17 Orlando brunches that are each the best in their own way

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