Breakfast or brunch…Just eat it up

Location: Gauteng, South Africa

It is said that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Although this may be a myth, I take this saying seriously. By now, most of you have probably figured out that I am all about experience and beautiful aesthetics 😊. Breakfast allows me to have a beautiful meal and feel boujee without breaking my bank account (and yes, the fact that I can pair it up with a mimosa plays a big part, but please focus on the topic at hand hahaha).

Whenever I try to find a good breakfast spot, the following things play a factor in my decision making:

• Taste: Some people say that “you eat with your eyes” and yes, to some extent that may be true, but nothing can replace flavourful and tasty food. Imagine food that looks Gordon Ramsey worthy, only for it to serve unparalleled palate disappointment… I cry real tears every time :(

• Service: This is probably the one thing (besides the taste of the food) that can determine whether or not I will be returning to an establishment. Also, because of the reduced complexity of breakfast (as compared to a lunch or dinner), I do not expect to wait too long to get my food, otherwise my entire system comes crushing down and I instantly become a patient (hahaha). I appreciate a happy and intentional waiter/waitress (one who notices what’s needed) or a manager that checks if customers are happy

• Affordability: I cannot imagine a world where I would be breaking the bank account for breakfast. No matter how many mimosas are enjoyed and irrespective of how amazing the food tastes… This cannot happen

• Aesthetics: Beautiful spaces are everything to me 😊. Something about them just allows for amazing conversation and beautiful faces and that makes the food taste even better

• Variety: Nothing upsets me more than a restaurant that plans their entire breakfast menu around eggs, because I am not a big fan of this form of protein. Sure, watching a runny eggs benedict gives me sheer pleasure, however, this meal is typically my default go-to when I cannot find any other option excluding eggs.

In no particular order and for various reasons, below are some of my favourite breakfast spot recommendations:

The Whippet on Linden, Randburg

Rating

This is a cute and cozy restaurant near Randburg and is perfect for reasonably priced brunch dates. Their portion sizes are rather decent with so many different options to choose from (all very tasty might I add). Perfect for a vibey outside breakfast, this restaurant loses a star on the basis that their offerings for vegetarians is quite and they are inconsistent on the taking of reservations.

Olives & Plates, Embassy Towers, Sandhurst

Rating

The food is scrumptious with excellent service. I would recommend this as one of the spots which are ideal for dates as the tables are perfectly spaced out, which allows for conversations that do not find legs to the next table. The restaurant also boasts with fresh air and scenery worth imaging. Out of the few Olives Plates which I have been to, this one ranks top, although the franchise is consistent across all restaurants with service and delicious meal offering.

Fairlawns Boutique Hotel & Spa, Morningside

Rating

Seeking intimacy with good food and a lovely setting? Then this would be the perfect place for you! It is also a good place to work from while sitting outside with poolside views or days where you find it hard to interact in not so intimate settings. Feel free to also treat yourself to a spa date while you’re at it and enjoy spending the day there! The venue only loses out on a star because of the limited options for vegetarians and some of their meal pricing is slightly on the expensive side

Tashas (any of their franchises)

Rating

If you’re looking for a breakfast spot while you’re at or near a mall, then Tashas is one of the options available to you. This happens to be one of the places which the general public enjoy, so it might get full at times but do not despair as the chances of you being disappointed with the food or service is very slim

Afro-broer, Equestria

Rating

Coming from Johannesburg, Afro-broer immediately offers a drive treat. With a number of home-made and unique options, I would take a few people with just so I can nibble on their plates too. If you happen to be a lover of baked goodies, this is the perfect place for you. From the seemingly traditional entrance, you will be invited by the smell of home baked scones, cake or the morning defining smell of toast. The restaurant is a family friendly restaurant, with jungle gyms on the open side of the restaurant.

Goddess Café, Southdowns

Rating

I would highly recommend this spot for a cute ladies outing. The aesthetics, menu and service ensure that you feel like a true goddess throughout your stay. The food is scrumptious, glittery (try some of the pink or lavender coffees) and affordable. Be sure to try their cakes too! This would have gotten a 5 however it tends to get packed so finding a perfect table is not always guaranteed.

The Northcliff, Northcliff

Rating

Another treat for sight and palette. In my previous post, there is a mention of the Northcliff and their dinner offering. The breakfast gives their dinner offering a complete run for money. Similar to Fairlawns boutique hotel, you’re more likely to get value out of the breakfast buffet. Limited, however great options. With that said, limited options on this menu aren’t at all a bad thing, because each serving receives the attention it deserves. There is very little to fault here, besides the provision of dairy yoghurt without a plant-based option.

Proud Mary, Rosebank

Rating

Oh hello new friend 😊.

Located in Rosebank Johannesburg, the lengthy and satisfactory selection of foods makes up for the not so pleasant parking experience. The restaurant also boasts with a wide coffee and scrumptious patisserie selection. Unlike other restaurants with limited vegetarian and vegan options, Proud Mary offers an inclusive offering and whether or not you are vegetarian, you are more likely to enjoy the offering across the full menu. Do try their honey French toast with bacon 😊, it just melts on the palette and the missing gap from there is a glass of Mimosa.

The Breakfast Club, Pretoria

Rating

If you are ever in Pretoria and are in need of an amazing vibe, great laughs with friends and a great day all around, then The Breakfast Club is for you. These brunches are held on weekends at 012 Central with tickets giving you access to a 3-course breakfast, 2 bottles of MCC and orange juice (read mimosas will be flowing hahaha) and a good time all around. A comprehensive DJ line up ensures that you enjoy great music while you catch up with your friends over brunch. Tickets are sold for R1500 for a table seating 4 people. Check out the HomeComing Events website for more information regarding ticket purchases and line ups for that weekend.

I hope that this read has given you a couple of options to choose from whenever you’re in need for a lovely morning out. Until next time, it’s byeeeeee for now 😊