The Honolulu Museum of Art’s in-house café debuted a brunch menu last November, but some people still don’t know Sunday brunch at HoMA even exists. In fact, brunch is the reason the Café is now open on Sundays.

Here are seven reasons why HoMA’s brunch is worth checking out:

It’s a hidden gem. You can't see the cafe or even any signage from the street. Go in the front entrance (there's no admission fee if you're just eating at the cafe) and follow the courtyard to the far right side. A lot of locals are still surprised to find a café within the museum. It’s peaceful. The calming sound of trickling water from the fountains. The quiet atmosphere, since tables are spaced apart. The patio location makes the cafe ideal for brunching on cooler days. They have a winner, winner chicken … sandwich. It's not new, but the herb-grilled chicken breast sandwich ($17) is a must-have. It's made with ultra-soft housemade bread, crispy maple bacon, a generous portion of chicken breast, avocado, fontina and caper aioli. The chicken bursts with flavor and the aioli adds a slight kick. Parking’s easy to find. You can pay in the lot (it’s $5), but there’s free street parking on Sundays. Cerveza’s available. The michelada ($7) is one of the most popular morning cocktails. It’s basically beer meets tomato juice, with a slightly spicy aftertaste. If you want something traditional, there are classic mimosas ($7) and rose ($9). They’ve got shakshouka. This hearty, aromatic tomato stew ($16) is infused with two baked eggs and served with toasted sourdough that's baked in-house using a 19-year-old starter. Shakshouka and the Belgian waffle ($15) are the most popular brunch dishes. The cookies are addictive. Soft, chewy homemade cookies aren’t sold at the café, but at the coffee shop that you’ll pass on your way out — just head through the gift shop to get there. Flavors change daily but the chocolate chip, peanut butter and oatmeal craisin ($2 each) are especially good.

Honolulu Museum of Art Café

900 S. Beretania St.

532-8734

Sunday brunch 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

https://honolulumuseum.org/394-museum_cafe