This was my favorite spot to get breakfast But on my birthday 10/11 the food wasn't the same as it has been the last few times I went. Me and my wife we have to take this place off our list of breakfast spot. Not sure if the cook was having a not so good day but the french toast wasn't the best and my wife's waffles as well. They didn't have the Cajun shrimp and grits that she likes.
Barry L
The Gem Eatery – A True Hidden Treasure in Margate, Florida
Tucked away in the unassuming city of Margate—a place not exactly synonymous with culinary excellence—The Gem Eatery lives up to its name in every possible way. This charming, chef-driven spot is redefining what it means to dine in a local neighborhood restaurant. From the moment you walk in, you can feel that this is not your average breakfast and lunch joint; it’s a labor of love, where everything is made from scratch, and it shows in every bite.
Ambiance & Service
The atmosphere is warm and inviting, striking a perfect balance between cozy and contemporary. The owners’ pride radiates through not just the food, but the way the space feels, welcoming, personal, and genuine. The staff reflect that same ethos: friendly without being overbearing, attentive without hovering. You quickly get the sense that this is a place built on passion and care, not pretense.
Food Quality & Flavor
Simply put, the food at The Gem Eatery ranks among the best in South Florida—and that’s no exaggeration. Every dish bursts with freshness, balance, and thoughtful craftsmanship.
Corned Beef Hash: The standout star. Perfectly crisped on the outside yet tender inside, this version redefines what corned beef hash can be. The meat is clearly house-cured and hand-cut, the potatoes are caramelized just right, and the whole dish is elevated far beyond the typical diner rendition. Without question, it’s the best I’ve ever had.
Cinnamon Bun-Style French Toast: An indulgent masterpiece. Thick slices of bread swirled with cinnamon, griddled to golden perfection, and finished with a drizzle that evokes pure comfort. It’s rich, fluffy, and perfectly balanced—decadent but never cloying. “To die for” feels almost like an understatement.
Gem Signature Salad: Proof that The Gem excels beyond breakfast fare. A refreshing, creative mix of crisp greens, fruit, nuts, and a house-made dressing that ties it all together beautifully. Light, vibrant, and satisfying, it’s the kind of salad that leaves you smiling rather than searching for more.
Final Thoughts
The Gem Eatery isn’t just good for Margate, it’s exceptional by any measure. It’s the kind of restaurant that makes you rethink what a neighborhood café can be: soulful, scratch-made, and consistently excellent. The owners’ commitment to quality is evident in every forkful, and it’s clear they take pride not only in their craft but in the community they serve.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
emh2123
Amazing food, friendly service. Great portions. Finally a restaurant worthy of breakfast in Florida. French toast was incredible and the biscuits and gravy were smothered to perfection.
Nicole Goldberg
Their vege omelet is the standard everyone should aspire to. The cinnamon roll is ridiculous, out of this world 😋
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
zigmia iglesias
From the moment u walk in, it smells like home cooking 🥰🥰
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Margot Dyches
We had a very nice breakfast there and we plan to make it are go to breakfast place. 😊
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Shannon T Bastari
Fantastic!! Small town feel. Fabulous food. Amazing service, feels like home.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
jordan mosca
Great spot. Killer sandwiches the Cole Slaw is one of the best I’ve had. Check this place out.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Melissa Popper
Wish I lived closer!!
Applause to the Pastry Chef!!👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼She is a gem! 💎🤩
My family and I visited on Saturday 4/19. Your place is so perfect in every way. And the poise and control of the dining room shows the teamwork it takes and yall run a well oiled, attentive, delicious, fresh and welcoming place!! Truly a GEM!! 😍
My Brother will be back Tuesday 4/22 for a bunch of your amazingly succulent CinnaGEMbuns! They are so fluffy, and gooey with an exceptional crusted bottom that gives it that extra sweetness, and then with the most incredible drizzles! 🤤The homemade touch to all of it was so phenomenal!
Thank you for all the hard work and the hours of love and time on your feet to give us the most delicious fresh made English muffins with a lightness and crunch matched to none!! 😁
My family was grieving that morning having breakfast there as we were in town for a funeral and I cannot tell you how much your place lifted our spirits with the warm, homemade comfort foods..we are still talking about it today! ☺️
Big 👏🏼 to everyone that served us. I will definitely be back the next time we are in town. 💛
jacob simonson
Best omelette in broward county!!! Great service & cozy atmosphere!
