Where to find the best brunch in Miami

What is it? At this cozy Upper Eastside restaurant, noise never rises above a murmur, and you’ll always find the right amount of natural light peeking through the large windows overlooking the street. It’s got all the comforts of home but the food is far superior to anything you could ever make.
Why go? Tuck into Pinch’s famous Egg in a Basket—featuring crispy potato covered in espuma and served alongside whole-wheat toast and crispy speck. Then move on to stuffed brioche French toast with guava and whipped cream cheese.

What is it? A cool, hipster spot inside the supremely trendy Freehand Miami and next door to cocktail bar the Broken Shaker.
Why go? On Sundays, you’ll pop in to sample signature items like Elad’s Shakshuka served alongside Zak the Baker bread or the spicy bibimbap, a flavorful blend of kimchi fried rice, short rib and egg. The menu is a tightly curated assortment of dishes that represent Miami’s melting pot of flavors while the cocktail list is far less restrained, ranging from citrusy to “stiff and boozy,” with a few craft beers thrown into the mix.

What is it? A confluence of cyclists, dog parents, families and people seeking a shady spot where to enjoy Miami’s sunny weather. The nicer the day, the longer the wait time, though the bar serves cocktails and food on a first come, first served basis.
Why go? The view and experience are quintessential Miami— lots of well-dressed people lingering over breakfast fare and sipping mimosas along a busy sidewalk. People watching is superb and so are the Bloody Marys served in repurposed cans of soup.

What is it? Coconut Grove’s more sophisticated option, Ariete serves elevated mid-morning classics with a Latin twist. Sunday service features fresh-baked treats from Pastelito Papi, who stuffs his handmade pastries with mango, chorizo and head cheese, among other unique options.
Why go? Ariete’s brunch offering is tough to duplicate. Take the frita eggs Benedict served with chorizo and crunchy papitas, or the Cuban-style guava and cream cheese pancakes. To drink, it’s refreshing, spirit-forward cocktails over sugary mimosas; the sñrt laura with Exotico tequila, grapefruit trinity, lime and dehydrated grapefruit is a top choice.

What is it? This lively Spanish joint serves a mean brunch, complete with bottomless sangria for an extra $18.
Why go? Instead of a one-and-done meal, Bulla lets you choose three courses for brunch. In a group? Order one of everything and have a tapas-style feast featuring flatbreads, a pork hash and a yummy brioche dessert topped with turrón ice cream.

What is it? A bougie, boozy brunch that’s worth every penny. Zuma’s lavish buffet (ranging from $95–$395, inclusive of unlimited premium drinks) features dinner-menu favorites and a satisfying selection of sushi.
Why go? Varied Japanese cuisine is represented across all parts of Zuma’s decadent spread. You’ll find traditional fare—sushi, sashimi and hot robata dishes like the popular baby back ribs—and unexpected favorites like king crab salad on nori toast, among others. Japanese whiskey tastings are offered randomly at brunch, so keep your eyes peeled.

What is it? Danny Serfer’s hip diner in MiMo is a cozy option for delicious hangover food.
Why go? Regardless of its size, crowds still line up outside the small restaurant on weekend mornings to eat “eggy stuff” and “syrupy stuff,” not to mention the famous dry-aged cheeseburger—the ultimate hangover cure. For once, follow the crowd.

What is it? The best bar in Miami just so happens to serve brunch—and a damn good one at that. It goes without saying but this is not the place for a basic mimosa.
Why go? Sweet Liberty’s motto is “pursue happiness,” which, on Sundays from noon to 5pm, manifests as Michy’s fried chicken over housemade Belgian waffles and topped with jalapeño-honey butter. The $25 bottomless rosé help you stave off last night’s hangover a little while longer.

What is it? One of the few beachfront spots in Miami Beach, Malibu Farm serves farm-to-table eats in relaxed, earthy environs.
Why go? For the view! But you can’t eat the sunshine and the sparkling waves, so order the avocado pizza (glorified avo toast, in a good way) and nosh on something just as dreamy.

What is it? Elegant, decadent and about as indulgent as brunch possibly gets, La Mar’s brunch is for people with discerning palates and deep pockets.
Why go? Brunch is an experience! You’ll start with arroz chaufa (Peruvian fried rice) served tableside and move on to myriad food stations doling out 15 types of cebiches and curiously plated classics like crab causa. Then each person gets the entrée of their choice. If you haven’t saved room for dessert, you’ll change your mind once you’re served an artisanal dollhouse filled with treats. No, it’s not the effects of unlimited cocktails you’re experiencing. The dessert house is, in fact, spinning.

What is it? Chef Giorgio Rapicavoli puts a fun twist on upscale dining at Eating House with eccentric dishes like pumpkin pie waffle and Cap’n Crunch pancakes—both of which can be washed down with a sublime Tang mimosa.
Why go? Rapicavoli’s take on eggs Benedict skews swanky thanks to a black truffle topping while the French toast speaks to the city’s Latin influences, subbing in Cuban bread for brioche and a cafecito-infused syrup for basic maple.

What is it? Brunch is a misnomer for what happens at Bagatelle between noon and 4pm on Sundays. It’s more like a dance party with bottle service meets a very dimly lit meal set to a bumping soundtrack. And we like it that way.
Why go? Big parties looking to celebrate special occasions over giant, shareable drinks fare well here, as do smaller groups craving authentic French cuisine or an out-of-this-world burger served on a brioche bun and topped with fried egg. If arriving hungry, make sure to order early before your booth becomes a dance floor.

