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Lees Lakeside
The Top List of Best Brunches - Orlando, FL
Brunch in Orlando is fun and a great experience.
by Darcie Vance & Eric Nutting
Brunch in Orlando, Florida can be as adventurous as the theme parks and attractions that lure countless travelers to our sunny region. If you find yourself looking for fun and a great experience during that time between breakfast and lunch, you're sure to enjoy any of these 10 great restaurants that represent just a sampling of what you can look forward to when you visit Central Florida.
MIDNIGHT BLUE
900 E. Washington St.
Orlando, FL 32801
407.999.9012
Saturday & Sunday Brunch: 11am - 3pm
Casual elegance is used to describe this brunch and American restaurant. At Midnight Blue you will feel at home with good prices and good food. The menu is upscale yet fun at the same time. With choices like Orange French Toast and Lemon Blueberry Pancakes it is easy to see there is a refined twist to old favorites. Breakfast Burrito, frittata, sliders and even a customized cheese tray are also favorites here. This brunch allows guests to order off the menu so they can get as little or as much as they would like. Save room for the Tempura Twinkie it tastes as good as it sounds!
Estimated Price PP $10-$20.00
HOUSE OF BLUES
1490 E Buena Vista Drive, Lake Buena Vista, Fl. 32830 (Downtown Disney)
(407) 934-2583
Hours: 10:30am and 1:00pm Sunday only
Adventure indeed! The Gospel Brunch is offered twice every Sunday at 10:30am and 1:00pm only. Tickets are sold at the box office reminding one that at the foundation of this experience is the infectious gospel show. As you enter the concert hall, the food is spread throughout the corners of the showroom. Closest is the buffet style brunch bar featuring the house special Jambalaya, breakfast meat, assorted muffins, delicious salmon, and bread pudding. In a dark corner is the carving station with prime rib and various sauces. On the far wall, by the bar, (not open for brunch), is the made to order omelet grill featuring mostly standard ingredients with a few surprises including crawfish. It is a good idea to get your food and beverages quickly so you can relax and digest before the hand clapping, foot stomping raise the roof gospel entertainment begins. The show takes place during the last forty minutes of the stand up, sit down hour and a half.
Brunch: Adult: $30.00 Children 3-9: $15.00 (under 3 free, gratuity included)
Reservations not required. Buy tickets early.
Holiday Schedule: If it falls on a Sunday, it's open. 2001-2002: New Year's Day-Closed, Valentine's Day-Open, Easter-Open, Thanksgiving-Closed, Christmas Eve-Open, Christmas Day-Closed, New Years Eve-Open.
CAPRICCIO (At the Peabody)
9801 International Drive, Orlando, Fl. 32819
(407) 352-4000
Hours: 11:00am-2:00pm Sunday only
Voted the best brunch in Orlando by the Orlando Weekly readers two years in a row, the Capriccio is synonymous for Sunday Brunch in our town. Specializing in the, "aromatic, satisfying cuisine's of northern Italy," this unlimited champagne brunch is as pleasing to watch as it is to taste. You will have the opportunity to see many of your dishes prepared by the chefs in the exhibition kitchen and wood burning pizza ovens. Crab legs, made to order omelets, leg of lamb, roast beef and the always friendly service are just a few of the reasons people from all over Central Florida drive out to enjoy this Brunch. Located across from the Orlando Convention Center can make parking very challenging so I strongly recommend the valet service. While you're at the Peabody, don't forget to set aside a little time to watch the daily duck march beginning in the lobby fountain at 11am and 5pm.
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Brunch: Adult: $30.95 Children 6-12: $14.95 (5and under free gratuity and tax not included)
Reservations suggested
Holiday Schedule: New Years Day-Closed, Valentine's Day-Open, Easter-Open, Thanksgiving-Closed, Christmas Eve-Open Christmas Day-Open (hours 11-3), New Years Eve-Open.
