The 10 best brunch restaurants in Phoenix

Brunch & Sip

3950 E. Indian School Road, #100
Brunch & Sip hits all the right notes when it comes to a vibey brunch. Over-the-top menu items that go beyond standard breakfast bites? Check. A bevy of cocktail selections that you can linger over well into the afternoon? Check. A friendly staff and charming indoor-outdoor space that has enough energy to feel festive but wouldn’t overwhelm your parents? Check. The restaurant is from Larry and Rasheedah White, venerable restaurant royalty in the Valley. The couple founded Lo-Lo’s Chicken and Waffles, and Larry is the grandson of Elizabeth White, the owner of Mrs. White’s Golden Rule Cafe. At Brunch & Sip, the Whites have worked Southern and Southwestern flair into their menu of sweet and savory dishes. When tucking into the Fried Chicken Biscuit, which has a wooden skewer through it to support the load, it’s clear why it’s on the “lifers” section of the menu. The fried chicken, sandwiched into a buttery, tender biscuit, is juicy and its flavor is reinforced by two pieces of crisp turkey bacon and zesty turkey sausage gravy. Though the owners’ other restaurant is known for its waffles, they whip up a tasty pancake, too. Keep your order simple or go for the gusto with regular features, such as tableside bananas Foster, or rotating monthly specials that are also decadent, eye-catching and delicious.

Cultura Mexicana

5713 W. Glendale Ave., Glendale
When you walk into downtown Glendale eatery Cultura Mexicana, the brightly colored murals set the tone. The walls, which feature Frida Kahlo, tropical birds, swirling flowers, a giant saguaro and a smiling, pink-legged chameleon, match the energy of the space, which on the weekends, is buzzing with large tables of families towing along their kids and catching up. Customers sip equally colorful drinks, all of which come a little dressed up. Horchata is served in a glass jar with a peanut dulce de leche rim and cinnamon sticks. Cafe de olla is served in mismatching colorful earthenware mugs. “Chocomilk” for the kids gets a swirl of chocolate syrup and a swirl of whipped cream. For food, the menu is split into two halves, breakfast and lunch, both of which are served all day. There are staples, such as a croissant breakfast sandwich and a breakfast burrito, along with creative options including tres leches French toast and Gansito-inspired pancakes. Two items not so frequently found on Valley menus include the Pambazo and Tecolota. The pambazo sandwich is the size of a football, with its bread dunked in bright red guajillo chile sauce and stuffed with chorizo and potatoes. The Tecolota features red or green chilaquiles folded into a sandwich and topped with crema, queso fresco, two eggs and a choice of meat. Red chile, carne asada and eggs over easy is our go-to order for this standout sandwich.

Fàme Caffe

4700 N. Central Ave.
The line of customers waiting to get into Fàme Caffe often snakes down the block – and for very good reason. The hungry diners know a thing or two about great brunch food, and at this counter-service joint, they can peruse the menu of coffee drinks and cocktails while deciding whether to go sweet or savory with their food. Place your order and find a table inside the contemporary farmhouse-chic space, or snag a seat on the tiny patio and soak up some sunshine. Menu highlights include the Parisian Omelet with button mushrooms and baby spinach and the Breakfast Sandwich with cheddar, tomato and thick-cut bacon. Whether you go sweet or savory, Fàme’s brunch options are well worth the wait in line.

Harlow’s Cafe

1021 W. University Drive, Tempe
Step back in time for brunch at this Tempe classic. Located amid the ever-evolving blocks around Arizona State University, Harlow’s Cafe remains the same. Cars pack the parking lot of this little wood-walled diner. Inside, customers crowd into booths and find seats along the table-height counter. The coffee is black, the burritos are huge and the servers are friendly, making this a perfect spot to start your day. First thing in the morning, you may find yourself surrounded by early birds and retired folks. A little later on, those nursing a hangover come in for sizzling bacon and hearty hash browns. We’re partial to the Chill Wills, which comes with a choice of eggs, choice of toast, sausage links, bacon, thick-cut slices of ham and hash browns. It’s impossible to leave Harlow’s hungry.

Jewel’s Bakery and Cafe

4041 E. Thomas Road
For those who don’t eat gluten, Jewel’s Bakery & Cafe is an essential Phoenix restaurant. For those who do, it’s still a gem. This breakfast and brunch spot serves an entirely gluten-free menu that is somehow, magically, packed with carbs. And these doughy treats are spot-on with both flavor and texture. The doughnut holes are light and fluffy with just the right amount of spring. The waffles are sweet and sturdy enough to hold a pile of crispy, breaded chicken and spicy bacon. Burritos are wrapped in supple, stretchy tortillas and the baked goods are a must, perfect for snacking while you wait for a table, or for a snack packed to-go. The drinks menu offers locally roasted coffee, bottomless mimosas and gluten-free beer. Along with its lack of gluten, the menu also has options for those who are dairy-free, vegan or vegetarian. The secret here is that nothing tastes as though it’s lacking anything. Brunch at Jewel’s is a total treat.

