When it comes to brunch, Oeuf on Third Avenue always springs to mind. From the elaborate décor to the decadent breakfasts, this Brighton and Hove café manages to blend style and substance consistently. I went with my boyfriend, Robbie, last week, and we left fully satisfied, already daydreaming about what we’d order next time – we plan to work our way through the whole menu!
A Busy Morning at Oeuf
I have to admit, since we were visiting on a dreary January morning, I expected it to be relatively quiet. I should have known better. Hungry Brighton and Hove locals don’t let the day of the week – or the weather – impact their brunch schedule. The café was almost full, creating a buzzing, upbeat atmosphere.
Bloody (Brilliant) Mary
I took a pass on Dry January this year, so a Bloody Mary was a perfectly punchy start to a chilly Friday morning. I requested “8/10 spiciness”, which was ambitious. Proceed with caution! In my (well-educated opinion), it was more like a 10/10 but well worth the risk.
Admiring the view from the big windows onto the courtyard, we fantasised about the warmer months – when the garden becomes a summer sun trap – while anticipating the delicious, indulgent food we’d ordered…
Don’t Fix What Ain’t Broke: Frumpets
If you’ve been to Oeuf before, you know about the Frumpets. If you haven’t tried them yet, where have you been?
Imagine this: splice together two of the best breakfast foods – French toast and crumpets. Crumpets are so good that I’ve yet to visit Oeuf and not order one, though I am trying to branch out by working my way through all the variations.
Honestly, I think I’d be satisfied with plain Frumpets, but Oeuf doesn’t do half-measures – they go all out. Case in point: my towering Frumpet stack, dripping with spicy gochujang fried chicken, sliced avocado, bacon bits, and spring onions for a bit of green and crunch.
The fried thigh was tender, with a crisp, golden buttermilk batter. If French toast isn’t your thing, but you’re as passionate about good fried chicken as I am, go for the ridiculously tasty chicken waffles – topped with hot honey sriracha, kewpie mayo, and a fried egg.
Either way, it’s a no-brainer: order anything with Oeuf’s fried chicken, and you won’t be disappointed.
A Seaside-Worthy Brunch
I was grateful that Robbie ordered the Oeuf & Surf because, let’s be honest, that’s pretty much the same as ordering it for myself (insert evil laugh).
The fresh crab is mixed into a rich brown butter sauce, served on toasted sourdough, and topped with a perfectly oozing poached egg. Given Oeuf’s proximity to Hove Beach, this dish feels like the ultimate coastal brunch choice.
A Little Something on the Side
Despite the generous portions, I could not physically resist ordering a side of hashbrowns.
Sometimes, no matter how good they taste, you just know hashbrowns have come from a freezer bag. That is 100% not the case at Oeuf. These homemade hashbrowns are delicately spiced and freshly fried to perfection.
If I wasn’t already committed to fried chicken, I might have gone for the new loaded rosti bites – pulled beef, horseradish mayo, and crispy onions. Definitely one for next time.
Ambience for Every Season
No matter the temperature outside, Oeuf effortlessly balances comfort and grandeur. With pillars, beautifully painted ceilings, pastel furnishings, and simple dried flowers, the space feels both elegant and inviting.
It’s the kind of place where you can enjoy a quiet morning with porridge and coffee or go all out with Frumpets, fried chicken, and a Bloody Mary—8/10 spicy, of course.
And you might just leave with a terrarium. For emergencies.
For the Lovebirds
From 8 – 16 February, Oeuf is offering a special Valentine’s menu, featuring their signature bold flavours with a romantic twist.
Dishes include:
- Mon Chérie French Toast – stuffed with frangipane, dark chocolate shavings, cherry kirsch Chantilly, and torched Italian meringue.
- Butterflied ’nduja prawns – served with crispy fried pesto eggs, whipped lemon ricotta, and deep-fried basil on a waffle.
Now, that could get anyone in the mood.
