6 Must-Try Brunch Spots in Essex, Morris, and Union Counties: The Ultimate Guide to Weekend Indulgence

New Jersey is a great state featuring dense city living, suburban neighborhoods, and relaxed residential communities surrounded by nature views. Essex, Morris, and Union Counties all have unique characters that have cultivated a varied and delectable brunch scene. From expertly crafted coffees to luxury Sunday brunch buffets, here are six spots to try for the ultimate weekend indulgence.

A must-visit for brunch-goers interested in West Orange real estate is the upscale restaurant and dining at The Highlawn. This landmark venue looks out onto iconic NYC skyline views for an unbeatable destination. Brunch here features New American cuisine prepared by an award-winning culinary team. Guests can reserve a table for Sunday brunch, open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Guests can choose from a selection of classy starters like the Highlawn Seafood Platter, with its array of oysters, clams, shrimp, and lobster paired with sauces and garnishes. Choose a savory entrée like the skirt steak with a side of marble potatoes and chimichurri, or go the sweet route with the doughnut French toast. The generous slices are topped with maple honey, Nutella, and bananas.

The Committed Pig has two locations in Union County, making it easy for residents nearby to partake in their a la carte brunch. This award-winning restaurant has garnered acclaim from The New York Times and local publications like NJ’s Best for its contemporary take on American comfort food. This restaurant utilizes the best ingredients in its creations, seeking out quality flavors from across the country.

Guests can stop by for brunch all days of the week to check out one-of-a-kind plates. Try out their pumpkin pie pancakes, the fluffy cakes served with a sweet cream cheese glaze. The challah toast is another must-try, the fluffy bread filled with a cinnamon custard batter and topped with powdered sugar. Heartier options like the croque madame are also available, fried egg and sourdough toast topped with mornay sauce and Gruyere.

Those looking for Florham Park homes for sale can stop by nearby brunch spots like South + Pine.  The classic American menu is locally sourced and features seasonally changing options for guests to explore. Eat in the comfort of the casual dining room, looking into the open kitchen, or on their large patio. This high-end American eatery is open for brunch on Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Kick off brunch with savory bites like the spicy lamb meatballs, the seasonings tempered with refreshing Greek yogurt and cucumber. Mains like the salmon club are served on a nine-grain bread and topped with delicate lemon aioli. Guests can also keep it traditional with the three eggs, any style served with house-made maple sausage and hash browns. The refreshments are just as refined with options like the cucumber mint cooler and ginger+turmeric elixir.

Blue Morel is an upscale restaurant and wine bar ranked one of the top 10 new restaurants in the U.S. The farm-to-table experience combines seasonal ingredients from local farms with the creativity of expert chefs to cultivate a delicious menu. Blue Morel offers a daily breakfast as well as an extended breakfast buffet every Sunday from 6:30-11 a.m.

Order elevated staples like the omelet with a range of fillings guests can pick themselves. This perfectly cooked dish is served with a side of potatoes, greens, and toast. Brunch goers can also opt for a continental breakfast complete with a side of yogurt, fresh fruit, and pastry. Don’t forget essential morning beverages like their espresso and cappuccino.

A well-known brunch spot near Florham Park homes for sale is Florham Park Diner. Located in downtown Florham, this spot has served the town since 1991 and is open all days of the week. The generous menu is full of breakfast and brunch specials alongside a selection of pastries, cakes, and pies.  

Guests can try out house-stuffed omelets such as the mushroom and goat cheese omelet served with fresh avocado. Breakfast wraps like the Mexican breakfast burrito are satisfying creations filled with scrambled eggs, three meats, and salsa. Brunchgoers can also choose from their renditions of eggs benedict, pancakes, French toast, and waffles.

With a location in Union County and two venues in Essex County, Rock ‘n’ Joe Coffee is the perfect spot to visit when exploring West Orange real estate. The restaurant blends its love for a good brew with rock ‘n’ roll energy, offering lattes, drip coffees, and pour-over beverages crafted with the freshest beans. Food and pastries are made daily for a tasty meal.

Start brunch with an artisan coffee served hot, iced, or frozen. Mixtures like the raspberry mocha are an addictive combination of flavors, while their French press is just the drink to jumpstart a day. Alongside an assortment of daily baked pastries, guests can order specialties like the huevos rancheros. This generous dish is served with three eggs atop tortillas paired with black beans and salsa.

Essex, Morris, and Union Counties are full of brunch spots with their unique take on morning-time cuisine. Stop by luxury spots like The Highlawn or South+Pine for their award-winning menus and gorgeous venues. Other local spots like The Committed Pig and Florham Park Diner are just as special for their quality American dishes. If you’re interested in learning more about the gastronomy scene in New Jersey or you’re ready to start a home search in the area, contact experienced agent Ilona Berlaga for expert help.