Lon’s at the Hermosa Inn

5532 N. Palo Cristi Road, Paradise Valley
If sitting in the dappled shade while listening to a gently rippling fountain and singing birds sounds like an ideal way to start your day, head to Lon’s at the Hermosa Inn for a relaxing and serene brunch. There is plenty of seating inside the Old West-style restaurant, but the peaceful patio, filled with giant cactuses, towering olive trees and tables filled with friends and families, is the spot to be on Saturday and Sunday mornings. Follow your server to a shady spot with cream umbrellas and tablecloths and order a blood orange or peach mimosa to kick things off. Appetizers aren’t always a given at brunch, but they shouldn’t be missed at Lon’s. Try the sticky, sweet monkey bread or an order of oysters on the half shell. Main dishes include Southwest staples such as chilaquiles and huevos rancheros. A hint of the coast comes into play with salmon Benedicts and shrimp tacos. Bright and fresh, the food matches the vibrant feel of the gorgeous patio.

Otro Cafe

6035 N. Seventh St.
While the menu is packed with greats, two items leave us drooling at Otro Cafe. We could write poems about the thick cut, crackly papas fritas. And the cajeta flapjacks? Well, you absolutely must order them. Regardless of what else you have for brunch, these pancakes topped with sliced banana, creme fraiche, caramel and candied peanuts should be on the ticket. Otro Cafe is a colorful, modern yet homey spot in uptown Phoenix with loyal fans. On weekends, tables are a hot commodity and the wait can be long. If you need a pick-me-up, head next door to Otro Cafecito and grab a cup of coffee or a fresh pastry to tide you over. Once your name is called, settle into a booth or a bistro table by the window for a delectable feast. The menu was created by Mexico City-born chef Doug Robson, who’s also known for his downtown restaurant Gallo Blanco and Uptown’s Tesota. Warning: the salsas are spicy, but they add an oh-so-satisfying zip to the savory offerings.

SugarJam The Southern Kitchen

15111 N. Hayden Rd. #170, Scottsdale
On a recent visit to SugarJam The Southern Kitchen, our server mentioned that the Southern Kitchen is known for its French toast. By that point, we’d already settled on ordering chicken and waffles and catfish and grits, but luckily, a side order of the aforementioned delicacy was available. And, oh man, was that recommendation right. Fluffy, thick-cut challah bread is marinated in Grand Marnier before it’s griddled to perfection with a crispy crust of sugar glazing the outside like the top of a creme brulee. And at SugarJam, attention is paid to every detail. The French toast doesn’t come with standard butter and syrup but instead with a whipped cinnamon butter and warm, rum-spiked and pecan-filled syrup for dipping and drizzling. Buttery grits sop up golden yolks of the two eggs that turn catfish or shrimp into breakfast. Chicken, heavy on flavor but light on batter, is the perfect topping to a lighter-than-air waffle that’s as bubbly as the mimosas on each table. On the weekends, SugarJam has a loud, lively party vibe. It’s our favorite spot to sneak out for a rare weekday brunch. 

The Toasted Owl Cafe

300 W. Camelback Road, #3
Flagstaff’s frequent fliers know all about The Toasted Owl Cafe, or at least are familiar with the sight of hungry customers lining up down the street for a table at the ever-popular brunch destination. When Toasted Owl landed in metro Phoenix, it brought all its kitschy charm and hearty brunch items. The first Valley location opened in 2023 at The Newton shopping center next to Changing Hands Bookstore on Camelback Road. A second location recently opened on the northwest corner of Cactus Road and Paradise Valley Parkway. Once seated at either of the Valley’s Toasted Owl Cafes, make sure to look around at all of the owl-themed artwork, knick-knacks, and furniture – everything is for sale. But you’re here for the food. Start with a warm cinnamon roll. These giant, soft doughy swirls make the perfect shareable snack before your meal, especially when paired with a cup of coffee or a foamy chai latte. For the main event, opt for a football-sized burrito spiced up with a jalapeno bacon kick or go French with the prosciutto and brie omelet paired with fig jam, arugula and a side of craveable potatoes. The brunch spot also offers an entirely vegan menu. The food at The Toasted Owl is worth the two-hour drive to Flagstaff, but we’re doubly grateful the commute is now a whole lot shorter.

Valentine

4130 N. Seventh Ave.
Melrose District mainstay Valentine is open all day long. But one of the best times to visit is during brunch, when selections from multiple different menus are available. The stylish spot specializes in wood-fired Sonoran and Southwestern cuisine, with a focus on Arizona ingredients. At brunch time, customers can choose pastry options like the pinon-stuffed croissant, a squash sticky bun with medjool dates and pistachios and blue corn shortbread. The drinks menu spans natural wines, creative cocktails and unique non-alcoholic sips, including hatch chile yuzu lemonade, a chiltepin shakerato or matcha blended with yellow watermelon agua fresca. We like to snack on a pastry and sip a coffee while waiting for our cooked brunch to hit the table. Try the churro waffle, a dulce de leche-topped, mesquite chai-spiced dream that has a cult following. For something to share, opt for the steak and eggs, which comes medium-rare, topped with squash salsa verde and paired with pork belly tepary beans and huitlacoche buttered tortillas. The line is often long for a table at Valentine, so we recommend making a reservation online or planning to peruse Modern Manor, the vintage furniture store in the back of the restaurant.