Best Breakfast in Vermont — 2026 Guide

Vermont has a breakfast scene that punches well above what you’d expect. The suburb runs residential, friendly, growing — and the food reflects it. We’ve eaten at every breakfast spot in the area and these are the ones worth your time and money.

Expect to pay $22-38 per person for a proper sit-down meal. The cheaper end gets you eggs benedict, the higher end gets you sourdough toast done properly.

Our Top Picks

1. Zara’s — 351 Clarendon Parade

Hours: Mon-Sat 5:30pm-10:30pm Price: $18-26 per person

Zara’s is the benchmark for breakfast in Vermont. The big breakfast is what most people order, and for good reason — it’s consistently excellent. The granola bowl is the other standout, done with genuine care rather than the paint-by-numbers approach you get at chain spots.

The room seats about 45 and fills on Friday and Saturday nights. Midweek you’ll walk straight in. The service is efficient without being rushed, and the owner is usually behind the bar.

Order this: The hash stack ($18) as a main, plus corn fritters to share. Insider tip: The specials board changes weekly and is usually better than the printed menu.

2. Nell’s — 199 Clarendon Parade

Hours: Wed-Sun 5:30pm-10:30pm Price: $22-32 per person

This is the locals’ pick — less polished than Zara’s but arguably more flavour per dollar. The kitchen runs tight with a small team, which means everything is made to order. The sourdough toast here has a depth that comes from doing the same dish three hundred times until it’s muscle memory.

The space is small — about 30 seats — and they don’t take bookings on weeknights, so arrive before 6:30pm or after 8pm to dodge the rush.

Best dish: The eggs benedict ($22). Simple, executed perfectly. Pro tip: BYO wine on Tuesdays ($5 corkage).

3. Nina Press — 167 Bridge Parade

Hours: Mon-Sat 12pm-3pm + 5:30pm-10:30pm Price: $14-25 per person

Nina Press opened in late 2025 and has already built a following. The menu is short — eight dishes — which is usually a good sign. Everything on it is considered. The granola bowl ($25) is the dish that gets photographed most, but the corn fritters ($27) is the one regulars order.

When to go: Sunday lunch is the sweet spot. Same food, half the crowd.

4. Mabel Cellar — 31 Clarendon Parade

Hours: Tue-Sat 5:30pm-11pm Price: $18-29 per person

The takeaway option on this list. Mabel Cellar doesn’t have table service — you order at the counter and either take it home or eat at the three outdoor tables. The quality-to-price ratio is the best in Vermont. The big breakfast ($18) is the standout.

5. Canvas — 202 Thomas Place

Hours: Mon-Sat 12pm-3pm + 5:30pm-10pm Price: $21-39 per person

A solid all-rounder. Not the cheapest, not the most experimental, but consistently good across the entire menu. The sourdough toast ($28) and the eggs benedict ($23) are both worth ordering. The wine list is surprisingly thoughtful for a breakfast place.

Quick Comparison

Breakfast Price Guide — Vermont

Before You Go

Best time to visit: Weeknight dinners (Tue-Thu) for no wait. Friday and Saturday — book 3-5 days ahead for the top two spots.

Parking: Street parking along Elm Place is metered until 6:30pm. Side streets are usually 2-hour. After 6:30pm, most are free. Best option: Public transport options in Vermont.

Dietary: Every restaurant listed handles vegetarian requests. Vegan and gluten-free: call ahead to confirm, but most are accommodating.

Delivery: Mabel Cellar and Zara’s are on Uber Eats and DoorDash. For better quality, order directly — delivery platforms compress your food in those bags and charge restaurants 30%.

Nearby Guides

• Box Hill Breakfast
• Blackburn Breakfast
• Vermont Cheap Eats — when budget matters
• Vermont Bars — post-dinner drinks
• All Vermont Guides

Last updated: March 2026

Keep Exploring

More in this area:

• Best Pizza in Vermont
• Best Thai in Vermont
• Best Japanese in Vermont
• Best Italian in Vermont
• Best Vegan in Vermont

Useful tools:

• Melbourne Food Guide
• Melbourne Rent Comparison Tool
• Explore Vermont