The Best Breakfast Places in Maine You’ve Never Heard Of

Mainers love breakfast, and there are some hidden gems you need to find.

Breakfast is the best meal and the hardest to make. It's not that it's necessarily hard to make, just complicated. As soon as I think of having to fry bacon, I'm grabbing my coat and wallet to find a place that will do it for me. You may have a favorite go-to, but there are some places you may never have heard of. Some of those hidden places have some of the best first meals just waiting for you.

 Mornings in Paris - Kennebunk, Kennebunkport, and Ogunquit, Maine

No, not Paris, Maine, a bit of Parisian love right as you are about to start your day of shopping. Grab a delicate croissant, baked fresh daily, tea cakes, breads, and more. Plus, a whole menu of breakfast sandwiches as well!

Rock City Coffee - Rockland, Maine

I love Rockland, and I love a good breakfast sandwich for the energy of exploring. I love a place that can not only provide comforting, delicious food and coffee to start the day, but also with a purpose. From their website,

Our goal is to make our customers feel special and valuable in a less-than-perfect world where people are increasingly disenfranchised and isolated from their communities.

Thomaston Cafe - Thomaston, Maine

Okay, not technically a breakfast place, but they added their brunch back on Sundays, and it's just so good, and tucked away on Main Street in Thomaston, it had to make the list. Some things are worth getting up early for.

Zu Bakery - Portland, Maine

This is not your typical breakfast. This is about award-winning breads and baked goods. Owner Barak Olins was named the 2024 James Beard Awards winner in the Outstanding Bakery category. Zu Bakery was a nominee in the category along with bakeries from California, Oregon, and New York. Olins initially launched Zu Bakery in 2000 and opened its present-day West End location in November 2022. He has a schedule on his website, and it's worth rearranging your entire life to go.

Dara Bistro - Cumberland, Maine

Dara Bistro, formerly the Cumberland Food Company, has been open since 2017. Led by Chef Bryan Dame and partner Kelsey Pettengill, the restaurant runs as a casual neighborhood coffee shop by day, and a more formal dinner space at night. No matter the format, they have created a welcoming community meeting space for those in the Cumberland, Maine area.

Find these amazing spots for a great start to your day.