Five Can’t-Miss Boston Brunches

Our November 2025 issue is out now—and with it, our annual Top 50 Restaurants list. Researching the list means a lot of late nights—and a lot of morning headaches that require a hearty brunch as the cure. Here are five recent standouts where we like to upgrade our weekend with everything from full Irish breakfasts to Parks and Recreation-themed creations to afternoon tea. (For more top brunch picks, consult our periodically updated guide here.)

Dim sum at China Pearl. / Photo by Rachel Leah Blumenthal

China Pearl

Dumplings, rice-noodle rolls, egg custard tarts—oh, how we’d missed you. Closed since the early days of COVID, this dim sum mainstay finally reopened in 2025 with a fresh, modern renovation. While the gold-accented space feels sleek and new, the carts packed with dim sum staples are as good as they’ve always been.

9 Tyler St., Chinatown, Boston, 617-426-4338, chinapearlrestaurants.com.

Coquette. / Photo by Richard Cadan

Coquette

Looking for an excuse to get dressy? Gorgeously dripping in shades of pink and floral décor, Coquette is your excuse. The coastal Mediterranean spot offers a pastry-laden afternoon tea tower for two alongside dishes such as Tuscan kale scramble and spicy eggs in purgatory. Drinks like the martini made with house pineapple vermouth go down even easier on Saturdays, when there’s live jazz.

450 Summer St. (Omni Boston Hotel at the Seaport), 617-419-8140, Seaport District, coquetteboston.com.

Grana’s lobster quiche. / Courtesy photo

Grana

This chandelier-bedecked Langham hotel dining room buzzes with power brokers during the week, but weekends belong to brunch in a former bank’s high-ceilinged grandeur. Cannoli-inspired pancakes and big milkshakes meet old-school luxury—think lobster quiche and caviar-topped burrata.

250 Franklin St. (The Langham, Boston), 617-956-8765, Downtown Boston, granaboston.com.

A spread of food at McGonagle’s, including a chicken and leek pie, chicken curry, pizza, and more. / Photo by Rachel Leah Blumenthal

McGonagle’s

Unlike the boisterous dinner service, brunch at this highly acclaimed modern-Irish spot overseen by chef Aidan McGee—who worked in Michelin-starred restaurants overseas—is a relaxed affair. Roll in for a hearty full Irish breakfast, and don’t forget the Guinness; staffers here are absolutely obsessed with pouring the perfect pint.

367 Neponset Ave., Dorchester, Boston, 617-514-4689, mcgonagles.com.

Moonshine 152’s “Ron Swanson Brunch-Inspired Chipotle Pulled Pork Scallion Pancake Quesadilla.” / Photo by Rachel Leah Blumenthal

Moonshine 152

Rotating Jell-O shots and a Ron Swanson–inspired pulled-pork-and-scallion-pancake quesadilla are just two reasons to hit up this over-the-top Southie brunch—and did we mention the award-winning fried chicken? Overly hospitable staff, come-as-you-are vibes, and always-fun specials sweeten the deal at chef-owner Asia Mei’s beloved neighborhood gathering spot.

152 Dorchester Ave., South Boston, 617-752-4191, moonshine152.com.

A version of this piece was first published in the print edition of the November 2025 issue as an addendum to the Top 50 Restaurants list.