This week saw the first day of spring, and if ever there’s a “season” for brunch, it’s springtime, with its special occasions like Mother’s Day and graduations and Easter. If you’re looking for creative spots for brunch this season, start with these 13 restaurants. Don’t forget: call ahead to confirm hours and menus, and make reservations!
1. The Table – We start off my brunch tours at The Table, where we enjoy the globally inspired farm-to-table dishes, from French toast to Dutch baby pancakes to spicy Indian scrambled eggs. Mix in great coffee, a selection of cocktails, and lovingly mis-matched decorations, and you’re set.
2. Rockmill Tavern – Rockmill’s brunch has been one of my favorite discoveries in recent years. The Brewery District brewpub, owned by the Lancaster-based brewery, features Chef Andrew Smith’s menu of egg sandwiches, veggie toast, chilaquiles, and more. Rockmill also focuses on a great selection of their Belgian-style beers, cocktails, and a full espresso bar.
3. South Village Grille – South Village Grille took over the old Easy Street Cafe space in German Village, giving it a modern makeover and revamping the menu. We had a stellar dinner there a couple weeks back, and the reports on brunch have all been solid. The brunch menu ranges from beignets to pork belly hash to croque madame toast, and they’ve announced specials like duck crepes and smoked salmon toast.
4. M at Miranova – Cameron Mitchell Restaurants are always a solid bet, and M at Miranova is opening up for brunch at 11 a.m. on Easter Day with a menu featuring chicken and waffles, smoked salmon benedicts, and spinach florentine quiche.
5. Bonifacio – Think beyond the eggs benedict this brunch season! Bonifacio is one of the city’s very few Filipino restaurants, and their weekend brunch menu is wonderfully creative. We’ve experienced everything from agave French toast to ube waffles and fried chicken to breakfast tacos to my favorite: the silog plate with rice, eggs, pickled veggies, and various meats (pictured above).
6. Hoof Hearted Brewing – Hoof Hearted’s brunch is every bit as fun and slightly irreverent as their beer and branding. Feast on brunch balls (see what I mean?), breakfast tacos, baked French toast, and breakfast nachos. Don’t miss their nitro cold brew coffee on tap, as well as their hazy beers and inventive cocktails.
7. The Market Italian Village – The Market is a regular stop on my breakfast tour, and they’ve really come into their own over the past year or so. In addition to great cocktails, special dinners, $1 oysters on Thursdays, their brunch is top notch: shakshuka, za’tar biscuits and lamb gravy, waffles with date tahini syrup.
8. Sunflower Chinese Restaurant – Do dim sum for brunch! Sunflower offers one of the only authentic dim sum experiences in central Ohio. Servers roll little carts up tableside and let you choose from small plates with dumplings, noodles, buns, you name it. You can be as cautious or adventurous as you like. Just visit with a group, order some tea, and go with the flow.
9. Gallerie Bar & Bistro – We don’t hear enough about the Gallerie, and that’s a shame. Chef Bill Glover and his team craft some wonderful meals, and the restaurant space in the Hilton Downtown is beautiful. The brunch menu is well executed, from the eggs benedicts to the stuffed French toast. Also, chicken and waffles fans: I think they make the best in the city.
10. Soulshine Tavern – Opening last year in New Albany, Soulshine was just named one of Columbus Monthly’s Best New Restaurants (along with The Keep and South Village Grille!). The cozy and family friendly tavern features a brunch menu with revamped favorites like banana bread pancakes, Dutch baby pancakes, shrimp and cheddar grits.
11. The Keep – The Keep is the French brasserie tucked into the second level of the newly renovated LeVeque Tower (also home to the stellar new Hotel LeVeque). The brunch menu is growing and changing, but has featured savory crepes and egg in a hole, plus croissant sandwiches, avocado tartines, and beyond.
12. Hudson 29 Kitchen + Drink – Hudson 29 sports two locations – Upper Arlington and New Albany – both serving items like pineapple upside down donuts, short rib hash, smoked salmon, and a lot of lunch-leaning dishes like flatbreads, burgers, and the like.
13. Valter’s at the Maennerchor – Valter’s is another one of my brunch tour stops. They made a strong start a couple years ago and have just gotten better and better. The cozy German pub is the place for giant breakfast skillets (get the weisswurst), corned beef hash, and the egg in a bell breakfast (eggs in a nest with bell peppers instead of bread!).