(Holiday prices: Adult: $38.95, Children 6-12: $18.95)
LA COQUINA (Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress)
One Grand Cypress Blvd., Orlando, Fl. 32806
(407) 239-1234
Hours: 10:30am-2:00pm Sunday only
Located on the high end of life in both pricing and style, La Coquina offers a Champagne Brunch on Sunday from 10:30am - 2:30pm. Don't let the suggested dress code scare you though; nice casual attire is adequate, (long pants and collard shirt for men, "proper attire" for ladies). Overlooking Lake Windsong, the mood is easily set as you gaze out at the private lake full of swans and flamingos. The buffet items are displayed on French market carts which provide the most impressive dessert display in Orlando. Like many local brunches, the menu is always changing but typical items as you enter the working kitchen might include a smoked fish station with pepper-cured grouper, lemongrass smoked snapper, and citrus/dill marinated salmon. Buffalo, venison, rack of lamb, lobster, sushi, and fresh fruits are spread throughout other parts of the kitchen. The dining area is quiet, bathed with soft piano music. When your through with brunch, take a nice walk along the beautiful grounds full of winding paths and water falls or stay inside the immense air conditioned lobby full of the same. While you're there, don't forget to say hello to Martin Lopez, the best concierge I have met in Orlando.
Brunch: Adult: $49.95 Children 3 and up: $21.50
Seasonal only. Brunch is not offered during the summer, first brunch is usually late September or early October and runs through late July.
Reservations suggested
Holiday Schedule: New Year's Day-Closed, Valentine's Day-Open Easter-Open, Thanksgiving-Open, Christmas Eve-Open, Christmas Day-Open, New Years Eve-Open
(Holiday prices: Adult: $55.00, Children 3 and up: $25.00)
RENAISSANCE ORLANDO RESORT
6677 Sea Harbor Drive, Orlando, Fl. 32821
(407) 351-5555
Hours: 10:30am-2:00pm Sunday only
This brunch tops more than a few locals lists. Located across the street from SeaWorld, the Renaissance boasts a spectacular 10-story atrium lobby setting the stage for a beautiful dining experience. With over 150 international items including venison cutlets in black Guinness sauce and salmon fillet en croute drizzled with dill sauce, there are enough selections to make even the most finicky eater content. For those people who have a somewhat more simple palate, the made to order omelets and waffles are some of the best in town. This unlimited champagne experience is punctuated by the Venetian aviary and tasteful wandering trio of musicians.
Brunch: Adult: $31.95 Children 4-12: $15.95 (gratuity and tax not included)
Reservations suggested
Holiday Schedule: New Year's Day-Closed Valentine's Day-Open, Easter-Open, Thanksgiving-Open, Christmas Eve-Open Christmas Day-Open, New Year's Eve-Open
(Holiday prices: Adult: $38.95 Children 4-12: $19.50)
LEES LAKESIDE
431 E. Central Blvd. Orlando, Fl. 32801
(407) 841-1565
Hours: 10:00am-2:00pm
Lee's Lakeside is a mainstay in Orlando and is now benefiting from a revitalization of downtown Orlando. With posh apartment living and shopping that now rivals any metropolitan area, Lee's has had the chance to expand with a second location LEYC (Lake Eola Yacht Club) on the same city block. The new location is designed to be less formal, accommodating many of the walking traffic and city residents. The original restaurant is a bit more formal and in my opinion, has the best atmosphere and view of any of the restaurants on this list. Situated right on Lake Eola, an Orlando landmark, one could sit there for hours enjoying the piano music and scenery. Luckily, the food quality and selection is excellent also. Complete with a champagne toast, the buffet style brunch is considered to be family friendly with a great selection of desserts, fresh fruit, made to order omelets, roast beef, seafood and more. The parking can be somewhat confusing if you don't know the area. There is free parking across the street and at the majority of the meters near the restaurant on Sundays. As you get further away, the meters change so make sure you read them carefully.
Brunch: Adult: $19.95 at Lakeside, $12.50 at LEYC Children 3-11 $9.95 (gratuity and tax not included)
Reservations suggested at Lakeside
Walk-in's welcomed at LEYC
Holiday Schedule: New Year's Day-Open, Valentine's Day-Open (off menu), Easter-Open, Thanksgiving-Open, Christmas Eve-Open, Christmas Day-Open, New Years Eve-Open
(Holiday prices: Adult: $24.95-26.95 Children 3-11: $12.95)
THE BOHEME RESTAURANT (at The Westin Grand Bohemian)
325 S. Orange Ave. Orlando, Fl. 32801
(407) 581-4700
Hours: 10:30am-2:30pm Sunday only
The newest brunch in town is eager and able to join the list of best brunches. Complete with a champagne toast, the buffet offers an impressive display including assorted pastries, waffles, crablegs, a carving station featuring prime rib, and traditional breakfast foods. Styled after the Bohemian movement complete with art and entertainment, the hotel itself boasts of one of the finest views overlooking the city of Orlando.
