Brunch is more than just a late breakfast. It can be a romantic epilogue, an after-after-after-party, a hangover cure, a culinary adventure or a situation report. It’s the buttery glue that holds our social webs in place, a chance to see friends and family in the daylight for once. Here’s the skinny on some of Orlando Weekly’s favorite brunches in town. Some are well-known. Some are hidden gems we hope you don’t tell too many people about. From buffets to dim sum, fancy brunch to brunch-on-wheels, we have suggestions to break you out of your brunch rut.

BRUNCH COFFEE: Glass Knife It can be an afterthought at brunch, but those who appreciate good coffee usually choke on the average restaurant’s Bunn machine-stewed cup. Exception to the rule is the Glass Knife, where coffee is taken VERY seriously, to the point of having an exclusive Colombian lactic-processed roast and sometimes even a Geisha bean. (If that sentence meant anything to you, you should be brunching here.) Photo by Jessica Bryce Young
BRUNCH COFFEE: Glass Knife It can be an afterthought at brunch, but those who appreciate good coffee usually choke on the average restaurant’s Bunn machine-stewed cup. Exception to the rule is the Glass Knife, where coffee is taken VERY seriously, to the point of having an exclusive Colombian lactic-processed roast and sometimes even a Geisha bean. (If that sentence meant anything to you, you should be brunching here.) Photo by Rob Bartlett
DIM SUM: Peter’s Kitchen For those who just can’t seem to make the dim sum window, Peter’s Kitchen is offering dim sum deliverance. Not only do they offer the small plates from traditional carts on weekend mornings, perfect with a Tsingtao hair-of-the-dog first thing, but the dim sum menu is available at all hours, even for take-out and on UberEats, just in case you can’t peel yourself out of bed. Newcomers don’t have to practice the old point-and-pray tactic – Peter’s Kitchen can provide a card with photos of each dish on request so you can eat with your eyes first. Photo via Peter’s Kitchen
DIM SUM: Peter’s Kitchen For those who just can’t seem to make the dim sum window, Peter’s Kitchen is offering dim sum deliverance. Not only do they offer the small plates from traditional carts on weekend mornings, perfect with a Tsingtao hair-of-the-dog first thing, but the dim sum menu is available at all hours, even for take-out and on UberEats, just in case you can’t peel yourself out of bed. Newcomers don’t have to practice the old point-and-pray tactic – Peter’s Kitchen can provide a card with photos of each dish on request so you can eat with your eyes first. Photo by Rob Bartlett
SENSORY OVERLOAD BRUNCH: Cafe Tu Tu Tango The International Drive mainstay is perfect for brunchers with a short attention span. There’s plenty of art on the walls; the Gaudì-esque architecture twists and turns; a violinist or flautist or guitar player roams the aisles serenading diners. A psychic can read your palm or tarot cards on your way back from the build-your-own Bloody Mary bar. Have your portrait painted or drawn by one of the brunchtime artists. It’s fun, loud, irreverent and still seems to be one place on I-Drive the tourists haven’t figured out yet. Photo via Cafe Tu Tu Tango/Facebook
SENSORY OVERLOAD BRUNCH: Cafe Tu Tu Tango The International Drive mainstay is perfect for brunchers with a short attention span. There’s plenty of art on the walls; the Gaudì-esque architecture twists and turns; a violinist or flautist or guitar player roams the aisles serenading diners. A psychic can read your palm or tarot cards on your way back from the build-your-own Bloody Mary bar. Have your portrait painted or drawn by one of the brunchtime artists. It’s fun, loud, irreverent and still seems to be one place on I-Drive the tourists haven’t figured out yet. Photo via Cafe Tu Tu Tango/Facebook
OPEN-AIR BRUNCH: 310 Lakeside It’s no wonder that the patio of 310 Lakeside on Central Avenue, across from Lake Eola, is one of the city’s most sought-after wedding venues. It’s gorgeous and airy, with lots of natural light for excellent Instagramming, with tables under swaying live oaks, perfectly situated for farmers marketing or a stroll around the lake right after sipping the last swig of your Bellini. The pear-and-brie omelet is extremely popular, as is the crispy-crunchy French toast and the tenderloin Benedict, topped with rare slices of filet mignon. Photo via 310 Lakeside/Facebook
