Top Brunch Spots in Philadelphia
Welcome to the City of Brotherly Love, where the only thing second to the pride the residents have in their city — all of that brotherly love — is the love they have for good eats and, most importantly, brunch. That’s right, Philadelphia has come into the brunch scene in a major way. It’s not only about cheesesteaks — it’s time to broaden our perspective of Philadelphian cuisine.
From bottomless mimosas to mouthwatering eggs Benedict, Philadelphia is serving it up hot, sweet, and oh-so-sassy. Step aside frozen waffles. It’s time to dust off that hangover and grab your sunglasses.
Let’s talk brunch so that next time you wake up with an empty stomach and a headache, you know exactly where to go without having to think twice.
Let’s Talk About Philadelphia’s Food
Before we dive into those decadent brunch options, let's dish a little on Philadelphia’s food culture. This city boasts a food history as rich and diverse as the tapestry of its people. Like many American cities, it has been shaped by the cultural inheritance of its immigrant population. Initially, Philadelphia was a haven for Dutch and German immigrants, in addition to an influx of Italian-American residents coming to Philly from New York.
From colonial taverns to immigrant influence, Philly's food scene has evolved into a gastronomic playground. And brunch? It's the latest sensation. Philly has embraced this delightful hybrid meal with open arms and hungry bellies, adding its unique spin. Think innovative takes on the classics, world cuisine fusions, and all the avocado toast you can handle.
Let’s talk about some of the best brunch spots in this thriving, wonderful city.
1. The Landing Kitchen
First up, we're heading to The Landing Kitchen. Nestled by the Schuylkill River, this darling spot is all about brunch with a view. Imagine sipping your latte as you watch rowers glide by — talk about serene!
The brunch menu? It’s a love letter to local produce, with dishes that change with the seasons. Standouts include the Farmers Market Scramble, the French Toast with apple-cranberry compote, and breakfast sandwiches. The Landing’s brunch cocktails include options like “walktails” of a hibiscus margarita (agave spirit, hibiscus, lime, bitter orange, bubbles), a blackberry mule (vodka, basil, blackberry ginger, mint, bubbles ), and vodka ½ and ½ (vodka and black tea with lemon).
Pro tip: Their lemon-poppy scones are a bite of sunshine that's perfect for a Philly morning, whether you’re eating in or on the go.
2. Malvern Buttery
While you often think of the best food as being in the big cities, we're taking a little jaunt to the suburbs for this next brunch superstar. Because trust, you won't want to miss Malvern Buttery. If the name alone doesn’t make you salivate — because nothing makes brunch more rich and delicious than an excess of butter, let’s be real, you’re out of your mind.
Welcome to a little piece of bistro brunch heaven right here in Chester County. It’s all about that homemade, handcrafted goodness. Once you're through the door, you're greeted with a rustic charm that's so warm and cozy that you'll forget you’re not in your own kitchen.
Long communal tables, local artwork, and that divine smell of fresh-baked goods — it's like walking into a hug. The menu is brimming with fresh pastries, tartines, and grain bowls that'll make you feel like you're brunching in the French countryside.
Oh, and their coffee? Perfection in a cup.
PS: If you’re looking for an authentic French croissant, say bonjour to Parc. Fav entrees include croque madame, smoked salmon on a bagel, and, of course, French toast.
3. K’Far
Alright, brunch besties, buckle up because next we're heading to Center City for a taste of Israel at K'Far. This Rittenhouse Square café is one of the top brunch places at the moment, and the hype is well-deserved. K’Far is a perfect example of how the rich cultural mix of Philadelphia's residents makes their food that much more delicious.
Brunch at K'Far is a warm, fluffy Jerusalem bagel or rugelach affair, with offerings that will leave your taste buds doing a happy dance. The menu stars unique combinations like the Salatim — a smorgasbord of bright Israeli salads paired with the fluffiest of house-baked bread. Oh, and let's not forget the Boureka — flaky pastry pockets filled with delight.
The vibe? As vibrant and eclectic as the food! Speaking of which …
4. Honey’s Sit N Eat
If a laid-back, retro vibe is your brunch jam, you'll fall head over heels for Honey's Sit N Eat in Northern Liberties. This gem serves up comfort food that tastes like grandma made it — if your grandma was a fabulous, award-winning chef, that is.
Expect all the brunch favorites here, but done with a flair that's all Honey's. Pancakes as big as your head, the fluffiest of biscuits smothered in gravy, and the kind of omelets that dreams are made of.
