Top 3 Brunches in Orlando...So Far

In my quest for the best brunch offerings in Orlando, I have been fortunate to enjoy three delicious brunches recently. These are the top three I have tried, but there are so many more restaurants that I have been told have great brunch, including Soco Thorton Park, Hash Hash a Go Go, Briar Patch Winter Park and White Wolf Cafe. I hope to try them soon. Let me know your favorite brunch spot in the comments section below. Meanwhile, try not to drool over the scrumptious dishes that made it into Flavorful Excursions' Top Brunches list:

1. Two Chefs Seafood & Oyster Bar: Although Two Chefs began serving brunch only a few short weeks ago, the chef/owners got the menu and execution right from the beginning. $8 unlimited mimosas and a massive Blood Mary Bar are enough to draw diners in. Then, they will be delighted to find an extensive menu that features sweet and savory items, and both breakfast and lunch fare. We recommend the Rosemary Parmesan Waffle with Fried Chicken, the Duck Confit Hash with Fried Egg & Truffle Oil, the Cinnamon Roll and the Banana Bourbon Bread Pudding.

2. Artisan's Table: Like Two Chefs, the brunch menu at this beautiful, buzzing downtown eatery has everything you would want in a brunch: inventive plates that are both sweet and savory, and a wide array of breakfast and lunch items. I knew I was in for a treat when brunch started with a friendly server and classy tea presentation. The dish I had was heavenly, and I would highly recommend it: Breakfast in Bread, a puff pastry tart with medium cooked egg, crispy crumbled bacon, parmesan cheese and queso blanco. The Breakfast Potatoes on the side were perfectly seasoned and fried to the right amount of crispness, and I loved the garnish of scallions. Bonus points: General Manager Monica McCown was very accommodating with my food allergy substitutions. 

3. Dexter's: The restaurant chain has been offering great brunch for years. But I re-visited the Dexter's Lake Mary recently for brunch and was reminded that the local restaurant chain offers a unique take on traditional brunch dishes - and executes them well. My favorite brunch dish there is the Dexter's Benedict. I really like the addition of smoked turkey, along with tomatoes and spinach, as well as the flavorful hollandaise sauce. We also really liked the Country Style Chicken & Biscuits, Waffles and Blackened Mahi & Grits. The mimosas come in so many different flavors - including mango and yummy peach - and are inexpensive at $2.96 each or $12 for unlimited.

THE Place for Dessert, Port, & Long Chats

Flourless Chocolate Torte

CAUTION: If you are dieting, do not read this post. The mouth-watering desserts described in the following blog may cause you to run to The Dessert Lady. I have heard such great things about this dessert shop, lounge, and cafe on Church Street in downtown Orlando, and finally had a chance to try it out for myself this weekend.


The Dessert Lady is known for over-sized portions of several different delectable cakes and desserts, including: Chocolate Zuccotto, Cannoli Cake, Peanut Butter Pie, and Fudge Ripple Bread Pudding. It is best known, however, for its award-winning Carrot Cake, which includes a signature cream cheese icing and is served with creme anglaise and dark rum-soaked raisins.

Lemon Rum Cake

We wanted to try something different, so we ordered the Flourless Chocolate Torte, a rich truffle-like torte filled with coffee liquor then warmed and served with vanilla ice cream. The combination is a dark chocolate-y ooey-gooey mouthful of some of the best stuff on earth. We also ordered the Lemon Rum Cake, which is covered with lemon cream cheese icing and toasted coconut, and includes a rum glaze. The icing was flavorful - and I love the addition of coconut - but where was the rum? I truly expected a moister cake that had been saturated with at least a little rum. 


However, our overall experience in the restaurant - in a beautifully-renovated portion of the old Church Street Station - was wonderful. The atmosphere is perfect for a date night or for gathering a group of friends to enjoy a fine port or other beverage from the full bar and enjoy a long evening of conversation.


Cost: Expect to pay at least $10 per dessert, with sharing-size portions. Where: 120 W. Church St., Orlando.