Brunches come in all shapes and sizes: the ‘drink away last night’s mistakes’ brunch; the ‘professional networking’ brunch; the ‘girl’s day out’ brunch. And sometimes you’re just looking for a good daytime celebration. The 3 selections below are great for just that. Restaurants with beautiful decor and scenery (and, obviously, delicious food) that take the typical brunch up a notch. Enjoy!

Bluestem Brasserie
1 Yerba Buena Lane, SF 94103
http://www.bluestembrasserie.com/

Bluestem has an upscale feel while still managing to be relaxed and unpretentious. It’s a great, unexpected find just off Market Street in downtown SF. They offer an impressive brunch cocktail list, including the “Rude Awakening” (jalapeno, cucumber, lime juice, agave, tequila), which may just be the kick you need on a weekend morning. The brunch food, however, is what makes Bluestem worth writing home about. From the pork belly & sausage hash to the chicken & bacon waffles to the brunch burger (for those who are approaching brunch aggressively), you can’t go wrong with your order.

11am-3pm Sat/Sun

Waterbar
399 The Embarcadero, SF 94105
http://www.waterbarsf.com/

Waterbar quotes Adelle Davis on their weekend brunch menu, “Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince, and dinner like a pauper.” With their impressive menu (which changes weekly) ranging from seafood dishes such as a lobster roll or Hawaiian Ono to flank steak, you’ll certainly be dining like royalty. The menu also offers some more traditional brunch selections. The real splurge item on the menu, though, is the $20 “Ultimate Bloody Mary” which involves Grey Goose vodka, smoked bacon, shrimp, and their housemade spice blend. Pair the food and drink with a gorgeous view of the bay, and you’ve really accomplished the ultimate dining experience.

11:30am-2:30pm Sat/Sun

Palace Hotel
2 New Montgomery Street, SF 94105
http://www.sfpalace.com/brunch-in-san-francisco

If you’re looking for the perfect brunch location for a special occasion, or simply feeling the desire to splurge, check out the Palace Hotel’s Sunday brunch. The Garden Court where it takes place is truly spectacular (and the location where Michael Douglas comes crashing through the glass ceiling in “The Game”). The brunch buffet tenders something for everyone. Crepes, omelets, pastries, sushi, raw bar, dim sum, and of course, champagne and dessert. All of this is accompanied by live musical entertainment. It recently won the Open Table Diner’s Choice Award for Top Brunch Restaurants in the U.S.

11:00am-1:30pm Sundays; $90 for adults

Vanessa Irving is a content creator and editor for 500brunches.com. 500 Brunches connects you with like-minded people to meet in real-life again — over brunch.