Discover breakfast venues in Southbourne, Bournemouth including our review of breakfast at Cafe Riva.
14th December 2025

We recently popped into Cafe Riva on Southbourne Overcliff Drive (BH6 3TD) for breakfast, and honestly, it was a lovely way to kick off the day.
The Cafe is perched right on the cliff top, so you get these gorgeous sea views stretching out towards the Purbecks and Isle of Wight—it’s hard not to feel relaxed just soaking that in. The vibe inside is super laid-back, with a mix of locals, dog-walkers, and tourists, all enjoying the chilled atmosphere. It’s dog-friendly too, which is a big plus if you’re strolling with a furry friend.

I went for the “Pick ‘N’ Mix” breakfast, which is basically a build-your-own option. You can pile on exactly what you fancy—eggs, bacon, sausages, beans, toast, the works.
I chose Eggs Florentine from the breakfast menu - cooked poached eggs with hollandaise sauce - that hit the spot. The ingredients tasted fresh, and the portions were just right, not too heavy but enough to keep me going.
Prices are pretty reasonable too; we felt the breakfast was great value for the quality and that view.

They’ve got a decent coffee selection, and my flat white was smooth and spot-on.
The staff were friendly, happy to chat to customers, and they made sure our order was taken quickly & efficiently.

If you’re after a relaxed breakfast with cracking views and solid food, Cafe Riva’s a gem.

Find a variety of excellent breakfast and brunch spots in and around Southbourne, Bournemouth.
Syd’s Slaps, located at 12 Southbourne Grove, Bournemouth, BH6 3QZ, is a lively café by day and a vibrant bar by night, earning a strong local following for its breakfasts served from 9 AM to 2 PM daily.
It offers homemade, artisan-style breakfasts, with the full English offering generous portions of bacon, eggs, sausages, and toast, all packed with fresh, bold flavours. The breakfast sandwiches, like the bacon or sausage slap, are a big hit, with gluten-free options available, including bread and buns.
The coffee is top-notch, and the relaxed, quirky vibe—think eclectic decor and a community feel—pairs perfectly with the food. The cafe is dog-friendly, and the outdoor seating is a draw on sunny mornings.

