The safest foods at continental breakfast buffets? Packaged foods like oatmeal and jams, bread items such as pastries and bagels, cereal dispensers, whole fruits, and cooked-to-order choices.

Cafe Milano "has a wonderful brunch where you can either choose items a la carte or visit the buffet. The setting is gardenlike, [and] the food and service, impeccable," says Kitt Vidnovic ...