Riverside's Best Brunch

Brunch in Riverside isn't a meal, it’s a full-on civic event. You can chase the perfect, crispy-edged sweetbreads at Le Chat Noir, which feels a world away from the University corridor, or you can grab a seat at Yellow Chilli and watch the seafood okra disappear.

We ate our way from the Mission Inn’s courtyard to a no-wait, gravy-smothered chicken fried steak at Flo’s, and yes, we judged every single hash brown along the way. Trust us, the line for Simple Simon’s apple chicken sausage is worth it, but so is the truffle crepe you didn’t know you needed.

Your plate is waiting.

Simple Simon's Bakery & Bistro

Highlights
Famous apple chicken sausage
Perfectly brewed black coffee
Fresh, tasty sourdough bread
Friendly, attentive service
Heavy, delicious pastrami melt

Simple Simon's Bakery & Bistro is the kind of place that makes you want to high-five your plate. I walked in, grabbed a seat, and ordered that famous apple chicken sausage. It's sweet, juicy, and honestly better than any apple I've ever paired with pork. The sourdough bread? Fresh, tangy, and perfect for sopping up every last bit of my pastrami melt. That melt was heavy in the best way. And the black coffee? Brewed just right, no fuss. The staff remembered my name by the second visit. Friendly, fast, and genuine. Simple Simon's doesn't try to impress you with tricks. It just nails the basics and makes you smile.

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Flo's Farmhouse Cafe

Highlights
Giant chicken fried steak
Best seasoned diner fries
Fresh, never canned meals
Big portions, zero wait
Family-friendly, welcoming vibe

Flo's Farmhouse Cafe feels like a warm hug disguised as a diner. The giant chicken fried steak nearly spilled off my plate. I'm not exaggerating. It was crispy, tender, and smothered in gravy that made my heart sing. The fries? Best seasoned in Riverside, hands down. Everything tastes fresh, never canned. I asked, and they confirmed it. Portions are huge, and there's zero wait even on a Sunday. The vibe is family-friendly, with kids laughing and locals swapping stories. I left stuffed, happy, and already planning my next trip. Flo's doesn't mess around. Big food, big heart, no waiting around.

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CURATE

Highlights
Staff goes above and beyond
Food quality absolutely worth it
Flatbread and steak shine
Free parking, plenty available

CURATE is a place where the staff genuinely cares. I showed up with a million questions, and they answered each one with a smile. The food quality? Absolutely worth every penny. I ordered the flatbread, and it came out crispy, cheesy, and loaded with flavor. My friend got the steak, and it was cooked to perfection, juicy and seasoned just right. We both kept stealing bites from each other's plates. Parking is free and plentiful, which is a rare gift in Riverside. The atmosphere is modern yet cozy. CURATE isn't just a meal. It's an experience that leaves you feeling like you won brunch.

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Mission Inn Restaurant

Highlights
Patio dining at its best
Johannes delivers standout service
Fair prices, generous portions
Memorable fish dish excellence
Beautiful courtyard atmosphere

Mission Inn Restaurant is where I go when I want to feel fancy without breaking the bank. The patio dining is pure magic. I sat outside, surrounded by the beautiful courtyard, and just soaked it all in. Our server, Johannes, was a standout. He anticipated our needs before we even asked. The fish dish he recommended? Unforgettable. Flaky, perfectly seasoned, with a sauce that tied it all together. Portions are generous, and the prices are fair for such quality. I left with that warm, content feeling you only get from a meal that exceeds expectations. The courtyard alone is worth the visit.

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RSVP restaurant

Highlights
Perfectly cooked salmon fillet
Great drinks and desserts
Warm, professional service
Excellent food quality
Calm yet lively vibe

RSVP restaurant surprised me in the best way. I ordered the salmon fillet, and it was cooked flawlessly. Crispy skin, tender flakes, and a buttery finish that made me close my eyes. The drinks? Creative and strong. The desserts? Decadent. I tried the chocolate something, and it was gone in minutes. Service was warm and professional, never hovering. The vibe strikes that perfect balance between calm and lively. I could hear laughter from the table next to me, yet I still felt like I had room to breathe. RSVP is one of those places you recommend to everyone. Just do yourself a favor and go.

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Alumni Dining Commons

Highlights
Friendly staff, unbeatable prices
Clean, welcoming buffet space
Great for group gatherings
Quality cafeteria-style eats
Kind service for guests

Alumni Dining Commons is proof that cafeteria food can be downright delightful. I walked in, and the staff greeted me like an old friend. The buffet was clean, organized, and full of quality options. I piled my plate with fresh salad, hot entrees, and a side of roasted veggies. Everything tasted homemade, not like typical institutional fare. The prices? Unbeatable. I could eat here every day and still have money left for dessert. It's also great for groups. I saw a family reunion, a study group, and a solo diner like me, all happy. Kind service and tasty eats make this a win.

