If you try to tell me that brunch is not the most important meal of the day, you’re definitely lying. What could be better than sleeping in and waking up to the prospects of fluffy pancakes, decadent french toast, sunshiney eggs, and more? If you’re a Jersey Girl like me, (a Central Jersey Girl to be precise-- and yes, Central Jersey exists-- but that’s another argument entirely), you must try these five restaurants for the best breakfast and brunch around!

1. My Kitchen Witch Café

My Kitchen Witch Café, located in Monmouth Beach, is an adorable gem for brunch! Kitschy, witch-themed art and knick-knacks line the brightly-painted walls, giving this fantastic restaurant a quirky but very homey atmosphere which pairs well with their creative and comforting food! Their home-cooked meals with healthy ingredients take brunch to a new level. And definitely try their incredible vegan juice bar! The food at My Kitchen Witch is truly magical! It’s easy to tell that a lot of love goes into this amazing food.

Recommendations: Apple/Lemon/Ginger Juice, Eggs Bene'witch' (griddled olive bread topped with lemon artichoke spread, organic arugula & poached eggs), Buttermilk Biscuits (served with homemade Strawberry Butter)

2. Meemom’s

How do you feel about starting your day with a sugar rush? If you’re in the mood for a sweet treat, Meemom’s is definitely the place to go. With locations in Wall and Middletown, Meemom’s serves up the some incredibly decadent desserts-- er, brunch? There are other things on the menu but if you go here you are going for the french toast. Don’t wimp out and try to be healthy. Just go for it. You won’t regret it.

Recommendations: Strawberry Crumb Cake (stuffed with vanilla bean & cinnamon mascarpone & strawberry puree. topped with streusel topping, fresh strawberries, powdered sugar & drizzled with vanilla sauce), Cookie Doughn’t You Want Some (stuffed with vanilla bean mascarpone, cookie dough & brownies. topped with cookie dough chunks, hot fudge, powdered sugar, vanilla & chocolate drizzle)

< h2>3. Turning Point

Turning Point is a Central Jersey staple for brunch. I am actually not quite sure I know anyone in my area who has not been to Turning Point, and absolutely everyone is obsessed with this place! And if you’ve been there, you have also undoubtedly taken some Insta-worthy pics of your food--because it’s completely necessary obviously. It’s a very casual and welcoming restaurant and the food can’t be beat! Make sure you get there at least 20 minutes before you actually want to eat though because there’s always a long wait. They have 11 locations throughout NJ so be sure to hop on the Turning Point bandwagon and check it out!

Recommendations: Iced Chai Café (Chilled cinnamon chai, creamy espresso served on the rocks), Cornbread French Toast (homemade corn bread topped with vanilla bean mascarpone, fresh slices of golden delicious apples, toasted pecans and caramel sauce), Marsala Eggs Benedict (Button mushrooms, spinach, onions and diced thick bacon sauteed with Marsala wine over a split baguette topped with poached eggs and hollandaise sauce)

4. Toast City Diner

It’s a well known fact that Jersey’s got the best diners around! And Toast is no exception. This popular brunch spot is located in Red Bank,a town that is my personal favorite NJ food hub. Toast brings classic diner food up a notch with its delicious food! This restaurant’s wonderful comfort food will make you feel right at home.

Recommendations: Huevos Rancheros (two corn tortillas layered with two lightly fried eggs, cotija cheese, cilantro, tomatillo sauce, and frijoles, topped with sour cream), Red Velvet Pancakes (served with homemade sweet cream cheese), Carrot Cake Pancakes (shredded carrot, coconut, raisins, honey, walnuts, and brown sugar folded into a spiced pancake batter)

5.D’jeet

This amazing restaurant is located in The Grove in Shrewsbury. Perhaps you’ve been there and experienced their truly amazing lunch and dinner food, but I bet you didn’t know they had breakfast/brunch on weekdays! What a wonderful surprise, right?! D’jeet is known for their delicious rotating seasonal cuisine which is made from the best local ingredients and served beautifully. It’s one of my favorite restaurants, and I guarantee you will love for any meal of the day!

Recommendations: Frittata D’Jour (seasonal vegetables, goat cheese, fresh herbs, baby arugula), Brioche French Toast (caramelized pears, bacon maple syrup)