Breakfast Of Champions: The Best Places To Brunch

What better way to round out a perfect city break than with an abundant brunch? We ask our global network of bloggers to share their absolute favourites when it comes to indulging in amazing food and soaking up the local atmosphere.

LATIN AMERICA

Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia. “After a long work week, nothing is better than enjoying a Saturday brunch in Santa Cruz. Hotel Los Tajibos has a delicious buffet of typical tortillas, salads and desserts that you can enjoy with a beautiful view of the pool – and sometimes with live music. Restaurant El Cubo is a picturesque place that offers an à la carte menu with specialties like quail egg huevos rancheros and eggs Benedict. With the brunch they serve delicious unlimited mimosas for less than $10.” – Yolanda Aguilera of thefoodiebloggers.com

Bogotá, Colombia. “When someone visits Bogotá for the first time, the ‘93 Park’ is the main sight recommended by magazines and residents, due to its wide variety of shops and restaurants. Among them is Gaspar, an impressive restaurant in the middle of nature that serves one of the best breakfasts in the capital. Using the most exquisite French flavours and cooking techniques, the dishes that come out of the kitchen are both beautiful and surprising, such as the fabulous Caldo de Asado de Tira (rib broth).” – Mateo and Mateo of comiendoalcuadrado.com

Mexico City, Mexico. “If you’re looking for a real brunch, the definition of brunch, the place you have to go is Rulfo, at the Hyatt Regency Hotel. It has 6 stations where you can find the best charcuterie, cheeses, antipasti, seafood and many different kinds of ceviches, plus a hot bar where eggs Benedict, pasta and grilled meats and fish are made to order, as well as a homemade ice cream station – and even one for guacamole. The dessert station is a huge communal table in the centre of the restaurant that will make you go crazy; it’s filled with flans, cookies, macarons, milk pudding, chocolate bars, pumpkin pie, chocolate and more. Did I mention all this is accompanied with Moët?” – Chio and Alexandra of Chilangas Hambrientas

[Photo left: Gaspar; Photo right: Rulfo Paraje Latino]

Montevideo, Uruguay. “My favourite place for brunch is undoubtedly La Linda Bakery. It is a family business that started in Manantiales, near Punta del Este, and due to the high demand they opened a branch in Montevideo. It’s located in an old hacienda-style building that has been renovated to reveal their kitchen through a large window. That’s where they make delicious croissants, puddings and breads, which are their specialty. Their brunch dishes include classic avocado toast, cakes, egg dishes and delicious sandwiches. I recommend having one of their coffee beverages with them, they’re all excellent.” – Steffi Rauhut of notonlysaladblog.com

NORTH AMERICA

Austin, US. “I think you can’t beat South Congress Cafe for brunch. They give you cornbread with honey butter to start with, they make a fantastic Bloody Mary, and they’ve got all the classics like Eggs Benedict, omelettes, and migas. There are also plenty of salads and other lunch items. You can put your name in and then go stroll around South Congress to check out its funky boutiques, which is just a fun Austin thing to do.” – Julie Neis of parisfoodaffair.com

Austin, US. “For those who struggle with the major brunch choice between sweet and savoury, Emmer & Rye’s pastry cart helps ease indecision. A dim-sum-style cart, pushed around the tables while brunchers browse menus, contains baked goods created from freshly milled grains, like a recent Bloody Mary Kolache with spicy vodka butter and a pecan sticky knot with chocolate glaze. An excellent avocado toast is, of course, on the menu, as are more Southwestern-style favourites, like pozole and a breakfast sandwich with smoked pork. Sun streaming in through the windows – or, better yet, on the porch – makes for a perfect morning (or mid-afternoon) at this Rainey Street gem.” – Melissa Kravitz, Contributor

[Photo left: La Linda Bakery; Photo right: Emmer & Rye]

Chicago, US. “Bites Asian Kitchen in the Lakeview neighbourhood takes western brunch dishes and combines them with pan-Asian flavours. My favourite dish has got to be their Pandan French Toast. The very photogenic bright green syrup adds an amazing coconut/vanilla/green tea kind of flavour. The cocktails are also unique; my favourite combines Irish Coffee and Thai Iced Tea (a Thai-rish tea!). And since this place is just down the road from Wrigley Field, the people-watching is especially great on game days.” – Jessica of Bunny and Brandy’s Brunchtime Blog