The Hungry Husky in Southbourne, Dorset, is located at 1b Grand Avenue, Bournemouth, BH6 3SU. It is a popular British café and sandwich bar known for its hearty breakfasts and welcoming vibe. The breakfast menu features classics like full English breakfasts, sandwiches, baguettes, and options with bacon, sausages, eggs, and hash browns, all made with fresh ingredients.
The friendly, attentive service from the owner and staff creates a warm, community feel, often described as a “hidden gem.” Its affordability, with generous portions at reasonable prices, makes it a popular venue, as is the cozy, dog-friendly atmosphere with limited indoor and outdoor seating.
The café caters to dietary needs, offering vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. Open from 8am, it’s a Southbourne staple for locals and visitors seeking a traditional, satisfying meal.
Sobo Beach, is located at Southbourne Coast Road, Bournemouth, BH6 4BE. It is a popular beachfront café and bar loved for its breakfast offerings and relaxed, Miami-inspired vibe.
The venue offers stunning sea views, perfect for a morning meal after a coastal walk. The breakfast menu, served from 8 AM, features favourites like bacon or sausage baps, praised for their quality and generous portions, alongside gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options.
The chilled, dog-friendly atmosphere and friendly staff add to the appeal, making it ideal for a laid-back brunch.
The Spyglass & Kettle is located at 25-27 Stourwood Avenue, Southbourne, Bournemouth, BH6 3PW. It is a cliff-top pub offering hearty breakfasts in an inviting atmosphere.
The traditional pub setting offers sea views towards the Isle of Wight and Purbecks, perfect for a relaxed breakfast. The breakfast menu, served from 8 AM to 10 AM Monday to Friday and 9 AM to 11 AM on weekends, features popular options including the Big Breakfast, Traditional English Breakfast, and Vegetarian Breakfast.
The £10 breakfast deal includes cereals, toast, muffins, yoghurts, fruit, and tea or coffee & offers great value. The friendly, attentive staff and dog-friendly vibe enhance the experience, making it a favourite for locals & visitors alike.
Ludo Lounge is located at 34 Southbourne Grove, Bournemouth, BH6 3RA. It is a well established café-bar known for its all-day breakfasts served from 9 AM to 11 PM in a vibrant, family-friendly setting.
The extensive breakfast menu features the classic Lounge Breakfast, a hearty full English with bacon, sausages, eggs, and all the trimmings, praised for its generous portions and fresh ingredients.
The Eggs Benedict, served on muffins with smoked salmon or bacon, is also popular with health-conscious options like organic muesli and smashed avocado on toast also available. The gluten-free and vegan-friendly choices include gluten-free bread and vegan sausages,
The quirky, vintage decor, spacious roof terrace, and dog-friendly atmosphere add to the appeal, making it a go-to spot for a relaxed breakfast.
Harry’s Coffee House is located at 52a Southbourne Grove, Bournemouth, BH6 3RN. This independent café offers all day breakfasts from 8 AM to 4 PM Monday to Saturday and 9 AM to 3 PM on Sunday.
Popular menu items include smoked salmon and scrambled eggs, the breakfast croissant, scrambled egg on toast and vegetarian options.
The homemade cakes, like the exceptional Victoria sponge, pair beautifully with their expertly brewed coffee, adding to the appeal.
The friendly, welcoming staff and cozy, contemporary atmosphere make it well worth a try amongst Southbourne’s competitive brunch scene.
Brown Dog Cafe is located at 117-119 Southbourne Grove, Bournemouth, BH6 3QY. It is an independent café in Southbourne, renowned for its breakfasts served all day from 7 AM to 4 PM Monday to Friday, 8 AM to 4 PM Saturday, and 9 AM to 3 PM Sunday.
Classic breakfast options include bacon, eggs, and sandwiches, made with fresh, high-quality ingredients and generous portions. The smoothie bowls offer a refreshing, healthy choice packed with flavour. Homemade cakes and flapjacks are also popular, complementing the organic, in-house ground coffee that’s a highlight for many.
The dog-friendly vibe, complete with a “Doggy Wall of Fame,” adds to the warm, community atmosphere, making it a favourite for locals and visitors. Vegetarian and vegan options are available.
The Schooner Restaurant is located at 4 St Catherine's Rd, Southbourne, Bournemouth BH6 4AA. It is a British café loved for its traditional breakfasts. Diners enjoy the hearty full English, packed with bacon, eggs, sausages, and toast, served in a friendly, no-fuss setting. The vegetarian-friendly options and generous portions make it a hit with locals looking for a classic morning meal. It’s open for breakfast, lunch, and brunch, with a cozy vibe perfect for a quick bite.
Hiker Café at Hengistbury Head, is a laid-back spot open from 9 AM to 5 PM daily, known for its simple yet tasty breakfasts. Think bacon rolls, egg muffins, and strong coffee, all enjoyed with cracking coastal views.
The Bake House, located at 8 Southbourne Grove, Bournemouth, BH6 3QZ, is a cozy, independent café and bakery loved for its hearty breakfasts and welcoming vibe. Open daily from 8 AM to 4 PM, it serves breakfast until 11:30 AM, with diners raving about the variety and value. The Bakehouse Breakfast, a full English with bacon, eggs, sausages, and toast, is popular with coffee and toast included. The Full Monty adds extras like hash browns and mushrooms for a proper feast. Vegetarians enjoy a tailored version with plenty of fresh options, and gluten-free bread is available, making it inclusive. The atmosphere is warm and bustling, with friendly staff who keep things running smoothly even when busy. Pastries and homemade cakes, like flaky croissants, are a hit for lighter bites, paired with great coffee or fresh juices.
Here are some tips for enjoying Breakfast in Southbourne: