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Brunch has become a phenomenon here in our fair city. Outfits are planned, lines are stood in, and it’s time to enjoy the weekend.

There are so many fantastic Oakland restaurants serving up unique and just down-right delicious brunch that it was difficult to narrow it down. But we did it…we think. So, without further adieu, here are our top 10 Oakland Brunch recommendations:

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1.) Brown Sugar Kitchen

It would be sacrilegious to exclude Brown Sugar Kitchen from this list. Tanya Holland’s take on soul food will knock your socks off. Her chicken and waffles are arguably the best in the region, and are a draw for people from all over the Bay Area. If you are going to go here for brunch, you may want to go early as the lines and waits do get long, especially on the weekends.

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2.) Michel Bistro

If you are looking for a more French approach to brunching (and maybe some champagne), Michel is an excellent choice. With delicious Pain Perdu and Pork Cheek Benedict and Oysters on the menu, you really can’t go wrong.

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3.) Doña Tomás

For a slightly less traditional brunch Doña Tomás serves up a fantastic one with a Mexican twist. Huevos in many iterations are of course on the menu, but so are Chilaquiles, Churros, and Carnitas Hash. If you like Doña for dinner you are bound to love them for brunch.

Photography by CatalepsicFox: JamesMNgo Photography

4.) Caffe 817

Looking for a low key, delicious place to brunch? Caffee 817 in Old Town is an excellent choice. The menu is not fancy, but it is tasty and the coffee is fantastic. The baked eggs in polenta with chorizo-tomato sauce was a favorite of our group, but the eggs benedict and the granola are fantastic as well.

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5.) Camino

Local, sustainable, incredibleness. At the forefront of the “no tip” movement, Camino continues to experiment with the homeyness and family atmosphere they create. From the locally grown herbs, to the great cocktails, you will be so happy you came here.

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6.) Mama’s Royal Cafe

The menu at Mama’s is one of the largest on this list, so if you are looking for variety go no further. It also doesn’t hurt that all of the food is delicious and they have mimosas for 2 for $10!

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7.) Lakeshore Cafe

Speaking of mimosas, Lakeshore Cafe has bottomless ones all weekend. They have yummy eggs and pancakes and you can sit outside. This is especially fun during the Saturday farmer’s market, as the people watching is prime.

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8.) Chop Bar

In true Chop Bar fashion they take brunch and step it up a notch. They have delicious egg dishes served with either Acme or Arizmendi bread, they have pork belly hash, and they have challah apple french toast. If you are considering Jack London Square for your brunch adventuring, don’t miss Chop Bar.

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9.) Beauty’s Bagel Shop

This one is a bit of a cheat, as they don’t actually serve “brunch”, but they do serve incredible bagels and coffee all day as well as awesome side dishes. Their wood fired bagels are fluffy and savory and you definitely can’t go wrong heading down here for a yummy good time.

10.) Boot and Shoe

Boot and Shoe’s brunch changes with the goods available that week, but it is always delicious. This is an obvious place to use as an excuse to have pizza at 10:30 in the morning…and not feel one bit guilty because their pizza’s are fantastic. However, we recommend you go for a more traditional brunch option if that is your thing. The eggs are incredible, and if they have zeppole or beignets  on the menu, indulge. You won’t be sorry.

There are so many other fabulous places to have brunch in Oakland (our list of honorable mentions is crazy long), but these are some of our favorite. We hope you find your favorites and have wonderful Oakland adventures as a result. Happy brunching!

Written by Lesley

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