Miami Beach’s top 10 brunches: Quintessential activity for locals, tourists

Posted November 28, 2016

By BRITTANY CHANDANI

Brunching is a quintessential South Florida activity done by locals and tourists alike. It is where you get together with friends and family to celebrate, or it’s an excuse to dress nice and take cute pictures with the most beautiful of meals. It is also where you continue last night’s partying with mimosas and bloody marys, paired with rich gourmet foods: the panacea for a night of drinking.

Brunch nowadays is no longer a sacred Sunday ritual since nightlife is as busy on Fridays as it is on Saturdays, making brunch a weekend event. However, some restaurants stay true to the Sunday tradition. The following list is a compilation of the 10 best brunches in Miami Beach, based on food quality and atmosphere for each kind of brunch experience.

For a relaxed locals brunch, try Oliver’s Bistro:

Salmon eggs benedict (Photo by Brittany Chandani).

Salmon eggs benedict (Photo by Brittany Chandani).

959 West Ave., Miami Beach, Fla. 33139. Hours and reservations: 305-535-3050.

On a quieter street, you’ll find big orange umbrellas and shrubs surrounding a brunch oasis. Oliver’s Bistro takes brunch classics to another level. Try the popovers: a bundle of bread, cheese, eggs and spiced sausage. For something sweet, the french toast topped with fresh fruit cannot be beat. The chefs elevate simple classics by using the best ingredients and it is evident in the taste. This casual spot is full of natural lighting and an airy atmosphere where you can sit back and really relax. Their mimosas and bloody marys are also very refreshing. Brunch is offered on Saturday and Sunday.

For the hipsters and foodies, brunch at 27 features cocktails as crafty as its foods:

2727 Indian Creek Dr., Miami Beach, Fla. 33140. Hours and reservations: 305-531-2727.

Bacon, egg and cheese tacos speak for themselves, as does its smoked salmon lox croquettas. Whatever you do, be sure to order drinks. The Broken Shaker is housed here and it is well known for crafty cocktails. Think fresh grapefruit spritzers or a Panther Coffee cold brew concoction. With indoor seating, plenty of unique trinkets and decor offer lots of visual entertainment while outdoor seating feels like a big back yard party. Brunch is offered 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. every Sunday.

For a spot where every item on the menu is good, try Icebox Cafe:

The Eggbox (Photo by Brittany Chandani).

The Eggbox (Photo by Brittany Chandani).

1855 Purdy Ave., Miami Beach, Fla. 33139. Hours and reservations: 305-538-8448.

This locals-filled spot has a brunch menu made with fresh organic ingredients and creative items that can please anyone’s specific taste buds. The curried chicken with cilantro rice and vegetables is unbeatable, as is the turkey club or Icebox burger topped with smoked gouda cheese. For something more breakfast-y, try the Egg Box or guava filled french toast. To drink, try a lychee mojito. It is sweet and light, as is their orange sorbet mimosa. For something non-alcoholic, all of the coffees and juices are amazing. The modern rustic white and blue decor surround you, much like an icebox—but in the coolest way possible. Brunch is offered weekends from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

For a classy brunch buffet, Cecconi’s offers everything brunch and more:

4385 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, Fla. 33140. Hours and reservations: 786-507-7902.

From charcuterie, fresh seafood, an omelet station, hot foods like pastas and meats, to a collection of fruits and pastries, there are endless brunch possibilities. Located in Soho Beach House, this so called “Saturday feast” offers a luxury gourmet buffet made with the freshest ingredients and is sure to please everyone. The lasagna is a must try. The indoor buffet is paired with outdoor only seating, with natural light pooling into the garden-like area. Cool down with a revitalizing bellini and be a part of the upscale scene. Saturday Feast offered 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Sunday brunch 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

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Bigeye tuna roll, salmon avocado roll and grilled corn (Photo by Brittany Chandani).

For a nontraditional brunch with Asian fusion and sushi, try Pubbelly:

1418 20th St., Miami Beach, Fla. 33139. Hours and reservations: 305-531-9282.