So i was about to drop a 3 star review but then i opened the box containing the cinnamon bun from heaven! We drove 25 minutes to have lunch and while the food was delicious it wasn't worth a 25 minute drive. I had the cornbeef hash (homemade) with homemade toast yum. My daughter had a florida over 75 chicken salad sandwich on homemade bread blah. Small, clean kindof hidden. Service was very nice but we had no idea about cinnamon buns until we started hearing everyone else getting one. We got one to go and Holy Cow this thing is huge and just smells and looks like bun heaven. The minute a customer walks through the door the waitress should be asking how many you want. Now i know why its called The Gem!
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Cinnamon Rolls, Toast, Cuban Sandwich, Jumbo Cinnamon Bun
Joshua Jacobs
We chose to eat at Gem when our original brunch reservation elsewhere didn't work out. We were welcomed with a smile and the service continued to be attentive and friendly throughout our meal. Menu options weren't anything beyond the norm, but the quality and flavor of every dish was extraordinary. They make their own bread for toast and their own biscuits, the omelette that I ordered was among the top five I've ever had (I ordered it with double cheddar, tomatoes, onion, and mushrooms). Everyone else really enjoyed their food and drinks too. I would highly recommend going for breakfast, brunch, or lunch if you are anywhere nearby.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Corned Beef Hash
Jane Durthaler
Never been disappointed going there. Family owned and operated. Love that! Food is the best! If you haven't been there, what are you waiting for? You will love it! And don't forget to order the big cinnamon roll! Delish!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Egg White Omelette, Sausage Biscuits and Gravy, Farmers Omelet w Cheese Grits & Housemade Raisin Toast, Corned Beef Hash, Cinnamon Bun French Toast, Belgian Waffle, French Toast, German Pancake, Cinnamon Rolls, Toast, blt, Brownie Sundae, Sausage, Cuban Sandwich, Jumbo Cinnamon Bun, Giambotte, Raspberry Filled Biscuit, Smothered French Toast with Strawberries, Pancakes or 2 French Toast, Western Omelet
Steven Kane
The food is good been here in the past. I started a new job in the area and wanted breakfast before, waited from 7am to 7:15am and never open at 7am. This has been for the last 2 weeks. So, come late not sure what time they really open to get a good meal.
Raquel Moreau Virgille
I had buttermilk pancakes with pecans, bacon and an egg. Breakfast was delicious, the waitress and sever were friendly, and the price was reasonable. Great spot!
This was my favorite spot to get breakfast
But on my birthday 10/11 the food wasn't the same as it has been the last few times I went. Me and my wife we have to take this place off our list of breakfast spot. Not sure if the cook was having a not so good day but the french toast wasn't the best and my wife's waffles as well. They didn't have the Cajun shrimp and grits that she likes.
The Gem Eatery – A True Hidden Treasure in Margate, Florida
Tucked away in the unassuming city of Margate—a place not exactly synonymous with culinary excellence—The Gem Eatery lives up to its name in every possible way. This charming, chef-driven spot is redefining what it means to dine in a local neighborhood restaurant. From the moment you walk in, you can feel that this is not your average breakfast and lunch joint; it’s a labor of love, where everything is made from scratch, and it shows in every bite.
Ambiance & Service
The atmosphere is warm and inviting, striking a perfect balance between cozy and contemporary. The owners’ pride radiates through not just the food, but the way the space feels, welcoming, personal, and genuine. The staff reflect that same ethos: friendly without being overbearing, attentive without hovering. You quickly get the sense that this is a place built on passion and care, not pretense.
Food Quality & Flavor
Simply put, the food at The Gem Eatery ranks among the best in South Florida—and that’s no exaggeration. Every dish bursts with freshness, balance, and thoughtful craftsmanship.
Corned Beef Hash: The standout star. Perfectly crisped on the outside yet tender inside, this version redefines what corned beef hash can be. The meat is clearly house-cured and hand-cut, the potatoes are caramelized just right, and the whole dish is elevated far beyond the typical diner rendition. Without question, it’s the best I’ve ever had.
Cinnamon Bun-Style French Toast: An indulgent masterpiece. Thick slices of bread swirled with cinnamon, griddled to golden perfection, and finished with a drizzle that evokes pure comfort. It’s rich, fluffy, and perfectly balanced—decadent but never cloying. “To die for” feels almost like an understatement.
Gem Signature Salad: Proof that The Gem excels beyond breakfast fare. A refreshing, creative mix of crisp greens, fruit, nuts, and a house-made dressing that ties it all together beautifully. Light, vibrant, and satisfying, it’s the kind of salad that leaves you smiling rather than searching for more.
