About Breakfast at Diana's

Breakfast at Diana’s delivers classic American diner flavors in a warm, red-white-and-blue setting.

Patrons praise perfectly cooked eggs, crispy bacon and well-seasoned home fries that often steal the show.

The pace is brisk: food comes out quickly and staff are noted for upbeat, attentive service.

Regulars appreciate big portions, housemade corned beef hash and a menu that includes stuffed French toast and diner staples prepared with obvious care.

Reviews emphasize consistent bakes and a welcoming, nostalgic room.

Value is solid for shareable pies and grinders.

Location & Contact

What to Expect

The kitchen leans into comfort-restaurant cooking: large, fluffy pancakes, stuffed French toast and generous slices of toast that reviewers say are perfectly browned.

Housemade corned beef hash and the home fries attract repeated praise for texture and seasoning.

Eggs are commonly described as cooked just right, bacon comes out crisp, and diners note a range of classic plates from biscuits and gravy to a farmer’s omelet.

Coffee is a steady companion to every meal.

Hashtag Breakfast Fact's

Breaking the Fast: A History

Breakfast has come a long way from its humble beginnings. Once simply a meal to break the overnight fast, it evolved significantly over centuries. In colonial America, breakfast often included hearty options like porridge and cider, reflecting the agricultural lifestyle of the time. As the nation grew and industrialized in the 19th century, the concept of breakfast shifted dramatically. Wealthy Americans began to mimic the lavish full English breakfasts, filling their tables with bacon, eggs, and more. This transformation marked the start of breakfast as not just nourishment but a social and cultural ritual.

History

From the Community

Tucked just off the Norwich–New London Turnpike, Breakfast at Diana’s has become a reliable stop for locals and visitors seeking hearty, made-in-house breakfast plates.

The restaurant’s patriotic decor and small, bustling dining room set the stage for large portions and diner-style favorites.

Reviewers point to standout elements like well-seasoned home fries, thick pancakes and a housemade corned beef hash that keeps customers coming back.

Service is a frequent highlight: staff move quickly through busy shifts and many reviewers single out servers by name.

One diner wrote, "I have to say this was the very best breakfast I've ever had," attributing the memory to perfectly cooked eggs and crispy bacon (J H).

Another reviewer summed up the kitchen’s appeal simply: "Her housemade corn beef hash is to die for" (Zachary DeNovellis).

Customers also note gluten-free pancake and toast options, widening the menu’s appeal.

With steady crowds and consistently praised comfort food, the spot reads like a modern take on a classic American diner where care in small details—seasoning, toast texture, the timing of plates—turns everyday breakfast into a repeatable treat.

Why Locals Love It

J H ★★★★★

J H emphasized how memorable the meal felt, calling it "the very best breakfast I've ever had." That kind of praise matters in a community that values consistency: when eggs, bacon and home fries hit the right notes, families and early-shift workers know they can rely on Diana’s for comfort and a no-surprises, well-cooked morning meal.

Natalie Krakow ★★★★★

Natalie noted the server Gabby and the restaurant’s inclusivity with "numerous options for gluten-free, including pancakes, toast French toast." For locals with dietary needs, those choices make Diana’s not just a friendly stop but a dependable one for groups and returning visitors who want classic breakfast textures without compromise.

Joshua Pendleton ★★★★★

Joshua praised the diner-style menu and communal energy, describing staff as "clean, efficient, family friendly & serve consistently great food." That combination—fast, tidy service and reliably tasty plates—helps the spot hold a place in daily routines, whether it’s a weekday quick bite or a weekend gathering with friends.

Customer Reviews

J H
★★★★★ 2 months ago

"This is a rare time where I actually looked forward to making a review. After doing a "Breakfast" search on Google I came upon this place. After looking at the photos of the food, that was enough for me. I decided that I would give it a try. My wife and I arrived there about 10:45 am and we're immediately welcomed by very friendly staff. The place looked and felt welcoming right out of the gate. With the American colors of red and blue I was impressed immediately. The sever greeted us instantly and offered us both coffee. Shortly after we ordered our meals. She had a breakfast sandwich and I had Bacon, eggs, home fries, and English. I'm 59 years old and have had many breakfasts throughout this county. I have to say this was the very best breakfast I've ever had! If I had one better, I don't have memory of it. The bacon was crispy, the eggs were perfectly cooked over medium, and the home fries were out of this world! The English were cooked to perfection. Nothing like getting English muffins that are barely cooked and almost raw, yuk! EVERYTHING was perfect, which is nearly impossible. The staff were all awesome on top of the great food. This is twice as far as my regular spot in N Stonington, however, it WILL be my new spot now!!!! Cant's say enough about how wonderful the entire experience was, right down to asking me if I was a first responder, veteran, or rode a motorcycle. It's worth noting that Fox News was on both TVs, which explains the energy in there. Not a miserable person in site!"

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David Maguire
★★★★★ a month ago

"Food was above average. Staff was friendly and the food came out fast. Overall it was a good spot for breakfast."

