By Jaimie Julia Winters
As Mother’s Day approaches and warmer weather invites diners outdoors, brunch season is in full swing across Kearny and North Arlington. Whether you’re planning a celebratory meal for mom, gathering friends for a sunny weekend outing, or simply craving a leisurely late-morning feast, local restaurants are serving everything from elegant eggs Benedict and French toast creations to steak sandwiches, specialty coffees, and garden patio cocktails. Here are a few standout spots to consider for your next brunch reservation.
Q’tal Bar & Grill
Q’tal Bar & Grill offers brunch from noon to 3 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, making it an ideal option for those who prefer a later start to the day.
Executive Chef Edney Moreira’s menu features elevated small plates such as edamame dumplings with sautéed mushrooms and pistachio tapenade ($18), Angus sliders in both vegan and carnivore styles ($14), short rib croquettes with spicy aioli ($14), and beef carpaccio with caper sauce and Parmesan ($19).
Heartier entrées include grilled chicken, salmon, and steak and eggs. Guests can pair their meal with a mimosa or Bloody Mary, then enjoy the restaurant’s inviting backyard garden — a favorite during spring and summer months. Reservations are recommended.
Q’tal Bar & Grill
3 Kearny Ave., Kearny
201-997-7825
Barbara’s Cafe
Barbara’s Cafe delivers a cozy café atmosphere with a menu inspired by Brazilian and Portuguese flavors. Traditionalists can order an American breakfast plate with eggs, bacon, and bread ($8.50), but many regulars come for the café’s popular sandwiches. Favorites include the Prego no Pão, a garlicky steak sandwich ($8), and Beka’s tuna salad sandwich ($10.50).
Other highlights include the Barbara Croissant with burrata, honey, bologna, arugula, and balsamic glaze ($16), plus avocado toast ($13.50). Specialty iced coffees include Melissa’s Cafe with vanilla ice cream and red berries, and Gabby’s Cafe with vanilla ice cream and Nutella. Fresh juices such as Green Goddess and mint pineapple add a refreshing touch.
Desserts range from $5.50 to $9 and include carrot cake, crème brûlée, and Barbara’s Special — bread topped with caramelized bananas and Nutella.
Barbara’s Cafe
521 Kearny Ave., Kearny
201-822-0052
The Greeks
A Kearny institution since the early 1930s, The Greeks is one of the town’s longest-running family-owned businesses. The beloved eatery blends classic diner fare with trendy brunch offerings, including its much-talked-about Dubai French toast ($16), a Taylor ham, egg and cheese sandwich, and croissant eggs Benedict ($14).
For bigger appetites, diners can order a ribeye steak and eggs platter ($22) or build their own omelet ($13). Beverage choices include flavored matchas such as blueberry vanilla and strawberry, along with specialty lattes like white chocolate-dipped strawberry, coconut, tiramisu, and caramelized banana ($7).
The Greeks
461 Elm St., Kearny
201-991-9819
KTB Restaurant & Lounge
KTB Restaurant & Lounge serves breakfast all day, making it a convenient choice for brunch lovers any time. The expansive menu includes omelets, waffles, pancakes, French toast, breakfast and savory crepes, and yogurt parfaits.
Standout crepes include the Whiskey Meatball ($15) and Fruit Crepe ($10). Savory brunch seekers can try the Monte Cristo sandwich ($18) or breakfast panini with Taylor pork roll ($12). Drinks range from 16 flavored coffee options and smoothies to cocktails such as an espresso martini or the signature KTB Mule.
KTB Restaurant & Lounge
323 Ridge Rd., North Arlington
201-991-1700
Curiosity by Nest
Curiosity by Nest offers a Mommy and Me Brunch throughout the year. Mommies and their children ages 2 – 13 spend a morning filled with love, laughter, and unforgettable memories!
There’s a breakfast buffet and mimosas for the adults. Entertainment includes a magician, story time, arts & crafts, balloon animals, games, and raffles. Prices are $35 per child, $25 per adult. Call to see when the next Mommy and Me Brunch is and to reserve your seats.
Curiosity by Nest
161 Midland Avenue, Kearny
732-801-2060
Jaimie Julia Winters is an award-winning editor and journalist. She has held senior editorial and communications roles with local, nonprofit, and faith-based news organizations, including Montclair Local, Jersey Catholic, The Record, South Bergenite, Ridgewood News, and North Jersey Media Group/ Gannett, where she helped pioneer digital-first reporting, transparency-driven coverage, and features.
