Southern Star

Fans of brunch at The Chimes, above, say divine dishes like the Benediction—decadent eggs Benedict topped with fried crawfish tails—make a Sunday pilgrimage here akin to a religious experience. Other unconventional but exceptionally prepared treats, like seafood-stuffed French toast and boudin omelettes, prove that the restaurant has evolved into so much more than a hangout for guzzling beer and noshing on cheese fries.
3357 Highland Road, 383-1754, and 10870 Coursey Boulevard, 296-4981

Wine and Dine

Enoteca Marcello’s Wine Bar and Café eschews more familiar brunch fare in favor of dishes influenced by the eatery’s roots both in Italy and south Louisiana. Diner favorites include such enticing entrées as smoked duck with waffles, Italian grits and grillades, and a quiche stuffed with spinach, caramelized onions and pancetta. And of course, vino enthusiasts won’t be disappointed by the fine wine selection available to accompany the meal.
4205 Perkins Road, 379-7662

Italian Inspiration

The always-buzzing atmosphere at DiGiulio Brothers Italian Café is true to its niche as an authentic neighborhood restaurant, but it’s the menu that keeps customers returning. Sunday brunch offers a twist on old-country flavors with offerings like pasta frittata and eggs DiGiulio—poached eggs over eggplant medallions with Creole sauce. The grilled tuna salad, a lighter option, features a dressing that combines tangy Dijon mustard with Steen’s cane syrup.
2903 Perkins Road, 383-4203

Big Easy Bounty

A taste of old New Orleans in an off-the-beaten-path location is what diners will find at Le Creole, run by restaurateur Wayne Stabiler with the same attention to detail he affords his Little Village hotspots. As the strains of piano music softly animate the room during brunch, patrons pick from a menu of artfully presented dishes, including cochon de lait Benedict and fried chicken with sweet potato waffles.
18135 E. Petroleum Drive (off Highland Road), 752-7135