Brunch restaurants in Tampa Bay: Here are 30 spots to check out

Mimosas! Eggs Benedict! Breakfast tacos! There’s all that and more at Tampa Bay brunches, and we’ve collected a list of some worth checking out. Got a brunch you love? Send us a note at mduffy@tampabay.com or mstark@tampabay.com.

Oystercatchers

Opened in 1986, this Tampa institution is known for its Sunday brunch and stunning location on Tampa Bay. The dress code is “smart casual” but the a la carte menu is anything but, with a lobster and crab omelet with Brie and truffle butter, short ribs and eggs, and Nutella pancakes. Hit up the raw bar for tuna shooters and the chef’s daily oysters or indulge in a few rolls at the sushi bar. Unlimited mimosas are $32 per person.

10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Sundays. 2900 Bayport Drive, Tampa. 813-207-6815. oystercatchersrestaurant.com.

Wild Child

This St. Petersburg hot spot is the place to be for Sunday brunch with its breezy pink patio and menu loaded with craveable eats. There’s a wide variety of dishes, like the chicken karaage biscuit, bacon-kimchi omelet with yuzu hollandaise, and potato latkes with dill and chives (and the option to add caviar). Tuna tostadas are a must as a starter to share, and the tres leches French toast on Cuban bread will satisfy that sweet tooth. Cocktails like the Lost Weekend (watermelon, lime and mint with choice of tequila, vodka, gin, rum or mezcal) and specialty frozen drinks give major vacation vibes.

11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sundays. 2710 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. 727-954-7425. wildchildstpete.com.

Noble Crust

With three spots across Tampa Bay, Noble Crust serves up dinner on weekdays and brunch on Saturdays. Their Weekend Southern Brunch features $2 mimosas, $4 Bloody Marys and $4 sangria. For food, you can choose from their signature pizzas or more brunchy fare like fried chicken and waffles, and lemon ricotta pancakes.

10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Saturdays. Locations in Carollwood, St. Petersburg and Wesley Chapel. noble-crust.com.

Island Way Grill

At the restaurant on Clearwater’s Island Estates, Sunday brunch is $34 for adults and $10 for kids. It includes one free mimosa or Champagne (for adults) and coffee, tea and soft drinks. The buffet has the following stations: pastry, breakfast, shellfish, sushi, salad, lunch, carving (meats) and dessert, as well as a made-to-order station featuring omelets, waffles and bagels with lox and other toppings.

10 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Sundays, with the last reservations taken at 1:30 p.m. 20 Island Way, Clearwater. 727-461-6617. islandwaygrill.com.

The Library

This swanky St. Petersburg spot was recently named one of the top 100 restaurants in the U.S. for brunch by Open Table. Menu items include everything from a breakfast sandwich and burritos to flatbread and brown butter pancakes. Warm burrata and crispy Brussels are shareable options, and the fried chicken sandwich and truffle fries are crowd favorites. It has a full liquor bar, craft beer selection, Buddy Brew Coffee and teas by TeBella.

9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. 600 Fifth St. S, St. Petersburg. 727-369-9969. thelibrarystpete.com.

Lenny’s

Breakfast is this Clearwater staple’s specialty, known for the free basket of danishes that comes with the hearty breakfasts, omelets and selection of Benedicts. The spot also specializes in Jewish deli fare like knishes, blintzes, latkes, matzo brei and house-made bagels. Mimosas and “famous” Bloody Marys are also on the menu.

6 a.m.-3 p.m. daily. 21220 U.S. 19 N, Clearwater. 727-799-0402. lennysfood.com.

Counter Culture

This Tampa spot has “BrunchLunch” weekdays and weekend brunch. The robust menus include brunch staples like Benedicts, baked goods, griddle favorites and a raw bar, with international dishes like poached eggs bourguignon (with pork belly and wild mushrooms) and tortilla espanola (with chorizo and wood-roasted sofrito). Warm pimiento cheese biscuits and house-made corned beef hash scratch the comfort food itch. Lighter fare like the grilled pink grapefruit and avocado tostada sound healthy and refreshing. For cocktails, the “south TPA brunchpunch” with coconut rum and fresh fruit serves four.

