Today, we're talking strictly breakfast. Some of these places may serve brunch. You can get details by following the link that goes with each recommendation.
Here's where our writers have eaten solids breakfasts so far.
Chris Malloy
Morning Glory Café is part of the Farm at South Mountain, The sunny patio where folks dig into eggs and waffles under umbrellas sits in front of the kitchen, beside an herb and vegetable plot. You feel like you're eating in the country at a friendly farmer’s house. You kind of are. The setting is ideal for the food: rustic breakfast slightly refined. Highlights include a breakfast enchiladas, an omelet made with house-smoked trout, and the general experience of eating out on the farm.
Kale and Clover in Scottsdale
At Kale and Clover in north Scottsdale you will find the likes of acai bowls and yogurt creations, but it's the roster of savory breakfast dishes that anchors their a.m. menu. Executive chef Gerardo Moreno, formerly of The Mission and Modern Margarita, coaxes more flavor out of eggs, rice, and potatoes than one would expect from a "mindful" health-focused eatery. Check out an egg bowl with pesto made from kale and lime or creamy sweet potato pancakes. What's more, juice-inclined folks will have a wealth of options from Old Town-based juicery Kaleidoscope.
Omelet with melted brie.
Chris Malloy
It's hard to resist going for one of the creative breakfast dishes at The Herb Box in Old Town Scottsdale. You can sink a fork into cinnamon buckwheat pancakes (topped with fried chicken if you want), or red velvet pancakes with mascarpone. There's also a bourbon-ginger peach French toast. The setting here is legit, boasting tables relaxed, well-spaced, and overlook the Scottsdale Waterfront and Soleri Bridge. It makes for ideal scenery-and-people watching, and a nicely low-key meal.
Why doesn't every breakfast come with a side of grilled cheese?
Melissa Campana
Offered on weekends only, “Twisted Brunch” is going to be your new favorite thing. The menu is simple – six or seven items, most of them classics that tend to be a little fancy (like crab cake eggs benedict or a croque madame). Try the “Eggs in Purgatory," which consists of a grilled cheese sandwich alongside a mini cast-iron skillet of short ribs in San Marzano tomato sauce. Twisted Grove offers a champagne station and Bloody Mary bar for DIY breakfast cocktails.
The baked goods at Essence are legendary for a reason and often sell out.
Melissa Campana
Essence is like the French pastries it serves: warm, authentic, and not overly sweet. Its croissants are arguably the best in town. Essence uses simple, high-quality ingredients. You’ll find Dubliner cheddar and Shreiner’s sausage mixed with local produce into both classic and inventive dishes. Here, breakfast is a relaxed and pleasant affair. The people are warm, the food is great, and the place feels special without being fancy.