OPEN-AIR BRUNCH: 310 Lakeside It’s no wonder that the patio of 310 Lakeside on Central Avenue, across from Lake Eola, is one of the city’s most sought-after wedding venues. It’s gorgeous and airy, with lots of natural light for excellent Instagramming, with tables under swaying live oaks, perfectly situated for farmers marketing or a stroll around the lake right after sipping the last swig of your Bellini. The pear-and-brie omelet is extremely popular, as is the crispy-crunchy French toast and the tenderloin Benedict, topped with rare slices of filet mignon. Photo via 310 Lakeside/Facebook
BRUNCH COCKTAIL: 1921 Mount Dora If you’re looking for a cocktail, 1921 Mount Dora has a crackerjack selection, including a house-made Paloma and a hibiscus tea-infused G&T. If you still want that festive communal vibe (because brunch is all about the crowd), the Ravenous Pig serves a special Brunch Punch but order early; when it’s gone for the day, that’s it. Photo by Jessica Bryce Young
BRUNCH COCKTAIL: 1921 Mount Dora If you’re looking for a cocktail, 1921 Mount Dora has a crackerjack selection, including a house-made Paloma and a hibiscus tea-infused G&T. If you still want that festive communal vibe (because brunch is all about the crowd), the Ravenous Pig serves a special Brunch Punch but order early; when it’s gone for the day, that’s it. Photo via 1921 Mount Dora
BUFFET BRUNCH: Santiago’s Bodega Crab legs, leg of lamb, prime rib, cured meats and cheeses as far as the eye can see – there’s a reason this restaurant tops “best brunch” lists year after year. It’s a little pricey, of course, with the all-you-can-eat spread costing $40 per person (there is no à la carte option, either), but the value proposition is in the unlimited booze, with mimosas and sangria flowing freely all morning and deep into the weekend afternoons. Photo by Rob Bartlett
BUFFET BRUNCH: Santiago’s Bodega Crab legs, leg of lamb, prime rib, cured meats and cheeses as far as the eye can see – there’s a reason this restaurant tops “best brunch” lists year after year. It’s a little pricey, of course, with the all-you-can-eat spread costing $40 per person (there is no à la carte option, either), but the value proposition is in the unlimited booze, with mimosas and sangria flowing freely all morning and deep into the weekend afternoons. Photo by Rob Bartlett
TOASTS: New General Sure they’re trendy, but trends become trends because people like them. It might sound like a lighter option, but the toasts at New General are sliced from hefty sourdough boules and piled so high you will almost definitely need a knife and fork. Ricotta, cashew yogurt, sweet potato puree, Nueske bacon, poached eggs, pumpkin seeds, sauteed greens, honey, fruit … accompanied by skillfully crafted pour-overs and espresso drinks, this toast will be your newest home slice. Photo via New General
TOASTS: New General Sure they’re trendy, but trends become trends because people like them. It might sound like a lighter option, but the toasts at New General are sliced from hefty sourdough boules and piled so high you will almost definitely need a knife and fork. Ricotta, cashew yogurt, sweet potato puree, Nueske bacon, poached eggs, pumpkin seeds, sauteed greens, honey, fruit … accompanied by skillfully crafted pour-overs and espresso drinks, this toast will be your newest home slice. Photo via New General
FANCY BRUNCH: The Boheme at Grand Bohemian Hotel Granny’s coming to town? Tell her to pack her pumps and prime her perm, because the Sunday jazz brunch is fit for the queen she is. The menu is packed with upscale breakfast favorites, like a classic seafood omelet richly stuffed with crab meat and jumbo shrimp. Dive into it dressed to the nines, while a trio plays in the posh Bösendorfer Lounge. Photo via The Boheme
FANCY BRUNCH: The Boheme at Grand Bohemian Hotel Granny’s coming to town? Tell her to pack her pumps and prime her perm, because the Sunday jazz brunch is fit for the queen she is. The menu is packed with upscale breakfast favorites, like a classic seafood omelet richly stuffed with crab meat and jumbo shrimp. Dive into it dressed to the nines, while a trio plays in the posh Bösendorfer Lounge. Photo via The Boheme
WEEKDAY BRUNCH: Briarpatch You could swelter in line for an hour on a weekend for Briarpatch’s blueberry pancakes, or the stuffed raspberry and brie brioche French toast, or the pork belly waffle with sunny-side-up eggs. Or, you could walk right in, sit down, and have coffee on the table in mere minutes on a weekday morning. The ultra-decadent menu is the same M through F, but the lack of crowds will have you feeling like you own the place. Photo via Briarpatch