Chicago, US. “When Lula Café opened in 1999, it was a small neighbourhood spot, but it has since expanded into three storefronts, and the word about its creative, vegetarian-friendly, farm-to-table food has spread around the city. I go there every time I return to Chicago. Lula is true to its beginnings still today, partnering with local suppliers and keeping its welcoming, bohemian vibe. Go there on a weekend to enjoy eclectic seasonal cuisine in the cosy dining rooms inside (one featuring a piano), at the bar counter, or in an outdoor garden. The brunch menu includes sweet grain porridge, egg noodles in mushroom broth, potato crêpes, and a selection of breakfast sandwiches.”– Pola Henderson of jettingaround.com

New Orleans, US. “Bar Frances is a contemporary modern American restaurant/bar located on Freret St. that offers my favourite part of brunch: bottomless cocktails! New Orleans is all about indulgence, and since most brunches offer the classic bottomless mimosa, Bar Frances had to outdo themselves and offer your choice of Mimosa, Brunch Punch, Campari Lemonade or Rosé Grapefruit; my favourite is the Campari Lemonade. Aside from the boozy beverages, the menu includes a variety of Southern comfort foods, such as buttermilk biscuits and fried chicken, or even duck and waffles. For dessert, walk next door to Piccola Gelateria, my favourite authentic gelato shop, for a stracciatella affogato. It’s the best!” – Leslie Lee, chefsgirl.com

[Photo left: Asian Bites, Bunny And Brandy’s Brunchtime Blog; Photo right: Bar Frances, Leslie Lee]

New York City, US. “Reservations can be key to a successful brunch with friends in New York City (and avoiding the dreaded hour-long wait on a crowded sidewalk, regardless of weather), and Momofuku Nishi is one of the prime weekend spots that lets you reserve a table (via Opentable). The David Chang-owned Italian restaurant excels at morning-friendly cocktails, like spritzes and cold brew concoctions, and the menu truly has something for everyone, from shareable Asian-influence antipasti to lush seasonal salads and hearty pasta dishes, like a miso-coated cacio e pepe-style bucatini dish, best enjoyed with an oozing fried egg on top.” – Melissa Kravitz, Contributor

New York City, US. “For an interactive brunch experience, look no further than the massive dim sum halls of New York’s Chinatowns. Yes, plural. Flushing in Queens, Sunset Park in Brooklyn and the Lower East Side of Manhattan each have their own distinct communities of Chinese immigrants and first-generation Chinese-Americans running dim sum establishments frequented by families and large groups of friends on weekends. The more people you bring, the better – that is, the more steamed dumplings, rice rolls and other specialties you’ll get to pluck off the roving carts and share. For dim sum 101, check out Jing Fong in Manhattan, an 800-seat hall that’s bustling at brunch; Nom Wah, also in Manhattan, and one of the oldest dim sum spots in town; or Flushing’s Asian Jewels Seafood Restaurant, for an authentic dim sum experience.” – Melissa Kravitz, Contributor

New York City, US. “At the heart of Williamsburg’s hyper-trendy brunch scene is Sunday in Brooklyn, a name ironically accurate for a converted home that packs in trendy denizens on Sundays (and most other days) to eat Instagram-famous malted pancakes with brown butter, pastrami-style smoked fish platters and other visually and culinarily appealing treats. Limited reservations are taken, so try and plan ahead, but the wait is still worthwhile for the homemade pastries, warm avocado toast, sausage gravy-soaked biscuits and fresh-pressed fruit and vegetable juices.” – Melissa Kravitz, Contributor

New York City, US. “We love to try new dining experiences as we eat our way around the world. We love the food in global cities like Athens and Osaka, but no city does brunch better than New York. And of all the brunch spots in the Big Apple, Russ & Daughters is our very favourite. Go with some friends and share a board loaded with fresh fish and served with classic bagels. Whether you’re dining solo or with a group, be sure to try the Super Heebster Bag Toast topped with whitefish salad and wasabi-infused roe. Warning: this popular eatery doesn’t take reservations. To us, this is a good thing, since the inevitable weekend wait provides ample time to wander around the gentrified Lower East Side and people watch or window shop. Russ & Daughters will text you when your table is ready.” – Daryl & Mindi Hirsch of 2foodtrippers.com

[Photo left: Sunday in Brooklyn; Photo right: Russ & Daughters, 2foodtrippers]