Pubbelly recently launched a joint brunch with its sister and neighboring restaurant, Pubbelly Sushi. You can order from both restaurants, which feature hearty asian dishes and innovative sushi— all at once. Pubbelly spicy ramen and short rib gyoza go well will Pubbelly Sushi’s salmon avocado roll coated with fried panko, or the bigeye tuna sashimi. Going for bottomless booze is a good idea, especially when the drinks come crafty like blackberry rosé. Brunch is offered Sunday’s Noon to 4 p.m.

For those looking continue the party, brunch at Bagatelle:

220 21st St., Miami Beach, Fla. 33139. Hours and reservations: 305-704-3900.

Every meal is accompanied with a live DJ and random characters like firemen and superheroes parading through the restaurant. White walls covered with bold paintings surround a dark room with neon lights and chandeliers— lit also by champagne sparklers—while diners enjoy their meals and the scene that is around them. Bagatelle is more party than brunch, but its menu features typical French food like steak tartare, pancakes and eggs benedict. Brunch is offered Noon to 6 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.

For seafood galore, try Izzy’s Fish and Oyster:

IPA battered fish and chips (Photo by Brittany Chandani).

IPA battered fish and chips (Photo by Brittany Chandani).

432 Washington Ave., Miami Beach, Fla. 33139. Hours and reservations: 305-397-8843.

Izzy’s offers fresh seafood and a cozy chic atmosphere without the crowds often seen at Joe’s Stone Crab. Start off with a dozen (or two) oysters, then share the lobster poutine topped with cheese. Don’t share the IPA battered fish and chips, which are light and buttery enough to melt in your mouth. Finish off with Fireman Derek’s Crack Pie— a sweet caramel oatmeal pie that is basically a big chewy gooey cookie. Also be sure to enjoy Izzy’s welcoming marine decor that brings out New England vibes. Brunch is offered Saturday and Sunday 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.

For a laid-back feel and delicious classics, try The Front Porch Cafe.

1458 Ocean Dr., Miami Beach, Fla. 33139. Hours and reservations: 305-531-8300.

While not technically a brunch but a breakfast-all-day place, it earns its spot by offering the best food with variety and wholesomeness in mind. The many omelette options offer every flavor concoction you can think of—from steak and kimchi to Mediterranean. This “neighborhood cafe” makes Ocean Drive feel like your front porch. It’s probably the only place locals will really go to on Ocean Drive. Breakfast-all-day offered 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. everyday.

For Southern goodness go to Yardbird:

1600 Lenox Ave., Miami Beach, Fla. 33139. Hours and reservations: 305-538-5220.

Fried chicken, waffles and watermelon (Photo by Brittany Chandani).

Fried chicken, waffles and watermelon (Photo by Brittany Chandani).

Hint: wear loose-fitting clothes because you’ll fill them by the end of brunch. Yardbird’s outrageous crispy fried chicken, buttery waffles and juicy mint watermelon are highly recommended. For other rich goodness, the macaroni and cheese is heavenly, as is the maple glazed bacon donut. To wash it all down, the blackberry bourbon lemonade offers a tart and bittersweet kick—the perfect palate cleanser. The large portions are great for sharing—or taking home and shamelessly eating later. Brunch is offered Saturdays and Sundays 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

For a modern twist on brunch, go to The Continental: 

2360 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, Fla. 33139. Hours and reservations: 305-604-2000.

Plants surround the entrance of the restaurant bringing tropical themes to mind. Coupled with a retro interior and lots of natural lighting, the colorful decor is just the start. For those who want to savor, try the smoked salmon eggs benedict or the rich lobster mac and cheese. For something lighter, try the avocado toast on Zak The Baker bread or granola parfait. The chefs recreate all the classics with a twist—think Asian and Cuban flavors— and the menu also offers the most coveted “foodie” foods. Brunch is on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Brunch is a celebration need not of a reason, making it the most fun of all meals. It is also one of the most decadent, because when else can you eat breakfast and lunch goodies until late afternoon and not be judged? Wherever you brunch, be sure to bring friends and be ready for a few hours of eating and enjoying.