Cayman's best... Brunches
Going to Sunday brunch for a birthday, holiday weekend or “just-for-so” is a modern Cayman resident way of life. For most, it is about drinking copious amounts of booze at a discounted price, making the food an afterthought. After a few months of researching and experiencing Cayman's most popular brunches, I have come to realise that it should be about more than cheap drinks and mass-produced food. Therefore, I have narrowed my favourite brunches down to those that I believe embody a great dining experience from food and drinks to service and ambiance. Check out my list of #caymansbest brunches in Grand Cayman.
Anchor & Den at The Grand Cayman Marriott Beach Resort
12:00-3:00 pm. All Inclusive, Buffet Style.
Anchor & Den is one of the "younger" hotel brunches and continues to push the limits each year - just check out their page in my Seven Mile Beach District Guide. This buzzing restaurant located in the foyer of the Marriott Beach Resort & Spa welcomes guests with their vast space and earthy decor - think wooden furniture, natural materials, cool hues and light-filled windows. Self-proclaimed to be a rotating brunch you can always expect a few changes each week. The food stations typically found at their brunch include sushi, raw bar, carvery, charcuterie, healthy bites, salads, lunch items, classic breakfast, desserts, as well as the chance to build-your-own crepes and omelettes. They are also very accommodating to diners with specialty diets, from vegans to gluten allergies, so rest assured that there will be something for everyone in your group. The drinks included are substantial with the inclusion of a welcome cocktail, unlimited sparkling wine and a self-serve station featuring three different cocktails and even bottles of wine. An added bonus is that all of the seating is indoors, so there's no reason to stress about your table location in the hotter summer months.
Epicurean Tip: Anchor & Den’s brunch has become so popular that they put out extra tables in front of the bar. If possible, request to be seated in the main dining area near the buffet or beside the windows as the front get a bit crowded.
Ave Restaurant at The Kimpton
12:00-3:00pm. All Inclusive, Buffet Style.
Ave at the Kimpton Seafire Resort & Spa is has been a popular brunch spot from the start. Not only do residents explore this stunning boutique hotel, but once they arrive at Ave they have the option to sit inside their modern, brightly lit restaurant or on the second floor outdoor terrace with 180o views of Seven Mile Beach and the Caribbean Sea. Ave was the first hotel restaurant to change the typical brunch format by offering sparkling wine alongside three specialty cocktails. Their buffet-style brunch leans more towards being fresh and light, with a raw bar, sushi, salads, roasted vegetables, charcuterie and cheeses as the focus, but there's also a limited, yet tasty, selection of desserts, breakfast and hot lunch options, including an omelette station. Having a smaller selection of hot items is a different approach, but also quite smart as it ensures that the quality of the food remains consistent throughout the day.
Epicurean Tip: For groups with 12 or more you may find it difficult to sit everyone all together (especially inside), so book sooner rather than later.
Ristorante Pappagallo
11:30am-2:30pm. All Inclusive, Buffet Style.
Ristorante Pappagallo, one of Cayman’s oldest restaurants, has a loyal following of residents and tourist, but in recent years it has also become one of the most popular places to flock to for brunch. Located in West Bay on a 14-acre bird sanctuary you instantly feel welcomed by not only the environment, but their long-serving staff and owners. Their brunch is priced at three levels for adults from CI$65-125, where you can opt for no bubbles, unlimited prosecco or unlimited Tattinger Champagne. The overall menu is impressive as they feature so many different global flavors in such an intimate space. This is made possible by design as tables are placed along the edges and around a central pillar in the main rotunda. The tables along the edge feature your signature hot items: breakfast classics, carvery, lunch items, soups and a specialty Chef’s corner that has some of my favourite bites - miniature baked brie, lobster dumplings and spinach rangoon. Centrally around the pillar you’ll see a vast amount of items from the cold appetisers menu, including salads, cold cuts, sushi and a seafood raw bar. With only a limited amount of portion set out at a time staff are regularly refreshing this cold apps to ensure that you don’t have seafood salad, tuna poke or cured meats that’s been sitting out too long. End your brunch experience with their selection of delicate and luscious dessert that sit in front of the bar area.
Epicurean Tip: This is at an additional cost, but if you’re waiting on your entire group to arrive or want to have a tipple when it’s all over, head to the bar. Most likely you’ll see long term Pappagallo bartender Lupo who is known for his fresh fruit cocktails and espresso martinis.
Seven Restaurant at The Ritz-Carlton
12:00-3:00pm. All Inclusive, Buffet Style.
Seven at the Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman is one of the best restaurants on island and their brunch is by far the most luxurious. Before the doors even open they serve eager guests a welcome cocktail to prepare them for what's to come. On entering you'll notice that the space is bright as sunlight floods in through the floor-to-ceiling windows. Guests have the option of dining outside under their covered patio or indoors at a variety of booths and tables nearby (or in between) large glass wine racks. What makes this brunch so incredible is the attention to detail when it comes to service, the quality of the products used throughout and, of course, unlimited Moët & Chandon champagne. They offer delicious breakfast items, lunch options, charcuterie & cheeses, but I was particularly impressed with their fresh sushi, dim sum, salad bar, oysters, caviar and desserts. It should be noted that brunch at Seven only runs from November to May (high season) so don't miss out!
Epicurean Tip: If you have a large group, request seating at one of two large round tables located between the glass wine racks. It’s a unique area to sit, gives your group a bit more privacy and you can chat easily to everyone.
Yoshi Sushi
11:30am-3:00pm. All Inclusive, A La Carte. Drinks Packages Available.
Yoshi Sushi is one of Cayman’s Best Sushi restaurants, but they have been hosting a fantastic brunch for an all-you-can-eat & drink affair. They have a massive, double-sided menu for you to choose from which includes a wide selection of sushi, sashimi, ramen, teriyaki bowls and much more. With an a la carte approach, and a no waste mentality, it’s recommended that you order a few items at a time from your server. Brunch focuses on Japanese cuisine and includes some of the most popular items from their regular menu. If you feel overwhelmed by the amount of options (like I did!) you can let your server be your guide and they’ll bring a few recommended items to your table. One of my favourite aspects of this brunch is that they offer two drinks packages to choose from depending on what you’re in the mood to spend. You can keep it simple by going with the 'Kyoto Package for unlimited prosecco & house wines (red, rose & white), or the outrageous ‘Tokyo Package’ with unlimited wines, champagne, highballs, beer, sake and 4 of their signature cocktails, including my favourite, a lychee martini. If you’re a fan of espresso martinis or caesars you can include this to the package for an extra CI$5. As you can imagine the restaurant is always buzzing on a Sunday afternoon, because who doesn’t love an amazing deal!
Epicurean Tip: Seating for brunch takes place at tables with chairs, but also tables with built in low seating. If you have any issues getting up and down from low seats make sure you request an actual table.