Houston’s Brunch Scene Just Got a Lot More Interesting
Houston’s weekend routine just got a jolt of new flavors. From a Peruvian-Vietnamese mash-up to a Mediterranean feast in Montrose and a seafood-driven spread in Autry Park, a wave of both new and established Houston restaurants are rolling out fresh takes on everyone’s favorite weekend indulgence. Whether it’s four riffs on eggs Benedict or savoring a foie-gras macaron while being serenaded by a violin, these 10 new options are delivering bold brunches with global influences and tipsy tinctures.
New Brunch Spots in Houston
Several new restaurants have opened in Houston, offering unique brunch options. These include Alora Restaurant and Bar, Chardon, il Bracco, Maximo, Melrose, MF Lobster and Seafood, Okto, Relish Restaurant and Bar, Santé Lounge, and Traveler’s Cart. Each of these restaurants offers a distinct twist on traditional brunch dishes.
Alora Restaurant and Bar
Located in the former Kau Ba space in Montrose, Alora Restaurant and Bar touts itself as Houston’s only Peruvian-Vietnamese restaurant. For brunch, chefs and married couple Diego Ponce and Makala Ponce have created a menu that fuses the two cuisines — think Lima Hot Chicken and Pandan French Toast with aji limo pepper balanced by the sweetness of pandan. The Bò Né is a Vietnamese twist on steak and eggs alongside Comté cheese, pate, and tomatoes, while the salmon on crispy toast is crowned with guacamole, pickled vegetables, and a passion fruit vinaigrette.
Chardon
The Thompson Hotel’s fine dining restaurant launched in February, transporting both guests and diners to France with its fare. Chardon has become a destination in its own right, and the addition of weekend brunch makes it even more appealing. Classics like Quiche Lorraine and Croque Monsieur sit on the menu alongside creations of delicate Lox et Crêpe with dill crème fraîche and the Avocado and Haricot Vert Tartine topped with a jammy soft-boiled egg.
il Bracco
The Galleria-area Italian spot just upgraded its weekend offerings with several new bites. Housemade pastries include zeppole with orange marmalade, blueberry focaccia, and an artichoke and arugula scone. The weekend-only bucatini carbonara is now joined by shakshuka alla verde, the restaurant’s riffs on eggs in purgatory; frittata with asparagus, goat cheese, tomatoes, and arugula; and a mortadela sandwich on focaccia.
Maximo
The West U. restaurant’s weekend brunch offers a range of masa-based dishes. Consider egg Benedict that swaps the traditional English muffin for masa cornbread or cinnamon-sugar coated masa waffles that are topped with cheesecake whipped cream, Japanese peanuts, and agave syrup. Huevos ahogados, drowned in green tomatillo salsa, are served with a side of corn tortillas to soak up every bite of the mushrooms, greens, and Oaxacan cheese.
Melrose
Created by CultureMap Tastemaker Awards Chef of the Year Emmanuel Chavez, the Montrose lounge serves clever riffs on enduring brunch favorites. Options include charred tomatillo chilaquiles with poached eggs, an acai bowl served in a half coconut, hanger steak with eggs and chimichurri, and a breakfast sandwich made with scrambled eggs, cheese, and brown sugar-roasted “billionaire’s bacon” on a brioche bun.
MF Lobster and Seafood
The weekend spread at this Autry Park destination aims to elevate Houston’s brunch offerings. Think Benedicts made with silky hollandaise cascading over lobster, braised bacon, pork belly, or classic Canadian bacon. The indulgence continues with wagyu steak and eggs, buttery Maine lobster popovers, and bagels and lox featuring Ora King salmon and roe.
Okto
Sof Hospitality’s Mediterranean restaurant kicks off Sunday with a late-morning feast of fresh flavors such as pan con tomate salad with grilled sourdough and bruleed burrata and the rich notes of the beet-cured lox atop a potato apple latke. Other highlights include an omelet with blue crab and mascarpone and a crepe Suzette accentuated with Grand Marnier, candied orange, and whipped ricotta.
Relish Restaurant and Bar
The second outpost of this River Oaks staple opened in Memorial’s Town and Country Village at the end of 2024, but only added brunch to its repertoire at the end of April. Flaky herb biscuits, buttermilk pancakes topped with brandied pecans, and a salmon citrus salad with champagne vinaigrette are just a few of the dishes available.
Santé Lounge
The Upper Kirby lounge’s patio is sure to be a destination for the posh set this summer. Santé’s Sunday Funday Brunch features an elevated twist on classics like Dubai chocolate croissants, the grilled-to-order Santé burger with brioche, and a platter laden with five chilled seafood preparations.
Traveler’s Cart
The Street Market Brunch is an international affair with cinnamon-dusted Morning Churros, Chinese breakfast dumplings paired with a sambal-oyster-soy sauce, and charming fish-shaped Japanese taiyaki waffles with yuzu custard filling. Or dig into Turkish cilibir eggs seasoned with Aleppo pepper, smoked paprika, and za’atar oil.
Conclusion
Houston’s brunch scene has never been more exciting, with a diverse range of new restaurants offering unique twists on traditional dishes. From Peruvian-Vietnamese fusion to Mediterranean feasts, there’s something for everyone in this vibrant city. Whether you’re in the mood for something classic and comforting or adventurous and new, Houston’s brunch scene has got you covered. So why not get out there and start exploring? Your taste buds will thank you!
