Best Breakfast and Brunch Places in Darien

"West LoopWhen this West Loop pioneer opened back in 2003, the elegant yet approachable eatery quickly made a name for itself thanks to sleek communal tables, a forward-thinking wine list, and, most importantly, the juiciest medjool date dish the Midwest had ever encountered. Plump dates undergo the full hog treatment here, plied with spiced chorizo sausage before being wrapped in a thick slab of bacon, fired until crisp and crackling, and doused in a warm piquillo pepper tomato sauce that practically demands a hunk of good, freshly baked bread. Don’t think, just order.How to book: Reserve via Tock or order take-out and delivery via DoorDash, GrubHub, and Caviar."

"End your evening with dinner at Avec, an adorable, modern and warm spot where you can dine tapas-style. You absolutely must order the chorizo-stuffed dates. Holy moly, they are incredible!!!. You can thank me later."

"Make one large or four minis from the cookie dough balls ($3 each) in chocolate chip, peanut butter or funfetti flavors. The Lettuce Entertain You beach house concept restaurant in Lincoln Park never seemed to make much sense to me as a former Southern California resident, but we can all use a virtual escape right now."

"A post shared by Summer House Santa Monica (@summerhousesm) on Dec 6, 2018 at 11:55am PST. It’s easy to forget the frigid temperatures when you’re inside Summer House Santa Monica, a California-inspired restaurant in Lincoln Park. Each day comes with an assortment of holiday cookies, from reindeer to mittens."

"Translated as "My Friend Gabi," this Lincoln Park bistro and steakhouse is a delightful find for expertly prepared French cuisine. Expect traditional dishes such as steak frites, Roasted chicken grand-mere onion soup au gratin and escargots with garlic-herb butter, plus plenty of fresh seafood and seasonal Plats Du Jour. The French know their way around a dessert menu and Mon Ami Gabi does not disappoint with classic profiteroles with housemade fudge, creme brulee and chocolate mousse."

"Lakeview & EdgewaterPairs of satisfyingly chewy, oven-fresh, made-from-scratch cinnamon buns, intensely aromatic and drenched in a thick, creamy glaze, are the name of the game inside this long-revered breakfast hotspot. One whiff and you’ll never fall victim to a greasy mall kiosk bun-slinger again, we guarantee it.How to book: Stop by for first come, first served seating, call your nearest location for take-out, or delivery via DoorDash, GrubHub, Postmates, and Uber Eats."

"Swedish pancakes served with Swedish meatballs are on the menu at Ann Sather’s, which serves Scandinavian fare highlighting Uptown Chicago’s Swedish roots. With huge portion sizes, trendy offerings such as breakfast crab cakes and smoked salmon, fresh orange juice, and wait staff that keep the coffee flowing, Ann Sather’s is not just one of the best brunches in Boystown, but perhaps even Chicago."

"Real breakfast is found in the form of two giant cinnamon rolls for only $3.50 at Ann Sather. Dining on a budget has never tasted so good."

"Chicago Bagel Authority — lovingly known as CBA — isn't just the perfect Insta, it's also the perfect bagel sandwich. As the NYC bagel trend has made its way to Chi, these bagels give the Big Apple a run for its money. Their Steamwiches offer almost every sammie combination you can imagine."

"Eat This Right Now:  Chia Bagel – Vegan Loaded Bagel ($7.50). I’m not sure what is the best part of Chicago Bagel Authority. Their laid back atmosphere with couches, writing on the wall, and board games paired with their extra late hours makes it a great place to hang out."

"Chicagoans love sandwiches, so it’s no surprise that bagel sandwiches are a must. Chicago Bagel Authority is just a friendly reminder that bagels can be eaten at any time of day."

"The kitchen uses plenty of Szechuan pepper, dried chilies, garlic and ginger to create flavors that are incredibly addictive. Our favorites are Chengdu dumplings, crispy Chinese eggplant with ground pork, twice-cooked pork, mapo tofu, Szechuan prawns and “chef’s special” dry chili chicken. Trust us or choose at random—you won’t be disappointed."

"Lao Sze Chuan serves authentic Sichuan cuisine with high-quality materials and ingredients. They have tons of soup, fried rice, and even fried noodle options. There is even a section for "Chef's Recommendations" that includes dishes on the spicier side for those of you who like the heat."

"Sichuan-born chef Tony Hu opened his first La Sze Chuan restaurant in Chicago’s Chinatown in 1998. He’s since expanded the concept into a chain of nine restaurants across Chicago a..."

"Emperor's Choice is the premier restaurant for your takeout needs. They have classic favorites like General Tso's Chicken as well as more unique menu items like marinated jellyfish."

"Bua Hana is a contemporary and casual Forest Park eatery serving Japanese and Thai creations, including some top-notch sushi. Diners can mix and match from what's essentially three..."

"Arya Bhavan is an Indian buffet in Chicago that serves vegan, raw, gluten-free, and organic cuisine. Once you get a taste of their buffet, you’ll never want anything else. Indian food is often vegan by nature, but this Indian buffet in Chicago has made extra effort to ensure that all of their food is healthy and safe for the majority of Chicagoans everywhere."

"Arya Bhavan" translates to "Welcome to our home" from Hindi. The owners at this restaurant invite their guests to experience delectable vegan options from South Indian cuisine like chana masala and uttapam, and we never say no to an invitation this good."

"Cupitol is an all-day eatery located in Streeterville and Evanston that serves just what you crave after the sun rises. Choose various breakfast sandwiches and protein breakfasts like housemade corned beef hash poached eggs; a deliciously sloppy country Benedict with buttermilk biscuits, pork sausage gravy, eggs; and a European Breakfast with the thickest Greek yogurt you've ever witnessed, sprinkled with homemade almond granola, berries and local raw honey. Pancakes and Belgian waffles are made with a proprietary mix."

"This funky corner spot delivers dishes that are fast, filling and affordably priced. They’ve been featured on the Food Network favorite Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives and their well-lit interior and overstuffed menu means you’ll find exactly what you’re looking for in the best restaurants in Chicago. BIG & Littles | 1310 N."

"Must-Try: Japanese Beef Taco ($3.29) or Soft Shell Crab Po Boy ($7.99). The flavors are BIG and the prices are little at BIG and Little’s. This hole-in-the-wall turned multi-location across Chicago knows how to serve up tacos, burgers, po’boys, and sandwiches."

"Beyond Burgers & Fried Fish, this quick-serve spot was featured on Diners, Drive-ins & Dives & Chicago's Best along with multiply other TV appearances.Order Online for Pickup or Delivery @ bigandlittleschicago.com"