The Pearl River meanders through a metropolis where ancient traditions and futuristic ambitions collide. Guangzhou, a titan of commerce and culture, holds within its bustling streets a secret world of serene, intimate, and utterly enchanting dining experiences. For couples seeking a perfect morning or afternoon escape, the city offers a brunch scene that is as diverse and dynamic as its skyline. Forget rushed meals; here, brunch is a ritual, a leisurely affair where time slows down, conversation flows, and flavors ignite the senses. This is your curated guide to the 14 most romantic brunch spots in Guangzhou, designed to turn an ordinary weekend into an unforgettable memory.

The Rooftop Retreats: Dining with a View

There is something inherently romantic about elevating yourself above the city's hustle, sharing a moment suspended between earth and sky. Guangzhou's stunning rooftops provide the perfect backdrop for a brunch filled with awe and affection.

1. Cloud Nine at The Ritz-Carlton, Tianhe

Perched on the 107th floor, Cloud Nine isn't just a restaurant; it's a destination. As the highest bar in the city, its weekend brunch offers a dizzying, panoramic view of the Pearl River and the sprawling urban landscape. The experience is one of pure luxury. The air is filled with the soft clinking of champagne flutes and live jazz music. You'll indulge in an extravagant international seafood spread, from freshly shucked oysters to Alaskan king crab legs. The dessert tableau is a work of art, perfect for sharing. It’s an investment in a core memory, a place to celebrate anniversaries or simply the joy of being together at the top of the world.

2. The Roof at Four Seasons Hotel

Offering a more resort-like vibe in the heart of the city, The Roof provides a stunning open-air setting beside an infinity pool. The vibe here is chic, relaxed, and tropical. Their "Bubbles & Brunch" event is legendary. You can lounge on plush daybeds, dipping in and out of the pool while servers bring you endless glasses of Moët & Chandon. The menu is a vibrant mix of Mediterranean and Asian flavors, with highlights like wood-fired pizzas, ceviche, and succulent grilled prawns. It’s a mini-vacation that feels a million miles away from the city below, yet it’s right in the center of it all.

3. VINO Volcanic Grill & View

Located on the top floor of the Guangzhou International Finance Centre (IFC), VINO offers a sophisticated and modern rooftop experience. The décor is sleek, with floor-to-ceiling windows that frame the Pearl River like a living painting. Their brunch focuses on high-quality grilled specialties and an impressive wine list. The atmosphere is more intimate and contemporary than the classic hotel rooftops, making it ideal for couples who appreciate modern design and a curated culinary experience. Sharing a perfectly cooked steak while watching the boats drift by on the river is a simple, profound pleasure.

Hidden Courtyards & Garden Sanctuaries

For those who believe romance blossoms in secluded, green spaces, Guangzhou’s hidden gardens and courtyards offer a tranquil escape. These spots feel like well-kept secrets, where nature provides the décor.

4. The Garden at The White Swan Hotel

Nestled on the historic Shamian Island, The White Swan Hotel is an icon. Its lush, landscaped garden, which seems to cascade down towards the river, is the setting for a magical brunch. The air is fresh, filled with the scent of flowers and the gentle sound of waterfalls. The brunch buffet is a grand affair, featuring both Cantonese delicacies and Western classics. Sitting in this serene oasis, surrounded by colonial-era architecture, feels like stepping back in time. It’s quiet, graceful, and profoundly romantic.

5. Lost in Liwan Teahouse & Cafe

Tucked away in the ancient enclave of Enning Road, this spot is a true hidden gem. It’s not a traditional brunch spot, which is precisely its charm. Housed in a restored qilou (a type of arcaded building), it features a beautiful, airy courtyard filled with plants and dappled sunlight. They serve exquisite Chinese tea, creative fusion pastries, and light bites like congee with premium ingredients. The vibe is bohemian and artistic. You’ll feel a world away from the modern city, sharing quiet conversation over fragrant cups of Pu'er tea and delicate desserts. It’s perfect for creative, low-key couples.

6. Perma Bakery's Gully Garden

Perma is famous for its bread, but its location in a refurbished historic building with a charming, hidden courtyard is its romantic secret. The brick walls, climbing ivy, and rustic wooden tables create a storybook setting. Their brunch menu is built around their incredible, freshly baked sourdough and pastries. Think avocado tartines, fluffy omelets, and decadent French toast, all paired with superb coffee. It’s a cozy, unpretentious, and deeply satisfying experience that feels like discovering a piece of Europe in the heart of old Guangzhou.

By the River: Romance on the Waterfront

The Pearl River is the lifeblood of Guangzhou, and dining along its banks is a quintessential experience. The gentle lapping of water and the ever-changing scenery create a naturally romantic atmosphere.