Washington, DC, US. “Nestled along the Georgetown Harbor, Farmers Fishers Bakers excels in both people-watching and dining – and brunch is their best meal by far. While many buffet brunches specialise in cold, overcooked and boring plates, this is anything but. Their brunch features an epic spread with tables’ worth of creative salads, over-the-top French toast, fried chicken, fresh-baked biscuits and pastries, and of course eggs and meats galore – all from the North Dakota Farmers Co-op. Don’t forget their fresh cold-pressed juices and killer cocktails on the side. Would it be brunch without them?” – Jeremy Scott Foster, travelfreak.net

Seattle, US. “Brunch is a daily all-day affair at two of Portage Bay Cafe’s locations, plus weekends and mornings at the two others. Reservations are a must, but once you’re inside the door, brisk service and an à la carte menu that keeps everyone from carnivores to vegans and coeliacs happy make for a divine indulgence. The breakfast bar allows you to tailor certain menu items to your tastes. For example, pancakes are served plain, so you can add fruit, nuts, seeds and cream to your heart’s content.” – Fiona Brutscher, Contributor

Vancouver, Canada. “The Gray Olive Cafeteria is amazing for brunch – from their ‘weekend features’ such as BBQ Beef Breaky Sandwich or a Crab Cake Breakfast Sandwich, to their staple menu of chicken and waffles, golden fried potatoes and an OG Breakfast Sandwich. Get a window bar seat, it’s awesome for people-watching. If you want a light breakfast, coffee and a bun, Le Marché St. George is by far the worst-kept secret of Vancouver. Their cinnamon buns, London Fog and Americanos are to die for.”– Billy Lam of Birryram.com

[Photo left: Farmers Fishers Bakers; Photo right: Portage Bay Cafe]

EUROPE

Amsterdam, The Netherlands. “Dignita is one of my all-time favourite brunch hangouts. They have two locations, but in my opinion, it’s worth the cycle (or tram ride) from the centre to the one located in Old South, as it’s much more relaxing and gives you a great taste of a local neighbourhood. The design is funky, they make almost everything in-house (including the breads, cakes and crumpets), and the money that they generate is used to fund a not-for-profit that helps get vulnerable people back into the workplace. So not only can you eat delicious food, but you can feel good about it, too.” – Julia Hartbeck of confusedjulia.com

Rotterdam, The Netherlands. “Rotterdam now boasts a real diner, and a sleek one to boot: By Jarmusch. Take a seat at the rounded counter, or on one of the benches around formica-style tables, and order off the all-day breakfast menu with plenty of comforting eggs, pancakes, waffles and sandwich options. Freshly brewed filter coffee is offered in generous refills. What’s more, this hip greasy spoon doesn’t alienate the health-conscious crowd, offering smoothies, granola bowls and salads as well.” – Irene de Vette, Contributor

London, UK. “Daisy Green is one of the original ‘Instagrammable’ brunch spots in London, with graffiti on the walls and flowers hanging from the ceiling. However, not only does this place look like it’s straight out of a lifestyle magazine, the food is amazing here, too, with a lot of Middle Eastern influences. Daisy Green has been wowing Londoners ever since it opened in 2012 – myself included!” – Macca Sherifi of anadventurousworld.com

London, UK. “In London, bottomless brunch is big business, and in my opinion, no one does it better than Bourne and Hollingsworth. For £18 you can have bottomless Bellinis or Bloody Marys to go alongside your full English breakfast or pancakes, and the cocktails are absolutely top-notch here. If you’re looking for an amazing way to kick-start your weekend, you really can’t go wrong with brunch here.” – Macca Sherifi of anadventurousworld.com

[Photo left: By Jarmusch; Photo right: Daisy Green]

London, UK. “Stoke Newington’s Church Street is a beautiful little street for weekend strolls and browsing in wonderful independent shops. It also happens to be home to several great London brunch options, making it extremely difficult to choose which one to indulge in on a lazy Sunday. However, The Good Egg is the most popular (with queues out the door guaranteed if you turn up after 9am!). Served in a hipster-chic space, their unique Jewish-inspired breakfast and brunches (think Shakshuka and smoked fish hash) are not commonly offered anywhere else in the capital, and are always delicious. There is outdoor seating for those lucky enough to beat the queues.” – Andrew & Emily of alongdustyroads.com

Manchester, UK. “Mackie Mayor is a hive of top-end food and drink operators, all under one huge glass roof in a beautifully restored Grade 2-listed market building. It holds 500 people and has communal-style tables to dine on, so it’s a great place to sample some amazing food from different cuisines whilst chatting with locals or visitors alike!” – Monica Sawhney Haldar of thespiceclubuk.com

