The 11 best breakfast and brunch in Braintree

Visited on 07/08/2025 Why 4, and not 5*? FOOD • I had breakfast here. I’ve read through the reviews prior to visiting and I agree with the food being lukewarm. Some of which were relatively cold. The plates (especially the small ones) were quite dirty. The sausages were easily broken - none of the food was warm. It was cold. For this reason, I’m dropping the star rating to 3* (food only). ——————————————————————— SERVICE • The service here is amazing, filled with kind staff in which they greet you and show a good standard of customer service skills, which is required for this job. ——————————————————————— ATMOSPHERE • Apart from general conversations, the interior is relatively quiet at breakfast. Not sure about lunch, or dinner though as I only ever came here for breakfast which was today. ——————————————————————— OVERALL • This place is good if you want to dine within a quiet restaurant. ———————————————————————

It's not too bad for a brewers fayre, the food quality is never going to be too great (I've been told the carvery is better than their main menu). Staff are pleasant enough but we did forgotten about a couple of times despite it being quiet. Seems like it'll be great for kids.

This place gets an OK rating from me. The food was lovely, hot and tasty but it took just over 45 minutes to order!! That was so long.... I needed a drink and to sit down, but there was only one chap serving, doing the food orders AND the drinks.. This was very difficult when meeting up with friends for a catch up and only have 3 hrs parking!! there should have been someone else, or even TWO others serving. As I said food was great, but due to service, I won't be returning.

This is an excellent brewers fayre pub. Their £5 menu is incredibly good value with reasonable quality and very well cooked food. Indoor play area is great for kids. Sadly they have removed the outdoor play area.

Went here 4 nights in a row when staying in the premier inn next door. Friendly welcome from the chap behind the bar each time, quickly seated, kind and attentive staff, fast service, tasty food and well priced. The banoffee cheesecake dessert is delicious.

Food was amazing, and came very quickly. Service was brilliant, i had a lovely waitress Grace who was polite and had a beautiful smile and positive energy. All together lovely experience, felt very welcome. Will definitely return!!

This place is so depressing. The food is horrible, the pizza (£12.99) was like a frozen one from Iceland. Everything tasted microwaved. There is one lady who works there who is the most miserable person I’ve ever met. I don’t think she’s ever heard of service with a smile. Service with a grunt maybe? The refillable drinks are handy. That’s probably the only good thing I can say about this place. Pretty sure I got food poisoning from the chicken goujons. Yuk. Will not be back.

I wouldn't have normally reviewed the braintree toby as the service is often lacking. (We went due to the £6 voucher.) Today however was a pleasant surprise. The waiting staff were lovely and the grumpy chef was replaced by a lovely cheerful female chef. Just wanted to give this team a thumbs up.

Love a toby carvery, this one is a fairly nice one to be fair. Was a great healer after going to Lost Village. Prices unfortunately going up though

Come in here sometimes in a Friday lunchtime for a beer. Friendly staff. Gets busy in the carvery at lunchtime. Mainly elderly folk enjoying the roast. I dont eat here so can't comment on the food. Nice pint of Peroni if not a tad expensive.

There was a group of us for a kids birthday. There was barely any staff in that day so our server was doing everything herself such as taking orders and making drinks. This lead to long wait times for drinks which is not her fault but there always seems to be a staff issue whenever I visit. We had to go up to the bar to sort out our payment as half was paid for and the other half wasn't. We got given a bill for food that had already been paid off which got confusing at one point.

Service was excellent! Our waitress Hannah we could not fault her, very polite friendly and amazing with out children. She went above and beyond! And the carvers ash and surendra were also polite and kind! Keep up the good work, has such a lovely meal out! :)

Absolutely great service! Fantastic team work Gaynor was super helpful, Glen the manager was super friendly and hospitable, Hannah brought our puddings over and food was amazing!

Usually come here quite a bit however today for lunch when being served our food the chef practically shoved the plate into our hands. Some of the side dishes were nearly cold when we sat down to eat. When we asked for our bill we got told the waitress would get it for us then sat there another ten minutes waiting for it while we watched them talking in a group. Then we had to ask a different waitress for it. We were only one of about 10 tables sat in the entire restaurant at the time and not very impressed with the service we received.

