John Robertson rounds up the best brunches in town.

It’s no secret that brunch is the lazy meal, originally intended for those occasions when one can’t, or won’t, get up early enough for breakfast. Of course, in work-obsessed hubs like ours, we prefer to think of them more forgivingly as "leisurely." Indeed, the phrase “leisurely brunch,” like “leisurely stroll,” is all but a tautology these days. And what better time to consider Hong Kong’s best brunch venues than the eve of the year’s most leisurely of seasons. As we slowly yawn into the lazy summer skies of June, here are our top picks that suit everyone’s need.

Have a Ducasse meal for the least money
Spoon at the InterContinental
Intercontinental Hong Kong, 18 Salisbury Rd., Tsim Sha Tsui, 2313-2256
On offer: Officially a lunch, but lulled and laidback enough to pass for brunch, with Alain Ducasse champagne accompanying a range of openers including Wagyu beef skewer, grapefruit/cranberry jelly mixed with squid, warm oyster, baby steak tartar, and white asparagus, followed by a selection from one of five different main courses from the menu. It's all rounded off with a range of signature pastries.
When: Sundays, noon–2:30pm
Price: $518

If you're looking for a view
Oyster & Wine Bar
Sheraton Hong Kong Hotel & Towers, 20 Nathan Rd., 2369-1111
On offer: Champagne or wine chosen by sommelier Alan Tsui, freshly shucked oysters, Dungeness crab, Australian yabbies and king prawns, tapas pass around, and a dessert buffet.
When: Sundays, noon–3pm
Price: Champagne brunch $588, sparkling wine brunch $488

For eggs Benedict lovers
The Press Room
108 Hollywood Rd., Central, 2525-3444
On offer: Waffles with strawberries, steak and eggs, smoked salmon Benedict, classic French toast, bacon and mushroom omelette, yogurt with berries.
When: 10am–4pm
Price: Varies with dishes

Munch lobster at noon
Harbourside
Intercontinental Hong Kong, 18 Salisbury Rd., Tsim Sha Tsui, 2313-2256
On offer: Free-flowing Moet Chandon Brut, wine, or beer, a seafood and sushi buffet including sashimi (using line-caught fish from Bali), oysters, crustaceans, and live lobsters from South Australia and Boston.
When: Sundays, 11:30am–3pm
Price: Champagne brunch $618, children’s brunch $298

Brunch before a flight
Olea at Novotel
Novotel Citygate Hong Kong, 51 Man Tung Rd., Tung Chung, 3602-8888
On offer: A Mediterranean brunch featuring selections of Spanish tapas, Greek meze, Italian antipasti and French hors d’oeuvres, as well as chilled seafood on ice, homemade pasta, traditional breakfast favorites, a Sunday roast with all the trimmings, and desserts from the trolley.
When: Sundays, 11am–3pm
Price: $188

If roast beef is your thing
ToTT’s
34/F, The Excelsior, Causeway Bay, 2837-6786
On offer: Unlimited Mumm Champagne or Wolf Blass Pinot Chardonnay, fresh seafood, roast beef carvery, various hot cooking stations, fresh juice bar.
When: Sundays, 11:30am-3pm
Price: Champagne brunch $518, Chardonnay brunch $398, children’s brunch $208

When a normal brunch no longer amuses you
Bombay Dreams
1/F, 75-77 Wyndham St., Central, 2791-0001
On offer: An Indian buffet brunch with free-flowing bubbly
When: Sundays, noon–3:30pm
Price: $138

Brush off the hangover
Top Deck
Jumbo Kingdom, Shum Wan Pier Drive, Wong Chuk Hang, Aberdeen, 2552-3331
On offer: Bubbly brunch with an international menu including Thai, Indian, Japanese and Italian specialties, and a raw bar featuring crustaceans, oysters, and clams on ice. All enjoyed as part of a breezy on-the-water experience on the south side of Hong Kong
When: Sundays and public holidays, 11:30am-4:30pm.
Price: Adults $328, children $198