Best Boston Brunch Spots to Kick Off the New Year
Boston’s brunch scene resets every year with new openings, menu pivots, and fresh rooms worth planning a weekend around, here’s where to start.
At a Glance
Neighborhoods: Back Bay, Beacon Hill, Seaport, South End, Roslindale, South Boston, Brookline
MBTA: Green Line (Copley, Hynes, Kenmore), Red Line (Broadway), Orange Line (Back Bay), Silver Line (Courthouse)
Dietary tags: Included in extras
Hours: Vary by restaurant (verified individually)
Updated December 2025
Back Bay — Faccia Brutta
Faccia Brutta’s coastal Italian menu has always leaned bright and herb-driven, and its brunch, rolled out during its first full year, lands with the same Mediterranean energy that keeps tables full well past noon. The patio spills onto Newbury when weather cooperates, but even in colder months the front room feels sunny enough to fake it.
Order the lemon ricotta pancakes if you want something classic but lifted; the cacio e pepe scrambled eggs hit when you’re craving something savory but not heavy. It’s the kind of brunch where you stay for a second drink because the pacing is dialed in, and nothing feels rushed. Faccia has become a “first brunch of the year” staple precisely because it’s celebratory without being fussy.
Reservations/Wait: Book ahead on Resy; walk-in bar seats early
When: Weekends 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
MBTA/Parking: Green Line Copley; limited Back Bay meters
Dietary: Gluten-aware menu, multiple veg-friendly plates
Accessibility: Street-level entry; accessible restrooms
Link: https://www.facciabruttaboston.com
Beacon Hill — Café Gloria
Café Gloria opened quietly, but its soft Euro café format has made it one of the most charming brunch stops near the Common. The room is tiny in that Beacon Hill way, with polished wood, warm lighting, and pastries that rotate by season, so your New Year brunch feels more curated than chaotic. Their croque madame is the move when you want something classic done cleanly, and the almond financier with citrus is ideal for “just one more bite.” It’s also an easy pick for groups that don’t want a long, boozy brunch; the flow is fast, and the vibe stays relaxed even when it’s packed.
Reservations/Wait: No reservations; early arrival recommended
When: Daily 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
MBTA/Parking: Red Line Charles/MGH; neighborhood parking tight
Dietary: Solid vegetarian options; GF pastries rotate
Accessibility: Narrow entry; compact interior
Link: https://www.cafegloriaboston.com
Seaport — Grace by Nia
Grace by Nia puts a performance spin on brunch with live jazz, polished cocktails, and Southern-leaning plates that match the room’s glamour. It launched its weekend brunch in 2024, and it’s become one of the city’s most booked brunch experiences because it treats the meal like an event, not a checklist. Shrimp and grits arrive creamy and richly seasoned, while the fried chicken and waffles pull off the balance of crisp without grease. It’s an excellent “first brunch of the year” pick when you want to dress up a bit, hear something live, and make the meal feel like a celebration.
Reservations/Wait: Required; books out on weekends
When: Sundays 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
MBTA/Parking: Silver Line Courthouse; paid garages nearby
Dietary: Vegetarian/gf-friendly modifications available
Accessibility: Fully accessible; ample space between tables
Link: https://www.gracebynia.com
Back Bay — Gordon Ramsay Burger
The Boston outpost arrived in 2024, and while a burger spot isn’t the obvious brunch pick, the menu leans into brunch-adjacent items that land surprisingly well, especially if you prefer savory over sweet. Think breakfast sandwiches turned up a notch, oversized patties with runny eggs, and shakes that essentially double as dessert. It’s a casual, high-output option that works especially well for groups staying in the Back Bay for the weekend. When the New Year crowd wants something quick but elevated, this is a strong fit.
Reservations/Wait: Line moves fast; minimal wait before noon
When: Opens 11:00 AM daily
MBTA/Parking: Green Line Prudential
Dietary: Veggie burger available
Accessibility: Fully accessible inside the Pru
Link: https://www.gordonramsayrestaurants.com/boston/burger
South End — Shore Leave
Shore Leave refreshed its brunch menu in 2024 with tropical flavors and lighter interpretations of diner staples. It’s the kind of spot where coconut pancakes actually deliver, and where a pineapple-sage spritz feels right at 11 a.m. without going too hard. The room’s energy is upbeat but not chaotic; it’s a place to reset after the holidays while still feeling like you’re out somewhere fun. The spam musubi benedict is the sleeper favorite, salty, crisp, and comforting.
Reservations/Wait: Reservations encouraged; bar seats open early
When: Weekends 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
MBTA/Parking: Orange Line Back Bay; nearby garages
Dietary: Vegetarian options strong
Accessibility: Ground-level; accessible restrooms
Link: https://www.shoreleaveboston.com
Roslindale — The Square Root
The Square Root’s 2024 relaunch brought a sharpened menu, better coffee, and a dedicated brunch service that locals quickly adopted. The room feels like a neighborhood hub, warm, unfussy, and ideal for easing into a new year. The breakfast burrito is notably hefty but balanced, and the Benedict with house-made hollandaise is the sleeper item. It’s the most “community brunch” on the list, in the best possible way.
Reservations/Wait: Walk-in; steady turnover
When: Weekends 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
MBTA/Parking: Needham Line Roslindale Village; street parking
Dietary: Vegan/GF swaps available
Accessibility: Accessible main dining room
Link: https://www.thesquareroot.com
South Boston — Moonshine 152
Moonshine 152 rolled out a refreshed 2024 brunch menu with playful takes on global comfort food, exactly what the restaurant is known for. Diane Kochilas’s influence shows up in smart flavor pairings, and the dishes land somewhere between inventive and deeply comforting. The kimchi hash is the standout and works perfectly for a New Year reset with a spicy edge. Expect a crowd, but the flow stays efficient and friendly.
Reservations/Wait: Walk-in heavy; early seats easiest
When: Weekends 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
MBTA/Parking: Red Line Broadway
Dietary: Vegetarian-friendly options
Accessibility: Street-level entry
Link: https://www.moonshine152.com
Brookline — Bar Vlaha
Bar Vlaha expanded brunch service in 2024, bringing Greek village dishes into a late-morning format that feels both rustic and celebratory. The yogurt pancakes with honey are an easy pick, but the savory pies and grilled halloumi are what set this brunch apart. It’s a warm, communal setting, ideal for gathering friends after the holidays without the pressure of a big production. Everything feels grounded and vibrant at the same time.
Reservations/Wait: Reservations recommended
When: Weekends 10:00 AM – 3:00 AM
MBTA/Parking: Green Line Coolidge Corner
Dietary: Excellent vegetarian selection
Accessibility: Accessible entry
Link: https://www.barvlaha.com