Lovely breakfast with my 5 year old who wasn’t exactly very quiet but didn’t feel like we had to be silent. Lovely food, my son ate everything so must have been good. Jaqs was lovely friendly waitress

First time in bill’s at Braintree today for my boyfriend’s 40th birthday. We were served by Lily who was lovely. Nothing was too much bother! Food was amazing. We will definitely be back. Thank you

Had lunch at bills today as I was meeting my family while I was at work. We sat outside in the sun as the sun was shining which was amazing. Service was really quick and the food was very tasty, It did not disappoint. Our waitress was very lovely. Dogs can eat here too. They get their own dog bowl and we could pick from the dog menu! Also walked out with some pancakes to take back to my store team which they were very happy about :) 100% recommend.

We went to Bill’s Braintree for a catch up and dinner before the cinema and had a lovely time, we both really enjoyed our experience here. The décor of the restaurant was really nice and felt slightly classy, they permit dogs in the venue so if you’re a dog lover this is an ideal place to see some four-legged friends. One diner had their small dog in a forward facing baby carrier which was really sweet. The service was really good as well, we had three different waiting staff throughout our meal who were all quite attentive. The menu is nice and has some good options on it. I went for the Truffle Chicken Two Ways, and my friend the Classic Burger which came with fries. The staff were accommodating to swap my friend’s rosemary salted fries for regular salted fries at her request. My friend’s burger looked lovely and consisted of a beef patty, linseed bun, tomato, lettuce, house pickles, secret sauce and red onion. I really enjoyed my chicken, this was served chargrilled with truffle red wine jus and creamed potatoes alongside buttermilk crispy fried chicken and truffle mayonnaise. It was served with an extra pot of the jus, a lemon wedge and watercress which were all nice touches. The main was hot and a nice temperature to eat, though the Caesar Loaded Fries could have been warmer. These were still enjoyable to eat though. I chose a Golden Latte to drink, which was very fragrant and spiced. This consisted of turmeric, agave, ginger root, cinnamon, black pepper and coconut milk with edible flowers on top. It was very nice and something different to coffees that I’ve had previously. The restaurant also gives the option to swap to dairy-free milks (soya, oat or coconut) for no extra charge. For dessert we treated ourselves to buttermilk Bottomless Pancakes for a very reasonable price of £9.50, which are £5 on a Friday. This gave two options of Lotus Biscoff or Fresh Fruit and Syrup. I tried both and they were delicious, each plate came with three thick pancakes. The staff were really accommodating at our requests for an extra scoop of vanilla ice cream and extra syrup. The bathroom was suitably clean and serviced when I used it at the end of the meal. Overall we really enjoyed our experience here and wouldn’t hesitate to return 😊

First time here a few days ago, was greeted by a friendly face and taken to our seats. We were given plenty of time to decide and once we had our options. Our order was taken. Food arrived in less than 10 minutes so was a good amount of wait time. I had the BBQ Bourbon burger and it was a must have, glad I chose this out of anything. We then had a mini dessert brownie. The service was great and Savannah kept checking up to make sure we were doing okay. She was very friendly and approachable. Will definitely be back!!

Very delicious pancakes, server was Jaqs and she was very nice. Will definitely be telling friends and family about here.

We had Jaqs serve me for my birthday and I must say she went above and beyond about making it a special occasion! Ordered chocolate pancakes and they came out extra special with a sparkler and singing happy birthday, had Jaqs serve me for many years and service has always been the same. If I could give 10 stars I would. Thank you Jaqs 🩷

We had an awful experience today - there were only 2 clients in there when we arrived. Unfortunately all the tables were filthy and messy, sticky and full with rubbish. Even the floor was dirty - spilled coke and juice all over the place. I had to clean a table myself because no one paid any attention where we were going to sit. Food tasted bad, like it was just warmed up but not fresh. The salad, the tomato and the onion have had better days - they looked quite exhausted from being waiting for so long someone to order them. Awful experience. The people behind the till looked sad and it was obvious they didn't care much. While waiting for our good I could see the mess under their counter - plenty of rubbish, chips on the floor, oily bags and packaging. It looked like it hasn't been cleaned recently. Awful service which brought an awful atmosphere. My little one was so disappointed!! I would never visit again!

