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Breakfast & Brunch Spots: Great Food in Oakland

Korean Fried Chicken and Waffles from Kitchen Story

Photo deliciousness credit: Kitchen Story

Open Weekdays + Weekends

These spots reliably serve breakfast on weekdays as well on weekends.

Peony Seafood Restaurant

388 9th St STE 288, Oakland, CA 94607
Recognized by Eater as well as locals for being one of the best brunch spots in the East Bay, Peony Seafood Restaurant serves up delectable dim sum with a diverse menu that includes favorite classics as well as new interpretations. Try the Piggy Custard Buns - cute steamed buns shaped like piglets and filled with sweet custard. Serving breakfast/lunch daily from 10:30am. Closed Tuesdays.

Sequoia Diner

3719 MacArthur Blvd, Oakland, CA 94619
Located in Oakland's Laurel District, Sequoia Diner offers daily breakfast and brunch in a charming cafe brimming with style and retro flair. Enjoy comfort classics, house-made sausages, delicious pastries, breads, jams, and more. Coffee is served up in colorful, seafoam-green, retro diner mugs. Open from 8am Weds through Sunday, and from 9am on Mondays. Closed Tuesdays.

Kitchen Story

5422 College Ave, Oakland, CA 94618
Located in the Rockridge neighborhood, Kitchen Story offers a unique brunch experience that blends Korean flavors with classic American dishes. You'll find reliable breakfast classics (avocado toast, popcorn chicken and waffles) as well as more decadent options, like mascarpone-stuffed deep-fried French toast topped with rich honey butter, or a galbi omurice covered in velvety demi-glace. Dark wood accents and checkboard floors create a cozy ambiance. Open M-F from 9am-2:30pm, and serving weekend brunch from 8am-3pm.

Montclair Egg Shop

6126 Medau Pl, Oakland, CA 94611
Tucked away in Oakland’s Montclair Village, Montclair Egg Shop has been serving up delicious breakfast and brunch since 1974. Open daily from 8am-2pm on weekdays and until 3pm on weekends, this veteran diner is especially well known for their eggs Benedict, but the menu is packed with tasty options. Diners can also enjoy a fun display of model trains.

Mama Royal's Cafe

4012 Broadway, Oakland, CA 94611
Open since 1974, Mama's Royal Cafe is a beloved Oakland institution that serves up hearty breakfast, lunch, and brunch daily. Rely on solid classics like Eggs Florentine, Croque Monsieur, a variety of omelettes, freshly squeezed orange juice, and more, sourced from local Bay Area growers and vendors.

Grand Lake Kitchen

Lake Merritt: 576 Grand Ave, Oakland, CA 94610
Dimond: 2042 MacArthur Blvd, Oakland, CA 94602
This popular neighborhood restaurant has two locations: one near Lake Merritt and another in the Dimond District. Both locations offer an all-day café experience with full bars, serving brunch until 3:00 PM and dinner from 5:00 PM to close. Known for their elevated comfort food, popular brunch items include the smoked fish tower, chilaquiles verde, and the Grand Lake burger. Both locations feature a dog-friendly patio.

FOB Kitchen

5179 Telegraph Ave, Oakland, CA 94609
Flavorful Filipino breakfast classics are served daily at this Temescal eatery from 11am-3pm, with brilliant brunch silogs (garlic rice, a fried egg, and other proteins) that include everything from veggie fried rice to perfectly prepared steak and eggs. Diners also enjoy the hip, turquoise-&-tropics-inspired decor.

Brenda's Oakland

4045 Broadway #101, Oakland, CA 94611
Located in the Temescal neighborhood, Brenda's offers a delightful breakfast experience that blends New Orleans flavors with classic comfort food. Signature items include their renowned hot beignets, available in flavors like plain, chocolate-filled, Granny Smith apple, and savory crawfish. Other popular items are their breakfast sandwiches, fried chicken, po' boys, and milkshakes. Open daily from 8am-3pm, serving breakfast all day.

Weekends & Sunday Brunch

These spots tend to serve breakfast and brunch on weekends only.

Almond & Oak

3311 Grand Ave, Oakland, CA 94610
Located in the Grand Lake neighborhood, Almond & Oak offers a delightful weekend brunch experience every Saturday and Sunday from 10am-2pm. Appetizing options include everything from fluffy beignets to cast-iron scallion cornbread, pork belly Benedict, shrimp and grits, mimoas, house-made tonics, and more.

Low Bar

2300 Webster St, Oakland, CA 94612
Located in Uptown, Low Bar offers a vibrant weekend brunch every Saturday and Sunday from 11am-3:30pm. Guests can enjoy a fusion of delicious Salvadoran and Filipino-inspired dishes, fun cocktails like their "3 fill" mimosas, breakfast cereal milk punches, and more.

Portal

1611 2nd Ave, Oakland, CA 94606
Located in Oakland's Lake Merritt neighborhood, Portal offers a popular weekend brunch on Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00 AM to 2:30 PM. Comfort classics include Chicken & Waffles, the Portal Plate (wo eggs any style, crispy brunch potatoes, and a choice of bacon, ham, or spicy chicken sausage), vegetarian Chilaquiles, and more. Enjoy lovely views of Lake Merrit from the outdoor patio.

Parche + Port Bar Drag Brunch

2295 Broadway, Oakland, CA 94612
Acclaimed Columbian restaurant Parche collaborates with The Port Bar to host Drag Brunch, featuring lively performances alongside a Colombian-inspired brunch menu. Guests can enjoy delicious dishes while watching dazzling drag shows, typically scheduled with seatings at 11 AM and 2 PM. Check the website for latest details.

The Fat Lady

201 Washington St, Oakland, CA 94607
Located in historic Jack London Square and known for its Victorian-era decor, the Fat Lady serves up a special Sunday brunch on the second Sunday of each month from 10am-3pm. You'll find everything from Grand Marnier French Toast and Croque Madam, to omelettes, Benedicts, sandwiches, and more. Reservations are recommended.