Orlando’s Best Breakfasts (and Brunch too!): Breakfast Part 2

(ROBERTO GONZALEZ)

Sweet Mama’s

Craving the nostalgia of a childhood breakfast on a warm weekend morning? Head to Sweet Mama’s Restaurant in Lake Nona for a taste of the past with all the conveniences of the present. Founded in 2007 by longtime friends Lisa Matson and Linda Moore, the restaurant is decorated with family heirlooms that have been passed down through generations. Tables and furniture from Matson and Moore’s own homes are also sprinkled throughout the space to make you feel like a guest in their kitchen.

Family recipes and a pinch of love make this roadside eatery just like home. Everything is made from scratch, so you can taste the passion in every bite. The expansive menu offers Southern staples like Chicken and Waffles to Pancakes and French Toast. Fan favorites include the Shrimp and Grits with Gulf shrimp and chorizo sausage in a spicy tomato garlic sauce served over cheesy bacon grits, and the Chorizo Scramble with peppers, onions and pepper jack cheese. Don’t skip dessert: These mamas always have fresh-from-the-oven pies, cakes, brownies and more. —J.S.

(ROBERTO GONZALEZ)

Rosallie Le French Café

Tucked away on Plant Street, Rosallie Le French Cafe delivers an authentic European experience in the heart of downtown Winter Garden. Upon entering, you’ll be greeted by a case of homemade pastries and desserts while waiting to order at the counter. Toward the back, a comfortable nook with eclectic decor and cozy furniture welcomes you to stay awhile.

Designed to reflect French bites, the menu offers a selection of breakfast dishes, sandwiches, flatbreads and plates. Among some of the best are the Eggs au Gratin, complete with Paris ham, scrambled eggs, mozzarella cheese, slices of bread and garlic butter; and the Homemade Brioche French Toast, where each slice of butter brioche is infused with thick slices of Florida orange and then topped with whipped cream and maple syrup.

Specialty coffees include flavors such as crème brulé, hazelnut praline and coconut white chocolate. And if coffee isn’t your thing, the tea options are just as exciting, like the green tea infused with pomegranate, peach and passionfruit. —J.S.

(WILLIAM FREDETTE-HUFFMAN)

Winter Park Biscuit Company

You’d never guess that some of the best biscuits in town are vegan. With a line out the door at East End Market, Winter Park Biscuit Co. is offering vegan alternatives to popular breakfast and brunch items like biscuits, sausage, burgers and more.

The biscuit itself is crafted with oat buttermilk and served with apple butter. WPBC’s signature dish, The OG, is a crispy Chik cutlet on a biscuit with your choice of sauce. For something heartier, opt for the Buffalo Chik Sub with crispy Chik, lettuce, tomato, onion, dill and ranch vinaigrette on an Olde Hearth Bread hero role.

So, what’s their secret? They use meat alternatives like Gardein and Impossible for the Chik and burgers. The Chik is seasoned and breaded in house with eggless wash and seasoned flour, while the Gardein Chickn is crafted from soy and pea protein. No matter which menu item you choose, it’s food you can feel good about. —J.S.

(COURTESY WAFFLE BROS.)

The Waffle Bros.

If you watched The “Great Food Truck Race” and craved a warm, melty waffle every time you saw the Waffle Love footage, you’re in luck.

Orlando has its very own waffle-food-truck brother duo: Aaron and David Mylott, the brains behind The Waffle Bros. truck. These gourmet Liege waffles are served not just warm—but hot. In addition to the exceptional flavor of a homemade waffle, you can expect a slew of sugary toppings, like Nutella, whipped topping, chocolate sauce, cereal, fruit, candy and ice cream. Each waffle is loaded with toppings. There are no rules for breakfast at The Waffle Bros food truck.

Recommendations include the Oreo Mud for something chocolatey, the Cannoli Waffle for something creative and the Fruity Pebble for something photo-worthy. If you’re seeking a savory bite, try the Chicken & Waffle with sweet and spicy syrup. The truck is usually around town at farmers’ markets and car shows; follow along on social media to find out the next stop. —J.S.

(WILLIAM FREDETTE-HUFFMAN)

Maple Street Biscuit Co.

Maple Street Biscuit Company has grown from a small eatery that launched in Jacksonville in 2012 into a popular chain found in some of the country’s biggest cities, including Orlando. The dining concept was designed to evoke a community feel—a place where you could come and meet your neighbors over a homemade meal.

At the heart of the operation is—you guessed it—flaky biscuits made fresh every day with artisan flour and real butter. While the biscuits are good on their own, the signature menu items such as The Five and Dime, served with all-natural fried chicken breast, pecanwood-smoked bacon, a fried egg and cheddar cheese topped with spicy house-made sausage gravy, are not to be missed. If you’re in the mood for something other than a biscuit, try the BAM! YoYo, a house-made vanilla waffle topped with two pieces of fried chicken, honey butter and Bissell Maple Farms real maple syrup.

If you still have room (though that’s unlikely), order a Maple Mocha coffee with espresso, milk, maple syrup and chocolate, available hot or iced. —J.S.