Best breakfasts in Leeds: 9 must-visit spots for early risers

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 doing your own research, 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. 

Heaney & Mill

What: An ultra-dependable Headingley favourite, Heaney & Mill offers a compact breakfast menu, but there are no bad choices here. Whether you plump for the hefty traditional breakfast, a lighter avocado eggs with hollandaise or the excellent salmon bagel, Heaney & Mill delivers. There’s a weekend bottomless brunch that’s worth a visit too (we recommend booking as it fills up fast).
Where: 50 Otley Road, Headingley, LS6 2AL
Book now: Heaney & Mill

Moose Coffee Leeds

What: If your idea of a good breakfast is American Diner-core, Moose Coffee should be top of your list to visit. Breakfast here is pancake stacks and Belgian waffles galore, as well as a tonne of eggs benedict variations, French toast and cooked breakfasts. Moose is a great shout for vegans and vegetarians, with loads of great plant-based options for both. Plus, the coffee is great.
Where: Bond Court, Wine Street, LS1 2JZ
Book now: Moose Coffee Leeds

Cafe Margaux

What: Breakfast at Cafe Margaux requires a little more planning than some others in this list, as you’ll be trekking out to Farsley ro visit this cutesy little cafe. Your reward is a stacked breakfast menu that includes everything from steak and eggs to one of our favourite breakfast plates in Leeds - the signature breakfast, which includes confit belly pork, homemade pork and apple ballotine, smoked chilli jam beans, roast flat cap mushroom and even a slice of eggy bread. Throw in a Bloody Mary and we’re in breakfast heaven.
Where: 39 Town Street, Farsley, LS28 5HX
Book now: Cafe Margaux

House of Koko

What: House of Koko does a range of cracking eggs benedict dishes, with a variety of additional options that includes streaky bacon, oak-smoked salmon and confit garlic and thyme chestnut mushrooms. If you’re more of a sweet breakfast eater, don’t fret - there are pancake stacks galore, with loads of toppings available from maple bacon to Nutella and Biscoff spread.
Where: 62 Harrogate Road, LS7 4LA
Book now: House of Koko

Residence Headingley

What: The Residence ‘Mighty English’ might just be Leeds’ ultimate fry-up, packing bacon, two sausages, two eggs, double hash browns, mushrooms, two grilled tomatoes, beans, toast and black pudding onto a single plate! Quality and quantity don’t always go hand-in-hand but Residence nails both with their breakfast offering, which is available everyday. Lighter options include avo on toast, toasted banana bread and a vegan-friendly yoghurt bowl.
Where: 5 North Lane, Headingley, LS6 3HG
Book now: Residence Headingley

North Star Coffee Shop Leeds

What: North Star is the sort of independent roastery we all wish we had in our town or city. The team takes great care sourcing coffee from cooperatives all over the globe and roasts all beans in-house at the Leeds based roastery. The North Star Coffee Shop is the perfect place to enjoy all the latest batches, as well as a menu packed with tasty breakfast buttys, house pancake stacks and a cracking sweet and sour duck waffle with plum hoisin.
Where: Unit 32 The Boulevard, LS10 1PZ
Book now: North Star Coffee Shop Leeds

Pooky's Deli & Cafe

What: Another Horsforth favourite, Pooky’s Deli & Cafe is walk-in only so always worth popping your head in to see if there’s a table, especially if you can get there early. The menu is more compact than some others on this list, but everything is excellent, whether it’s lovely soft buttermilk pancakes or a generous full English. Pooky’s also does a killer pain perdu that balances sweet and savoury with brioche French toast, bacon, truffled Cheddar, a fried egg and takoyaki sauce. Don’t knock it ‘til you try it.
Where: 92 New Road Side, Horsforth, LS18 4QB
Book now: Pooky's Deli & Cafe

Olive & Rye 

What: This rustic-chic café with wooden bench seating and scatter cushions provides a cosy start to the day. The breakfast menu covers the bases for sweet and savoury breakfast eaters, with everything from French toast, crème fraiche and blueberry compote, to an elevated full English which includes crispy pork belly and sourdough toast. Olive & Rye does excellent coffee too, and big cooked brunches are available all day - perfect for late risers and anyone with a hangover.
Where: 18-20 Briggate, LS1 6LF 
Book now: Olive & Rye

Laynes Espresso 

What: Open early on weekdays and 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

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.