It’s no secret that the San Francisco brunch scene is having a moment in the limelight — especially with dine-in back in business. Whether you find brunch to be a holy weekend institution or just another scrumptious midday meal, there’s plenty of local options that bring the best of dense flavors and bubbly cocktails to your palate. From steaming dim sum plates to seafood-Hollandaise combos to die for, we’ve put together a brief list of some of our favorite brunch options in the city.
Yank Sing
Starting off right here in the SoMa neighborhood, Yank Sing at the Rincon Center is now open for both indoor and outdoor dining on weekends from 11AM to 3PM. Dim sum is a deeply beloved brunch staple in San Francisco, and this family-owned restaurant delivers on locally-praised xiao long bao and cabbage dumplings via pushcarts. And while you enjoy their tasty chili pepper sauce, soak in the brunch-worthy atmosphere of Rincon Center’s light-filled Art Deco atrium.
Foreign Cinema
Living in SF, you’ve probably already heard of Foreign Cinema and its reputation as one of the best brunch spots in the city. Sip on wine and oysters out in the open-air courtyard or indulge in caviar and tartare tapas inside their dining room — Foreign Cinema is fully open again and in full swing for any type of brunch outing. Try their lavender baked goat cheese and their homemade “Pop tarts” if you’re leaning towards a lighter breakfast, or go for grilled wagyu and a Croque Madam for a heartier lunch. Be sure to make a reservation ahead of time, as this place is as popular as it gets!
Mymy
Mouthwatering is probably the most fitting adjective when it comes to describing brunch at Mymy. Under the guise of a simple coffee shop in Nob Hill, Mymy is a knockout choice for brunch, offering tantalizing Dungeness crab benedicts and a filling Challah French toast among its popular selection. Top it all off with a round of mimosas, and you’re in for a good time all morning long.
Brenda’s
Sometimes, a delicate brunch menu just doesn’t cut it. Luckily, weekday brunch at either Brenda’s French Soul Food on Polk Street or Brenda’s Meat & Three over on Divisadero Street is sure to satisfy. Both owned by the legendary Chef Brenda Buenviajé from New Orleans, these are the town’s prime destinations for comfort brunch. Beignets, low country gumbo and stuffed johnnycakes? Say less. Meat & Three has more of a no-frills breakfast menu, while French Soul Food has the classic original brunch menu. Either way, bring a plate of heartiness to your regular brunch routine by dining in at Brenda’s.
Son & Garden
A large part of what makes brunch brunch is the ambiance. So we had to recommend the gorgeous Son & Garden that just opened last year for its gorgeous plating among its blooming floral interior. And it’s not just for show of course — Chef Kasem Saengsawang’s colorful and thoughtful creations are just as delicious as they are pleasing to the eye. Sate your sweet tooth on Matcha Mochi Pancakes or go savory with a slow-cooked pork belly benedict. There’s also a Cherry Blossom Tea Party set meal priced at $90 for two people that you may still reserve until June 30th. But no matter what you order, you can count on Son & Garden to deliver on fresh ingredients sourced from local farmer’s markets alongside delectable specialty cocktails.