Looking to grab a round of mimosas with toast-worthy views of the Chattahoochee River, share a basket of fluffy biscuits, or savor exquisite French pastries that will send your taste buds on a trip to the bistros of Paris? No matter what you choose to dig into (or sip on), the most important meal of the day comes in countless mouthwatering ways in Sandy Springs. While breakfast and brunch sometimes get overlooked on the culinary front, there’s no denying that what restaurants are serving up here will make even the most discerning palates want to rise and shine for a taste. Here are a few of our favorite spots to enjoy breakfast and brunch in Sandy Springs.
Southern Bistro
If you’re jonesing for a classic Southern brunch, look no further than this husband-and-wife-owned eatery near Chastain Park. The atmosphere and the food at Southern Bistro strike the perfect balance of comfort and classiness, and you’ll find a curated menu of old-fashioned favorites with a touch of added flair. Fried green tomatoes with goat cheese and pepper jelly, apple cinnamon pancakes with granola and yogurt, and the Southern benedict with pimento cheese are just a few of the noteworthy menu items. And you might want to bring your stretchy pants (and consider skipping lunch, too) since portions are pretty darn generous.
Egg Harbor Cafe
Located right in the heart of Sandy Springs, the lively Egg Harbor Cafe is a staple for visitors and residents alike. It’s a great choice for families, with an extensive kid’s menu and family coloring contests. The menu features an abundance of egg-centric dishes feature prominently, of course, but the pancakes, potato skillets, and specialty waffles are equally as awesome. There are many gluten-free options, too, making it a cinch to find something for everyone. If you find yourself in line for a table (and you likely will on weekend mornings), you’ll enjoy the wait with a cup of free Intelligentsia Coffee in hand.
The Select
The Select is a stylish Art Deco inspired eatery offering upscale dishes and drinks in the middle of bustling City Springs. Known for their Instagram-worthy cocktails, European cuisine, and electric atmosphere, The Select is now branching out into the brunch game. You and your friends will love their elegant takes on classic brunch dishes including liege-style waffles, sourdough pancakes, eggs benedict, and steak and eggs. Pair your brunch favorites with a classic cappuccino or try a more bubbly drink like their passion fruit bellini.
Casi Cielo
Oaxacan cuisine may not be the first thing you think of when you picture a delicious brunch spread, but Casi Cielo is always looking to surprise and delight their customers. Casi Cielo is Spanish for almost heaven, and you'll be in heaven when you try their chilaquiles, huevos al gusto, or their duck and waffles. Yep, you read that right, waffles with fried duck confit! They also offer a variety of tasty brunch cocktails including a Bloody Mezcal and bottomless mimosas.
J. Christopher’s
More than 20 years ago, this Southeastern favorite was launched by two friends who were frustrated by the lack of breakfast options in their hometown of Marietta. Offering a vast breakfast menu and a welcoming atmosphere, J. Christopher’s has grown into one of the region’s most popular small chains. Whether you prefer your brekkie light and healthy like a breakfast parfait or on the sweeter side (strawberry waffles!), you’ll find plenty to love on the restaurant's creatively-composed menu. Be sure to ask about seasonal offerings, which include treats like pumpkin pancakes and gingerbread waffles.
Henri’s Bakery and Deli
Listen to your cravings 😋👆🏼#henrisbakery90years
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First founded in downtown Atlanta in 1929, Henri’s Bakery and Deli has served fresh, traditional French pastries for 90 years. When the original Chef Henri, who came to the United States from his native France in 1921, passed away in 1974, his grandchildren—and later his great-grandchildren—took over the business, vowing to carry on Henri’s delicious pastries and generous spirit. Henri’s Bakery in Sandy Springs is the second of its three locations and features a nice open interior, patio seating, and an extensive menu of decadent pastries with everything from donuts and honey buns to eclairs and tarts. And everything is baked fresh from Henri’s original recipes, so you’ll get a sweet taste of history with every bite.
Flying Biscuit Cafe
Every week, each location of this Atlanta institution bakes up a whopping 5,000 of its signature biscuits—which hungry customers have been gobbling up since 1993 when the original Flying Biscuit Cafe opened. Now, there are nearly 25 locations throughout the South, each with a cozy feel personalized to its neighborhood. The Biscuit, as some locals call it, takes time-honored Southern favorites and brings them up to date with fresh ingredients and subtle twists. The family-friendly vibe and all-day breakfast make Flying Biscuit a must-do while in Sandy Springs.
Cupanion's Kitchen + Coffee
What happens when two passionate chefs fall in love and get married? They create a restaurant that combines the best of their culinary talents. Cupanion’s Kitchen + Coffee offers nourishing handcrafted breakfasts, such as sweet potato biscuits, quiche, and the all-important avocado toast. The house-roasted coffee is divine, as are other specialty drinks like watermelon lemonade. The menu features Southern-inspired twists on breakfast staples, like a sweet potato fried chicken biscuit with honey butter. And don't forget to add a little house-made hot sauce to kick things up a notch.
Ray’s on the River
New spring & summer cocktails are here! Ask your server for more details. #RaysOnTheRiver
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Perched on the banks of the beautiful Chattahoochee, Ray’s on the River has long been a staple of fine dining in Sandy Springs. The culinary talents of chef Scott Hemmerly, who has cooked in some of Atlanta’s most prestigious hotels, make every meal at Ray's worthy of a visit, but Sunday brunch is on another level of gastronomic indulgence. The buffet offers a head-spinning selection, ranging from signatures like peel-and-eat shrimp and crab cakes to made-to-order omelets and Southern biscuits and gravy; add in a $16 bottomless mimosas, and you shouldn’t need another meal for the rest of the day.
Café Vendôme
This little artisanal bakery and cafe is Sandy Springs' little piece of Paris. While you’ll find standard brunch options like French toast and egg and cheese croissants, the real stars at Café Vendôme are the exquisite pastries and tarts that are handcrafted onsite daily. One look at the creme brulee, chocolate eclairs, petit fours, and array of other delicacies, and you'll find yourself ordering one of each. On your way out, grab one of Cafe Vendome's authentic French baguettes that are baked fresh throughout the day.
Whether you’re craving classic Southern fare or something a little more exotic, you’ll have no trouble satisfying your appetite in Sandy Springs. Offering a dizzying array of delicious food, its restaurants and cafes take seriously the idea that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Of course, when you see late-morning menus boasting signature biscuits and bottomless mimosas, you get the idea that brunch is pretty important too.
This is just a small taste of the breakfast and brunch offerings in Sandy Springs. Click here for more delectable options!
Written by Madison Eubanks for Matcha in partnership with Visit Sandy Springs.