At OpenTable, we believe that all meals were created equal. No, not what you’re served because, obviously, spaghetti trumps a salad anytime. Rather, they are of equal importance. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner each represents an opportunity to treat yourself to a memorable dining experience. And yet – breakfast in America (ahem!) often gets short shrift. In the interest of encouraging you to make your first meal your best meal of the day, here are 9 top breakfast restaurants across the nation.
The Voya, Mountain View, California
The Voya bills itself as a place for executive dining — and delivers on that promise with its attention to detail. Tables are set with colorful Italian glassware and linens; made-to-order beignets are served with warm maple syrup and fresh-made whipped cream. Its Latin-American menu, served at lunch and dinner, leans more toward traditional American fare for its early-day offerings, with omelettes, Eggs Benedict, and steel-cut oatmeal, making it the perfect setting for a Silicon Valley business breakfast.
Blue Duck Tavern, Washington, D.C.
Locals and visitors to our nation’s capital are stuck on Blue Duck Tavern, quite possibly owing to their coveted pecan sticky buns. Executive Chef Ryan LaRoche and Chef de Cuisine Brad Deboy spin innovative takes on your morning favorites, such as their BDT Benedict (which for fall 2015, is made with housemade pastrami, Brussels kraut, and a thousand island hollandaise) and buckwheat waffles. Even Donald and Hilary would agree that this is bipartisan dining at its best.
Sterling’s Brunch Buffet at Bally’s Hotel and Casino, Las Vegas, Nevada
Looking for a sure way to beat the odds in Vegas? You can always bet on breakfast at the indulgent Sterling Brunch Buffet at BLT Steak in Bally’s Las Vegas Hotel and Casino where you will enjoy endless pours of Perrier-Jouët Champagne, Mimosas, Bloody Marys, and unlimited American sturgeon caviar (pictured). Then, choose from made-to-order omelettes, Alaskan king crab, truffle mashed potatoes, lobster tails, oysters, and plenty of gluten-free options. In addition to self-service, table service is available. Be sure to request a personally guided tour of all the offerings before you dive in.
Farmshop LA, Santa Monica, California
Serving breakfast daily and brunch on weekends, Farmshop raises casual morning dining to the highest level using locally sourced products, such as duck eggs from Apricot Lane Farms. Pastries are baked fresh and served with Spring Hill Jersey Cheese Co. butter and housemade preserves. Plus, Farmshop’s associated market will amply stock your pantry at home for the some takeaway goodness.
Anzu, San Francisco, California
For a very healthful and delicious variation on your day’s first meal, try the traditional Japanese breakfast at Anzu in the Hotel Nikko. Salt-cured salmon is grilled to perfection and served on fresh white rice with a raw egg (I know, but trust me on this one: crack the egg, add a few of drops of soy sauce, mix it together, and pour it right on the hot rice. Awesome!), Japanese tsukemono pickles, and a bowl of miso soup. And if you are particularly adventurous, go for the fermented soybeans (natto) which, when topped with a little soy sauce, hot mustard, and chopped scallion, is a brilliantly healthful way to greet the day.