This highly Instagrammable eatery—run by San Carlos native Jennifer McAteer Johnston and her husband, Sean—is easy to find: Just look for the crowds during weekend brunch hours, when the kitchen churns out delectable dishes such as a fried chicken sandwich and an avocado tartine. Don’t miss the bakeshop specials, like fruit-laden scones accompanied by housemade jam. Adults can also enjoy a range of loacal family-owned wines from Bay Area vineyards, while the kiddos chow down on buttermilk pancakes. 1696 Laurel St., San Carlos
The Sunday brunch buffet at Navio, located at the Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay, is quite a production. Come hungry, with at least a couple of hours set aside; seatings start at noon. Walk off your meal afterward by strolling the resort’s stunning oceanfront grounds. 1 Miramontes Point Road, Half Moon Bay
Jeffrey Stout’s Orchard City Kitchen delivers amazing, ingredient-driven food in a contemporary setting. According to Stout, almost every table orders the Triple B: biscuits, bacon and honey butter. And while there are some familiar dishes in the lineup, don’t miss creative spins such as Loco Moco, made with a hamburger patty, fried egg, rice and mushroom-shallot gravy. Wash it down with a P.O.G. mimosa . The menu's Hawaiian influences are courtesy of GM Cyrus Schultz, who hails from Maui. The Pruneyard, 1875 S. Bascom Ave., Campbell
South Bay restaurateur and chef Jim Stump’s Willow Glen establishment dishes up contemporary American cuisine, with brunch offered Wednesday through Sunday. While the weekday and weekend menus differ, fortunately both include the ricotta beignets with lemon curd; spring polenta with roasted asparagus and prosciutto; Scotch egg with romesco sauce; and an excellent burger, available with cheddar and potato wedges. The bottomless mimosas are another major selling point here. 1110 Willow St., San Jose