7. Aroma Restaurant at The Langham Hotel, Pazhou

Situated right on the river in the modern Pazhou exhibition district, Aroma offers stunning, unobstructed views of the Canton Tower and the Zhujiang New Town skyline. Their weekend brunch is a vibrant, family-friendly affair with a dedicated "Gourmet Corner" that feels exclusive. The highlight is the free-flowing champagne and the live cooking stations where chefs prepare pasta, roast meats, and dim sum to order. The energy is lively yet sophisticated, making it a great spot for couples who enjoy a bustling, celebratory atmosphere with a world-class view.

8. The Riverbed

For a more rustic and uniquely local experience, head to The Riverbed in the historic Liede area. This isn't a five-star hotel; it's a collection of charming, no-frills restaurants and cafes built on stilts over a canal. You can find traditional Cantonese yum cha (brunch with dim sum) served in a setting that feels authentically old Guangzhou. The sound of water beneath you, the simple plastic tables, and the incredible, steaming-hot baskets of har gow (shrimp dumplings) and siu mai create a genuine and memorable date. It’s romance without the polish, focused purely on flavor and atmosphere.

9. Vino e Cucina Italian Restaurant

Located on the north bank of the Pearl River, this Italian gem offers a romantic, covered terrace directly overlooking the water. With checkered tablecloths, the scent of garlic and basil, and views of the passing cruise ships, it feels like a little piece of the Amalfi Coast. Their weekend brunch features authentic wood-fired pizzas, homemade pastas, and a great selection of Italian wines. It’s casual, heartfelt, and incredibly charming—a perfect spot for a relaxed, sun-drenched afternoon of sharing food and dreams.

Urban Chic & Artistic Flair

Guangzhou’s creative energy pulses through its trendy neighborhoods, giving rise to brunch spots that are as much about design and vibe as they are about food.

10. Over Easy by Senses

Located in the trendy TaiKoo Hui mall, Over Easy is the epitome of modern, stylish brunching. The décor is bright, minimalist, and Instagram-worthy, with plenty of natural light. Their menu is a love letter to all-day breakfast, featuring inventive dishes like truffle scrambled eggs, ricotta hotcakes, and their famous "Breakfast Sausage Roll." The coffee is expertly crafted. The atmosphere is energetic and fashionable, ideal for the hip, food-obsessed couple who want a meal that looks as good as it tastes.

11. The Happy Monk (Huanlegui)

A Guangzhou institution, The Happy Monk offers a classic, hearty Western brunch in a cozy, pub-like setting. With several locations, the one in Dongshan Kou is particularly charming, set in a renovated historic villa. Their extensive brunch menu, available until 5 pm, includes everything from a full English breakfast to eggs Benedict and massive burgers. The vibe is unpretentious, friendly, and always buzzing. It’s the perfect place for a comfortable, laid-back date where you can relax, share a pint, and enjoy familiar, satisfying food.

12. The Strand Beer Cafe

Inspired by the speakeasies of the 1920s, The Strand, located near the Sacred Heart Cathedral, exudes a moody, artistic charm. With dark wood, soft lighting, and shelves lined with spirits, it feels like a secret club. Their brunch is a sophisticated affair, featuring elevated classics like eggs royale with smoked salmon and a superb steak and eggs. They also boast an impressive selection of craft beers and cocktails. It’s a spot for couples who appreciate a touch of vintage glamour and a well-made drink with their midday meal.

Luxury & Unforgettable Indulgence

For those special occasions when only the absolute best will do, Guangzhou’s top-tier hotel dining rooms offer brunch experiences defined by opulence, impeccable service, and culinary excellence.

13. Cafe Lagoon at The Westin Guangzhou

Cafe Lagoon is renowned for having one of the most extensive and high-quality brunch buffets in the city. The space is vast and beautifully designed, with interactive open kitchens. The sheer variety is staggering: fresh sashimi and sushi, a roast carving station, authentic Cantonese dim sum, a cheese cave, and a chocolate fountain. The service is flawless. For couples who are true foodies and want to embark on a global culinary journey without leaving their table, Cafe Lagoon is the ultimate destination.

14. Jiang by Chef Fei

For a romantic brunch that is uniquely and exquisitely Cantonese, a private room at Jiang is unparalleled. Helmed by the legendary Chef Fei, this three-Michelin-starred restaurant offers a yum cha experience like no other. The setting is elegant and serene, with breathtaking views of the Pearl River. Instead of a buffet, you are served a curated tasting menu of the finest dim sum imaginable—crystal shrimp dumplings with gold leaf, barbecued Iberian pork buns, and delicate egg tarts. It is an intimate, refined, and culturally immersive experience that celebrates the very soul of Guangzhou's culinary heritage.