Why 4, not 5*? FOOD - Variety of items to choose from. I ate the Philly cheese stack which is limited time. It’s the best exclusive item imo. SERVICE- The receipt printer failed on the self-ordering kiosks. However, staff scrambled to help us which was good. ATMOSPHERE- Eh, your typical McDonald’s. Busy at times.

Ordered 2×McCrispy and 2 milkshake! 25min later got 2×McCrispy,just bread,majo no salad atoll!Milkshakes was just like water! Went back to change Milkshake.Old women told me that she canot guarantee me that milkshake will be cold 🥶 I ask for manager and she apologise and explain me that they got only one machine and that is why it's happening! If you got one machine and straggling then get one more machine! Simply stop selling hot milkshake! How many times we come here for food never been right,always something wrong!

I’m arriving home and you guys put 4 nuggets in the box of 6 nuggets. Which is quite annoying - cause otherwise I would have pay a happy meal instead but I wanted the 6 nuggets for my kid. The chips half empty and the drink no even ice on it and neither full. Calling the store and no one answers. Cause you should do something about it and it’s so hot that I cannot go back with my toddler. Too much hassle to amend your mistake

Horrendous. 2 items missed off the order. Fries were overcooked, dehydrated and burnt. The toilet had 300 flies. Some on a full-up fly strip, the rest just sat on the walls. I complained directly to the customer service. Things like this, make a franchise look horrific

Had really awful experiences here recently. Hardly any chips, longer than average waits and on occasion missing items. Have not complained as never notice until getting home. Given that a McDonald's for our family is not in excess of £30 I really do expect better. I would recommend driving a bit further and going to the one 10mins up the road (Essex Regiment Way).

Given 5 for the service because the lady staff member who noticed me sit down at a slighlty dirty table came over and cleaned it for us, thats what stood out on our visit. Food was good and hot also.

I went first time in the morning on Friday. They were literally opening, and I thought, they will take ages to serve me. The staff were very kind and they prepared my breakfast in less than 10 min. They whole place looks immaculate clean and it is a pleasure to seat down and enjoy the fresh food they make. Congratulations to the owner for the layout and staff they have.

Been to this cafe many times (apologies for posting a review so late), a beautiful cafe located in the high street, spacious with lovely menu and great value for food. Very good quantity of food as well. Their menu has changed from the last time we went and in all honesty we loved the previous menu a lot. We took a grilled chicken burger and a chicken straps wrap with hot chocolate. Staff including the owners are wonderful people. Worth a visit!

Lovely English breakfast and coffee is superb. Owner is donating percentage to help for heroes. Respect. Loved sitting outside watching the world go by. Wish we had these places in New Orleans

Tuna sandwich - bread dry and filling tasteless. Not great value. Coffee average. Tasted better. Condiments cheap and nit great tasting. Atmosphere lame. Place clean but very very average. Will not eat there again.

I recently used Yumy Café for a private catering event and couldn’t be happier with the experience. The portions were absolutely huge and packed with flavour — our guests couldn’t stop talking about how delicious everything was! From the freshly made wraps to the indulgent sides and desserts, the food was top quality and beautifully presented. Me and my partner nearly always pop in, and we're always greeted warmly by Charbel, who makes every visit feel personal. What makes Yumy even more special is that it’s part of the fabric of Braintree — they’ve been proudly serving the community for 19 years, and it really shows in the care and consistency they put into everything. Charbel and his family are wonderful people: warm, genuine, and truly passionate about what they do. Whether you’re grabbing a bite to eat or planning a larger event, Yumy is the place to go. Thanks again for always making us feel so welcome and for helping make our event such a success!

