The Best Brunch Restaurants in Austin

Eclectic yet relaxing, Josephine House is the sister to fine dining restaurant, Jeffrey’s. Housed in a Clarksville cottage, there’s an elegant marble coffee bar, a shady outdoor patio, and even a grassy lawn for some al-fresco style brunch. They serve breakfast Monday to Friday from 8 a.m.; it includes rustic treats such as the Pumpkin Buckwheat Scone and classic avocado toast. The weekend brunch menu includes some heartier favorites like Steak and Eggs with a red chimichurri for a real pick-me-up. We recommend making reservations here.

Wu Chow is the home of fresh, contemporary Chinese food and now opens at 11 a.m. for Sunday brunch. Wu Chow is proud of their farm fresh food and partnerships with local ranches, and their food represents eight different styles of Chinese cuisine. Sunday morning is the ideal time to experience some exquisite dim sum, such as Pork Potstickers and Shrimp Fritters. Wash the dim sum down with some of Wu Chow’s signature cocktails like the Texan’s Take on Tiki, a unique creation including avocado and jalapeno. The perfect antidote to a heavy Saturday night.

Caroline is a hot meeting spot in downtown Austin and a favorite place to take a date. As well as people-watching and intimate dinners, Caroline opens for coffee, juice, and breakfast every day of the week from 6 a.m.—ideal for grabbing a bite on the way to work. Weekends are for brunch, and their selection includes everything from tuna tacos to biscuits and gravy. A truly diverse mix of modern and traditional. Whatever diners choose, they can add a side of bacon or a delicious marshmallow latte to make the weekend brunch even more indulgent.

Dai Due Butcher Shop and Supper Club uses only local ingredients. They love to work on how to make the most of what’s seasonal by incorporating dried and preserved foods throughout their meals. They are so dedicated to supporting local producers, they won’t use foreign cheese and even the olive oil comes from Texas. Although booking is essential for dinner, Saturday and Sunday brunch is walk-in only. The menu ranges from a classic pastrami on rye with some homemade sauerkraut to the Dai Due Breakfast, a symphony of brown rice, seasonal vegetables, eggs, and kimchi.

Billed as one of the hottest restaurants in Austin, Top Chef winner Kristen Kish’s restaurant is part of the lakeside Line Hotel. Serving breakfast and brunch in a sleek marble and black setting, diners can expect a twist on classic dishes. Sweet potato hash with caramelized onion and rosemary is a flavorful explosion. The downtown breakfast is all about pastry and fruit, while the lakeside breakfast focuses on bacon and eggs. Diners particularly comment about the Island Iced Coffee.

Billed as a South Texas Style Icehouse, Ranch 616 is the brainchild of Austin local Kevin Williamson. Kevin has cooked all over America, eventually returning to Texas and setting up Ranch 616 in 1998. Nowadays, the icehouse does a roaring trade in delights such as award-winning fried oysters and grilled frog legs. For brunch seekers, check out the lunch menu which includes home comforts such as the Quesadilla of the Day or hearty Caldo De Pollo, the house chicken stew.

As soon as diners walk into True Food and see the striking mural of vegetables on the wall, it's clear they're in for some fresh, tasty produce. With the slogan “Eating well is always in season,” nutrition goes hand in hand with great taste and a satisfying meal. One of the best brunches in Austin runs 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the weekends, and includes healthier options than one might normally find on a brunch menu. Tuscan Kale salad sits alongside Huevos Rancheros, and there’s an organic vodka bloody Mary for those who need a real pick-me-up.

Billed as a love letter to Italy, North Italia is about indulging in amazing food and savoring every last bite. North Italia encourages sharing and appreciating the touch and feel of food, as well as the smells, sights, and tastes. From the perfect, frothy cappuccino to beautiful Bombolini—those tiny Italian doughnuts that are so popular with regulars—there’s a brunch delight for everyone here. Diners comment on the generous portions and the excellent knowledge and service from the restaurant team.

Sleek leather booths and soft lighting contrast with bare brickwork and a roaring fire at this Austin wood-fired cooking joint. The aim of Roaring Fork is to preserve the spirit of the Old West, with a wood fire rotisserie, grill, and roasting oven. Brunch seekers need to check out the lunch menu, which includes classics such as chips and guacamole, or more adventurous choices like the mussels with local chorizo and white wine. For the really hungry, the “Big Ass” burger is at the top of the lunch specialties menu, but not for the faint-hearted!

Look out for the chandelier reminiscent of upside-down wineglasses and an arched ceiling that speaks of being underground, even though the restaurant is four stories up. Geraldine’s is something a bit different while still remaining inherently Austin. The dedicated brunch menu holds Texan treats, from a fried chicken sandwich with jalapeno mayo to pork and grits, and a range of sides so diverse it's possible to build a completely custom brunch. They are very popular during the annual Formula 1 race in Austin, so be sure to book!

