Breakfast at Tiffany’s—Well, Not Really, But Close

Let’s be honest: very few of us are Audrey Hepburn. And most of us aren’t waking up, tossing on pearls, and having croissants outside a jewelry store. But we can pretend—especially in a city like Boston, where breakfast is not just a meal—it’s an experience.

We’re talking neighborhood cafés with soft music and espresso machines that hiss like they have opinions, charming spots with old brick walls and omelets you’ll still be thinking about three days later. Some are a little fancy, others are wildly affordable, but all are worth waking up for.

And the best part? If you’re staying at Newbury Guest House, you’re surrounded by some of the best breakfast spots in the city. No sad buffets. No waiting in a silent line for lukewarm eggs. These are real, order-off-the-menu, breakfast-made-with-love kind of places.

So grab your appetite—and maybe your metaphorical tiara—and let’s talk breakfast in Boston.

1. Contessa (Back Bay)

Let’s start with the one that does make you feel a little like Audrey.

Contessa sits on the rooftop of The Newbury Hotel and is hands-down one of the most elegant spots in town. You’ll be surrounded by velvet chairs, stunning views of the Public Garden, and a menu that reads like the breakfast version of a love letter to Italy.

Try the lemon ricotta pancakes or go full Audrey and order smoked salmon with whipped mascarpone on toast. Everything here feels special—but still relaxed. No tuxedo required.

• Distance from Newbury Guest House: A 5-minute walk. You’ll arrive both fashionable and hungry.
• Price: Closer to Tiffany’s range, but totally worth it for the atmosphere.
• Best for: Romantic mornings, stylish brunch with friends, Instagram-worthy cappuccinos.

2. The Friendly Toast (Stanhope Street)

This place is a vibe. Neon signs, funky decor, breakfast cocktails, and a menu the size of a phone book (remember those?). The Friendly Toast is where you go when you want creative comfort food, fast service, and maybe a giant stuffed avocado in the corner staring at you. In a friendly way.

The Avocado Smash Benny and the French toast with berries are local favorites. Also, if you’re the kind of person who wants a burger at 8am—no judgment—they’ve got you covered.

• Distance from Newbury Guest House: 10-minute walk
• Price: Most dishes well under $20
• Best for: Group breakfast, hangover cures, and funky vibes

3. Café Bonjour (Temple Place, Downtown)

This is your quiet, feel-good French café in the city. Small, charming, and just fancy enough to make you feel like you’ve made a good life decision by ordering a croissant.

Bonjour serves amazing coffee, fluffy omelets, and a signature Bonjour Breakfast that includes eggs, home fries, toast, and your choice of protein—all perfectly portioned and beautifully plated.

The service is friendly, the vibe is warm, and the music is exactly what you’d expect in a place called Café Bonjour. Spoiler: it’s French.

• Distance from Newbury Guest House: About a 15-minute walk or a short T ride
• Price: $15–$25
• Best for: Solo breakfast with a book, low-key date mornings, eggs with a side of ambiance

4. Archie’s New York Deli (Arch Street, Downtown)

Not every breakfast needs to be dressed up. Sometimes you just want to sit at a counter, order a bagel with lox or a bacon, egg & cheese, drink hot coffee out of a white mug, and chat with a guy named Sal who’s been there since 5am.

Archie’s is that place.

Quick, classic, and no-fuss. It’s not Instagrammable. You won’t see avocado toast with edible flowers. But it’s good, it’s fast, and it’s under budget.

• Distance from Newbury Guest House: 15–20 minutes by foot or T
• Price: You’ll leave full and still have change in your pocket
• Best for: No-frills breakfasts, speedy mornings, classic New York deli vibes (in Boston)

5. North Street Grille (North End)

Now let’s head up to the North End, where breakfast has its own kind of flair. North Street Grille is a cozy neighborhood spot that feels like the staff might start remembering your name even if it’s your first time.

Their Bananas Foster French Toast is borderline dangerous. And their eggs Benedict game is extremely strong.

It’s a good place to start your morning before wandering the cobblestone streets and maybe picking up a cannoli (yes, for breakfast—again, no judgment here).

• Distance from Newbury Guest House: 20–25 minutes by foot or 15 by T
• Price: Mostly $15–$25 range
• Best for: Cozy weekend mornings, breakfast that feels like brunch, locals-and-tourists blended crowd

6. Sonsie (Newbury Street)

Brunch with a side of people-watching? Yes, please. Sonsie is effortlessly cool—the kind of place where you sip mimosas near a breezy open window and pretend you’re in a movie. The brunch menu runs classic with a twist: eggs benedict, smoked salmon flatbreads, banana pancakes that are borderline dessert.

It gets lively on weekends, so go early or settle in and enjoy the buzz. Bonus points for being literally around the corner from Newbury Guest House.

• Distance from Newbury Guest House: 1-minute walk
• Price: $18–$30
• Best for: Weekend brunch scenes, sunny-day vibes, stylish locals

7. Trident Booksellers & Café (Newbury Street)

A full bookstore and a full breakfast menu? Dreams do come true. Trident is a beloved Newbury Street institution where you can flip through the latest bestsellers while sipping housemade chai and diving into a breakfast burrito. Their menu is stacked—scrambles, waffles, breakfast bowls—and they serve it all day, every day.

Grab a seat by the window or tuck yourself into a corner and stay awhile. Book nerd heaven.

• Distance from Newbury Guest House: 3-minute walk
• Price: $10–$20
• Best for: Solo breakfasts, rainy-day comfort, intellectual fuel

8. Joe’s on Newbury (Newbury Street)

Comfort food with curb appeal. Joe’s is where you go for hearty portions and sunny patio seating right on Newbury Street. They do a great all-American breakfast—think thick-cut French toast, omelets, crispy bacon, and bottomless coffee. It’s casual, consistent, and surprisingly peaceful for such a prime spot.

If you like your eggs with a side of great people-watching, this is your move.

• Distance from Newbury Guest House: 2-minute walk
• Price: $15–$25
• Best for: Easy mornings, breakfast with a view, classic comfort

9. Stephanie’s on Newbury (Newbury Street)

This one’s a bit of a Back Bay legend. Stephanie’s has been serving “sophisticated comfort food” for decades, and breakfast is where it shines. The menu is stacked with eggs your way, luxurious omelets, and the kind of breakfast potatoes that mysteriously disappear from your plate too fast.

The front patio is iconic, and the service is always on point. A solid go-to—especially if you're rolling out of bed late and still want pancakes.

• Distance from Newbury Guest House: 4-minute walk
• Price: $20–$35
• Best for: Brunch dates, business breakfasts, leisurely mornings on the patio