Used to be a great place for lunch years ago, especially the sandwiches. It has changed a lot and we were shocked by how expensive it is now, unfortunately the food was not worth the price!

Ok but .... everything is really good at this spot I had breakfast with my partner and my 2 sisters service was spot on food come out nice and hot perfect my only issue is I ordered a breakfast wrap my partner orderd a big breakfast 2 of everything price for both menu items was the same the issue was I was given what I can only explain as a wrap for a child that is on a diet the potion was so small I ate it in 3 bites while I watched for a solid hour as my partner struggling to get through her big breakfast I mean come on I asked for something smaller I understand that but that's ridiculous

I had a code for credit, but the scanner wouldn't read it at first. No, said the assistant, it's invalid. No, it wasn't. You have to stand your ground; I suppose they are too busy for vouchers.

Loved the interior of the place. Quite an old building. Popped in for lunch after spending a few hours in the area. Very nice Staff and quick service

Servers shouting full length of the shop for help from another member of staff, whilst moaning about her talking does not add to the atmosphere. Long wait.

Used to enjoy going there but not anymore . Is expensive and no napkins offer to the costumer even when you by food ... we have to ask for them . I bought a cappuccino in my own cup , they served my order and just hand it to me in that way . The pic was taken inside the store . Hated and honestly we have better coffee shops and better costume assistance.

The only time they have been exceptionally nice to me whilst being served is when one of their bosses was inspecting and taking photos, that is it, dark, feels rushed and expensive..I've stopped going in.

Despite being quite busy, there was plenty of seating and all the usual fayre was available

Very rude staff that couldn't make hot chocolate which was plain no added bits and they didn't want to help with any allergy question. I won't be going back there and I won't recommend at all

Mehmas in Braintree, Essex was pure magic for breakfast! 🥐✨ From the moment we stepped in, we were greeted by a warm and inviting atmosphere that set the perfect tone for the morning. The breakfast menu was nothing short of delightful. With a variety of options to choose from, everything was cooked to perfection and bursting with flavor. Whether you're craving a classic English breakfast or something more adventurous, Mehmas has you covered. 🍳🥓 The highlight for me was their freshly baked pastries and perfectly brewed coffee, which paired beautifully with the warm, cozy setting. The attention to detail and quality of the ingredients truly made our meal special. The staff were friendly and attentive, ensuring we had everything we needed to enjoy our breakfast. The service was top-notch, adding to the overall magical experience. ☕️🍞 If you're in Braintree and looking for a spot to enjoy a delicious breakfast, I highly recommend Mehmas. It's the perfect place to start your day with a touch of magic. 🌟🧡 #Mehmas #BraintreeEssex #BreakfastMagic #DeliciousStart

The food here is absolutely delicious. The plates come out really well presented and, although it is fried food, there is no grease or oil on the plate. Got to try Sujuk for the first too. The service from the staff is fantastic, they are always happy and easy to talk to and are very patient. Even when waiting for myself to decide on what to eat, because there was so many delicious options to choose from. If you’re a fan of pistachios and coffee, their pistachio latte is amazing. 😋 They were also very accommodating to my needs of decaffeinated coffee and oat milk. Highly recommend. Has become our new place to eat. Although I apologise I didn’t take a photo of the food menu. 🙄😂

Hands down some of the nicest cafe food I’ve ever had. We visited here recently and sat outside to enjoy some lovely breakfast. I had the bacon and cheese burger with cheesy chips and a smoothie. The burger was incredibly good, it felt so fresh and well made. As someone that’s had a lot of burgers, this is top tier stuff. The staff were really friendly and it’s a family run small business that is definitely a spot worth visiting in Braintree. The prices were very reasonable and the quality was top notch.

