In the US and Canada, brunch is a special meal in and of itself, affording us an excuse to relax and enjoy a leisurely meal. Here in Mexico, it’s the opposite: slowly savoring your meal, your companions and the general ambiance is the norm. It can take a while for our NOB tendency to do everything quickly – order, eat, drink and leave – to dissipate, and a relaxing Sunday or weekend brunch might be just the transitional activity you need. Mazatlán is a brunch-lover’s paradise and you may run out of time before you run out of brunches! (Note: All prices in pesos.)

La Palapa Restaurant is at the Torres Mazatlan. The atmosphere is more elegant than some and is reflected in the beautiful sounds of a live harpist. Large buffet tables are laden with almost too many choices; both local and north-of-the-border fare. You’ll find lots of cut fresh fruit, juices and a made-to-order omelette station, as well as lots of delicious-looking desserts.

When: Sundays, 9am to 1pm,
Where: Torres Mazatlan, Sabalo-Cerritos, north of the Marina,
Info: 988-0080.
Cost: $195; Children ages 6-9: $110.
Dress: Casually elegant. Live music.
And: Ocean view. Full bar. Live music. Secure parking. Easy to get to on the bus.

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Macaw’s weekend brunch features a menu that used to be reserved for guests at the boutique hotel, Casa de Leyendas, that’s run by Glenn and Sharon Sorrie, owners of Macaw’s. Now everyone can enjoy their famous Eggs Benedicts (five kinds) Bloody Marys and homemade bagels, muffins and biscuits & gravy (yum). Prices are reasonable and the ambiance is friendly and easy-going.

When: Saturday & Sunday 9am-2pm.
Where: Inside Casa de Leyendas, Sixto Osuna &Venustiano Carranza, Centro Historico.
Info: 981-6180, www.macawsmaz.com.
Cost: $65-$100.
Dress: Casual.
And: Full bar.

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Oceano Palace was the most ‘Mexican-themed’ of the brunches we attended, with mostly traditional Mazatleco fare. Although there were fewer food choices, what was offered was tasty and well-made. A duo sings Mexican songs rather loudly, and it was lots of fun watching all the ladies dancing to the music. It was an experience.

When: Saturdays & Sundays 7am to noon.
Where: Oceano Palace, Av. Camaron-Sabalo, across the street from Los Zarapes.
Info: 913-0666.
Cost: At press time, a Brunch Special was $109 with kids under 12 half-price.
Dress: Casual.
And: Oceanfront. Full bar. Live music & dancing, should you so desire.

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Papagayo, at the Inn at Mazatlan, has a delightful ambiance and has been serving Sunday brunch for many years. The wait staff is efficient and attentive, and the buffet has a good selection of regional dishes, fresh fruit, pastries, desserts and mimosas. The food stations were never empty and don’t forget to try the fresh juice bar. My favorites were the freshly made tortillas and the omelette station. Live keyboard music was pleasant and at a level where conversation was possible.

When: Sundays, 8am to 1pm
Where: The Inn at Mazatlan, Av. Camaron-Sabalo across from Bing’s ice cream
Info: 913-4151
Cost: $180 pesos which includes all beverages
Dress: Everything from elegant to swimsuit cover-ups
And: Oceanfront. Full bar. Live music.

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Te Amo Lucy’s Brunch Buffet brings Lucy’s prodigious talent to Sunday morning. By now, we know that whatever comes out of Lucy’s kitchen is fabulous, and this is just another feather in her jet black, well-coiffed hair. Choose from a melange of fresh-made omelettes, Huevos Rancheros, Eggs a la Mexicana, Chilaquiles with Chicken, Cinnamon Roll French Toast, or Hot Cakes – all made fresh on-the-spot, right in front of you. Coffee, OJ or milk, smoked ham, chorizo, refried beans, potatoes, corn and flour tortillas are all included as well.

When: 9am to Noon.
Where: Te Amo Lucy’s, 622 Constitucion, 1 block from the Plaza Machado, Centro Historico.
Info: 982-8996, www.teamolucys.com.
Cost: $100.
Dress: Casual.
And: Full bar.

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Terraza Playa is the only place we found with daily – yes, every day – brunch. You’ll find everything from corn flakes to freshly made tortillas and made-to-order omelettes. Fresh fruit and juices are in abundance. Tasting a little bit of everything is an excellent choice. It’s one of Mazatlan’s oldest hotel restaurants and has a special ambiance with a lovely oceanfront view.

When: 7:30am–11:30am daily.
Where: Hotel Playa Mazatlan, Av Playa Gaviotas.
Info: 989-0555.
Cost: $125.
Dress: Casual.
And: Oceanfront. Full bar. Live music. Kid-friendly.

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Water’s Edge Contemporary Seaside Bistro sits overlooking the bay at Olas Altas, sharing the view with the Pedro Infante statue on the malecon. The brunch menu offers half a dozen versions of the classic Eggs Benedict - with smoked salmon, crab cakes, shrimp & guacamole, bacon & cheddar – plus frittatas and omelettes, French toast and coconut pancakes. Potatoes, fresh juice and coffee or tea are included in the price.

When: Sunday 9am-2pm.
Where: Inside Casa Lucila Boutique Hotel, Olas Altas.
Info: 136-0895, www.thewatersedgemaz.com.
Cost: $100-$120. Dress: Casual to elegant.
And: Oceanview. Full bar. Inside & patio dining. Reservations aren’t a bad idea.