Paris, France. “Holy Belly is run by two Parisians who spent time in Melbourne and have created a breakfast/brunch spot that’s modelled after a Melbourne café. Their focus is good food, good coffee and friendly service. They have locally sourced and seasonal items on the menu, with lots of egg options – but for me, the shining beacon is their dish of layered pancakes, fried eggs and bacon with maple syrup and bourbon butter. That’s right, bourbon butter. You will have no words. They source the best coffee beans, and are serious about their coffee. The vibe is casual and fun, and they don’t take reservations, so your best bet is to show up and wait. It’s well worth it.” – Julie Neis of parisfoodaffair.com

[Photo left: Mackie Mayor; Photo right: Holy Belly]

Rome, Italy. “The brunch scene in Rome is still mixed. There are plenty of places that use the word, but in reality, it is just a buffet-style lunch beginning at 1pm. For a real brunch, Coromandel is the prettiest offering with comfortable seating, bookshelves filled with cookbooks and delicate china. There are pancakes, bacon, eggs and fresh juices on offer Tuesday-Sunday from 8:30am-3pm. Vivi Bistrot serves smoothie bowls, fresh juices, bagels, pancakes and bacon and eggs at their Villa Pamphili and Rinascente/Tritone locations.” – Gillian Longworth McGuire of gillianslists.com

Munich, Germany. “If trying out new brunch places appeals to you more than returning to tried-and-tested favourites, the Lovelace Pop-Up Brunch series should be right up your alley. This temporary hotel in Munich’s city centre is making the most of its brief two-year run with an eclectic calendar of events. The labyrinthine complex housed in a former bank hosts everything from table tennis and karaoke tournaments to hotel room raves and piano recitals. They also offer brunch, catered by a rotating cast of vegan chefs, roughly once a month.” – Fiona Brutscher, Contributor

Berlin, Germany. “Berliners were seemingly born to brunch. In Friedrichshain and Kreuzberg, where many of the city’s all-night clubs are located, the Sunday feast is just as likely to be the first meal of the day for those that had a late night as it is to be a bedtime snack for others. Two branches of shabby chic Datscha offer a suitably filling buffet of Russian specialties for both sets of diners – and a full drinks menu may tempt some to turn their brunch boozy.” – Fiona Brutscher, Contributor

Berlin, Germany. “Those who prefer a more civilised Sunday brunch, sans wide-eyed club kids, should head for slightly more genteel (by Berlin standards) Schöneberg. At Mana, you’ll find young families as well as hangover-nursing urban professionals indulging in healthy vegan superfoods. The generous spread is freshly made from sustainably – and largely locally – sourced ingredients, and includes house specialties like homemade smoothies, cakes and wholemeal bread. All that plant-based goodness will have you bouncing with energy, even after a long party weekend.” – Fiona Brutscher, Contributor

[Photo left: Coromandel; Photo right: Datscha]

Zurich, Switzerland. “Hiltl, the oldest vegetarian restaurant in the world, is a mainstay of the local food scene, which over the course of its 120-year history has branched out into a dozen restaurants, delis, clubs and other businesses across town. For Sunday brunch, head to Haus Hiltl, where the family-run main business is still going strong. Make a reservation to sit upstairs, and try not to flinch at the hefty price tag of the all-inclusive veggie buffet. It’s actually not all that expensive by Swiss standards – and the selection of mouth-watering dishes that cater to all tastes (yes, even those who usually enjoy meat) is unparalleled.” – Fiona Brutscher, Contributor

Dublin, Ireland. “The concept of brunch is relatively new to Ireland. After all, who needs a designated meal for over-eating on Sundays, when the regular Irish breakfast served in every café, B&B and many a home is already breakfast, lunch and dinner rolled into one? Nevertheless, once people got the hang of it, they embraced brunch wholeheartedly; reservations or queues are unavoidable at Dublin’s most popular brunch venues. The Brunch Of Champions at San Lorenzo’s, with its ridiculously genius menu items like Coco Pops crunchy french toast, even became so popular that they now do weekday brunch.” – Fiona Brutscher, Contributor

Galway, Ireland. “Galway has quite the reputation as a student town, and lives up to its name with decadent brunch options to match the raucous nightlife. Biteclub turns the morning after the night before into another party. Located in Electric nightclub, revellers can order (award-winning) street-food-style dishes and boozy drinks while a DJ spins tunes. The entire experience feels like a night on the town – and with dozens of pubs within crawling distance, there’s nothing to stop you from turning it into one.” – Fiona Brutscher, Contributor

[Photo left: San Lorenzo’s; Photo right: Biteclub]

AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND

Adelaide, Australia. “We are spoilt for choice in Adelaide, with many great cafés to choose from for our lazy Sunday mornings, but the recently opened Bai Long Store has quickly become one of our favourite go-to brunch spots! The inviting, light-filled space serves breakfast, lunch and dinner with a unique Asian-inspired menu that is home to one dish we constantly dream about: roti Benedict with miso eggplant. The soft, flaky and sweet house-made roti topped with miso-glazed eggplant, poached eggs, slightly sweet and slightly sour tom yum Hollandaise and deep-fried basil is simply spectacular – and is the dish we go back for time and time again.” – Taylor Peplow Ball of onthechoppingboard.com

Canberra, Australia. “Breakfast, brunch, books: these three elements are so perfectly combined at Muse, a ‘brunch bookstore’ located in Canberra’s East Hotel. I’m usually the last person to rise early for breakfast, as I value my sleep a lot. But if a place tempts you with its fragrant smells of coffee, bacon and crisp pages of books, I’ll be up before sunrise to spend hours in this place. Dishes to try are a heavenly mix of pan-fried mushroom bruschetta, halloumi, ten-grain sourdough, scrambled eggs, avocado and eggplant ‘bacon’ or a grilled house-smoked salmon with sourdough, eggs, bacon and avocado. The perfect plates to graze off while lazily browsing a book that you’ve picked from the restaurant’s bookstore. Add this restaurant to the reasons you should visit Australia’s capital city!” – Jean Carmela Lim of holysmithereens.com

Hobart, Australia. ”At the top end of Hobart’s buzzing Elizabeth St is Born in Brunswick, a pavilion of light, tall glass, and best of all: brunch. It’s a locavore’s delight, with Tasmanian ingredients like smoked wallaby, Cygnet mushrooms and Flinders lamb elevating the traditional to the sublime through the inquisitive palate of head chef Josh Retzer. And when those last few drops of your Snickerbocker Smoothie are but a fading memory, it’s time to step out and soak up the very best cosmopolitan vibes that North Hobart has to offer.” – Andrew Strikis of forkandfoot.com

[Photo left: Bai Long Store, Taylor Peplow Ball; Photo right: Muse, Jean Carmela Lim]

Sydney, Australia. “My favourite brunch spot in Sydney has to be Speedo’s Cafe in Bondi. This healthy and Instagram-worthy spot has an incredible menu, and is also the best place to watch the waves at the world-famous Bondi Beach. My go-to dish is the vegan pancakes, a truly guilt-free and amazing dish for even non-vegans to enjoy. Get a seat up on the bar with incredible views looking out to the beach, which is also a good people-watching spot. But you’ll have to get here early, as it gets busy, especially in summer.” – Annabel Symonds of Londonerinsydney.com

Wellington, New Zealand. “For brunch in Wellington, Floriditas is always an excellent choice. This local icon is owned and operated by locals, and only stocks the finest food and drink, with an emphasis on seasonal produce. The menu is constantly changing, which means you’ll always be surprised: Artichoke Risotto one week, Clams and Spaghetti the next! Don’t forget to finish with something sweet; Floriditas do the best Affogato in town, a somewhat different way to take your morning coffee!” – Lucy Revill of Theresidents.co.nz

ASIA & AFRICA

Cape Town, South Africa. “Our favourite location in Cape Town to have brunch on a beautiful sunny day is in the stunning Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. The Kirstenbosch Tea Room, perched on the eastern slopes of Table Mountain, offers a wide selection of brunch options. For a more African ambience, Moyo is another excellent choice for brunch within the gardens. The strong African influence can be seen in the interior decoration, as well as in the food and the dress code of the staff. Both offer picnic baskets so you can enjoy great food while exploring the scenery, and reservations are highly recommended for both venues.” – Sabine De Gasperi & Sean Hodge, thetravellingchilli.com

[Photo left: Speedo’s; Photo right: Moyo Kirstenbosch]

Shanghai, China. “Cuivre is the right place to go to experience how Shanghai got its reputation as ‘The Paris of the East’. This venue with a comfy yet elegant décor is the creative invention of French chef Michael Wendling. Brunch features sophisticated and beautifully presented, flavourful fare, with such highlights as smoked salmon marinated in lime and fresh coriander, a 61-degree-poached egg with rösti potato, smoked salmon and Hollandaise sauce, and seared Australian beef with arugula, Parmesan cheese and aged balsamic.” – Gosia Modlinska of shanghaicitygirl.com