11 a.m.-3 p.m. Mondays-Fridays, 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturdays-Sundays. 2909 W Bay to Bay Blvd., Tampa. 813-570-8660. cc-tampa.com.

The Left Bank Bistro

This quaint restaurant on St. Petersburg’s Fourth Street North boasts a French-leaning menu that ranges from a smoked salmon Benedict to a tarragon chicken salad sandwich to a French Quarter shrimp and grits. There’s also a sweet Pain Perdu and Belgian waffles.

10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturdays and 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Sundays. 1225 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. St. N, St. Petersburg. 727-256-1691. theleftbankbistro.com

The Urban Stillhouse

At this spot in St. Petersburg’s Warehouse Arts District, a robust offering of cocktails highlighting the signature Horse Soldier Bourbon includes a tasting flight and a house Old Fashioned. Shareable plates include boiled peanuts and deviled eggs, and the selection of handhelds includes a Monte Cristo and a grouper Reuben, while pasta, steak and eggs, and blackened gulf shrimp round out the menu.

11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sundays. Reservations required. 2232 Fifth Ave. S, St. Petersburg. 727-440-8040. theurbanstillhouse.com.

Wildflower Cafe

This charming Clearwater spot offers “signature” dishes including a savory crepe and biscuits with maple sausage gravy. Deep-dish quiche, a chicken pecan tart served with orange mango chutney and mile-high baked French toast are decadent options. Visit the in-house market for baked goods, specialty foods and gifts.

8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Sundays. 1465 S Fort Harrison Ave., Clearwater. 727-447-4497. wildflowercafe.net.

Social Roost

This downtown St. Pete spot serves up offerings like green eggs and ham on a ciabatta with pistachio pesto and prosciutto, chicken pot pie and the “Brekkie Board” featuring smoked sausage, cheese, blueberry bread, granola and yogurt and fruit. They have beer, wine, cocktails and serve Kahwa coffee.

10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sundays. 150 First Ave. N, St. Petersburg. 727-202-6113. eatatsocialroost.com.

The Dewey Beach Bar and Grill

This restaurant at the Berkeley Beach Club on Pass-a-Grille is a lovely refuge from the bustle of the beach. The buttermilk fried free-range chicken biscuit is a crowd favorite, while the s’mores French toast is sure to satisfy that sugar fix. Healthier options include the Dewey Cobb with barbecue pork shoulder, a quinoa bowl and tofu scramble, while the blackened fish on aged white cheddar grits is a hearty option. It has a full liquor bar with specialty cocktails including an espresso martini and a wine list with extensive by-the-glass options.

10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturdays-Sundays. 109 Eighth Ave., St. Pete Beach. 727-228-1000. berkeleybeachclub.com.

Psomi

This Tampa spot focuses on Greek fare, and brunch is no exception. Inside, there’s a bakery serving up an assortment of pastries (get the sesame cookies, known as ladokoulouria) and coffee. For table-service brunch, you can choose to sit indoors or on one of the restaurant’s lovely (and shaded) patios. The menu is vast, ranging from sandwiches and salads to Greek brunch specialties like loukoumades, Greek doughnuts served with baklava nuts and honey; and an Israeli morning yogurt bowl with wild caught house-cured salmon, cucumber, pickled red onion, tomato and crispy capers.

8 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. 701 N Howard Ave., Tampa. 813-841-5555. eatpsomi.com

HEW Parlor and Chophouse

The restaurant at Dunedin’s Fenway Hotel offers brunch every day of the week. From a French breakfast that features a baguette, egg, cheese and fruit to the HEW Chophouse Omelette that’s loaded with shaved ribeye and fontina cheese, there’s plenty to enjoy at this north Pinellas spot. Head up to the hotel’s rooftop bar afterward for sparkling views of the waterfront.

