Brunch is one of those meals that combines great things, breakfast food and sleeping in. Whether you feel like putting on your Sunday best and enjoying a mimosa after church or pulling yourself out of bed for a delectable eggs benedict, Gainesville offers a slew of fabulous brunch options. We’ve rounded up some of our favorites:
- Civilization:
The interior of One Love Cafe
A secret gem among avid brunchers, Civilization is one of Gainesville’s yummiest (and healthiest) brunch spots. It locally sources as many ingredients as possible, from Cedar Key clams to Vine Sourdough Bakery baguettes. Try a twist on a breakfast classic with the super-savory pakora pancakes, made with chickpea flour and topped with fresh cilantro chutney.
- Leonardo’s 706:
If you thought Leonardo’s was only good for pizza, think again. Head over to Leonardo’s 706 this Sunday for an unparalleled brunch menu and a brunch meal buffet featuring over 40 creative concoctions with flavors from all over the world. If that’s not enough, you can wash it all down with a mimosa or a “giant” bloody Mary. Whatever you choose, you’re sure to be satisfied with any of the brunch specials at Leonardo’s 706.
- The Swamp Restaurant:
With football season around the corner, brunch at The Swamp Restaurant is the perfect cap to your gameday weekend. Just across from the University of
Florida football stadium, The Swamp has been an established restaurant since 1994. While already known for its lunch and dinner, the Swamp has a lesser-known brunch menu looking to prove itself. With a creative dish like “The Three Little Pigs,” a sandwich of grilled brioche, smoked ham, bacon, sausage, a potato cake and a sunny side up egg, it’s no wonder The Swamp’s brunch bites are scoring touchdowns left and right.
- SaboréRestaurant:
Dinner at Saboré has long been a treat to end the evening, but now you can start your weeks off right with their Sunday brunch. The same unique, global flavors that inspire the dinner menu are evident in brunch options like the Spanish Hunter — three free-range eggs, Spanish chorizo, mushroom ragout, manchego cheese and Spanish breakfast potatoes. If you’re still craving some home-style classics, no fear; you have plenty of choices between chicken and waffles, omelets and a cheeseburger.
- Wahoo Seafood Grill:
You already know Wahoo Seafood Grill for its dinner menu, but they also serve brunch every Sunday until 2 p.m. While classic brunch lovers can enjoy their Cinnamon Nut French Toast, adventurous eaters can try their Biscuits & Chocolate Gravy or their Grits & Grillades, cheese grits smothered in delicious, slow-simmered beef.
- 43rd Street Deli & Breakfast House:
You can’t be a brunch expert until you’ve been to Gainesville’s locally owned 43rd Street Deli & Breakfast House. Here, you’ll find your biggest breakfast cravings without putting too much of a dent in your wallet. While the restaurant is the master of omelets, pancakes and French toast, try getting out of the breakfast box with the black bean cake breakfast.
- One Love Cafe:
Nothing beats the food and atmosphere of One Love Cafe on a beautiful Sunday morning. Everything on the menu is homegrown and homemade, so even the house-brined pickles are flavored with love! Surrounded by a park and featuring a fire pit, live music and swing seating, One Love Cafe is the perfect place to bring the whole family (and the dog) when you’re in need of some weekend relaxation.
8. Backstreet Blues Chop House and Oyster Bar:
Bottomless mimosas and bottomless bloody Marys? Take a group of friends to brunch, and quench your thirst at Backstreet Blues Chop House and Oyster Bar. This inventive brunch menu contains everything from steak and crab eggs benedict to sweet banana foster pancakes, so your whole group will find something to love!
- Emiliano’s Café:
Take a trip south of the border this weekend without ever leaving downtown Gainesville. Emiliano’s Café offers a huge range of traditional brunch favorites like eggs bennies and new brunch-ified lunch items like the portobello-brie crepes. With different menu selections for Saturday and Sunday brunches, Emiliano’s Café is the perfect excuse for brunchers to double up on the country’s favorite unofficial meal.
- The Sweet Tea:
Enjoy an elegant take on brunch this week at Sweetwater Branch Inn’s restaurant, The Sweet Tea. Situated in a quaint and beautifully revived Victorian home, The Sweet Tea features timeless Southern specialties like fried green tomatoes with buttermilk basil dressing and a southern catfish po’boy with candied jalapeños. Sitting in a garden and catching up with friends has never been so delicious!