Not to brag, but I am a brunch connoisseur. I love nothing more than a huge menu, bottomless coffee, tons of mix-and-match options, and that need-to-take-a-nap feeling after a delicious combination of sweet and savory. While the post-brunch naps disappeared when we became parents, we do enjoy the slowness of a morning meal and the delight in my daughter’s eyes when her huge plate of food appears. Here are a few of my favorite family-friendly brunch restaurants in Boston’s MetroWest!
Fresscafe :: Natick and Framingham
This is our family’s go-to brunch spot on a weekend. Just a short bike ride from our house, FressCafe has everything, including outdoor dining in the warm weather! FressCafe has a huge list of specialty omelets and a rotating menu of seasonal specials. Their fruit cups (our daughter’s favorite) are seasonal and filled to the brim with berries, bananas, apples, and grapes. No filler melon found here!
Mel’s Commonwealth Cafe :: Wayland
Mel’s Commonwealth Cafe is always bustling, but you never wait long for a seat. Always ready for a smiling kiddo, they have coloring pages, crayons, and high chairs/booster seats at the ready. This is one of those places that has a menu the length of your arm, and nothing disappoints. My absolute favorite is their country inn french toast.
The Farmer’s Daughter :: Sudbury
This lovely farm-to-table restaurant has the perfect upscale but family-friendly vibe. If you are looking for more of a restaurant feel versus a diner, The Farmer’s Daughter is perfect. The menu has fresh, interesting flavor profiles for adults plus great options for kids, so everyone can find something delicious.
Lookout Farm :: Natick
Lookout Farm is wonderful for so many occasions, including brunch! Their year-round taproom and seasonal outdoor dining are the perfect spot to grab food and let kids be kids. With a mix of your expected breakfast foods, like eggs and BBQ, Lookout Farm offers a true mash-up of breakfast and lunch options, plus delicious house-brewed beer and cider!
Eli’s Diner :: Natick
A local favorite, Eli’s Diner is where you head if you want a burger for breakfast. With a small footprint, you may wait a bit for a table, but the ThingAMaFig omelet is well worth it. Eli’s has some of my favorite combinations for omelets and burgers — plus, who doesn’t love truffle fries?
Zaftigs :: Natick
An outpost of the original Brookline location, Zaftigs is your spot for that Jewish deli brunch. We never wait for a table, and the walls are covered in eccentric artwork that delights our daughter. Potato pancakes are a staple order for us, and we never tire of the fried egg BLT on challah and the apple and cheddar omelet.
Lloyd’s Diner :: Framingham
I was thrilled when I found Lloyd’s Diner. A historic lunch car diner, Lloyd’s is everything you want in a traditional diner — and then some. With pancakes the size of your head, Lloyd’s is the epitome of a greasy spoon diner (in the best way possible). If you can, sit in the original lunch car section (it’s a tight squeeze but very fun). The aesthetic is very different from your normal brunch location, and our daughter loves the old car out front. Lloyd’s is cash only, so come prepared!
J & M Diner :: Framingham
Another local favorite near the Natick Mall, J & M has that fun 1950s vibe. Be prepared to wait for your table, but you can join the waitlist via Yelp to help deal with your antsy, hungry kids! The diner is around in the back, so don’t be confused when you pull in and see a strip mall storefront. Homemade corn beef hash is an adult crowd favorite, and waffles piled high with whipped cream are sure to please any kid.
The Cottage :: Wellesley
My daughter and I recently headed here to meet a friend who was visiting town. Inside dining is a calm, put-together vibe, and the outdoor patio is nestled in a delightful nook of Wellesley. With a smattering of fun boozy brunch options for adults, it was difficult to pinpoint what to try first on the menu! While there is no designated kids menu, I was able to augment sides with my egg dish to keep my brunch-loving daughter happy.
The Spoon :: Hopkinton
Breakfast? Brunch? Ice cream? Get all three at The Spoon (breakfast/lunch) and The Spoonery (ice cream) if you time your brunch right! If what you really need to get going on your weekend is a good cup of coffee, The Spoon has you covered! With an easygoing vibe and notably friendly staff, I can’t think of a better way to start the day!
Mauro’s Village Cafe :: Southborough
2 Mauro’s Cafe :: Ashland
Mauro’s original location in Southborough is exactly what I think of when I picture “local diner” — wood paneling, counter seating, cozy, and bustling. It feels like the place everyone in town goes to get the latest gossip. Round it out with a grilled muffin, homemade waffles, and bottomless coffee, and you’ve got perfection in my book. The Ashland location is larger and offers outdoor seating in the summer months.
The Local :: Wayland and Wellesley
The Local is a great spot with easy parking (Wayland location) if you want to do a group brunch with friends and family of all ages. The menu is American fare with your classic options — half the menu leans breakfast and the other half covers lunch, so everyone can find something to eat. When I dined here last, one member of our group had pretty specific food allergens, and The Local passed the test in being able to accommodate her needs!
Looking for even more great brunch spots? Once you’ve made your way through these MetroWest restaurants, try our favorite brunch places in Boston!