8 a.m.-2 p.m. Mondays-Fridays and 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. 453 Edgewater Drive, Dunedin. 727-683-5990. hewchophouse.com.

Good Intentions

Vegans need good brunch options too, and this acclaimed St. Pete spot doesn’t disappoint on variety. With menu items like whipped ricotta, a crab omelet and a smothered burrito or bowl with chorizo, you may question whether it’s all really vegan. Rest assured, it is. Brunch cocktails including the White Russian and the Goodies Daiquiri are a break from the norm, and there are festive nonalcoholic options.

11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. 1900 First Ave. S, St. Petersburg. goodintentionsfl.com.

Allelo

At this chic downtown St. Petersburg restaurant’s Saturday brunch, you can order from the a la carte menu — caviar service and olive oil pancakes would be a decadent combo — or opt for family-style, which is a chef’s selection of nine dishes for $34 per person. Pair it all with cocktails or a glass from the extensive wine list.

11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Saturdays. 300 Beach Drive NE, St. Petersburg. allelostpete.com.

The Helm

Look no further than this spot on St. Pete Beach to fill you up before you soak up sunshine. Crab fries and whipped feta are among items that are “to share or not to share,” while the lobster roll and Helm hoagies are perfect handhelds. The raw bar offers “thoughtfully-sourced” oysters. More traditional brunch items include a chef-selected daily Benedict, quiche, and shrimp and grits, while she-crab soup is a more unusual offering.

10 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Saturdays and 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sundays. 7736 Blind Pass Road, St. Pete Beach. helmtampabay.com.

Ella’s Americana Folk Art Cafe

Enjoy live music and good eats at this Seminole Heights spot’s Soul Food Sunday. Fried chicken and waffles top the menu of dishes like chicken and biscuit pot pie and the Funky Monkey, a Nutella- and whipped cream-topped Belgian waffle. Or go for the Kansas City-style barbecue ribs or brisket.

11 a.m.-8 p.m. Sundays. 5119 N Nebraska Ave., Tampa. 813-234-1000. ellasfolkartcafe.com.

Stella’s

This beloved Gulfport staple is popular with locals and tourists alike for its potent Bloody Marys, flights of mimosas and prime people-watching location. Its massive menu has all the usual brunch suspects like Benedicts and omelets, but it also has a vegan menu featuring a burrito and avocado toast.

7 a.m.-2 p.m. daily. 2914 Beach Blvd. S, Gulfport. 727-498-8950. stellasingulfport.com.

7th and Grove

Billed as a “no reservations brunch,” this Ybor City spot has menu items named for songs and artists, like the Gold Digger crab cakes, Everyday People shrimp and Gouda grits with fried okra and Cardi B white sangria. A buffet of Southern brunch assortments, dessert and endless mimosas is $49.

11 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Saturdays, 11 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Sundays. 1930 E Seventh Ave., Tampa. 813-649-8422. 7thandgrove.com.

Cassis

There’s plenty of indoor and outdoor seating at this spot perched on downtown St. Pete’s bustling Beach Drive. Since the popular restaurant also has a bakery, croissants, pastries and breads are a solid choice. Smoked salmon comes on a Benedict, an omelet and on a platter with a toasted bagel, onions, eggs and capers. Enjoy a mimosa made with fresh orange juice or a hand-squeezed juice of the day.

11 a.m.-3 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays, 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Fridays-Sundays. 170 Beach Drive, St. Petersburg. 727-827-2927. cassisstpete.com.

Daily Eats

A classic South Tampa spot that gets crowded on the weekends, Daily Eats is known for its quirky comfort fare including Cap’n Crunch French Toast and mimosas in a variety of flavors. The cozy spot boasts a large menu of brunch classics, from breakfast bowls and omelets to milkshakes and Bloody Marys.

