Best Brunches in San Francisco: Spotlight on The Dorian

The Dorian- a two-story bar and restaurant on the prime real estate of Fillmore and Chestnut street in the Marina- has quickly established itself as a San Francisco favorite for boozy brunches, delicious nouveau-American dinners, and classy late nights spent sipping cocktails in its parlor-like lounge.   

I have been to the Dorian countless times since it’s opening last year, it being one of my very favorite bars in SF.  But this marina hot-spot is so much more than cocktails. Their brunch is so, so good. Think: chilled oysters & champagne, an incredible avocado toast, one of the best burgers you’ll find west of Texas, fresh SF seafood platters, and, of course, chicken & waffles (because what chic brunch spot these days doesn’t have a bomb chicken & waffles? it’s practically a rite of passage).

The Dorian is named for the Oscar Wilde character famous for his narcissism, good looks, and indulgence. And if that doesn’t fit the marina neighborhood stereotype, I don’t know what does. Expect a good-looking marina crowd that doesn’t mind spending money on the experience of a great brunch. The menu is impeccably crafted and the beautiful decor throughout the restaurant and parlor is an elegant twist on old hollywood. Think: a huge crystal chandelier centering the high-ceiling dining room, complete with plush royal-purple chairs.

What to order:

Mimosas (they come with multiple choices of juice to go with your champagne 🙂

Avocado Toast – chorizo-scrambled eggs top this deliciously grilled sourdough avocado toast- my favorite thing on the menu.

Oysters- because it’s brunch and what is brunch without oysters? They also have dollar oyster happy hours Tuesday-Friday from 4:30-6:30.

The Burger- Topped with carmelized onions and bacon jam. So, so good.

Cocktails

The cocktail menu boasts more than 75 whiskeys and craft martinis, as well as some really delicious wines (trust me, I’m picky about my wines). And any visit to the Dorian is incomplete without stopping by their gif-creating photo booth with your girls.