Brunch: Adult: $29.95 Children 5-12: $16.95 (gratuity and tax not included)
Reservations suggested
Holiday Schedule: New Year's Day-Open, Valentine's Day-Open, Easter-Open, Thanksgiving-Open, Christmas Eve-Open, Christmas Day-Open, New Year's Eve-Open
(Holiday pricing not set, call first before arriving at restaurant.)
CHEESECAKE FACTORY
520 N. Orlando Ave., Winter Park, Fl. 32714
(407) 644-4220
Hours: 10:00am-2:00pm Sunday only
With an almost mammoth dining area you would think the waiting time would be minimal at the Cheesecake Factory. With a convenient location near shopping and cinemas in posh Winter Park, the wait can be almost pleasant and well worthwhile. Brunch is scheduled from 10am-2pm featuring lox and bagels, French toast, and eggs benedict. The regular menu has over 200 items. If you can't find something that pleases you out of this selection, there is always the cheesecake!
Brunch: Adult: $9.00-25.00 Children: $5.95 (gratuity and tax not included)
Walk-in's welcomed
Holiday Schedule: New Year's Eve-Open, Valentine's Day-Open, Easter-Open, Thanksgiving-Closed, Christmas Eve-Open, Christmas Day-Closed, New Year's Eve-Open
THE BRIAR PATCH
252 N. Park Ave, Winter Park, Fl. 32830
(407) 628-8651
Hours: 7:00am-9:00pm Monday -Thursday; 7:00am-10:00pm Saturday; 8:00am-5:00pm Sunday
You don't have to wait until Sunday to enjoy brunch at the Briar Patch. With casual elegance that only Winter Park can provide, the Briar Patch offers affordable brunch in a warm and inviting atmosphere. Eggs Suzette, cream cheese, shrimp and spinach omelet (my favorite), and crunchy French toast are some of the features on the menu. For dessert, try the homemade East Indian ice cream with freshly brewed flavored coffee.
Brunch: $7.00-$15.00 (gratuity and tax not included)
Walk-ins only
Holiday Schedule: New Year's Day-Closed, Valentine's Day-Open, Easter-Open, Thanksgiving-Closed, Christmas Eve-Closed, Christmas Day-Open, New Year's Eve-Open
(Holiday pricing and hours: Call first, schedule not set)
LE PEEP
4666 S. Kirkman Rd.
(407) 291-4580
Hours: Monday-Friday 6:30am-2:30pm; Saturday and Sunday 7:00am-2:30pm
Le Peep, a chain of popular restaurants, offers Le Breakfast, Le Brunch and Le Lunch, though currently, this is the only Florida location. Very affordable and casual, this popular eatery is conveniently located near Universal Studios, Florida and would be a smart place to stop before having to pay expensive theme park prices for food. With their trademark Panhandled Skillet Dishes starting at $5.50, the eatery also offers great "OM-ELETTES" and Panini (Italian grilled Sandwich.) There is sometimes a short wait for a table but it is Le Worth It.
Brunch: $5.00- $12.00 (gratuity and tax not included)
Walk-ins only
Holiday Schedule: New Year's Day-Open, Valentine's Day-Open, Easter-Open, Thanksgiving-Closed, Christmas Eve-Open, Christmas Day-Closed, New Year's Eve-Open
FIRST WATCH
7500 W. Sandlake Rd., Orlando, Fl. 32819
(407) 363-5622
Hours: 7:00am-2:30pm daily
Another Restaurant chain, this time with many locations in Florida, First Watch has long been considered by locals to be the best place to have breakfast. This is the newest of their restaurants and perhaps the most trendy. With healthy selections such as a Siesta Key Cocktail, Veggie Roll-up and Tri Athlete Omelet (egg whites only), First Watch is another great option for affordable seven day a week brunch opportunities. Like Le Peep, there is sometimes a wait, particularly on the weekends and Holidays.
Brunch: $6.00-$15.00 (gratuity and tax not included)
Walk in's only
For other First Watch locations, visit their website at www.firstwatch.com.
Holiday Schedule: New Year's Day-Open, Valentine's Day-Open, Easter-Open, Thanksgiving-Closed, Christmas Eve-Open, Christmas Day-Closed, New Year's Eve-Open
For additional adventures, try the character breakfasts at Disney World or the affordable, family breakfast buffet's offered around the various attractions of Orlando.
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