We’re big on Brunch: no better way to cure the Sunday Scaries than ending the weekend with a festive meal. Here are a few favorites. 

Village Bistro, Chester
A favorite of ours for weekend brunch! We love the cozy, French-accented vibe and the creative offerings. They offer brunch on Saturdays, so you don’t necessarily have to navigate the Sunday Chester crowds if you’re in the mood for a yummy mid-day meal. From crispy chicken sandwiches and burgers to Duck Pastrami Benedict and fancy French Toast, we love it all. And don’t miss the light and refreshing (and pretty!) cocktails.
59 Main Street, Chester
villagebistroct.com

Little Riggs, Branford
Brunch here is anything but basic. Chef/owner John Kronfeld takes breakfast as seriously as the evening meal, and we’re all for it: You’ll want to drink the brown butter sauce that accompanies the mini corn waffles. Cheesy grits are studded with lardons, topped with hot sauce, scallions and a runny egg to mix in to the silky dish. Don’t resist the Belly Bombs: a mound of tater tots layered with cheddar cheese sauce, crispy beef bacon lardons, and topped with a fried egg. Lighter options are available, too.
3 Linden Ave. Branford 
thecheftruck.com

Edd’s Place, Westbrook
We are crazy for this waterside eatery and consider it a top pick for an easy and tasty brunch. From griddled coffee cake to fried chicken, egg, and spicy mayo between the best biscuit, we’ve loved everything that chef and owner, Liz Wood has dished. Good to know: No reservations. Dine in the porch or out at the picnic tables,  overlooking a pretty marsh.
478 Boston Post Road, Westbrook
eddsplacect.com

Toast & Tonic, Olde Mistick Village
This spot in the old Bleu Squid location in Mistick Village is a treat for breakfast, brunch and lunch, (with some afternoon options, too). I intended to eat half of my crispy smashburger dolloped with bacon jam and fried onions on a brioche roll (and – yikes- fries), but all of a sudden it was GONE. There are plenty of healthier options, too. My daughter had a very sane brunch of the Roasted and Toasted Salad: a pile of kale studded with pecans, crisped chickpeas, butternut squash, and pear slices, topped with fried goat cheese balls. Yum. There’s something sweet or savory for every taste: from shakshuka or a sweet potato bowl to all manner of grilled cheese and egg dishes. Also on offer are fresh-squeezed juices, creative cocktails, and mocktais. Don’t sleep on the cases of colorful cupcakes, lemon bars, gluten-free brownies, and scoops of chocolate chip cookie dough! More info and the menu:
27 Coogan Blvd, Building 16, Mystic
toastandtonicct.com

374 Kitchen + Cocktails
A family business that makes it to the second generation is a rare thing these days, but Flanders Fish is keeping customers fed and happy with all four kids in the biz and a recent expansion. The Formica family opened 374 Kitchen & Cocktails last winter. This new iteration, led by Liv Formica (Paul’s daughter and “best chef” according to New London Day), has a spunky attitude and a strong menu concept (everything is available every DAMN day, according to them), you’ve got lots of options for brunch.
374 Main St, Niantic
374kitchenandcocktails.com

Shipwright’s Daughter
We can’t get enough of this gem of a restaurant, nestled inside the ground floor of Whaler’s Inn in Mystic. In addition to their tasty Happy Hours, we’ll brave 95 in any season for their bright and inventive Brunch. Chef David Standridge never disappoints with dishes like Egg (Tomatillo!) Shakshuka or a platter of Chilaquiles in a perfectly spiced Mole Rojo, avocado, lime and queso. Don’t miss the biscuits with maple butter and jam and the Salt & Vinegar Onion Rings with “Pickle Powder” and “999 Island Dressing” if you see them on the menu. 
20 East Main Street, Mystic
shipwrightsdaughter.com

Fresh Salt at Saybrook Point Resort and Marina
Fresh Salt’s is the sort of brunch where you’ve just got to go all in. The offerings are endless from carving, waffle and omelet stations, to seasonal salads, specialty pastas and lots more. While you’re grazing, you’ll enjoy one of the shoreline’s most spectacular views (from inside and out), as the CT River meets the Long Island Sound. Go hungry and save room for dessert! Tasty Bloody Mary’s and vegetarian options, too.
2 Bridge Street, Old Saybrook
saybrook.com/dine/fresh-salt

Cocotte
I hate to play favorites, but brunch at Cocotte is a Sunday ritual. This tiny trip to France features perfect French omelettes, Croques of all kinds, and their signature cocottes filled with eggs and toppings (the Parisien is my favorite: two eggs baked in a mini cocotte with cream, chives, Lyonnaise potatoes, and bacon) and a lightly dressed Salade au Chèvre Chaud: crisp greens, melted goat cheese toasts, house-made mustard vinaigrette. The croissants and pastries are sublime, and you won’t leave the epicierie shop filled with authentic French products empty-handed. Gelato, too. 
323 Main Street, Old Saybrook
cocottect.com