Final Thoughts
The Gem Eatery isn’t just good for Margate, it’s exceptional by any measure. It’s the kind of restaurant that makes you rethink what a neighborhood café can be: soulful, scratch-made, and consistently excellent. The owners’ commitment to quality is evident in every forkful, and it’s clear they take pride not only in their craft but in the community they serve.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Amazing food, friendly service. Great portions. Finally a restaurant worthy of breakfast in Florida. French toast was incredible and the biscuits and gravy were smothered to perfection.
Their vege omelet is the standard everyone should aspire to. The cinnamon roll is ridiculous, out of this world 😋
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
From the moment u walk in, it smells like home cooking 🥰🥰
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
We had a very nice breakfast there and we plan to make it are go to breakfast place. 😊
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Fantastic!! Small town feel. Fabulous food. Amazing service, feels like home.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Great spot. Killer sandwiches the Cole Slaw is one of the best I’ve had. Check this place out.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Wish I lived closer!! Applause to the Pastry Chef!!👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼She is a gem! 💎🤩 My family and I visited on Saturday 4/19. Your place is so perfect in every way. And the poise and control of the dining room shows the teamwork it takes and yall run a well oiled, attentive, delicious, fresh and welcoming place!! Truly a GEM!! 😍 My Brother will be back Tuesday 4/22 for a bunch of your amazingly succulent CinnaGEMbuns! They are so fluffy, and gooey with an exceptional crusted bottom that gives it that extra sweetness, and then with the most incredible drizzles! 🤤The homemade touch to all of it was so phenomenal! Thank you for all the hard work and the hours of love and time on your feet to give us the most delicious fresh made English muffins with a lightness and crunch matched to none!! 😁 My family was grieving that morning having breakfast there as we were in town for a funeral and I cannot tell you how much your place lifted our spirits with the warm, homemade comfort foods..we are still talking about it today! ☺️ Big 👏🏼 to everyone that served us. I will definitely be back the next time we are in town. 💛
Best omelette in broward county!!! Great service & cozy atmosphere!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
So i was about to drop a 3 star review but then i opened the box containing the cinnamon bun from heaven! We drove 25 minutes to have lunch and while the food was delicious it wasn't worth a 25 minute drive. I had the cornbeef hash (homemade) with homemade toast yum. My daughter had a florida over 75 chicken salad sandwich on homemade bread blah. Small, clean kindof hidden. Service was very nice but we had no idea about cinnamon buns until we started hearing everyone else getting one. We got one to go and Holy Cow this thing is huge and just smells and looks like bun heaven. The minute a customer walks through the door the waitress should be asking how many you want. Now i know why its called The Gem!
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Cinnamon Rolls, Toast, Cuban Sandwich, Jumbo Cinnamon Bun
We chose to eat at Gem when our original brunch reservation elsewhere didn't work out. We were welcomed with a smile and the service continued to be attentive and friendly throughout our meal. Menu options weren't anything beyond the norm, but the quality and flavor of every dish was extraordinary. They make their own bread for toast and their own biscuits, the omelette that I ordered was among the top five I've ever had (I ordered it with double cheddar, tomatoes, onion, and mushrooms). Everyone else really enjoyed their food and drinks too. I would highly recommend going for breakfast, brunch, or lunch if you are anywhere nearby.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Corned Beef Hash
Never been disappointed going there. Family owned and operated. Love that! Food is the best! If you haven't been there, what are you waiting for? You will love it! And don't forget to order the big cinnamon roll! Delish!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Egg White Omelette, Sausage Biscuits and Gravy, Farmers Omelet w Cheese Grits & Housemade Raisin Toast, Corned Beef Hash, Cinnamon Bun French Toast, Belgian Waffle, French Toast, German Pancake, Cinnamon Rolls, Toast, blt, Brownie Sundae, Sausage, Cuban Sandwich, Jumbo Cinnamon Bun, Giambotte, Raspberry Filled Biscuit, Smothered French Toast with Strawberries, Pancakes or 2 French Toast, Western Omelet
The food is good been here in the past.
I started a new job in the area and wanted breakfast before, waited from 7am to 7:15am and never open at 7am. This has been for the last 2 weeks.
So, come late not sure what time they really open to get a good meal.
I had buttermilk pancakes with pecans, bacon and an egg. Breakfast was delicious, the waitress and sever were friendly, and the price was reasonable. Great spot!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
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