Bay Area’s buzziest meals in that sweet spot between breakfast and lunch

It’s a new year, filled with great intentions and fresh traditions. So why not channel the energy into a festive brunch?

That meal between breakfast and lunch has had some new entries throughout the San Francisco Bay Area region. Below are five recently opened spots for a weekend celebration.

Euro Vibe: Hilda and Jesse

Hilda and Jesse used to run as a successful pop-up before permanently opening at the gorgeous, retro space near Washington Square. The star of the show here is the brunch menu, loaded with unusual offerings like brown-butter-and-chicken porridge and avo toast with tempura sweet potato. The rich, fluffy pancakes are a must, too.

Abundant Vibe: LuLu

Berkeley’s newest spot has a Sunday brunch like no other - a colorful mosaic of Mediterranean dishes chef Mona Leena changes seasonally. Expect zingy spreads, from black garlic hummus to labneh, amazing house-made breads, and eggs like you’ve never seen before.

Hip Vibe: Friends and Family

During the day, Friends and Family is a stylish Oakland bar. But on Sundays, the welcoming patio and the chic interiors welcome brunch diners; think pampering bacon-and-egg sandwiches, cocktails and a day-meets-night atmosphere that makes the end of the weekend feel like a win.

Neighborhood Vibe: Copas

The latest addition to the Castro’s dining scene is adorable and inspired by Californian, Mexican and Spanish cuisines. At brunch, you can toast the weekend with ceviche, churro doughnuts and mimosas, plus brisket-stuffed tortillas that are as special as they are satisfying.

Instagram Vibe: Son and Garden

A brunch list can’t be complete without the San Francisco home of butterfly-clad cocktails and elaborate, picture-ready dishes. Feast on matcha mochi pancakes, morning beef stew or adorned and loaded eggs Benedict, and enjoy the dreamy decor - it’s Sunday!

About the Author:

Flora Tsapovsky

Style, food and culture writer splitting her time between San Francisco and Tel Aviv. Founder of Parlar Series, a series of curated conversations about key concepts in our lives. Nature and art lover, culinary thrill-seeker, teacher of writing courses and instructor at the Academy of Art University.