When you think about it, breakfast is a meal that should unify people, because it is enjoyed daily by pretty much everyone we know (unless you are the kind of person to not listen to your mother when she tells you it is the most important meal of the day). Instead though, breakfast can mean a lot of different things to a lot of different people.
For some, it is a chance to start their morning off on the right foot, with a healthy bowl of fruit or porridge, setting the tone for the rest of their highly productive and super-efficient day. For others, breakfast is a bit more of an indulgent affair, a celebration of all things greasy or even a chance to get that sweet-toothed craving seen to before you have even opened your inbox at the office. Whatever type of breakfast person you are though, there is no denying that there is something special about heading out to a restaurant for brekkie.
In Leeds, both residents and visitors are blessed with a whole host of breakfast places, ranging from the virtuous to the downright sinful. There are all-day operations where you can start your day like a champion, as well as cutesy cafes and coffee shops which are on hand to help out with any caffeine cravings.
With so much to choose from though, how can you separate the great from the good? We understand that you might have tired of popping ‘breakfast Leeds’ and ‘breakfast Leeds city centre’ into your search engine of choice, so to help you on your quest to discover the best breakfast in Leeds, we have rounded up some of our favourites. Check out our top picks of breakfasts in Leeds city centre and beyond below and start your day the right way.
Harvey Nichols Leeds - The Fourth Floor Brasserie
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What: If you are planning on a day of retail therapy, it is important to fuel up with a good breakfast to help keep you going, even with 25 shopping bags in hand. At Harvey Nichols, you’ll find a Brasserie on the fourth floor which serves classic breakfast dishes – think a three egg omelette with a choice of fillings or buttermilk waffles topped with syrup and bacon.
Where: Harvey Nichols, 107-111 Briggate, LS1 6AZ
Book now: Harvey Nichols Leeds - The Fourth Floor Brasserie
The Ivy Victoria Quarter
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What: There are few restaurant groups with prettier interiors than The Ivy Collection. At The Ivy Victoria Quarter, you can cosy up in the jewel box dining room while tucking into breakfast time favourites, such as scrambled eggs with smoked salmon or buttermilk pancakes topped with a medley of fruit. There are fresh juices and coolers too.
Where: Vicar Lane, LS1 6BB
Book now: The Ivy Victoria Quarter
The Ivy Harrogate
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What: The second location for The Ivy Collection near Leeds, The Ivy Harrogate features all of the usual hallmarks of the brand. A stunning, light-filled dining room comes as standard, while the breakfast menu covers everything from oat and almond granola to the less virtuous likes of a full English breakfast, complete with streaky bacon, sausages and black pudding.
Where: 7-9 Parliament Street, HG1 2QU
Book now: The Ivy Harrogate
Cosy Club Leeds
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What: Cosy Club is known around the UK for its eclectically decorated dining rooms and this Leeds outpost is no different. The menu is just as quirky as the space, with a few less than conventional breakfast dishes found among the more traditional fare. Play it safe with a smoked bacon sandwich or try something new with the Middle Eastern dish of shakshuka.
Where: 53 Albion Street, LS1 5AA
Book now: Cosy Club Leeds
Olive & Rye
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What: This rustic-chic café with wooden bench seating and scatter cushions provides a cosy start to the day. The breakfast menu features the indulgent likes of French toast topped with crème fraiche and blueberry compote, as well as an elevated take on a full English which includes crispy pork belly and sourdough toast.
Where: 18-20 Briggate, LS1 6LF
Book now: Olive & Rye
Laynes Espresso
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What: Open from 7am during the week and 8am on weekends, Laynes Espresso offers a great way to start the day for early risers. Order the likes of a chorizo hash with fried potato, kale and poached eggs or stick to the sweeter side of things with buckwheat pancakes drizzled with caramel. You can expect a tempting line in coffees too.
Where: 16 New Station Street, LS1 5DL
Book now: Laynes Espresso
Fleur Café
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What: Fleur Café's strapline might as well read ‘come for the Instagram opportunities, stay for the breakfasts’. This picture-perfect café features foliage draped over the doorway and pink accents galore, while on the menu you can expect a run of French-leaning breakfast dishes. Our favourite is the poached eggs, paired with brioche and smoked paprika hollandaise.
Where: 8 The Light, LS1 8TL
Book now: Fleur Café
If you want to enjoy great food in the city at any time of the day, check out our pick of the best restaurants in Leeds.