WEEKDAY BRUNCH: Briarpatch You could swelter in line for an hour on a weekend for Briarpatch’s blueberry pancakes, or the stuffed raspberry and brie brioche French toast, or the pork belly waffle with sunny-side-up eggs. Or, you could walk right in, sit down, and have coffee on the table in mere minutes on a weekday morning. The ultra-decadent menu is the same M through F, but the lack of crowds will have you feeling like you own the place. Photo via Briarpatch
WILD CARD BRUNCH DISH: Bulla Gastrobar Nothing against pancakes, French toast or eggs Benedict, but frequent brunchers need to mix it up occasionally. That’s where Bulla comes in with their namesake egg dish. Huevos Bulla sounds weird on paper – eggs mixed with potato chips, draped with paper-thin slices of Serrano ham and dolloped with potato foam and truffle oil – and looks weird on the plate. Sort of a Spanish take on chilaquiles, perhaps? But it’s hearty and delicate at the same time, and you just have to try it to appreciate it. Photo via Bulla Gastrobar
WILD CARD BRUNCH DISH: Bulla Gastrobar Nothing against pancakes, French toast or eggs Benedict, but frequent brunchers need to mix it up occasionally. That’s where Bulla comes in with their namesake egg dish. Huevos Bulla sounds weird on paper – eggs mixed with potato chips, draped with paper-thin slices of Serrano ham and dolloped with potato foam and truffle oil – and looks weird on the plate. Sort of a Spanish take on chilaquiles, perhaps? But it’s hearty and delicate at the same time, and you just have to try it to appreciate it. Photo via Bulla Gastrobar
DINER BREAKFAST: Christo’s Café It might be the closest thing you’ll find in Orlando to the classic Greek diners in New York and Chicago – family-owned, vinyl booths, massive plastic menus and all. College Park’s Christo’s has been soothing hangovers since 1970, though a spiffy renovation a few years back swept away the old-timey scuffs and chips; you’re going to want to at least try to sit up straight. There’s a plethora of straight-ahead choices, but omelets are the move at Christo’s. The Greek omelet with gyro slices, feta, tomato and onion is one of our favorite nap-makers. Photo by Lindsey Thompson
DINER BREAKFAST: Christo’s Café It might be the closest thing you’ll find in Orlando to the classic Greek diners in New York and Chicago – family-owned, vinyl booths, massive plastic menus and all. College Park’s Christo’s has been soothing hangovers since 1970, though a spiffy renovation a few years back swept away the old-timey scuffs and chips; you’re going to want to at least try to sit up straight. There’s a plethora of straight-ahead choices, but omelets are the move at Christo’s. The Greek omelet with gyro slices, feta, tomato and onion is one of our favorite nap-makers. Photo via Christo’s Café/Facebook
BRUNCH AND A SHOW: Hamburger Mary’s Not a morning person? The easiest way to avoid having to make conversation when your brain’s not fully engaged yet is to find someone willing to do it for you. The weekend Broadway Brunch at Hamburger Mary’s brings production numbers from the likes of Grease, Les Miz, Barnum and more with hosts Angel Sheridan, Nicky Monet and the Broadway Brunch Bunch dancers. Plus eggs and mimosas! Photo via Hamburger Mary’s/Facebook
BRUNCH AND A SHOW: Hamburger Mary’s Not a morning person? The easiest way to avoid having to make conversation when your brain’s not fully engaged yet is to find someone willing to do it for you. The weekend Broadway Brunch at Hamburger Mary’s brings production numbers from the likes of Grease, Les Miz, Barnum and more with hosts Angel Sheridan, Nicky Monet and the Broadway Brunch Bunch dancers. Plus eggs and mimosas! Photo via Hamburger Mary’s/Facebook
MEXICAN BREAKFAST: Tienda Mexicana Jalisco Google calls it “Restaurant Jalisco,” but Yelp calls it “Tienda Mexicana Jalisco” – either way, it’s where you want to go for the kind of Mexican desayuno found regularly from SoCal street vendors. There’s scrambled eggs with crumbly, spicy chorizo folded in, chilaquiles divorciados covered with both red and green salsa and topped with fried eggs, and huevos rancheros, of course. Occasionally they’ll have pastries, too, like the pale pink conchita, pillowy inside with a crust of sugar fluted like a seashell on top. Photo by Mike Y. via Yelp
