If you’re up at the cock’s crow with nowhere to go, get yourself decent and out the door and make a beeline for these restaurants which serve terrific breakfasts while most of Metro Manila is still asleep. 
 

1. The Café at Hyatt

Hyatt City of Dreams Manila’s all-day-dining open kitchen concept, The Cafe, offers some of the most luxe breakfast sets in town. There are three decadent multi-plated breakfasts as well as simpler morning classics like Cinnamon French Toast (PHP350) and Eggs Benedict (PHP620). Take your time with the American Breakfast set (PHP1,450) which comes with two eggs cooked to your liking, potato cakes, grilled tomato and mushrooms, sausage or ham, a cereal of your choice, several buttered toasts, a basket of pastries with a selection of fruit preserves, yoghurt, and your choice of a hot drink and fresh juice — phew!
Get yourself there: Hyatt City of Dreams Manila, Belle Avenue, City of Dreams Manila Entertainment City, Parañaque; +63 2 6911234, www.cityofdreamsmanila.hyatt.com
Breakfast hours: Daily 6am-10:30am
 

2. Café Adriatico

If taking it nice and easy in the early morning at a homely heritage location is your thing, Café Adriatico is a good pick. Their iconic Malate location offers simple, filling and delicious Filipino breakfasts such as Daing na Bangus (PHP299), Spiced Sardines (PHP260), and Vigan Longganisa (PHP285) which all come with a cuppa joe. But if you’re really looking to load up in the AM, try the Farmer’s Breakfast (PHP310), which comes with Pampanga-style fried pork, garlic fried rice, fried egg, salad, and banana fritters. 
Get yourself there: 1790 M Adriatico St, Malate, Manila; +63 2 5237924, www.ljcrestaurants.com.ph
Breakfast hours: Daily 7am-11am everyday (they also requests for breakfast items not within these hours)
 

3. Toby’s Estate

Get your morning caffeine fix at the Salcedo branch of this Aussie coffee shop. On top of their signature roasts, such as the Double Macchiato (PHP120) and Piccolo (PHP120), there are decent breakfasts to be had. Tuck into eggs baked and served on a warm skillet which are topped with either salmon and capers (PHP375), Canadian bacon and hollandaise (PHP325), or tomato compote, grilled cherry tomatoes, arugula, and basil oil (PHP315). 
Get yourself there: 125 LP Leviste St, Salceco Village, Makati; Facebook
Hours: Mon-Tue 7am-10pm, Wed-Sat 7am-12am, Sun 8am-10pm

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4. IHOP

IHOP’s grub is simple but substantial, served in large portions that American chains are known for. They’ve got all-day breakfasts such as a slew of different pancakes, omelets, French toasts, waffles, and crepes. But it’s the mega breakfast sets which you should come for. Best things come in pairs and The Breakfast Sampler (PHP395) comes with two eggs, two strips of streaky bacon, two pork sausages, two slices of ham, two buttermilk pancakes, as well as one hefty hash-brown. But if you’re up for something lighter, opt for the Simple & Fit 2 Egg Breakfast (PHP275) which consists of scrambled egg substitute, turkey bacon, wholewheat toast, and fruit salad. 
Get yourself there: G/F W Global Center, 30th St cor 9th Ave, BGC, Taguig; +63 2 6875611, Facebook
Hours: Sun-Thu 6am-12am, Fri & Sat 24 hours
 

5. Early Bird Breakfast Club 

The fanciful fare plated at Early Bird Breakfast Club looks like it could be served during a five-star dinner. Their star dish is the Lemon Butter Bangus (PHP325) which is pan-seared to a crisp and served on a bed of garlic fried rice, crowned with a runny poached egg, and sided with garlic lemon butter sauce. More posh plates include the Chorizo & Mushroom Risotto (PHP465) and Cod & Salmon Breakfast Pie (PHP325). But those with a sweet tooth have a full menu to choose from here. Think Buco Pandan Trifle (PHP210) and French Toast Fondue (PHP210). 
Get yourself there: G/F Fort Pointe 2 Bldg, The Fort Complex, 28th St, BGC, Taguig; +63 2 8089269, Facebook
Breakfast hours: Sun-Thu 7am-10pm; Fri-Sun 7am-10pm (non-stop service)
 

6. The Wholesome Table

While it’s true that this eatery is slightly overrated, it’s one of the only spots to get a good dose of superfoods in the morning. Their Breakfast Powerbowls, which consist of various chia puddings and overnight oats, are filling and nutrient packed. Try the Choc-Nut Butter Oats (P430) which come with oats, chia seeds, almond milk, cacao, almond butter, coconut nectar, and banana – just enough protein to get you through the day. 
Get yourself there: 30th St cor 7th Ave, BGC, Taguig; +63 2 867000, www.thewholesometable.com. 
Breakfast hours: Daily 7am-10:30am
 

7. La Creperie Boheme

Start your day in a decidedly French fashion at La Creperie. Served here is top coffee by local coffee gurus, Yardstick, alongside authentic French crepes – both sweet and savory. Get your daily serving of fruit early in the day and order the Strawberry Mango Jubilee (PHP315) which comes with fresh strawberry, mango, kiwi, and a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Or if you’re in the mood for something savory but equally rich, the Quatre Fromage (PHP395) which sees melted cheese on gluten-free buckwheat crepes, is excellent too. 
Get yourself there: Broadway Ave cor 14th St, New Manila, Quezon City; +63 2 7057100, Facebook
Breakfast hours: Daily 7am-11pm

Photo: Early Bird Breakfast Club (used with permission)