Continually rated one of the city’s best breakfast joints, Victory's Banner is an unrivaled spot for a.m. eats. The categories are familiar enough, such as French toast, omelets, pancakes and cereal. The dishes, however, aren't your typical IHOP fare.

Those craving a sweet start to the day will enter saccharine bliss with an order of Victory's Banner award-winning French toast with peach butter and real maple syrup; chocolate chip waffles; or Pancake Delight, two cakes with a ring of yogurt and granola with raspberries in the center. Looking for tofu in the morning? Try Erin’s Eggless Wonder, marinated tofu with broccoli, onion, tomato, mushroom, zucchini, potato, goat cheese and brown rice. The curry omelet with apple chutney is also an offering you won't find anywhere else.

While breakfast is the main draw, be sure not to shortchange the lunch menu. All offerings are just a notch above. The spinach salad features hardboiled egg, cucumber, red onion and marinated Portobello mushroom; the bacon cheeseburger is a homemade veggie burger topped with soy bacon, cheese, field greens, tomato, alfalfa sprouts, red onion and tamari-mayo spread. Other standouts include the curried tofu and veggies wrap, the coconut-peanut veggie wrap with tofu and the touted Neatloaf dinner, a combination of grains, cheese, tofu, rice and spices.

This is one place where you don’t want to opt for plain ol' ice water: Try the green tea cooler, a blend of iced green tea and grapefruit juice, or the homemade chai.

Each meal here gets served with a side of inspiration; all of those who work at Victory's Banner are students of meditation, and study with the Indian Spiritual Master Sri Chimnoy. The religious aspect isn't overwhelming, though you will find the master's teachings in books and cards in the small waiting area, and his influence is evident on menu items like Satisfaction-Promise.

Average cost: <$10

Centerstage Reviewer: Kate Schwartz