MEXICAN BREAKFAST: Tienda Mexicana Jalisco Google calls it “Restaurant Jalisco,” but Yelp calls it “Tienda Mexicana Jalisco” – either way, it’s where you want to go for the kind of Mexican desayuno found regularly from SoCal street vendors. There’s scrambled eggs with crumbly, spicy chorizo folded in, chilaquiles divorciados covered with both red and green salsa and topped with fried eggs, and huevos rancheros, of course. Occasionally they’ll have pastries, too, like the pale pink conchita, pillowy inside with a crust of sugar fluted like a seashell on top. Photo by Jazmin G. via Yelp
CHEAP BRUNCH: Linda’s Winter Park Diner In a time when it’s difficult not to rack up a $50 bill for a Saturday morning meal, Linda’s stands as a bastion of budget-friendly fare. Here, you’ll find a short stack of pancakes for $5, eggs benny for $8, and a cheese omelet for $5.50. The real steals are the breakfast combos, which all come with two eggs, as well as home fries, hashbrowns or grits, and toast or a biscuit for under $10. Photo via Linda’s Winter Park Diner

Linda’s Winter Park Diner

1800 W. Fairbanks Ave., Winter Park
Linda’s Winter Park Diner, a landmark local restaurant since the 1950s, closed its doors for the final time in July, 2023 nearly two months after the owner announced its forthcoming closure. The iconic eatery was known for its comforting array of homemade, old-fashioned diner fare, as well as the memories that local regulars made and shared along the way, from the opening of its doors decades ago to its final days on Fairbanks Avenue in Winter Park. Credit: Linda's Winter Park Diner/Facebook
HEALTHY BRUNCH: Proper & Wild Everything here is crafted from non-GMO, organic and local (when possible) produce and there’s nary a hydrogenated fat nor an artificial sweetener to be found. But struggle plates these ain’t – this is vegetarian decadence. Try the fig and goat cheese flatbread sprinkled with hazelnuts, paired with a glass or two of sparkling rosé, and don’t leave without ordering the “big-as-heck cast iron cinnamon roll” for the table. Photo via Proper & Wild
HEALTHY BRUNCH: Proper & Wild Everything here is crafted from non-GMO, organic and local (when possible) produce and there’s nary a hydrogenated fat nor an artificial sweetener to be found. But struggle plates these ain’t – this is vegetarian decadence. Try the fig and goat cheese flatbread sprinkled with hazelnuts, paired with a glass or two of sparkling rosé, and don’t leave without ordering the “big-as-heck cast iron cinnamon roll” for the table. Photo by Rob Bartlett
MOBILE BRUNCH: Smoke & Donuts BBQ brisket, pulled pork and slaw sandwiched between sliced, freshly fried, iced cake donuts? What’s more brunchy than a breakfast staple serving as vehicle for succulent, smoky meats? This roaming sweet-salty food truck is often parked outside Redlight Redlight on weekday evenings. On weekends, you can find the food truck at the new À La Cart alfresco dining lawn on Saturdays starting at 11:30 a.m. Photo via Smoke & Donuts/Facebook
MOBILE BRUNCH: Smoke & Donuts BBQ brisket, pulled pork and slaw sandwiched between sliced, freshly fried, iced cake donuts? What’s more brunchy than a breakfast staple serving as vehicle for succulent, smoky meats? This roaming sweet-salty food truck is often parked outside Redlight Redlight on weekday evenings. On weekends, you can find the food truck at the new À La Cart alfresco dining lawn on Saturdays starting at 11:30 a.m. Photo via Smoke & Donuts/Facebook
SWEET BRUNCH: Toothsome Chocolate Emporium Toothsome is famous for their insane(ly expensive) milkshakes, but their brunch menu shouldn’t be forgotten, particularly by those who have a sweet tooth the size of Mount Everest. Bananas Foster waffles feature rum sauce, brown sugar and whipped cream, and the Chocolate Brioche S’mores French toast, stacked with graham cracker, chocolate and marshmallow fluff, has our molars smarting already. Photo via Toothsome Chocolate Emporium
SWEET BRUNCH: Toothsome Chocolate Emporium Toothsome is famous for their insane(ly expensive) milkshakes, but their brunch menu shouldn’t be forgotten, particularly by those who have a sweet tooth the size of Mount Everest. Bananas Foster waffles feature rum sauce, brown sugar and whipped cream, and the Chocolate Brioche S’mores French toast, stacked with graham cracker, chocolate and marshmallow fluff, has our molars smarting already. Photo via Toothsome Chocolate Emporium