresh fruit and delicious
whipped cream.
The laid-back vibe and satisfying breakfasts that feel just like a meal from your own kitchen will definitely put Mom's Home Cooking on your list of must-return places in New Smyrna.
7. A.M.
Cafe
This charming breakfast spot is
known for its fresh, made-to-order
dishes and friendly atmosphere. Popular picks include their delicious
Biscuit & Gravy, French Toast,
crepes, pancakes, and omelets "all
made with three eggs and your choice of
cheese.
If you're in the mood for
something heartier, perhaps for brunch,
their burgers are mouthwatering. Our
favorites are the Volcano Burger and the
Pub Burger, the latter served with
irresistible melted American cheese and
the house's pub sauce.
The warm and inviting ambiance blends the comfort of a neighborhood diner with a touch of coastal charm. The decor is simple and unpretentious, featuring bright, airy spaces with natural light filtering through large windows, creating a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere to start the day.
8. Wake Up Cafe
A family-owned spot
offering a blend of American and
Argentine breakfast dishes, Wake
Up Cafe is a must-include spot
on your New Smyrna Beach bucket
list.
The cafe features a range of
breakfast favorites, including
hearty omelets, flavorful
breakfast burritos, and fresh
pastries. For a unique meal, try
something with a Latin flair,
like J.P.'s Benedict, an
open-face English muffin topped
with grilled Argentine chorizo,
two poached eggs, and homemade
chipotle sauce. Another great
choice is the Latin Snack, a
delicious Spanish tortilla with
Argentine chorizo and a savory
mix of tomatoes, eggplant,
zucchini, squash, bell peppers,
onions, garlic, and feta cheese.
The cozy and welcoming
environment, combined with
attentive service, makes it an
excellent place to enjoy a
perfect breakfast before
exploring all that New Smyrna
Beach has to offer.
Last spring, my friend Mila and I treated ourselves to brunch at Wake Up Café. We put our names on the list and sipped coffee outside while we waited—luckily it was only about ten minutes. I ordered the Spanish Skillet, which came with fried potatoes topped with a sauté of tomatoes, eggplant, zucchini and manchego cheese.
Mila chose the alfajores pancakes—two buttermilk cakes sandwiching gooey dulce de leche and insisted I try a bite. It was like having dessert for breakfast! The fact that everything is cooked from scratch explains why the dishes taste so fresh.
Bonus: What about
a cozy breakfast at your
short-term
rental?
While we highly recommend
trying the local gems mentioned
above, another great option is
to prepare a delicious breakfast
at your short-term rental. With
numerous supermarkets and
grocery stores around town, it's
easy to pick up whatever you
need for a personalized morning
meal.
There s nothing like taking advantage of your rental s well-equipped kitchen and gathering the family to cook breakfast together. Then, you can decide where to enjoy your first meal of the day: in the kitchen, in the dining room, or maybe by the pool? Be creative and have a wonderful start to your day in this Florida darling!
Want to find more
local breakfast spots in New
Smyrna Beach? Here are some
tips:
-
- Ask Locals for Recommendations: Engage with residents or local business owners for their favorite breakfast spots. They often know the hidden gems that aren t widely advertised. Another great way to get recommendations is by asking on Reddit where to have breakfast like a local in New Smyrna Beach. The local users are always happy to share their favorite spots with you.
-
- Check Online Reviews: Use review platforms like Yelp, Google Reviews, or TripAdvisor to see what other diners are saying about local breakfast places.
-
- Explore Social Media: Look for local food bloggers or Instagram accounts dedicated to dining in the area. They often feature and review breakfast spots.
-
- Walk Around Popular
Areas: Explore
bustling neighborhoods or
main streets in the morning
to find cafes and diners
that may not be widely
advertised.
- Walk Around Popular
Areas: Explore
bustling neighborhoods or
main streets in the morning
to find cafes and diners
that may not be widely
advertised.
Where to Stay in New Smyrna Beach, FL
Want another tip from us? When
you visit New Smyrna Beach,
choose vacation rentals over
hotels to enjoy a place with
local vibes and all the privacy
you want.
At Great
Ocean Condos &
Homes, we offer plenty
of beach vacation properties,
cozy condos, and charming homes
in this area. This is another
way to immerse yourself in the
local culture " shop at
local markets, stroll through
nearby neighborhoods, and dine
at local restaurants. You'll truly feel like a local.
For a selection of the very best
vacation homes in New Smyrna
Beach, visit our booking page.
For all the above, we've got you
covered.
Not to brag, but we are very proud to have earned the official title of one of the "Best Vacation Rental Professionals in the World" from Business Insider.
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