Brunch—that in between meal that’s breakfast but also lunch—has become all the rage across the country. For some, brunch is even a sport! Yes, we mean you who go "brunching."
Some historians say that brunch first began in England, where lavish multi-course meals were served that featured a smorgasbord of delicious breakfast foods and sweets. The tradition seems to have caught on in Miami too. A variety of top-notch restaurants serve brunch for those who want to relax during the weekend with a great meal, entertainment and a beautiful view.
Here are a dozen of our favorite spots.
Bulla Gastrobar
Inspired by the gastrobars of Spain, Bulla Gastrobar offers guests a menu filled with traditional Spanish dishes in a fun, casual environment. Known for its small plates and cocktails, Bulla offers brunch every Saturday and Sunday with a brunch tasting menu that includes huevos Bulla, salmon rillettes and chocolate churros, traditional fried dough with chocolate sauce and dulce de leche. But wait, there’s also bottomless sangria and mimosas for $15 per person.
Bachour Bakery + Bistro
This bistro from Miami’s famed pastry chef and 2016 James Beard award semifinalist Antonio Bachour and former Eating House chef and partner Henry Hané Bachour is a favorite among locals. Whether you want to start your day with freshly made morning pastries, including Danish, brioche and a variety of flaky croissants—gianduja, almond and a Miami-centric guava and cheese—signature desserts or savory breakfast dishes of leafy and grain-based salads, open-faced sandwiches, house-made soups or veggie-heavy main dishes, Bachour Bakery + Bistro is worth the trip. Open for breakfast, lunch, early dinner and an all-day weekend brunch.
Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink
One could say that James Beard award-winning chef/owner Michael Schwartz defined the Sunday brunch scene in Miami. At the bistro in the trendy Design District, the menu is ever-changing, but it always offers a fine selection of farm-to-table dishes of eggs, meats and raw bar items. You can also choose any beer with a bloody mary shot for an additional $2. Sundays from 11 am-3 pm.
Quinto La Huella
Escape the chaos of the beach and indulge in brunch at Quinto La Huella. The Miami outpost of the famed Uruguayan restaurant Parador La Huella offers simple dishes that pay homage to local ingredients. Artisanal breads, sweets or savory dishes made in the wood-fired oven are among the indulgences you'll find here. Pair any dish with a wine from the restaurant's extensive list or choose a craft beer instead—either way you won't go wrong.
Juvia
Located atop the architecturally stunning 1111 Lincoln Road building, Juvia offers a brunch alternative with breathtaking views of the ocean and the Miami Beach skyline. Having earned a reputation as a trend-setting dining destination, the popular South Beach restaurant serves Sunday brunch and a selection of cocktails such as mimosas and bloody mary made with Grey Goose vodka. Choose from a variety of the restaurant’s French-Asian specialties infused with the robust flavors of Peruvian ingredients.
Swine Southern Table & Bar
The sister restaurant to Miami Beach favorite, Yardbird Southern Table & Bar in Coral Gables offers a mouthwatering weekend brunch menu of traditional Southern cuisine and soul food. The chefs use a massive in-house smoker and wood-fire grill to bring out the flavors of all things pork. Some of the signature menu items that we have come to love from Yardbird, also appear on the Swine menu, including the mac and cheese and green tomatoes. Try the smoked brisket, barbecue ribs, pulled pork and the locally famous Swine Burger to name a few.
Bakehouse Brasserie
You don't have to wait until the weekend rolls around for brunch. This cozy 87-seat quaint Parisian style café offers brunch all day from 10 am to 5 pm (M-Su). Sip on $25 bottomless mimosas while taking a bite into its famous croissant French toast. Find the restaurant adjacent to Radio Bar in South Beach.
Rusty Pelican
Located on Key Biscayne, the Rusty Pelican offers guests amazing skyline views and a delicious champagne brunch. If you have a taste for seafood, then Rusty Pelican is the place for you, with a selection that includes a raw bar, sushi and small plates of lobster crudo, sea bass ceviche and ahi tuna taco. The menu includes the popular crab cake benedict and pancakes (chocolate chip, blueberry or plain).
Yardbird Southern Table & Bar
Looking for food that nourishes your soul? Try Yardbird. This rustic outpost features an eclectic menu and authentic fried chicken inspired by a 27-hour recipe created by 50 Eggs owner John Kunkel’s grandmother. Delectable dishes include shrimp n’ grits, short rib, chicken n’ watermelon waffles and a artisanal five-cheese macaroni and cheese.
Eating House
Chef and owner Giorgio Rapicavoli’s Eating House popped onto the Miami dining scene in 2012 and instantly became a sensation. The pop-up concept with a proposed six-month reign, serving dinner and Sunday brunch out of an existing diner-style restaurant called Cafe Ponce, quickly became a hotspot, drawing lines of eager foodies. In 2013, the restaurant returned permanently to the delight of diners who were missing their fix of Cap 'n' Crunch pancakes, Cuban break torrejas and more.
Zuma
At Zuma in the EPIC Hotel, diners can enjoy brunch baikingu—Japanese for an all-you-can-eat-buffet—brunch sentaku (which includes one main dish per person), selections from the robata counter, sushi bar and dessert platters. Dishes are served in the informal Japanese dining style izakaya, all while overlooking gorgeous views of downtown Miami. The menu features entrees like black cod marinated in saikyo miso with homemade hajikame, fresh sushi and nigiri and more.
The Social Club
Helmed by executive chef Blair Wilson, The Social Club serves up a lighter and more refreshing side of Southern regional fare. This local gem inside the Kimpton Surfcomber South Beach Hotel has a secret weapon for brunch lovers—the Breakfast Sandwich. Despite its uninspired name, this heavenly sandwich combines maple bourbon bacon, jam, an over-easy egg, avocado, heirloom tomato, toasted challah and breakfast potatoes. For whimsical takes on classics, try the pineapple upside down French toast or toasted cinammon roll waffles.