Shanghai, China. “Brut Eatery perfectly embodies the spirit of the city that has mastered the art of welcoming foreign influences without rejecting traditions and local culture. This creative concept, which combines a restaurant with a retail boutique and a furniture store, is described by its 3 founders as ‘Western cuisine infused with Eastern soul’; their signature brunch dish, Spicy Granny Manwhich, is the ultimate manifestation of their style, combining an Australian beef patty and American crispy bacon with organic, whole wheat mantou (local bread) and laoganma mayo – based on the iconic Chinese laoganma sauce.” – Gosia Modlinska of shanghaicitygirl.com

Hong Kong. “I’ve always been more of a breakfast kind of guy, so moving to a city where brunch is king was an adjustment! The long days and late starts that dominate work life in Hong Kong means that things begin a little later than most places. But it means free-flowing Champagne or Prosecco, as well as a delicious array of foods to keep even the most ardent foodie happy. My favourite spot is literally in the clouds, a most unexpected location to enjoy one of Hong Kong’s best brunches! Way up on the 101st floor of the Ritz-Carlton is Tosca, with a brunch that leans very much in the fine dining direction… Oh, and the best pizza I’ve ever had.” – Anthony Clark of foodmeupscotty.com

[Photo left: Cuivre, Gosia Modlinska; Photo right: Tosca, Anthony Clark]

Bangalore, India. “Advertised as ‘Sakkath Sunday’ (Sakkath means ‘cool’ in the local language), the brunch buffet at The Permit Room will definitely make your Sunday more awesome. While a DJ is spinning tunes, hang out on the terrace and enjoy unlimited cocktails and South Indian food. The venue is known for whimsical takes on classic dishes: a cheesy dosa, ‘puriyal poppers’ (fried tamarind rice balls) or okra chips that you won’t be able to stop munching on. The graphics-driven décor has a similar mischievous take on popular South-Indian culture, in every nook and cranny there’s something funny that’ll catch your eye.” – Irene de Vette, Contributor

New Delhi, India. “Monkey Bar is the best place for Sunday brunch in Delhi, hands down! My girlfriends and I love chilling at this chic, hip hangout while we savour the best cocktails and burgers in town. With a stunning glass pyramid exterior, Monkey Bar makes the perfect backdrop for Instagram-worthy pictures. Famous for its Indianised versions of global cuisines and concoctions, this place is sure to win your heart.” – Jyotsna Ramani of wanderwithjo.com

Osaka, Japan. “Located in the trendy locale of Horie, close to Shinsaibashi, Biotop is not only a café, but also a flower shop and retail store, selling both men’s and women’s clothing as well as a wide selection of beauty and natural products, and is decorated with stunning florals and plants throughout. Sit outside and people-watch the most fashionable in Osaka, or have brunch with delicious pizzas and pastas in the rooftop garden and alfresco dining area.” – Marc Brauer of theonehitwander.com

[Photo left: The Permit Room; Photo right: Cubierta (Biotop)]

Seoul, South Korea. “If you’re craving original American pancakes in Seoul, the best address has got to be The Original Pancake House. With one branch in Itaewon and another in Sinsa, you’re always near delicious pancakes, no matter where in Seoul you are. Stepping into both outlets, you will be greeted by friendly staff in a ‘50s American diner setting. The pancakes are delicious, and taste just like Mom used to make. A dream for every American craving a bite of home.” – Linda Dunsmore of lindagoeseast.com

Seoul, South Korea. “Another popular American import is Mr. Holmes Bakehouse, located in Garosugil near Sinsa Station. If fresh cruffins (croissant-muffin combination) and delicious coffee are screaming your name, definitely head there. Before opening its doors, Mr. Holmes Bakehouse Seoul sent all their staff to their headquarters in San Francisco to learn the original recipes. However, you will also find ‘Korea’ specials like green tea croissants. Plus, the interior is absolutely Instagram-worthy.” – Linda Dunsmore of lindagoeseast.com

Tel Aviv, Israel. “My brunch recommendation would be Claro, where you should order the whole breakfast menu, from shakshuka to sabich to latkes, especially if you are in a group! For a more casual café with a great local vibe, I love Bucke Cafe. They have a magical dish (best also for 2-3 people) called the ‘Country Tray’, which is always fun and gorgeous. You can ask it to be vegan or made according to any other dietary needs. If any of the sections are finished, simply ask for a refill!” – Inbal Baum of Deliciousisrael.com

[Photo left: Mr Holmes Bakehouse; Photo right: Claro]