When I studied abroad in Florence, I ate a piece of fruit or a couple dry biscuits for breakfast. My host mother claimed eggs weren’t a real thing in Italy. After countless sad, eggless mornings, I vowed to find the best American breakfast in Europe.
I scoped out every city I visited, and for your benefit, I’ve compiled the list here.
Paris: Carette
Carette holds a special place in my heart. Thanks to my French roots, I first came to this adorable café near the Trocadéro in a baby stroller. Their scrambled eggs are the fluffiest to ever touch my tongue. They taste like home (and a lot of butter).
#SpoonTip: Carette makes the best chocolate croissants in Paris. They put in three chocolate sticks instead of the usual two.
Prague: La Bottega di Finestra
Even though La Bottega di Finestra serves mainly Italian dishes, the eggs benedict reign supreme. I mean, come on—look at the picture above and tell me that fluffy brioche and velvety hollandaise aren’t making your mouth water.
#SpoonTip: Order a coffee. Instead of sugar, it comes with a whipped coffee/sugar mixture that is to die for.
Florence: Le Vespe
I know Florence, and let me just say: it is impossible to find decent eggs anywhere. Unless you go to Le Vespe. The place is packed every weekend for brunch, but the wait is worth it. We all know there is no better combination than buttery eggs and avocado.
#SpoonTip: Don’t say no to the home fries doused in ketchup. You need them.
London: Chiltern Firehouse
Although the Chiltern Firehouse is firstly a posh Marylebone hotel, their restaurant stands out. The ambience alone makes a trip there worth it, but so does the brunch. The eggs royale with crisp toasted brioche are my personal favorite.
#SpoonTip: If you’re not one for eggs, try the buttermilk pancakes. They come drizzled with maple syrup—as always—but also crème fraîche, which provides a sharp contrast.
Barcelona: Flax & Kale
Everything at Flax & Kale is to die for. Whether you come for breakfast, lunch, dinner, brunch, elevensies, or whatever you want to call your meal, it’s always going to be good.
If we’re talking eggs, though, the savory pancakes are the way to go. They’re made of quinoa, corn, scallion, and other delectable ingredients, then topped with a poached egg for some serious #yolkporn.
#SpoonTip: Grab a juice on the way out to stay hydrated as you stroll through the streets of Barcelona.