Miami's Best Brunches

Decadence is the name of the game at this indoor-outdoor restaurant, with a stunning rooftop deck and a fashionable crowd that seems to have stepped off a plane from Ibiza. With a self-proclaimed 'MediterrAsian' menu, this brunch is a multi-course experience, with dozens of dishes, all meant to be shared at the table, and which can be re-ordered upon request. The Piper-Heidsieck champagne is flowing (as are bloody Marys and espresso martinis) while a parade of brunch classics like eggs Benedict, 'egg in a jar', and avocado tartare hit the table. Expect well-executed sushi, fusion dishes like broccolini miso-tahini and robata lamb kofte, and plenty of entrees including sweet-spicy soy glazed salmon and satay-glazed chicken breast. The dessert platter is a work of art, consisting of French pastries, sorbet and tropical fruit.

The recently revamped Latin American-influenced restaurant at newly transformed The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach is an alfresco bruncher’s dream. The restaurant’s open-air patio leads to the resort’s massive outdoor pool area and, ultimately, the beach. The brunch buffet is true Ritz opulence with a raw bar featuring lobster claws, oysters and shrimp. Hot dishes include classic omelette, waffle and carving stations, drawing from Mexican, Cuban, Venezuelan and Colombian cuisines. And of course, there are unlimited mimosas, with a ‘build-your-own’ bloody Mary bar. It all goes perfectly with the salty ocean breezes.

South Beach’s favourite industry bar is also the best place to experience a Miami drag brunch hosted by bearded beauty and ultimate drag queen, Karla Croqueta. There are bottomless drinks (made by the city’s best bartenders), the wildest burlesque, acrobatic drag queens and outrageously entertaining acts by some of Miami's most popular drag divas, complemented by delicious food and hand-crafted cocktails. The brunch menu consists of belly-filling dishes like the Banging Brunch Burrito, cauliflower nachos and Buns of Liberty burger.

Nestled in the heart of Peacock Park in Coconut Grove, this mostly-outdoor restaurant works on multiple levels: as a date spot, family-friendly destination (a number of tables flank a playground) and an easy brunch destination for discerning food lovers. The dishes are Florida-driven compositions with Latin and Italian influences. From chicken and black truffle gnocchi and grilled oysters Rockefeller, to sweet potato tater tots and chicken tenders straight from the kids’ menu, there’s plenty of options for every palate that can be enjoyed from underneath the shade of the restaurant’s giant oak trees. Desserts like the olive oil magic shell chocolate over vanilla ice cream, and the bread pudding made with brioche, guava jam, cream cheese gelato and toasted coconut, are a fitting end to the sun-dappled feast.

This South Florida mini-empire (which just celebrated its 10th anniversary) has four locations around town, including Aventura, Brickell and South Beach, and offers brunch at all of them. Guests can choose from six sweet and savoury flavour combinations that five-time James Beard Foundation Award-nominated chef José Mendín has carefully curated. Dishes include the onsen tamago shakshuka, Mendín’s take on the traditional Middle Eastern breakfast dish, which includes soft-baked eggs in a homemade tomato-anticucho sauce; the Korean chicken & waffles, which is a spin on one of the Southern classics, but with kimchee slaw and honey-chilli-garlic glaze; and the 'PBS Crispy Lox', arroz pegao (crispy rice) squares topped with slices of Pubbelly’s cured salmon, smeared with a goat’s milk-infused cream cheese and garnished with traditional lox and bagel toppings.

A bit more approachable and wallet-friendly than other sushi spots in SoBe, this Pan-Asian spot specialises in staples like sushi, sashimi, dim sum and composed entrees. Every Saturday and Sunday, from 12 - 4 pm, brunch includes an unlimited selection of signature dishes (like tuna crispy rice, hamachi tiradito, shishito peppers) and sushi, an entree and dessert with free-flowing beverage upgrades available for $20 per person. Don’t sleep on the 'Black Dragon' roll made with shrimp, avocado, eel, scallion and sesame.