Sunday can be scary, which is why it's a great day for a slow morning and a long brunch with friends, boozy or otherwise.
If you're in the East Bay looking for a fantastic spread of French toast, pancakes, eggs benedict or something with a less-classic twist, our list of must-try brunch spots in Oakland (and a couple just outside the official borders) will hit the spot!
See also: The 6 Best Brunch Spots In San Francisco
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1611 2nd Ave.; 510-663-7678 / Website
Just off the coast of Lake Merrit, Oakland residents habitually gather on Portal’s outdoor patio for a Sunday brunch that makes a fan of most everyone. The new American menu features French toast, mini burgers, a delightful eggs benedict and a popular pork belly salad. Portal is dog-friendly, so feel free to bring your pup, and make sure to get the mimosa pitcher to share. Try the carne asada chillaquilles, too!
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5422 College Ave.; 510-922-9443 / Website
Kitchen Story serves up a delightful fusion of American and Asian flavors. Their Millionaire’s Bacon, a sweet and spicy bacon dish, is a must-try. If you’re a fan of benedicts, there’s a whole section of the menu dedicated to the poached egg treat with classic Florentine and crab next to salmon yuzu and a country benedict with Korean fried chicken.
5353 Claremont Ave.; 510-655-6003 / Website
For a unique brunch experience, visit Alem’s Coffee in Oakland. Along with delightful coffee offerings, the Eritrean breakfast options including kicha fit with shredded housemade kicha bread stir-fried with Berbere and tesmi spices, the vegetarian spicy tomato bread soup, and Eritrean egg scramble provide a delightful twist on brunch.
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5179 Telegraph Ave.; 510-817-4169 / Website
For a taste of Filipino brunch, FOB Kitchen is your go-to spot. Brunch here is offered Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Try the adobo fried rice with sunny eggs and pickled relish, or the lechon kawali silog with thrice-cooked pork belly and garlic rice. You can’t go wrong with the longanisa hash, either!
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3407 Lakeshore Ave.; 510-251-0329 / Website
Shakewell, located in Oakland’s Lakeshore neighborhood, offers Mediterranean and Spanish-inspired brunch options. The Shakshuka with Moroccan poached eggs and the mimosa kit with orange juice and cava make for a perfect brunch combo.
1629 Park St., Alameda; 510-995-8041 / Website
Just a touch south of Oakland proper in Alameda, you’ll find a classic brunch with all the fixins. French toast, waffles with fresh fruit, seasonal scones and three-egg omelets get this party started, with an array of delightful savory croissants, croque madames and monsieurs, healthy salads and more. Sip on a sangria or specialty mimosa and get the day started right, weekends from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
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1807 Fourth St., Berkeley; 510-644-3230 / Website
Venture a bit further into Berkeley and discover Oceanview Diner. The classic diner fare, including fluffy pancakes and hearty omelets, situated inside the restaurant’s vintage aesthetic seating room, is well worth the trip!
Want more brunch, perhaps in the city? Check our list of favorite brunch spots in San Francisco, or check our list of best farmer's markets in the area.
Photography by: iStock