Served before 3 p.m. daily. 901 S Howard Ave., Tampa. 813-868-3335. ilovedailyeats.com.

Oxford Exchange

You’ll be tempted to get dressed up for brunch at this elegant Tampa restaurant. Among the range of options are cinnamon swirl sourdough French toast, grilled chicken paillard salad and handhelds including fish tacos. Wash it all down with a selection of coffees, teas, cocktails and Champagne.

9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. 420 W Kennedy Blvd., Tampa. 813-253-0222. oxfordexchange.com.

American Social

This “luxury sports bar” in Harbour Island across from downtown Tampa overlooks Garrison Channel. Menu items include grilled chicken mac and cheese, and the Brunch B.L.A.T. with fried chicken, avocado and fried egg. Doughnut holes with Boston cream and peanut butter toffee are a decadent choice to share, and among the brunch drinks is Frose.

11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. 601 S Harbour Island Blvd., Tampa. 813-605-3333. americansocialbar.com.

Uptown Eats

Folks line up for this popular breakfast and lunch restaurant in St. Pete’s Historic Uptown neighborhood. It recently made Yelp’s list of top 100 U.S. restaurants, coming in at No. 21. The Uptown breakfast sandwich is a pleaser, with fried egg, collard greens, black pepper bacon and Uptown sauce. Among the several variations of breakfast bowls is the scone and gravy bowl, only available on weekends. Uptown Eats serves locally brewed coffee and three kinds of iced tea. A tip for newcomers: Place your order at the counter before taking a seat.

8 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. 689 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. St. N, St. Petersburg. 727-810-3287. uptowneatsstpete.com.

Red Mesa

Got a hankering for brunch, Mexican-style? Look no further than the original Red Mesa restaurant on St. Pete’s Fourth Street North, a classic spot for brunch in the ‘Burg. Options include brunch tacos, huevos rancheros, a green chile and steak quesadilla and more. Boozy beverages include mimosas, Bloody Maria (made with tequila), michelada and the Mexi Mosa (tequila, Champagne and choice of flavoring).

10:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. 4912 Fourth St. N, St. Petersburg. 727-527-8728. redmesarestaurant.com/brunch-menu.

Boulon

If you’re feeling fancy, this new Water Street restaurant is the place to go. You’ll find caviar service and oysters on the half shell on the menu, plus blue crab beignets and escargot. There are some less indulgent items too, like French toast and a Greek yogurt and granola bowl. The Tampa spot from Next Level Brands is inspired by French American brasseries around the world, so the Parisian cafe vibes are strong. Grab a coffee, pastry or loaf of bread from their bakery on your way out.

11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. 1001 Water St., Tampa. 813-768-9988. boulontampa.com.

Willa’s

Nestled in Tampa’s North Hyde Park, this all-day restaurant serves up lunch and dinner, plus brunch on weekends. You can peruse a brunch menu offering items like lemon poppy seed pancakes, potato onion latkes and a salmon bagel sandwich. There’s also a long list of brunch libations to dive into.

10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. 1700 W Fig St., Tampa. 813-519-4552. willastampa.com.

The Living Room

This spot with locations in Dunedin and Wesley Chapel has lots of brunch options, ranging from beignets to avocado tartine to eggs just about any way you’d like them. There are also $25 unlimited mimosas (there’s a two-hour time limit) that can be made with either orange juice or cranberry juice.

Starts at 10 a.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Locations in Dunedin and Wesley Chapel. tlr.restaurant.

The Estuary

This modern American restaurant opened in downtown New Port Richey in February, bringing brunch with it. Start with a hamachi crudo or crab rolls, and move on to a crab Benedict, tot waffle, croque madame or burrata toast, to name just a few options.

10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Sundays. 6220 Grand Blvd., New Port Richey. 727-807-5914. estuarynpr.com.