What is it? This stylish plant-based restaurant in the South of Fifth ’hood serves pancakes, pizza and queso dip that won’t completely wreck your waistline.
Why go? Think of Planta as an upgrade from your usual hippy, vegan dive. It’s sexy, polished and will woo you with tasty dupes of meaty dishes and fresh juice cocktails. And the avocado toast comes on irresistible Sullivan Street Bakery bread.

What is it? The popularity of Miami’s Design District as a foodie destination can be almost exclusively traced back to Michael’s Genuine, the signature restaurant of celebrity chef Michael Schwartz, and its wildly popular weekend brunch.
Why go? Patrons flock here from every corner of the city (and beyond) to indulge in a daily-changing menu of farm-to-table dishes, including a breakfast pizza topped with eggs and bacon and hearty kimchi Benedict with crispy pork belly. Wash it down with a fitting kimchi michelada, a Sunday morning special.

What is it? Vietnamese food with, in the restaurant’s own words, a “Miami swagger.” The industrial chic spot has a charming outdoor patio too, with Chinese lanterns swinging overhead.
Why go? This just might be the best hangover brunch in town. There is, of course, the quintessential migraine-reducing beef pho, but even reading the other options like sweet and sour wings and waffles, smoked duck with grits and country fried French toast is already bringing us back to life. Tack on bottomless tropical mimosas for an extra $18.

What is it?  Fontainebleau’s posh Chinese restaurant is where you go to see and be seen. The intimate, beautifully designed space measures up to the tasty, high-priced food.
Why go? Hakkasan’s dim sum brunch offers all the same perfectly balanced Asian flavors as their dinner menu—think crab meat shumai with pork, black pepper beef puff and baby pak choi with garlic—at a fraction of the price.

What is it? The Strand does health food right, serving a mostly farm-to-table spread at brunch that’s tasty and doesn’t feel restrictive.
Why go? Lock in the first Sunday of the month for the Strand’s brunch-and-beach combo, which includes a themed dish, a welcome cocktail and beach loungers for after your meal.

What is it? A fabulous option for breakfast and brunch when you’re not trying to compete in the Binge-Drinking Olympics.
Why go? Sometimes, a poached, farm-fresh egg served over crusty Zak the Baker bread smothered in smashed avocado (the Smashed Avo) and a cold-brewed Panther coffee is all you need to feel like you’re winning at brunch. Go for gold with a side of bacon and monkey bread—both are winners here. Taking the kids? Threefold has a small play area for little ones.

What is it? Zap your taste buds back to life after a night of drinking at this Thai-inspired brunch, now available on Saturday and Sunday.
Why go? Chef Bee’s gorgeous Thai restaurant will make you feel as if you’ve been whisked away to an island for brunch. Drive the point home with a Mary Mary, an Asian take on a Bloody, and sweet roti pancakes with condensed milk.

What is it? This downhome Southern restaurant in South Beach serves tasty fried chicken with all the fixings, plus tasty bourbon cocktails.
Why go? There’s never a bad time to take in a leisurely meal at Yardbird (just be sure to make a reservation). But brunch offers most of the same items as the regular menu—including their signature fine fried chicken with honey hot sauce and the fried green tomato BLT—plus a Southern-style take on such classic early morning dishes as Eggs n’ Ham and Big Ol’ Waffles (try the cheddar-topped one). 

What is it? In a string of party restaurants along the Miami River, this OG hot spot is still a favorite with the glitterati.
Why go? Looking to mingle with Miami’s seafaring crowd? Live the yacht life with flowing champagne and elaborate takes on typical brunch fare like deviled eggs with caviar and lobster Benedict.

What is it? Tap 42 offers a great value on a fun party brunch in Coral Gables: $15 gets you unlimited mimosas, Bloody Marys and Funky Buddha Floridian beer, and you don’t even have to buy an entrée.
Why go? With a shaded patio, a DJ on the weekends and all sorts of seating arrangements to accommodate parties large and small, Tap 42 is a great spot for a celebratory feast.

What is it? Ritzy Soho Beach House’s only public space is a fairytale-like restaurant with lots of indoor trees and string lights.
Why go? Head straight to Cecconi’s when you’re craving carbs. Their brunch spread features a buffet of dinner favorites like cheesy macaroni (with crispy breadcrumb topping, no less) and meatballs in San Marzano tomato sauce as early as noon. A raw bar, charcuterie platters and gelato station round out the Italian eatery’s selection of suitably “brunchy” pizzas and pastas, served with the choice of complimentary Bellini or mimosa.

What is it? This expansive French brasserie inside Merrick Park serves a decent spread, considering it’s smack in the middle of a mall.
Why go? The outdoor patio is just as stunning and relaxing as any sidewalk cafe and servers won’t rush you here. Kick back with a bucket of sparkling wine and saunter on through generous portions of portions of classic bistro fare like Lyonnaise salad with frisee bacon lardon and a soft-poached egg, and steak frites.

What is it? You’d typically have to drive at least an hour south to the Florida Keys to get the kind of waterfront experience Newport Pier offers; it’s one of Miami’s only pier restaurants.
Why go? The brunch here is a mix of lunch fare and more breakfasty items like omelettes and chicken and waffles, plus mango Bellinis—which are just what you want to be sipping during a sunny day at the beach.