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Richard Chapman
★★★★★ 10 months ago

"First time here the Food is amazing. The Little details about the food make it feel high end. The toast is perfect in every way the butter melts all over it and it has the right crunch on it. Pancakes are large and fluffy. The potatoes have excellent seasoning that adds lots of flavor. Bacon and eggs cooked to perfection. The place is extremely busy and full throughout breakfast hours. You might be waiting in a line when you arrive. The place feels very crowded because it's a little small. Love the support and displays honoring everyone in service to the community."

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Hashtag Breakfast Fact's

Connecticut's Breakfast Traditions

Connecticut has its own unique breakfast traditions that reflect its rich history and cultural influences. For many, a morning staple might include a simple yet satisfying combination of eggs and toast, reminiscent of the colonial era when farmers needed a hearty meal to start their day. Over time, as the state embraced more diverse culinary influences, breakfast began to incorporate ingredients from various immigrant cultures. Today, you might find a range of dishes on breakfast tables, showcasing everything from Italian frittatas to classic New England blueberry pancakes. Each dish tells a story of the state's evolving palate.

Culture

Frequently Asked Questions

What do the home fries taste like?

The home fries are golden and seasoned, with little crispy edges and soft centers. People mention they have great seasoning that adds big flavor, so expect savory, slightly salty potato bites that pair well with eggs.

Are the pancakes big and fluffy?

Yes — reviewers say the pancakes are large and fluffy. They’re thick and soft inside, so they soak up syrup without falling apart, and many guests mention the size as a pleasant surprise.

Is the corned beef hash homemade?

Yes. Multiple diners call out a housemade or homemade corned beef hash, describing it as a standout item and even saying it’s "to die for," which means it’s made in the kitchen and full of bold, savory flavor.

How is the bacon cooked?

Reviewers consistently mention crispy bacon. Expect strips with a satisfying crunch rather than limp pieces, which many people prefer with eggs and toast.

What’s special about the stuffed French toast?

Stuffed French toast is listed on the menu and praised in reviews as delicious. It’s thicker than ordinary toast, filled with a sweet or creamy center, and browned on the outside for a balance of crisp and soft textures.

Do they serve biscuits and gravy like at classic diners?

Yes, biscuits and gravy are on the menu. A reviewer said they weren’t bad but not extraordinary, so you can expect a traditional style sausage gravy over soft biscuits, made in a straightforward diner way.

Can I get gluten-free pancakes or French toast?

Yes. A guest specifically noted numerous gluten-free options including pancakes, toast and French toast, so the kitchen accommodates gluten-free preferences with alternatives that mimic the classic textures.

What is the Philly cheese steak breakfast sandwich like?

A reviewer mentioned seeing a Philly cheese steak breakfast sandwich, which suggests a breakfast twist on the classic: sliced meat and melted cheese served on breakfast bread, likely combining savory sandwich fillings with morning staples.

How are the eggs usually prepared?

Guests frequently describe eggs as cooked to order and accurate — over medium, over easy or scrambled as requested. One reviewer praised perfectly cooked eggs over medium, so expect consistent doneness when you order.

Does the coffee match the food?

Yes. Many reviews note good or strong coffee served alongside the food, which helps complete the breakfast experience and keeps plates like pancakes and hashie feeling balanced.

The Shift to Lighter Fare

As the 19th century progressed, so did beliefs about health and nutrition. Health reformers began advocating for lighter breakfast options, contrasting sharply with the previously popular hearty meals. This shift was particularly evident in Connecticut, where the rise of health-conscious dining trends led many to favor lighter foods like fruits and grains over heavy meats. This change highlighted an important cultural moment—where breakfast became not just about filling the stomach but also about embracing wellness. The influence of this period can still be seen today in many breakfast offerings that prioritize fresh, wholesome ingredients.

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Breakfast at Diana's

1100 Norwich-New London Turnpike, Uncasville, CT 06382
4.5
(447 reviews)

The Diner Phenomenon

The diner culture that blossomed in the mid-20th century brought a new twist to breakfast in Connecticut. These cozy establishments became beloved gathering spots, serving comforting meals like toasted bagels with cream cheese, pancakes, and hearty omelets. The diner experience is not just about the food; it’s about community, where friends meet to share stories over a steaming cup of coffee. This trend reflected a broader societal shift towards valuing leisure and socializing, making breakfast a cherished moment to connect with others. Even today, diners are a staple in the breakfast landscape, holding a special place in the hearts of many.

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Coffeehouse Culture Emerges

As the coffeehouse culture took hold in the late 20th century, it changed the breakfast scene in Connecticut. These trendy spots offered more than just coffee; they became venues for enjoying light breakfast fare like pastries and artisanal sandwiches. The atmosphere was typically relaxed and inviting, encouraging patrons to linger longer over their morning brews. This trend not only elevated the coffee experience but also allowed people to embrace a slower pace of life, where breakfast could be savored rather than rushed. The rise of coffeehouses reflects a broader cultural shift towards valuing experiences and connections over quick meals.

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