Chef’s Never Order These Items at Brunch—Here’s Why

Brunch: the magical meal where breakfast meets lunch, and indulgence is the name of the game.

From bottomless mimosas to decadent waffles, it’s a weekend ritual for many.

But here’s a little secret—chefs have strong opinions about what NOT to order at brunch, and they’re spilling the tea (or coffee).

If you want to avoid wasting your money or ending up with a disappointing plate, read on.

These are the dishes chefs never order at brunch—and why you might want to skip them too.

1. Basic Eggs: Overpriced and Underwhelming

Eggs might be the cornerstone of breakfast, but ordering them at brunch? Big mistake, according to chefs. Scrambled, fried, or poached—they’re just too simple to justify the hefty price tag most restaurants slap on them.

“Egg dishes are all too easy to make at home,” says Greg Lopez, executive chef at NOUN Hotel. Plus, they’re often marked up for profit. Why pay $15 for scrambled eggs when you can whip them up in minutes in your kitchen? Instead, Lopez suggests going for something more adventurous—think stuffed French toast or an inventive breakfast sandwich.

2. Avocado Toast: The Instagram Darling That’s Not Worth It

Yes, it’s photogenic. Yes, it’s trendy. But avocado toast is another brunch item that chefs avoid like the plague. Why? It’s overpriced for what it is.

Most restaurants serve a basic version with minimal toppings, leaving you paying $12-$18 for something that costs a few dollars to make at home. Want avocado toast? Save your cash and make it yourself—with all the toppings your heart desires.

3. Eggs Benedict: A Recipe for Disaster

Eggs Benedict might sound like a luxurious choice, but chefs warn it’s one of the easiest dishes for restaurants to mess up.

“The hollandaise sauce is often lukewarm or broken, the poached eggs can be overcooked, and the English muffin soggy,” says Chef Justin Cucci of Root Down Denver. Unless you’re dining at a spot known for nailing this dish, you’re better off skipping it.

4. Corned Beef Hash: Mushy and Forgettable

Corned beef hash has potential—when done right. But more often than not, it arrives as a mushy mess with cold eggs on top. Tony Marchese of TRIO in Palm Springs advises against ordering this dish unless you’re confident in the restaurant’s execution.

If you’re craving something meaty, opt for a short rib sandwich or another creative protein-packed option instead.

5. Yogurt Parfaits: A Snack Disguised as a Meal

Yogurt parfaits might look healthy and refreshing, but they’re usually overpriced and underwhelming in portion size. Chefs agree: this is something best left for home.

Layer some yogurt, granola, and fruit in your own kitchen—you’ll save money and probably end up with a more satisfying serving.

6. Oatmeal: The Ultimate Rip-Off

Unless you have dietary restrictions that limit your options, oatmeal is one of the worst things you can order at brunch. It’s cheap to make and costs pennies per serving at home—but restaurants will charge upwards of $10 for a bowl that’s often bland or watery.

Natasha Feldman, a private chef, puts it bluntly: “Why pay $10 for 30 cents’ worth of oats?”

7. Steak and Eggs: A Chewy Gamble

Steak and eggs might sound indulgent, but unless you’re dining at a high-end steakhouse, you’re likely getting a tough, low-quality cut of meat that leaves your jaw sore from chewing.

If you can’t resist this classic combo, ask about the cut of steak being served—or save it for dinner when quality is more likely to shine through.

8. French Toast: A Hit-or-Miss Affair

When done well, French toast can be divine—crispy on the outside, custardy on the inside. But when done poorly? It’s thick, doughy, and drowning in syrup that turns soggy before it even hits your table.

Alex Willen of San Francisco Brunch Club warns that French toast is one of the most inconsistent dishes on any brunch menu. Unless you trust the restaurant implicitly, proceed with caution.

9. Doughnuts: Sweet Regret

Sure, doughnuts are delicious—but they’re also one of the least satisfying brunch choices if you’re looking for something substantial. Chef Deb Gangale recommends skipping these sugary treats unless they’re from a bakery renowned for their doughnuts.

Instead, lean toward savory dishes that will keep you full without causing a mid-day sugar crash.

10. Chilaquiles (Unless It’s an Authentic Spot)

Chilaquiles—a Mexican dish featuring fried tortillas smothered in sauce—can be heavenly when prepared properly. But many non-Mexican restaurants fail to get the balance right between sauce and crunch.

Unless you’re dining at an authentic Mexican spot known for its chilaquiles, this dish often ends up as an overpriced pile of soggy chips.

Why Chefs Hate Brunch (and You Should Be Selective Too)

Brunch might seem like an elevated meal experience—but behind the scenes? Many chefs despise it. The kitchen staff is often overworked from Saturday night service and stuck making uninspired dishes like pancakes and bacon platters that could easily come from a diner.

The takeaway? Use brunch as an opportunity to try something unique or indulgent that you wouldn’t (or couldn’t) make at home—like ube waffles with Japanese fried chicken or shakshuka bursting with flavor.

Skip the basics. Go bold or go home!