By Caroline Dalton and Sarah Wolak By Caroline Dalton and Sarah Wolak | March 13, 2023 | Food & Drink, Feature,
From a chic, French petit déjeuner with croque madame to a mimosa-packed Sunday morning brekkie, Philly’s brunch scene is a diverse and delightful treat.
A delicious French toast dish at Rosalie
Barcelona Wine Bar
Barcelona’s take on brunch involves shareable tapas and of course, plenty of wine and specialty mimosas. Mediterranean-inspired dishes dominate the brunch menu with meals like brunch fideos, made with spicy chorizo, gaucho and fried egg on top. For a less breakfast-inspired meal, try the spiced beef empanadas or the serrano eggs benedict. 1709 E. Passyunk Ave., 215.515.7900, barcelonawinebar.com
Bud & Marilyn's
Cozied on the corner of 13th and Locust streets and just down the block from trendy Midtown is Bud & Marilyn’s. Known for their simple take on homestyle comfort food, Bud & Marilyn’s brunch menu offers familiar American favorites like brioche french toast and chicken n waffles. Sausage and biscuits with gravy and Nashville hot chicken buns are some of Bud & Marilyn’s elevated twists on classic dishes. 1234 Locust St., 215.546.2220, budandmarilyns.com
The Dutch
Nestled in a cozy corner of East Passyunk, The Dutch offers a fresh and seasonal menu with everything made from scratch. Offering sweet, savory and veggie Dutch Babies, traditional omelets, specialty plates and sandwiches, the brunch menu has something for everyone. Sip a gin grapefruit Collins while enjoying the “Uitsmijter” with two dippy eggs, gouda, country paté, pickles and marble rye. 1537 S. 11th St., 215.551.5000, thedutchphilly.com
Forsythia
Brunch is finally back at Forsythia, and we could not be happier. After you wake up with a La Vie En Rose—a mix of gin, Lillet, rose, lime thyme cordial and luxardo bitter—prepare to feast on chef/proprietor Christopher Kearse’s French contemporary plates. The wagyu beef tartine, soufflé pancakes with citrus curd and jambon-beurre with duck prosciutto, pickled cucumber, cultured butter, gruyere brioche and quail egg are just a few of our favorites. 233 Chestnut St., 215.644.9395, forsythiaphilly.com
Hawthornes
Brunch all day? Count us in. At Hawthornes, Philadelphians can enjoy items like the pear and prosciutto toast, green goddess omelet, Belgian waffle and chorizo burrito all day. Compliment your plate of choice with a side of biscuit and preserves, old bay cheese tots or butternut arancini—you won’t regret it. 738 S. 11th St., 215.627.3012, hawthornecafe.com
K'Far
K’Far, which means “village” in Hebrew, is a traditional representation of an Israeli bakery and social cafe. K’Far’s breakfast menu specializes in Jerusalem-style baked goods like marzipan challah danish and bagel sandwiches topped with smoked salmon, pickled cucumbers and za’atar butter. For sweet tooths, pistachio sticky buns and chocolate babka breads grace the pastry menu. 110 S. 19th St., 267.800.7200, kfarcafe.com
LMNO
This Fishtown hotspot is more than just a vibrant restaurant—it's also a lounge, book store, art gallery and energetic brunch spot. Serving up Mexican-inspired fare, the menu has everything from tacos, tostadas to birria benedict. If you’re craving a morning cocktail, order the sparkling Glitter Bombed with gold-glitter vodka, ginger liqueur, pineapple and buzz button electric dust from the neon-lit bar. 1739-1749 N. Front St., 215.770.7001, lmnophilly.com
The Olde Bar
In case you forgot, nothing compares to brunch at The Olde Bar. The indulgent experience begins with customizable cocktails: the Bubbly Brunch Tray and Build Your Bloody. Top your bloody with mini crab cakes, bacon-wrapped bay scallops, hot chicken and biscuit, fried oyster roll and more. If you still have room for more, order the smoked salmon galette with sherry truffle vinaigrette or Shrimp N’ Grits. 126 Walnut St., 215.253.3777, theoldebar.com
Parc
French-inspired dishes and brasserie classics take the reins on this Philadelphia bistro’s brunch menu. Ricotta ravioli, salmon tartare and quiche lorraine are just a few of Parc’s signature savors. Main entrees like the Moules or steak Frites are complemented by notes of white wine, shallots and garlic. 227 S. 18th St., 215.545.2262, parc-restaurant.com
Rosalie
Located in Wayne, this chic yet rustic restaurant revolves its dishes around Italian soul cuisine. Begin brunch with one of Rosalie’s aperitivos, like the arancini made with saffron risotto and fresh mozzarella. From sunday gravy shakshuka to mushroom gnocchi, there’s no shortage of fabulous flavor at this brunch. 139 E. Lancaster Ave., Wayne, 610.977.0600, rosaliewayne.com
Positano Coast by Aldo Lamberti
From bottomless to themed brunches, Positano Coast is a weekend staple. Whether you’re craving more lunch-focused bites like spicy calamari and the brunch burger, or breakfast items such as French toast with grand marnier, Positano Coast by Aldo Lamberti has you covered. 212 Walnut St., 2nd Floor, 215.238.0499, positanocoast.net
Photography by: Photo by Alexandra Jade Tringali/Rosalie