The debate over whether the best meal of the day is lunch or breakfast has been going on for millennia. Intense battles have broken out over the issue. But one day, a peaceful being came up with a compromise for the rivaling sides. The settlement was "brunch," a perfect middleman between the morning pleasures of bacon and waffles, and the afternoon delights of a steak sandwich au jus.
Brunch is for the man who cannot decide whether he prefers pancakes or a porterhouse on his plate.
Basically, it's the best solution ever, and Miami has some fabulous options.
10. Mercadito
A group of friends can enjoy a full brunch spread, including cocktails, for $30 a person. Everyone can drink as they please for an hour and a half. The brunch menu consists of Mexican-inspired regulars such as chilaquiles, enchiladas, huevos rancheros, all kinds of taco varieties, ceviches, and freshly prepared guacamole. It's the bento box of Miami brunches -- everything you want in a perfect little package.
9. Morgans
The outdoor terrace is half the reason we frequent Morgans. The other half is the brunch menu. It's all the regular stuff you can expect for brunch -- eggs ($10), sandwiches (about $12), waffles ($8), and the like. But well-executed simplicity can be better than something adventurous. We prefer to end every visit with the daily bread pudding ($10). And for the record, yes, you should ask why they call it the voluptuous grilled cheese ($12), because we're not spoiling it.
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8. OTC
Also on Team Simple is Brickell's new addition, OTC. Bottomless mimosas, Bellinis, and sparkling wine cost only $15. The breakfast tacos ($10) are especially good with barbecue pulled pork, scrambled eggs, and pico de gallo. Fried chicken tenders come piled atop waffles and maple syrup ($12), and the steak and eggs plate ($14) is actually short ribs with two runny eggs. Tiny spins on simplicity work wonders!
7. Khong River House
For a completely different spin on your idea of brunch, head to Khong. Not only is the décor passport-worthy, but the food also really makes you feel as if you stepped out of Miami-Dade County. The coconut and sesame pancakes ($14) are awesome. You'd think Miami would have more toasted coconut around, but unfortunately we don't. Freshly steamed bao buns with sausage and egg ($13) , and noodles with curry chicken ($14) are some of the other options on the menu. Essentially, Khong ain't your average brunch.
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6. La Gloutonnerie
Brunch buffets can be tricky. As one of my fellow writers likes to point out, it's sketchy to leave food sitting out, waiting for someone to spoon it. Hands can be grubby, especially if there are kids around, and it's not the greatest option. But every once in a while, a restaurant surprises us with a few details that show buffet skeptics they're wrong. La Gloutonnerie is one of them. For $45, you can eat to your belly's content and sip two glasses of champagne or mimosas. Here you'll find pâté, dover sole, and lots and lots of French pastries.
5. Mister Collins
Bal Harbour is too often forgotten. For the rich and famous, it's the obvious go-to. For the peons, it's a world away. It's uncomfortable walking through the mall, passing windows of Dior and Ferragamo when you're wearing a dress from Macy's sale rack. But for most folks, walking the talk in no problem. Located in One Bal Harbour, Mister Collins is surprisingly approachable. It's not stuffy. It's not pretentious. It's just nice. It doesn't have to be expensive, and the view is unbeatable. The house-made doughnuts ($8) and short-rib sammie ($18) are personal favorites.
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4. Harry's Pizzeria
Harry's just launched brunch service a few months ago, but that doesn't make this place a rookie. There are only a few options in addition to the rotating blackboard of breakfast pizza specials. A short menu doesn't equate to a lack of variety, though. Brunch offerings include whipped homemade ricotta with wood-oven-roasted grapes, spiced cashews, local honey, and brioche toast ($9); egg salad crostini with bacon, crème fraîche, chives ($6); and local squash fritatta ($6).
3. Blue Collar
There's no bad meal at Blue Collar. There's no "this time is better than that time" when it comes to Biscayne's homegrown hangout. But if we were forced to make a life-or-death decision and choose the best time to head to BC, we'd pick brunch. There's lots of "stuff" on the menu: "eggy stuff," "salady stuff," "sandwichy stuff," "othery stuff." Chef/owner Danny Serfer's made-up words need not deter you from enjoying food for the soul. Get the lemon ricotta pancakes with real maple syrup ($13) "abd" a glass of Cava ($7). Thank us later.
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2. MC Kitchen
The newly appointed queen of the Design District knows that anytime is good for Italian food, but brunch especially. Dena Marino's brunch menu is composed of completely Italian specials such as Parmigiano-Reggiano cavatelli pasta ($15), and veal and venison bolognese ($21), but then there's black truffle bruschetta ($24) and omelets with mascarpone and capers ($15). At MC, there is no way out unless you have first eaten your brunch.
1. Edge
It's difficult to top the world-class caliber of the Four Seasons. Simply walking through the seventh-floor lobby to Edge makes us feel like we've somehow won the lottery but didn't have time to pick out a fancy new outfit before brunch. No big deal. Edge accommodates everyone. For Sunday brunch service, the restaurant spans across the hall into an adjacent room where a "food truck" setup offers tacos and roast pork. In the middle, a huge tower of chilled seafood (with stone crab!) separates most of the spread from the dining room. A dessert table offers one decadent treat after another. Incredibly pleasant waiters and staff look to make your experience as comfortable and wonderful as possible. It's upscale without the snootiness. It's fancy without the diamonds. Yes, it's pricey ($65), but we'll be damned if it's not worth it.
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