Don’t leave Pennsylvania without trying Honey’s:
- Cajun catfish and grits
- Huevos rancheros
- Nashville hot chicken sandwich on a brioche bun (fries included)
- Brisket tacos
And after one bite of your life-changing brunch, you’re going to want it to be your way of life every day. With early morning offerings, brunch can be a state of mind you visit every day of the week, even when you have to book it to work. Weekend brunch isn’t your only option anymore.
5. Front Street Cafe
Ready to keep the brunch party going? Great, because next on our list is Front Street Cafe. This Fishtown favorite is all about fresh, organic, and downright delicious dishes. Seriously, they've taken "farm-to-table" and raised it to an art form.
The menu is a delightful mix of healthy and indulgent. Want a vegan, gluten-free dish that doesn't skimp on flavor? They’ve got you covered. Craving a decadent eggs Benedict? They’ve got that too. Front Street Cafe serves up a brunch-time feast that's as diverse and vibrant as Philly itself.
Not to mention as healthy or as indulgent as you’re feeling that day. It serves up all this deliciousness in a casual good-vibes-only environment that makes it perfect for brunch with friends or even a family affair if that’s what you’re after.
6. Fiore
Now, let's jet off to Italy — well, at least our taste buds will — with a visit to Fiore. This charming spot offers a sumptuous brunch spread that'll whisk you straight to the sunny Italian countryside. That said, this is a pre-emptive recommendation — Fiore is temporarily closed because they’re moving to a new location in East Kensington, but they’re worth putting on your list in case they’re settled into their new home when you visit.
You will fall in love with their modern rustic charm, not to mention their food. When it comes to the menu, it's all about freshness and flavor. Their poached eggs are served on sourdough toast with pancetta and Parmesan cream.
Their frittata, filled with seasonal veggies, is lighter than air. Is your mouth watering yet? But brace yourself for the star of the show — the ricotta pancakes with lemon curd. It’s a symphony of zesty and sweet that’s nothing short of bellissimo!
7. Suraya
Alright, brunch aficionados, get ready for an Eastern Mediterranean journey with Suraya. Nestled in the heart of Fishtown, Suraya is a special kind of place that serves up award-winning Lebanese cuisine.
Brunch here is an experience with mezzes that sing with flavors of za'atar and sumac. Don't you dare miss their Man’oushe — flatbreads adorned with an array of toppings like labneh and za'atar. It’s a Lebanese breakfast staple turned brunch superstar. And the Knafeh ... Oh, sweet heavens! It’s a cheesy, syrupy delight that will make your sweet tooth sing.
8. The Dutch
Now let's bid adieu to Lebanon and say hello to the Netherlands with a visit to East Passyunk Avenue to dine at The Dutch. This South Philly gem is putting a delicious spin on brunch with a tasty Dutch influence that’s perfectly pitched for brunch.
As mentioned, Philly has a huge amount of Dutch inheritance, which is ideal, because it’s the sort of cuisine you might not have encountered very often.
The Dutch's pancakes are legendary, and rightly so. Thin, plate-sized, and oh-so-delicious, you’ll be torn between sweet and savory options. But why choose when you can have both? Treat yourself.
If you're feeling adventurous, try their Bitterballen — a deep-fried Dutch delicacy. It's a delightful mishmash of culture and flavor, exactly like Philly itself. Plus, the Dutch baby Pancakes are the ideal sweet treat after eating your fill of fried chicken and waffles or a breakfast burrito from Booker’s Restaurant and Bar.
9. Famous 4th Street Delicatessen
For an authentic Jewish deli experience, the Fourth Street Delicatessen on South Street is precisely what you need. No small plates here — only humongous portions of challah French toast, cheese blintzes, and more. The food, vibes, and decor will make you feel like you’re in your bubbe’s dining room — if she ran a restaurant.
Honorable Mentions:
Still hungry? Us too. Try out these three places that are absolute must-snacks:
- Visit Cafe La Maude for the green shakshuka (BYOB)
- Try out the White Dog Cafe in University City for churro waffles
- Check out Sabrina’s Cafe (five locations) for cannoli French Toast, tofu scramble, and ricotta pancakes
Sunday Brunch Every Day of the Week
Well, my brunch-loving friends, it's time to wrap this up. From the cozy corners of Malvern Buttery to the vibrant tables of Suraya, Philadelphia’s brunch scene is a vibrant carnival of flavors waiting for you to join the party. It’s a testament to the city's rich food culture, the melting pot of cuisines, and an embodiment of the Philly spirit. It's more than just a meal — it's an experience.
Whether you're craving the familiar comfort of buttermilk pancakes or the adventurous allure of international cuisines, Philly's brunch spots have something for every palate, every mood, and every Instagram feed.
So why wait? Brunch is served, and trust me, you're going to want a second helping.
Sources:
Philadelphia: Immigrant City | HSP
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