5 Restaurant Chains With the Best Omelets, According to Chefs
There’s nothing like cutting into a fluffy omelet packed with your favorite fillings to start your morning right. While omelets are easy to make at home, it’s nice to enjoy one at your favorite spot, but not every breakfast chain gets it right. There are several things to watch out for when ordering an omelet and Rena Awada, Owner, Head Chef, Food Blogger and Content Creator at Healthy Fitness Meals, explains what to look for.
• Eggs: Treated with respect. And by that I mean they should be whisked just enough to blend the whites and the yolks. If you whisk too much, it will introduce air. Omelets can be fluffy, but they should not be spongy. It is quite a technique to learn if you want fluffy omelets
(which is usually reserved for scrambled eggs). Eggs should also be fresh. I like mine free-range.
• Heat: Low and slow. If you don’t already know, you don’t fry an omelet. You coax it. The best ones are cooked slowly enough that the eggs set softly and evenly, never browned or crusty on the outside. That’s just unacceptable. My trick is I add a touch of butter which
helps the eggs glide on the pan. It also adds a layer of flavor on the outside.
• Texture: An amazing omelet should just barely settle in the middle. It has to be creamy (even a little custardy). French-style omelets are pale but velvety. American-style ones are golden and a little fluffy. Both should be moist inside.
• Fillings: Fillings should enhance the eggs and not smother them. Vegetables should be pre-cooked so they don’t water down the eggs and the cheese should melt seamlessly. Less is often more in omelets. So two to three ingredients that complement each other should do. In fact this works best. To help avoid an average breakfast, Chef Rena shares her top five favorite chains for the best omelets.
First Watch
First Watch takes the classic breakfast-and-brunch experience and gives it a fresh, modern twist — combining quality ingredients, friendly service, and a bright, welcoming atmosphere. “First Watch is, for me, hands down one of the best national chains for omelets that taste fresh and made-from-scratch,” says Chef Rena. “Their Bacado Omelet is the perfect mix of creamy and savory. The eggs are soft and fluffy, not browned or dry. You can taste the real butter and fresh ingredients.” She adds, “They also do seasonal specials that feature roasted veggies or smoked salmon. This gives them a chef-driven edge most breakfast chains don’t have.”
The Original Pancake House
The Original Pancake House is obviously where you go for pancakes, but don’t let the name fool you–they take eggs seriously too, Chef Rena points out. “Their omelets are huge and they’re baked in the oven for a light, soufflé-like texture,” she says. “They’re golden on the outside but soft and airy inside.” She adds, “The Western Omelet is classic: smoky ham, green peppers, and onions folded into a custardy egg base. It’s old-school breakfast done right.”
RELATED: 6 Best Omelet Combinations for Faster Weight Loss, Say Dietitians
IHOP (International House of Pancakes)
IHOP is a nice combination of affordability, good food and a family-friendly environment and Chef Rena highly recommends the chain. “Say what you want to say about them, but IHOP nails consistency,” she says. “By this point you already know how consistency is a great deal for me.” She explains, “Their Colorado Omelet with beef, sausage, ham, and cheese is a crowd favorite for a reason. It’s hearty and perfectly seasoned, the kind of omelet that can double as brunch and lunch.” Chef Rena adds, “IHOP’s not subtle, but they understand comfort food. Every bite is warm, cheesy, and satisfying, and the portions are generous enough to keep you full all day. Try it and you’ll understand.”
Denny’s
Denny’s is a classic joint that often gets a bad rap, but the chain serves great food–especially omelets, per Chef Rena. “Denny’s has that American diner soul–it’s simple, comforting, and available anytime,” she says. “Their Ultimate Omelette tastes like a classic road trip breakfast. Hearty, hot, and straight to the point.” She adds, “The eggs are cooked well without being dry, and their veggie omelets hold up surprisingly well, too. My point is, it’s reliable exactly what you want at 2 am or 8 am, and you will not be disappointed.”
Another Broken Egg Café
Another Broken Egg Café is a bit more upscale, but it makes Chef Rena’s list because of the quality of food and she loves their Lobster and Brie Omelet. “It’s rich, decadent, and balanced with a light, creamy texture,” she says. “The eggs are perfectly tender, and they don’t shy away from flavor. They treat the omelet as a composed dish, not just eggs with stuff inside. Fresh herbs, well-melted cheese, and thoughtful presentation set them apart.”