The high country of Northern Arizona offers more than just stunning landscapes and outdoor adventures—it’s also home to a vibrant and rising culinary scene. From cozy cafes to bustling diners, here are breakfast spots in Flagstaff for starting your day in the mountain town.
Forêt Flg
This popular French-inspired cafe offers a full menu, fresh pastries, and an elevated coffee menu. Chef and owner Sam Greenhalgh was nominated as a semifinalist for the James Beard Award in 2024 for Best Chef: Southwest, and it is easy to taste why via menu highlights like a breakfast burrito with crispy pork cheek, pinto beans and scrambled eggs, and the omelette au fromage. Cocktails, including an espresso martini, wine and beer also are available at this breakfast spot in Flagstaff.
For more information: www.foretflagstaff.com.
Petit Marché
The owner and executive chef of the popular Forêt Flg launched this market and espresso bar in August 2023, aiming to serve more guests efficiently while maintaining the quality that defines his flagship restaurant. Specials can include anything from a summer squash-and-lemon goat cheese savory pastry to a Ferrero Rocher latte with sea salt and cold foam. The bagels and ham-and-butter baguette sandwiches sell out early. The grocery side offers grab-and-go meals along with other local or imported provisions.
For more information: www.instagram.com.
Fat Bagels
Chef John Conley makes traditional, New York-style, kettle-boiled bagels at this new restaurant along Route 66. Fat Bagels also features handcrafted coffees and a full breakfast and lunch menu. Conley grew up in Phoenix and worked at the former Katz Deli when he was young, which he cites as his inspiration behind Fat Bagels, where everything is made from scratch and cooked with classic, “old-school” bagel equipment. Quick grab-and-go breakfast and lunch options are also available.
For more information: www.fatbagelsflagstaff.com.
Madrez! Café
First launched in Playa Del Carmen, Mexico in 2010, this cafe expanded to a second location in the owner’s hometown in the Arizona mountains. The name means “mothers” in Spanish and is an ode to the owner’s beloved mom who inspired and named the gorditas, a standout on the Madrez! Café menu. Breakfast choices also include fermented-yeast waffles, served with fruit and Greek yogurt, or bacon, eggs and cheese. Another delicious version pairs with fried eggs, avocado, spinach, basil, and smoky chipotle sauce.
For more information: www.madrezcafe.com.
The Toasted Owl Cafe
Open for more than 10 years, The Toasted Owl Cafe is quirky cafe open for breakfast, brunch, and lunch seven days a week. There are a pair of Flagstaff locations serving up omelets, burritos, burgers with a full bar and mimosa specials alongside vintage furnishings, which are also for sale. Vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options are available and dogs are welcome on the patio.
For more information: www.thetoastedowl.com.
Brandy’s Café
Formerly known as La Bellavia in downtown, this breakfast spot in Flagstaff dates back to 1976. Since the original founders retired, the downtown venue is now known as Brandy’s Café. (A second, larger location in east Flagstaff is called Brandy’s Restaurant and Bakery.) The restaurant boasts made-from-scratch pancakes and pastries, classic egg dishes with a twist, sandwiches, an espresso bar, and brunch cocktails.
For more information: www.brandysrestaurant.com.
Macy’s European Coffee House & Bakery
Locals argue this Flagstaff coffeehouse should be on the National Register of Historic Places because it has been a favorite for more than 30 years. While coffee takes center stage, the menu also earns high praise for its simplicity and flexibility, offering most items in gluten-free or vegan options. Yogurt, granola, oatmeal, waffles, steamed eggs, a breakfast sandwich, and biscuits and gravy round out the breakfast menu, with salads and sandwiches available for lunch.
For more information: www.macyscoffee.net.
Tourist Home Cafe
Built in the early 1920’s by Basque sheepherders and rebuilt in 2014, this breakfast spot in Flagstaff maintains its history and offers New American cuisine with a Southwestern flair. The venue serves breakfast, lunch, and brunch and offers “brunch booze” that includes bottle service mimosas.
For more information: www.touristhomecafe.com.
Over Easy
At its pair of popular locations in Flagstaff–Aspen Place and Woodlands–Over Easy dishes up hearty favorites that made the restaurant a household name, including like Golden Waffle Dogs, cinnamon roll french toast and its famous Pound o’ Bacon. Craving something a bit lighter, perhaps before heading out on one of Flagstaff’s amazing hiking trails? Guests can opt for a satisfying protein bowl, avocado toast or Fit Chicken, with grilled chicken breast, egg whites, avocado, sliced tomato, and spicy cottage cheese.
For more information: eatatovereasy.com.
MartAnne’s Breakfast Palace
This family-owned Mexican restaurant has been around since 1982 and known locally as “the house that chilaquiles built.” Dishes like spicy green-chile pork posole topped with eggs or MartAnne’s famous chilaquiles offer the right amount of spice and are enjoyed next to vibrant paintings by local artist, Emma Gardner. Other dishes include house-made spicy chorizo and scrambled eggs, and a savory banana split French toast. Breakfast is served all day.
For more information: www.martannes.com.
Mike & Ronda’s The Place
All Northern Arizona University students agree this Mike & Ronda’s The Place is the place for an affordable, stick-to-your-ribs breakfast in Flagstaff. Chicken-fried steak, biscuits and gravy, and build-your-own omelets have sustained locals and college kids for decades.
For more information: www.mikeandrondastheplacewest.net.