Best Brunch in the East Bay: 9 Must-Try Favorites, from Bubbles to Beignets

If you’re looking for the best brunch in the East Bay – something either buzzy, casual, scenic, or boozy but definitely delicious – we’ve got you covered.

Yep, we’ve been sampling pancakes, omelets, crispy bacon, hashes, waffles, burgers, and Bloody Marys from all over the region to bring you this list of must-try restaurants. It’s been hard work, especially getting through all those bottomless mimosas. But someone’s got to do it, right?

We also singled out some Sunday Funday brunch spots just in Oaktown, so don’t miss our guide to the best brunches in Oakland.

Best Brunch in the East Bay:

1. Tutu’s

Recommended by Abio agents Julianna Haase & Jennifer Marchand

Tutu’s serves up organic brunch in cute downtown Lafayette every day until 4 p.m., so there’s no reason to jump out of bed early on a lazy Sunday morning. With lots of outdoor seating, Tutu’s is the perfect place to dig into salmon hash or Julianna Haase’s fav – Marion’s pancakes with ricotta cheese, lemon, and homemade raspberry sauce. 53 Lafayette Circle, Lafayette

2. North Light

North Light is a hip Oakland bar that offers weekend brunch on its airy back patio. This place puts out serious Sunday Funday vibes with its creative cocktails and bubbles list. The menu is more lunch than traditional brunch, but North Light’s “umami tots” with bacon can definitely satisfy your hash brown cravings. Also check out North Light’s record and book store curated by favorite local writers and artists (Samin Nosrat, Patti Smith, George Saunders, Michael Chabon, and many others). 4915 Telegraph Ave., Oakland

3. The Berkeley Boathouse

Recommended by Abio agent Lee Nijmeh

If you want peaceful waterfront views while sipping a mimosa, The Berkeley Boat House is a wonderful casual spot for Saturday and Sunday brunch. Located on the Berkeley Marina, the restaurant is the centerpiece of the renovated DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel. Enjoy all the brunch basics on the patio or indoors, where floor-to-ceiling windows show off marina views, too. Omelets and waffles to wagyu burgers and green curry muscles. 200 Marina Blvd, Berkeley

4. Doyle Street Cafe

This hot spot in Emeryville has a diverse menu that includes six kinds of eggs benedict (tough choices), french toast stuffed with mascarpone cheese, savory crepes and much more. Big portions! The blueberry pancakes with cinnamon butter are a crowd pleaser, according to Yelp reviewers. We also noted that the house-made Bloody Mary comes in two flavors: cucumber and jalapeño. Indoor and outdoor seating. 5515 Doyle St., Emeryville

5. Brenda’s

Recommended by Abio agent Tobias Riday & chief systems officer Vanessa McDonald

You’ll find Brenda’s “new New Orleans” kitchen in the heart of Oakland’s vibrant Temescal neighborhood. Eggs benedict with Creole hollandaise, shrimp ‘n’ grits with spicy tomato-bacon gravy, fried chicken, hot beignets for dessert – yes, please! Currently, Brenda’s is open only for take-out during weekdays. On weekends, call ahead to make dining reservations (highly recommended). 4045 Broadway @ 41st, Oakland

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6. The Hideout Kitchen

You won’t go hungry at The Hideout in Lafayette. Local favorite dishes include the waffle sandwich with country-fried steak and the pulled pork silog served with a sunny egg. Located in the charming downtown district at 3406 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Lafayette

7. Sunrise Bistro 

Recommended by Abio executive assistant & agent Eliza Bradley 

Winner of the “Best of Walnut Creek Brunch” award from Walnut Creek Magazine, Sunrise Bistro is beloved for its homemade pastries (cinnamon rolls!), avocado toast on house-made bread, hashes four ways, and griddle specialties. For a boozy brunch, there are mimosas and Bloody Marys accessorized with pearl onions. Located in cute downtown Walnut Creek, Sunrise Bistro has so much patio space! 1559 Botelho Dr., Walnut Creek