Best Brunch Restaurants in Fairfield County

...is something wonderful to be seen. In between daily meals one and two is something very delightful for you. How Dr. Suess-y, eh? Wedged in-the-between is the one and only: Brunch. With a capital B, thank you very much. Brunch is divine. You can roll out of bed late and into a perfectly wonderful, relaxed meal that begs to be savored. It lingers beyond the lunch hour and helps you cruise effortlessly into dinner. 

“There is no sincerer love than the love of food” says a quote that I stumbled upon recently. I think that is pretty darned accurate, especially when it comes to this meal. Here, for you, is a collection of some lovely spots to help you turn this noun into a verb...so go forth and brunch! 

Did we miss one of your favorite Brunch spots? Let us know...

Some newcomers to the world of Brunch....

The ChelseaChelsea- (12 Unquowa Road, Fairfield-Sundays 11:30-3) Ok, you had me at the words “gastro pub”. Modern and vintage all at the same time, and their food echos this approach. They offer casual, pubby classics with modern edges such as their “Mom’s recipe” Bloody Mary made with house-infused vodka (cucumber/jalapeno, bacon, cilantro), tempura fried waffles or tried-and-true Steak and Eggs (theirs with char-grilled rib eye, custard eggs, bacon-onion hash and a brown butter bearnaise-Yowza). I didn’t even know you could deep fry a waffle but one must be open to new things, wink wink nod nod.

ElmElm (73 Elm Street, New Canaan-Sunday 11:00-2:30) Local farms and food artisans factor heavily into the Elm’s creations. Freshly squeezed juices, unusual cocktails, artisan cheese plates and creative savory and sweet dishes (porchetta with sunny-side up eggs, wild mushroom frittata, banana pancakes with candied pecans and the elmburger to name a few) will tempt your palate something fierce.

The Spread (70 N. Main Street, South Norwalk-Sundays 11-4). On their website, The Spread highlights a quote that says “There is no love sincerer than the love of food”. Well, get ready to fall in love at this hot-spot eatery that is joining the Brunch Bunch. Try out their deep fried rabbit (don’t see that everyday), brisket and eggs, or poached eggs on cheddar biscuits. Mornings should always start this well. And just to frost the cupcake, they will be having live music, too (late day through dinner). Eat up!

South End BurgerSouth End (36 Pine Street, New Canaan-Sunday 11-3, beginning 2/17) Seasonal, sustainable, comfortable food is highlighted here. For brunch, enjoy a variety of pancakes, organic grits and stone cut oatmeal, frittatas or their South End Breakfast which has so many parts that you will be at a loss as to where to start first (a happy loss, I might add). While you are at it, order up their Mid Day Mary...vodka, house-made Bloody Mary mix, and...wait for it...Bayley Hazen Blue Cheese. Woot! 

Olio (934 Hope Street, Stamford-Sunday 11:00-2) New American foods are the focus and they are brought together with many organic and local ingredients. Care to partake of some crispy pork belly sweet potato hash to accompany your brioche french toast? I think I will! And how can you pass up lobster eggs benedict? Not easily. Go and enjoy...there is even a wee kids menu for the young breakfasters in your bunch.

And some already established brunch spots...

Nicholas RobertsCLOSED Nicholas Roberts (75 Main Street, Norwalk-Breakfast Mon-Sat 8-11) A burrito called Talk of the Town...it sure will be with ingredients like spinach, crab cake and chorizo. Keep talking! Or how about an omelette with a crawfish beignet? Taking great care with their creations, Nicholas Roberts works to surprise and visually delight. Surprises abound here so don’t miss out.

Sugar & OlivesSugar and Olives (21 1/2 Lois Street, Norwalk-Sat/Sun 10-3) Texas French Toast with dulce de leche and whipped cream. Do I really need to say more? Ok, how about Cast Iron Weston Eggs with a risotto cake, wilted greens and a lime hollandaise? Brunch away in this chic yet welcoming space and start your day the right way. You will not want to leave their white leather couches for a good, long time.

Bloody Mary from South EndThe Schoolhouse at Cannondale (34 Cannon Road, Wilton-Sunday 10-2) In a little nook, in a little schoolhouse there was a duck confit frittata, a quiche with bacon, chives and goat cheese and some spiced bread pudding with coffee ice cream, all created by expert hands ...discover this wee gem in the cutest corner of Wilton, and enjoy a meal fit for a fairytale.

The Dressing Room (25 Powers Court, Westport-Sat/Sun 11:30-2:30)  Local, organic, sustainable and completely delicious. Buckwheat pancakes, farmhouse omelettes, salads (Newmans’ “Use a Spoon” salad is particularly fantastic) or even oysters and grits. If you’ve “never seen a grit before” (*name that movie) go here and spoon some up!

Valencia Luncheria (164 Main Street, Norwalk- Sunday 8-3:30) It might be Norwalk, but you might as well be on a Venezuelan beach. Deviate from the usual american breakfast staples and try one of their crisp, corn (filled) arepas, a huge omelette complete with sides of rice and beans (and oh, that cilantro sauce!) or a tortilla wrap. Be sure to wash any of this down with a milky batido (a lighter, smoothie-like beverage) in a variety of flavors. Try the guananaba...and say that five times fast.

Artisan (275 Old Post Road, Southport-Sunday 10-3) Sister restaurant to L’Escale in Greenwich. Artisan comes complete with a tavern, a formal dining room and an outdoor garden area, all casually elegant and relaxed. A la carte, prixe fix or Prime Rib Sunday brunch menus are available, highlighting a lovely array of New England-inspired dishes using seasonally driven ingredients. Mini lobster rolls or Eggs Meurette, anyone?

Cafe Lola (57 Unquowa Road, Fairfield-Sunday 11:30-2:30) You wake up one Sunday and go for brunch...in Paris. Everyone’s fantasy, right? If that doesn’t happen to be the Plan A, then as a good Plan B, you can skip to Cafe Lola and enjoy their crepes, Croque-Monsieur, Croque-Madame and even some pink champagne. Ah, oui...c’est tres bien! This bohemian nook will have you imagining the Seine, the artists and all that the City of Light has to offer. 

Bernard’s in Ridgefield- As long as we are on a french kick, you might like to try this restaurant, which was recently voted Best Brunch in CT Magazine and Best French Restaurant. Go to Bernard’s tout de suite and enjoy a brunch appetizer, entree and dessert for a fixed price per person. Hold onto your berets for some delightful truffle sauces, terrines, and duck egg casserole. 

L’escale (500 Steamboat Road, Greenwich-Sundays 11:30-3) French and waterfront: two very lovely words that describe L’escale restaurant. Oysters, clams, tuna tartar, steaks, french delights (crepes, omelettes, brioche french toast) are offered on their extensive menu. Dine happily while enjoying a beautiful view of the harbor. Ahhh....

(*My Cousin Vinny (1992) starring Marisa Tomei and Joe Pesci)

Note: All times listed in restaurant descriptions are offered Brunch hours.