Famous for “fancy barbecue,” Lambert's puts a new twist on some Texan classics. Housed in a beautifully restored historic commerce building that was once the J. P. Schneider store, Lambert’s has a weekend brunch menu that will have barbecue lovers everywhere drooling. Brunch includes a range of slow-cooked BBQ meats, including brown-sugar-and-coffee-rubbed brisket, and fennel-and-coriander-crusted ribs. For the traditionalists, there are hot links, apple smoked bacon and eggs, any way at all.

A contemporary interior with a casual, friendly atmosphere awaits diners at Stella San Jac in downtown Austin. Breakfast starts at 6 a.m. Monday to Thursday and includes staples such as steel cut oats, plus more indulgent options like their smoked salmon bruschetta. Brunch starts on Friday morning at Stella San Jac, and their chicken and waffles plus their signature biscuits are regularly commented on in reviews. Wash brunch down with a Rejuvenate smoothie, or if it’s after 10 a.m., a prickly pear margarita might be the order of the day.

An East Austin restaurant showcasing South Austin flavors, Rosewood is full of delightful contradictions and delicious surprises from the moment of arrival. Housed in a lovingly restored 19th-century home, the contemporary interior contrasts beautifully with the Victorian architecture. The surprises don’t stop when the brunch menu arrives. Unusual ingredients give classics a new lease on life, such as pancakes with candied pistachios and fried oyster tacos with Thai chili. A Rosemary Mimosa is a fantastic tonic to wash one of the best Austin brunches down with.

The Grove is an Austin cult classic that continues to go from strength to strength. The focus here is on enjoying great food and wine, and creating a space for people to meet up, celebrate, and enjoy the Texan atmosphere on the plentiful patio seating. They take brunch seriously here and the menu reflects this. A breakfast bruschetta smashes up avocado with heirloom tomatoes and parmesan, while The Grove Plate brings together classic eggs, potatoes, and bacon. With plenty of vegan and gluten-free options, there’s something for everyone here.

Bright and colorful inside, with plants hanging from the ceiling and a cool, contemporary outdoor space, La Condesa brings Mexican dining right up to date. They have one of the most exclusive tequila collections in Austin, so it’s clear why this is a favorite dinner spot. But the brunch menu is just as exciting, with a range of small plates to share including choriqueso with chorizo and blue corn tortillas. There’s Huevos Rancheros for the traditionalists, or for those who like a bit more meat on their plate, try the Huevos Condesa with roast chicken, potatoes, bacon, and greens.

Inspired by the traditional Italian bistro, Cipollina prides themselves on being “special but not stuffy.” With a welcoming atmosphere paired with great Italian cuisine, this neighborhood bistro is a favorite with locals. Saturday and Sunday see the brunch menu hit the tables, offering some Italian favorites with an Austin twist. A standard fried egg sandwich becomes a gourmet treat when combined with arugula, bacon, and aioli, as well as other locally sourced ingredients. Casual with always-outstanding flavor, Cipollina is perfect for weekend relaxation.

Open from 9 a.m. daily, Hillside Farmacy is a great spot to recharge the batteries and grab a quick breakfast or a leisurely brunch. Originally a family drugstore, the building was carefully restored and the team received a local preservation award for their efforts. The Farmacy, as the humorous name suggests, works closely with local ranches to source local, fresh, delicious ingredients for their menus. Breakfast might be a grapefruit with local honey or a tex-strami sandwich. Brunch includes hearty ham and grits, and a plate of blueberry pancakes with orange slices.

Hailed as one of the best brunch restaurants in America, the whimsical walls of Chez Zee have been welcoming hungry Austinites since 1989. Full of fun and warmth, fairy lights and board games bring a touch of humor while art exhibitions and talks from famous authors remind diners just how rich in culture and literature Austin is. The food is just as exciting, with breakfast platters of pork chops and eggs or a simple bagel with smoked salmon. Fancy mixing unique brunch mimosas? Then book Chez Zee today.

Brunch and lunch run until 4 p.m. at this relaxed dining joint, making 34th Street great even for late starters. This restaurant aims to keep food simple and fresh, and to prove that smaller, independent joints can stand out among the franchises. Look out for daily specials making the most of local flavor. Monday is meatloaf with wild mushrooms, all the way through to chicken enchiladas and black beans on a Friday. Reviewers rave about the turkey sandwich, commenting on how fresh and flavorful it is.

For diners who dream of buttery croissants and flaky pain au chocolat, a trip to a French restaurant should be on the menu is just the thing. Bright, light and colorful, Downtown Austin’s Le Politique is stylish and satisfying in equal measure. In Austin, weekends are for brunch, and this is one of the only classic French brunch menus around. Classics such as eggs benedict are available, but why not try something more unusual like kouign amann, a buttery, sugary treat; perfect with a strong coffee.