The UK and London's best brunches with an international twist
From Peruvian to Middle Eastern, these restaurants prove there's more to weekend brunch than avocado on toast
Theo Randall at the Intercontinental
This newly launched brunch invites diners in to enjoy 'la dolce vita' in true Italian style, with a generous four-course feast showcasing the best of the country's produce. Try not to fill up too much on the help-yourself antipasti – as tempting as the platters heaped with vibrant salads, cured meats and specials such as Anguilla affumicata (smoked eel with beetroot) and octopus might be – as to follow is Theo's signature vegetable ravioli and your choice of secondi. Options include roasted sea bream with potatoes and sweet datterini tomatoes, earthy wood-roasted guinea fowl stuffed with prosciutto di Parma, thyme and mascarpone, and light-as-air baked soufflé with courgette and Fontina cheese. Those with a sweet tooth will want to hold out for the shared dessert plate – including a palate-cleansing Amalfi lemon tart – which can be topped up at the counter and, if there's still room, help yourself to a made-to-order crepe with your choice of fillings. The brunch is available for £45 on Sundays, and for £57 with unlimited Prosecco on Saturdays.
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InterContinental, 1 Hamilton Pl, Park Lane, London, W1J 7QY; theorandall.com
Roka
Inject some drama into your weekends with a visit to Roka. Based around robatayaki, a centuries-old style of cuisine originating from when northern Japanese fisherman would cook their fresh catch on the boat, the restaurant features an impressive grill nestled amid diners where you can watch your dishes be prepared in front of you. For brunch (£49), you are met with a Bloody Mary, Bellini or iced tea on arrival, before having your pick of the starters from the counter. The main event, however, is the array of grilled seafood and meats, from beef ribeye and baby back ribs glazed with spiced stock, to salmon teriyaki. Make sure to stay for dessert, where you'll be treated to a sharing platter of refreshing exotic fruits and sweet treats.
Roka, 4 Park Pavilion, 40 Canada Square, Canary Wharf, London, E14 5FW; rokarestaurant.com
Lima Fitzrovia
Michelin-starred Lima Fitrovia has recently started serving brunch, giving another welcome excuse to sample Virgilio Martinez's award-winning Peruvian cuisine. While there is a concise a la carte brunch menu – try the Maca and Potato Pancakes – served until 12:30pm, make an occasion of it with the set long lunch available all day. Here you have your pick of starter, main and dessert for £35, including traditional dishes such as fresh mixed ceviche, including tuna, octopus and seabream, and the country's classic confection alfajores. There's also the option to add bottomless pisco punch for £20, where you can pick from a selection that sees Peru's signature spirit mixed with flavours such as lime and celery or the more unusual chicha morada, a beverage made from purple corn.
31 Rathbone Place, Fitzrovia, London, W1T 1JH; limalondongroup.com/fitzrovia
Margot
Paulo de Tarso and Nicolas Jaouen worked together at Scott's before launching Margot at the end of last year, showcasing the diversity of Italian cuisine from its location in the heart of Covent Garden. The highlight of its weekend brunch menu, available between 12-4pm, is its Mediterranean take on the humble egg; have it poached on tomato and avocado bruschetta with crispy pancetta, fried with burrata and finocchiona Toscana salami or scrambled with smoked salmon. If you fancy something sweet ask for the torta del giorno – cake of the day – or opt for the light Italian lemon crepes accompanied by wild berries and mascarpone.
45 Great Queen Street, Covent Garden, London, WC2B 5AA; margotrestaurant.com
Honey & Co
Splash out on Honey & Co's Big Breakfast, priced at £16.50 per person, and you won't be disappointed. The Middle Eastern restaurant specialises in food designed for sharing, and soon after you order the table will be weighed down with freshly baked bread, hummus, tomato fatoush, olives and pickles as well as its signature spice-packed ashura cereal and homemade jams. Then comes the hard choice of picking from the extensive list of egg dishes; go spicy with a Merguese sausage roll with marinated tomatoes, harissa with a Cornish farm egg, or choose the classic tomato-based shakshouka, which here also comes in a 'green' option with spinach and herbs.
25a Warren Street, London W1T 5LZ; honeyandco.co.uk
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