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Brunch is taking over the world. What began as the preserve of the fabulous and hungover has become a city-wide phenomenon with almost universal appeal. I mean, it’s effectively breakfast, except you get a lie-in and nobody judges you for drinking within an hour of rolling out of bed. That said, eggs benedict can get a little boring if you have it every weekend, so why not try these internationally inspired brunches instead?
Asia de Cuba
Asia de Cuba’s Covent Garden restaurant sets the standard for fusion cuisine with its unique menu of chino-latino grub, and its brunch menu is something very special indeed. Order a la carte, or choose the decadent Cocktail Brunch, £48, which includes a galaxy of small plates, a main of your choice, unlimited Mexican doughnuts and bottomless bellinis, mimosas, mojitos or bloody marys. For extra special occasions, upgrade to bottomless Perrier-Jouet Brut NV champagne for £70 per person. Weekends, noon–4pm.
Dishoom
Just around the corner is Dishoom, famous for its Indian street food and mile-long queues. It also has branches in Shoreditch, King’s Cross and Carnaby Street, but wait times can still reach up to three hours at dinner time. Skip the lines and treat your tastebuds instead to an Indian-style brunch instead; dishes include the famous bacon naan roll – a bargain at £5.50 – and ‘The Big Bombay’, an Indian twist on a traditional fry-up. Every weekday 8am–11.30am, and weekends 9am–noon.
Coya
Mayfair restaurant Coya specialises in Latin American cuisine, and on May 1 it's launching its exclusive brunch menu, which features authentic dishes with seasonal ingredients such as ceviche and tiraditos. There's also – drumroll, please – a guacamole bar, where fresh avocados are smashed on demand to your personal taste. In addition, there are regular DJ performances and live chef stations, plus optional bolt-ons for bottomless champagne (£20) or Peruvian punch and Bloody Mary sharing jugs (£35/25 respectively). Sundays, noon–2.30pm.
Flesh & Buns
Moving on to Japan, Flesh & Buns’ bottomless brunch features an opulent menu of high-end Asian comfort food. Menu options range from £39 to £46, and include a welcome cocktail, bottomless wine or prosecco, unlimited small plates, signature steamed buns, chips 'n' dips and dessert for the table. Sundays and bank holidays, noon–4pm.
HKK
If you love duck, top of your bucket list should be HKK’s luxurious Duck & Champagne brunch. It comes in at £49 per person, but includes duck served in three different ways, a blue crab salad, dessert and half a bottle of champagne per person. Saturdays, noon–4pm.
Momo
Moroccan hideout Momo can be found tucked away behind Regent Street, which makes it the perfect pit stop after a few hours of shopping. Pop in for patisserie and a solid selection of teas, or arrive hungry and take down a tagine. Don’t miss the wood pigeon pastilla. Weekends and bank holidays, 11am–3pm.
Mestizo
You haven’t had proper Mexican food until you’ve had Mestizo, famous for its legendary Sunday brunch buffet and impressive tequila collection, rumoured to be the largest in London. You won’t find the brunch menu online as dishes change every week, but it’s always packed out so be sure to book ahead. For £19.99 you’ll get as much Mexican food as you can fit in your hungry little face, plus homemade desserts and unlimited aguas frescas. Sundays, noon and 2pm (two-hour sittings).
Honey & Co
Israeli cafe Honey & Co is famous for its big Middle-Eastern breakfasts, featuring creamy hummus, ashura cereal, homemade jams and a vast selection of exotic egg dishes. Arrive early for first dibs at the cake counter. Saturdays, 9:30am–11.30am.