It's no secret that Berkeley is a foodie's paradise and brunch is no exception. From farm-fresh ingredients to innovative culinary creations, these brunch spots will satisfy every craving. Keep reading to uncover some of the best brunches in town, guaranteed to energize you for a day of sightseeing, shopping, or simply soaking in Berkeley's unique charm!
900 Grayson Street
This cozy spot is a breakfast lover's dream, serving up inventive dishes for breakfast and brunch six days a week. On Saturdays there is a special "Day of Leisure" brunch menu with dishes so flavorful, they’ll make you want to linger.
Must Try Dish: The Demon Lover - their legendary chicken and waffles, featuring a crispy fried chicken breast atop a fluffy Belgian waffle. Pro tip: Get both the gravy and syrup for the ultimate sweet-and-savory experience.
2261 Shattuck Avenue
Weekend brunch gets a Cajun twist at Angeline’s Louisiana Kitchen, where they’re dishing out mouthwatering spins on classic Cajun and Creole fare. The aroma alone is enough to transport you straight to the French Quarter!
Must Try Dish: Feeling adventurous? Order the Alligator Hash. Yes, this dish is made with real alligator! Served with perfectly poached eggs and silky hollandaise sauce.
2033 San Pablo Avenue
Jazz up your weekend at Babette! Soak up the sunshine on their outdoor patio while you sip on a perfectly crafted cardamom coffee and listen to live jazz. It's the ideal setting for a laid-back brunch with friends or a romantic date.
Must Try Dish: Sink your fork into their heavenly Lemon Ricotta Pancakes with Blueberry Maple Syrup. These fluffy clouds of citrusy goodness are the stuff of brunch dreams.
2050 University Avenue
Rise and shine at Berkeley Social Club, your seven-day-a-week ticket to brunch paradise. With a focus on Korean fusion, the menu here is full of innovative creations that'll make you want to become a regular.
Must Try Dish: Brace yourself for Millionaire’s Candy - candied bacon cooked to crispy perfection, striking that irresistible balance between sweet and savory.
2200 Oxford Street
For the conscious foodies out there, Gather should be your next brunch spot. Open until 2pm on Saturdays and Sundays, this spot takes pride in sourcing local, organic, sustainable, and ethical ingredients.
Must Try Dish: Whoever said you can't have pizza for breakfast hasn’t tried Gather’s Brunch Pizza. This masterpiece is topped with baked eggs, tomato sauce, caramelized onions, bacon, potatoes, fontinella, mozzarella and herbs.
2026 San Pablo Avenue
Late risers, rejoice! La Marcha Tapas Bar understands that sometimes brunch is more of an afternoon affair. Serving up Spanish-inspired delights until 3pm, this spot is perfect for those who like to ease into their weekend.
Must Try Dish: Order the paella as soon as you’re seated. Yes, it requires a 30-45 minute wait, but trust us, it's worth every minute. Nibble on their crispy, flavor-packed Brussels sprouts while you wait.
2377 Shattuck Avenue
Craving a Parisian escape? La Note Restaurant brings the charm of a French bistro right to Berkeley with all your favorite French classics, including flaky pastries, French toast, and perfectly crafted omelets.
Must Try Dish: Treat yourself to an order of their lemon gingerbread or oatmeal raspberry pancakes.
1807 Fourth Street
This classic diner serves up all your breakfast favorites, from hearty egg platters to stack after stack of pancakes, making it the perfect spot for a comforting, homestyle brunch any day of the week.
Must Try Dish: If you thought you knew pancakes, think again. Oceanview's soufflé pancakes are a game-changer. Available in four mouthwatering flavors - banana rum, apple brandy, chocolate swirl, and a rotating seasonal fruit option - these fluffy delights are worth the extra wait.
2600 Durant Avenue
Rise and shine, caffeine fiends! Poindexter Coffee at Graduate Berkeley is your go-to spot for that perfect morning pick-me-up. This trendy cafe pairs heavenly Starter Bakery pastries with expertly crafted specialty roasts from Saint Frank Coffee.
Must Try Dish: Don't miss out on their show-stopping stuffed waffle filled with your choice of salted peanut butter and jelly, nutella and strawberries, or ham and cheese.
1475 Shattuck Avenue
Saul's brings a taste of New York to Berkeley with its authentic Jewish deli fare. While their eggs benedict (served on a pillowy challah roll) is a weekend-only treat, there's plenty of breakfast options to enjoy any day of the week.
Must Try Dish: While it's hard to pick just one standout, their made-in-house pastries and bagels are not to be missed.
100 Seawall Drive
Skates on the Bay features fresh seafood and panoramic vistas of the San Francisco Bay that are sure to take your breath away. It's the perfect spot for a special occasion brunch or when you're in the mood for something a little fancy.
Must Try Dish: Start your brunch off right with oysters on the half shell. Served with a zesty bloody mary cocktail sauce, refreshing cucumber mignonette, and a squeeze of lemon. Follow it up with a bowl of their rich lobster bisque for the ultimate seafood brunch experience.
2701 Eighth Street
Whether you're in the mood for a quick coffee and pastry or a heartier meal, Standard Fare delivers with options like a satisfying buttermilk biscuit sandwich or the always-delicious veggie frittata.
Must Try Dish: Everything here is delightful but the house-made pastries are truly the stars of the show. With muffins and scones that change with the seasons, each visit brings a new surprise.
1820 Fourth Street
Zut! On Fourth focuses on regional Californian-Mediterranean dishes that'll transport your taste buds straight to sunny shores. With a commitment to fresh, locally sourced ingredients and a frequently updating menu, their weekend brunch is the perfect way to ease into your weekend.
Must Try Dish: The eggs benedict is not to be missed with smooth hollandaise and perfectly poached eggs. And don't be afraid to ask your server for their current brunch specials - you might discover your new favorite dish!
Hungry for more? After you've conquered Berkeley's brunch scene, continue your culinary adventure by exploring Berkeley's artisanal coffee shops and colorful farmers markets.