Absolutely lovely place . My wife and I and my little girl visited this place today for the very first time and it was love at first sight. We have found our go to restaurant in Braintree.The atmosphere is fantastic,it infused modern decorations with traditional restaurants setting,we found it welcoming .The staffs were very helpful,with special shout-out to Charlie who attended to us.She was very nice, polite and helpful.She made sure she did everything for us to enjoy our meal and our little girl loved her. The food was delicious and we enjoyed it. The food met our expectations. We will definitely be visiting again and often 😄

As a yearly visitor to Braintree, I always look forward to a full English fry up. It’s a treat. This place never disappoints. The server is so polite and courteous. The food is excellent. I think there are two places in town which serve a breakfast. The ‘other place’ should take a few tips from Memhas. I ate at both. The sausage here was so good. The egg cooked perfectly and looked so nice on the plate. Everything tasted fresh and clean. I even like the fact they give you a real, adult size, bottle of HP brown sauce. None of those silly sachets with fake brown sauce. Instant red flag. The owner of the other place said business is slow. I wonder why! Sitting outside Memhas on a sunny morning is a way to start your day. I hope you will stay here for a very long time to come. Well done.

Who doesn't love this place!! Me and my son love it. Food is always so fresh and delicious. The staff are friendly and welcoming, always happy to help. I did have a panini once, which was OK but not a patch on their other food! You must pop into this little gem, you won't be disappointed.

I take my mum to Memhas quite often since moving to Braintree 3 years ago. Never had a bad meal infact, we both always leave there feeling very satisfied. Such good value for money. The food is great, better than a greasy spoon. Lovely family run establishment with great friendly service. They work very hard to ensure the customers are looked after properly. Clean and modern. Can't really ask for much more 😋🙏

Why did I wait so long!? I've passed many times but never stopped, what a mistake. Really welcoming and helpful, while I spent ages deciding what to have. Great selection of fillings and varieties of bagel. The salt beef is delicious and both Bagels were generously filled. Highly recommend the smoked salmon and cream cheese.

Great place! Excellent bagels made to extremely high-standards and on par with Brick Lane bagels. Excellent range of locally-produced alcohol too! Lovely customer-service!❤️

Myself and my girlfriend had the breakfast bagels and was delicious - girlfriend is Canadian and said this is the best bagel she’s had in the UK! Owner is lovely too - would 100% recommend

Received a Warm welcome from Victoria and Tony on entering, a lovely escape from the cold for a breakfast treat! Chose the Breakfast bagel and enjoyed it, freshly made whilst you wait! It's important to support local businesses and with a delicious menu available, I can recommend! All the best Braintree Bagels 😀

I’ve visited this place twice so far and the food was delicious on both occasions. The service is very friendly and I can’t fault this place. I highly recommend. I have eaten in and grabbed a takeaway, both times happy 😊

Worth the very short walk from market square. Looking for a vegan snack. Very glad I found Braintree Bagels. A warm welcome. Tasty bagel and carrot cake.

Alone time there is very homie. Ordered a mocha coffee and it was good. The service crew are very respectful and polite. Will definitely visit there again

One of the best fry ups I've ever eaten, sensible size, quality ingredients and really piping hot. I wish I was here more often I'd visit at least weekly. Also spotlessly clean with friendly staff.

Stopped by as my car was having a recall and re-gas of A/C around the corner. Despite the 37 degrees weather outside (hottest day of the year) we had a couple of fry ups. The food was cooked perfectly and the lady (the boss) who served us was friendly and very helpful. Highly recommended.

Proper greasy spoon decor! Really good quality breakfast though....would definately use again.

If there’s a better breakfast I don’t know where. Fantastic food, well presented and great value for money

First time user - really nice, reasonably priced too.

Fabulous 👌 👏 👍

Decent breakfast but items take a long time inbetween like they dont give you half your stuff till 10 mins after you start eating

Staff were rude, when I asked about the usual breakfast deal, spoke to me rudely and made me feel bad, left with out even ordering.

Popped in for a couple of coffees, coffee was ok didn't seem too hot though

Very poor service. I'm not one for leaving negative comments but the service i got was terrible. I ordered a coffee at the main till, the cashier called down to her colleague who wasn't listening and just giggling messing about, so i waited at the collection point, after some time i got acknowledged , the giggling blonde then asked what I'd ordered which she then made, she wiped her nose with her hand then put the lid on the coffee . I definitely won't be back.