From overflowing mimosas to eggs in all formats, a little self-care on the weekend is just what we all need…and it’s called, brunch. The act of getting out of bed on a Saturday or Sunday to meet up with the people you love for an indulgent, slow-speed gab session around a table full of sweet and savory plates is a ritual for many. Though chefs may hate it—as Bobby Flay was famously quoted in this piece from The New York Times back in 1998—there’s no denying the popularity of this hybrid meal. So where are the best brunch spots of Florida? Let us fill you in.
Brunch in Central Florida
Osprey Tavern
Orlando
The space alone sets the tone for a relaxing and deeply satisfying brunch. The open kitchen is bustling with gorgeous plates housing everything from freshly shucked oysters and salads on the lighter side, to corned beef hash and johnnycakes with grilled shrimp for a heartier option. Just make sure you leave room for something sweet. The pastry trolley comes rolling through after your meal for your pick of some of the best seasonal pastries and desserts you’ll find in Orlando.
Osprey Tavern
Sunday Brunch
4899 New Broad St.
Orlando, FL 32814
1921
Mount Dora
Set inside a stunning historic home originally built in its namesake year—both the food and the space feel refreshingly different from the competitive set . Billed as a modern Florida kitchen, it delivers just that, real Florida cuisine prepared with local ingredients and infused flavors of the Caribbean, Asia, and Africa. With options like fresh wreckfish cerviche caught from nearby Ponce Inlet to the piquant Israeli shakshouka with lamb merguez—brunch is absolutely magnificent.
1921
Saturday and Sunday Brunch
142 East 4th Ave.
Mount Dora, FL 32757
Crush Eleven
Melbourne
The sister restaurant to the Fat Snook (if you love seafood and haven’t been there, go), Crush Eleven is serving up a very interesting and highly creative brunch. Not your typical eggs and french toast kind of place. Here they’re turning standard items on their head, serving things like Tropical Carrot Cake Pancakes with whipped coconut cream cheese and grilled pineapple and then there are medjool date cakes with goat cheese and millionaire’s bacon.
Crush Eleven
Sunday Brunch
923 E New Haven Ave.
Melbourne, FL 32901
Brunch in South Florida
Eating House
Miami
Arrive hungry and bring a crew because you’ll want to order one of everything off this menu. While crowds may visit for the legendary Cap’ n Crunch pancakes, you’d be making a big mistake to skip out on the loaded tater tots, perfect for noshing while you wait for your mains. There’s nothing basic about brunch here—so make sure you put in an order of the braised pork calentado with sweet plantains and chimichurri— it hits the palate with a savory explosion of Cuban flavor and flair, Miami-style.
Eating House
Saturday and Sunday Brunch
804 Ponce de Leon Blvd.
Coral Gables, FL 33134
Fort Lauderdale
Consistently ranked one of the best brunches in the Fort Lauderdale area, Foxy Brown keeps the crowds coming with stellar service and an incredible menu. Whet your palate with something sweet, like the doughnut holes served with cereal milk. Offerings have something for everyone, and though you can count on the usual brunch standbys like buttermilk pancakes, you’ve also upgraded specials to choose from, such as say, apple churro pancakes served with deep-fried apple rings, cinnamon, caramel and nuts. Or go global with plates like the sunrise arepa, a cheddar corn cake topped with crumbled chorizo, egg, pico, and sour cream. You can’t go wrong here, just show up and see for yourself.
Foxy Brown
Saturday & Sunday Brunch
723 East Broward Blvd.
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
Brunch in North Florida
Preserved
St. Augustine
Traditional brunch favorites get a refined boost at this chef-driven St. Augustine spot which focuses on cuisine of the American South. Swap the classic order of toast for a side of flaky, buttermilk biscuits with sausage gravy. When it comes to entrees, you won’t find the usual breakfast hash here, this one features smoked chicken cooked with caramelized onions, sage, soft fried eggs, and tabasco butter sauce. With James Beard-nominated chef Brian Whittington at the helm, and locally sourced creations made with seasonal ingredients—it’s a wise decision to book this brunch reservation ahead on your next trip to St. Augustine.
Preserved
Sunday Brunch
102 Bridge St.
St. Augustine, FL 32084
Afternoon
Gainesville
Party a bit too hard on Saturday night? The vibe at Afternoon is just what the doctor ordered for your casual, laid-back brunching needs. Order at the counter at this cozy brunch restaurant and refuel on a puffy dutch baby served with fresh thyme and Florida oranges. Need something a bit more substantial? Hearty sandwiches like the egg & cheddar or roasted pork have your back.
Afternoon
Saturday & Sunday Brunch
231 NW 10th Ave.
Gainesville, FL 32601
Liberty Bar & Restaurant
Tallahassee
Undoubtedly one of the hottest spots for brunch in Tallahassee, Liberty is first and foremost a very serious cocktail bar. The long wait for brunch serves as a perfect reason to sip on one of their speciality cocktails before you fill up on things like brioche stuffed french toast or the country ham Benedict served on a pimento cheese biscuit. Locals rave about the excellent hospitality and service, making Liberty all the more reason to choose when you’re in the Tally area.
Liberty Bar & Restaurant
Saturday & Sunday Brunch
1307 N Monroe Unit #2
Tallahassee, FL 32303