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Mandi Xpress Yemeni Restaurant and Coffee

Highlights
Authentic Yemeni breakfast spreads
Tender, perfectly spiced mandi meats
Generous portions ideal for sharing
Fresh-baked flatbreads and teas
Warm, inviting local atmosphere

Mandi Xpress Yemeni Restaurant and Coffee took my brunch game to a whole new level. I walked in and the aroma hit me first. Spices, grilled meats, fresh bread. I ordered the breakfast spread, and it arrived like a celebration. Tender mandi meats, perfectly spiced, fell apart with a fork. The flatbreads were fresh-baked, warm, and perfect for scooping. And the tea? Sweet, fragrant, and comforting. Portions are generous, ideal for sharing. The owner came by to check on us, making the whole place feel like a family gathering. If you want authentic flavors and a warm welcome, this is your spot. I left happy and full.

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Le Chat Noir | French Restaurant

Highlights
Superb down-home French cuisine
Exquisite service, solid terroir
Sweetbreads rival France's best
Perfect duck, masterful sauces
Worth a trip alone

Le Chat Noir is a French gem that transported me straight to Paris. The down-home French cooking here is superb. I had the sweetbreads, and they rivaled anything I've eaten in France. Creamy, rich, and delicate. The duck? Perfect. The sauce? Masterful, complex, and deeply satisfying. Service was exquisite, attentive without being intrusive. There's a certain terroir to this place, a sense of place and history. I could spend hours here, sipping wine and savoring each course. Honestly, the trip alone is worth it for the food. Le Chat Noir is not just a restaurant. It's an experience that lingers long after you leave.

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Yellow Chilli Restaurant & Bar

Highlights
Seafood okra, generously packed
Pounded yam, perfectly smooth
Authentic Nigerian dishes, high-quality
Warm service, prompt and friendly
Repeat-worthy, five visits strong

Yellow Chilli Restaurant & Bar has earned my loyalty for five visits and counting. The seafood okra is a must-order. Generously packed with shrimp, fish, and crab, all in a rich, savory sauce. The pounded yam? Perfectly smooth, pillowy, and the ideal companion. Every dish tastes authentic, high-quality, and made with care. The service is warm, prompt, and friendly. They remember my order now, which makes me feel like a regular. If you haven't tried Nigerian food, start here. You won't be disappointed. This place repeats, and I'm already planning my sixth trip. Five stars, no question.

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Dos Hermanas Mexican food

Highlights
25 years of quality
Worth the hour drive
Flavorful Monday specials
Simple ordering, big taste
Local favorite for decades

Dos Hermanas Mexican food has been around for 25 years, and you can taste every bit of that history. I drove an hour just to get here, and let me tell you, it was worth every mile. The flavors are bold, authentic, and deeply satisfying. I went on a Monday for their special, and it was a steal. Simple ordering, but the taste is anything but simple. The place was packed with regulars, all locals who clearly know what's good. The service was fast and friendly. If you want real Mexican food that stands the test of time, this is it. I'll be back for sure.

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T-swirl Crepe - Riverside

Highlights
Amazing vegetarian-friendly options
Modern, quiet seating space
Great for studying nearby
Thai chicken crepe shines
Truffle lovers’ dream dessert

T-swirl Crepe - Riverside is perfect for a light, satisfying brunch. I ordered the Thai chicken crepe, and it was a revelation. Savory, with just the right kick, wrapped in a delicate crepe that held everything together beautifully. The vegetarian options are amazing too, so I'm told. The seating area is modern, quiet, and great for studying. In fact, I saw several students working on laptops, and I could see why. It's calm, comfortable, and the perfect place to be productive. For dessert, I tried the truffle crepe. Rich, indulgent, and worth every bite. This place is a dream.

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River & Post

Highlights
Scallops with risotto shine
Pistachio creme brulee delights
Rooftop views impress
Hard-to-choose menu options
Rich chocolate torte wins

River & Post is a brunch destination that has it all. The scallops with risotto? Absolutely fantastic. Plump, seared to perfection, and bathed in a creamy risotto that I wanted to lick off the plate. The pistachio creme brulee? A delightful surprise. Crisp sugar top, silky custard, and a nutty finish that had me swooning. The rooftop views are stunning, making the meal feel even more special. The menu is so good that choosing was hard. I almost went for the chocolate torte, but my friend got it, and it won. Rich, intense, and perfect for sharing. I'll be back to try everything else on that list.

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