This no BS list of the best brunch spots in NYC gives you only the top places to eat brunch by neighborhood – Map Included!
Having brunch in NYC is pretty much an unavoidable tradition. It is something you have to do, at least once during your travels. Every weekend, New Yorkers flock to their favorite joints to enjoy some tender pancakes, perfectly runny eggs, or some tasty bagels. From uptown to downtown and Brooklyn your choices are plentiful. The challenge is not getting stuck with some mediocre fare.
To help you navigate the busy New York scene, we’ve prepared a list of the best places where you can enjoy what some consider the most important meal of the weekend. To make it easier, we’ve divided the list by neighborhoods and included some great options for bottomless brunch in NYC, child-friendly places, and those that offer vegetarian/vegan options. We hope you enjoy it 😉. Bon appetit!
Best Brunch Spots in Manhattan
Best Brunch: Lower East Side & Chinatown
1. Clinton St. Baking Company
The Clinton St. Baking Company serves good old American classics made with love. Their pancakes are simply to die for and some say they are the best in the city. You can have them with blueberries, with chocolate chips or try the delicious banana walnut pancakes!
Good to Know
This extremely popular brunch option gets very busy, so be prepared to wait for a while (over an hour sometimes). Also, they only accept cash, no cards during brunch time.
Best for: heavenly pancakes that melt in your mouth!
2. Good Thanks
This recently opened Australian cafe has already become a popular brunch destination in LES. Good Thanks serves, among other things, several kinds of grain bowls (the Blue Bowl seems to be a favorite), Kimchi scrambled eggs on sourdough toast and great coffee. Plus, the staff is super-friendly.
Good to Know
Even though the place is small, as most cafes in the area, meals are served quickly; so you probably won’t have to wait too long to get seated.
Best for: their beautifully served ‘Rose’ scrambled eggs.
3. JaJaJa
Located in Chinatown, this is another newcomer to the brunch scene. JaJaJa is a Mexican vegan eatery with a laidback vibe that already has a great following. And it is really not surprising, everything they serve is delicious!
Good to Know
Some of their most popular dishes include beet empanadas, palm carnitas, “chorizo” burrito and “fish” tacos. But don’t fret, despite the names, all food here is plant-based.
Best for: flavourful vegan brunch options.
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4. La Contenta
This authentic Mexican restaurant in the heart of the Lower East Side serves delicious and spicy food. If you choose to have brunch at La Contenta, don’t miss trying the huevos rancheros, enchiladas de pollo and their Tequila version of a mojito.
Good to Know
During brunch, all dishes on the menu are $15 USD and cocktails are $9 USD. Coffee is definitely not the best here, but the margaritas kind of make up for it. Also, the restaurant is tiny, so it is not ideal to come with a big group. They have another location in Greenwich Village.
Best for: some of the best Mexican food in NYC.
5. Russ & Daughters Cafe
With its cool retro diner vibe, Russ & Daughters Cafe is the spinoff of the world-famous appetizing store, which has been on the LES since 1914 and is a real New York City institution. The cafe first opened in 2014 and serves classic Jewish comfort food.
Good to Know
Waiting times can be really long sometimes, but it is sooo worth it! So arrive as early as possible, put your name on the list and go for a walk while you wait.
Best for: all your bagel and lox needs!
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Best Brunch: Soho & Nolita
6. Balthazar
This Legendary SoHo bistro serves delicious French fare in an old-school Parisian atmosphere. Balthazar is a very popular place with locals and tourists alike and has become a real NYC classic (you might even spot a celebrity or two). You should try the avocado toast with poached eggs, steak tartare and their pastries!
Good to Know
It’s usually pretty crowded at brunch, so it’s best to make a reservation or arrive early. They also run a bakery right next door. If you’re in a hurry or don’t want to spend too much, that is an excellent option.
Best for: anything French…
7. Egg Shop
Egg Shop is a trendy Nolita brunch spot with crisp minimalist aesthetic and an all-day breakfast operation where eggs (surprise!) are the stars of the show. This Southern-inspired eatery serves fantastic buttermilk biscuits, house-made chorizo with eggs and the terrific egg in a hole topped with smothered cheese.
Good to Know
It might take a while to get seated, but the wait is certainly worth it! They also have a more spacious location in Williamsburg, Brooklyn that is just as good.
Best for: those buttery biscuit sandwiches, yum!
8. Estela
Estela is a bistro-style restaurant that has carved a reputation for preparing classic dishes with innovative twists and avant-garde cocktails. Try their famous burrata with salsa verde and charred bread, the ricotta dumplings or the egg, pancetta, and avocado sandwich. Yum!
Good to Know
The restaurant rather is small and can get quite crowded and loud. And you should definitely make a reservation before. Also, keep in mind that portions here are on the small side.
Best for: a gourmet experience for a special occasion.
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9. Jack’s Wife Freda
With its cute and pleasant style and its tasty Mediterranean-inspired flavors, this really could become one of your favorite brunch spots in NYC. Jack’s Wife Freda offers some great vegetarian options and healthy food choices, including the delicious breakfast bowl, grilled halloumi, and their yummy rosewater waffles.
Good to Know
The original location is in Soho, but they have also expanded to the West Village and Chelsea; which are just as great. This location is small and it can get pretty crowded.
Best for: their green shakshuka, of course!
10. Westbourne
This all-day cafe serves healthy and tasty vegetarian food (with some vegan and gluten-free options as well). Westbourne has only been open for a year, but it already has a dedicated following. This laid-back LA-style eatery also has a zero-waste philosophy and follows sustainable practices. Some of their specialties include the pumpkin butter waffle, chia seed pudding, and lentil falafel.
Good to Know
The place is small and can get crowded for brunch, so we wouldn’t recommend it for bigger groups.
Best for: a healthy vegetarian brunch.
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Best Brunch: East Village and Noho
11. Cafe Mogador
Founded in 1983 in the East Village, Cafe Mogador is a family-run restaurant that serves delicious Moroccan dishes and an unbeatable brunch. Don’t miss trying their famous Moroccan Benedict or the fantastic Middle Eastern breakfast.
Good to Know
They also have a location in Williamsburg, Brooklyn that features a charming indoor garden.
Best for: brunch that is delicious and affordable!
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12. Hearth
After a recent revamp to its locale and menu, Hearth still serves Tuscan-American dishes that are on the healthier side. Some of their specialties include sausage and kale ragu with fried eggs, honey and ricotta fritters, and creamy polenta. No matter what you choose, everything tastes like it was cooked by your Italian grandma!
Good to Know
Reservations are recommended as it tends to get full at brunch time.
Best for: a healthier brunch without sacrificing yumminess!
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13. Miss Lily’s 7A
This fun and colorful Caribean joint serves tasty food and keeps you in a cheery mood with reggae and dancehall music always playing in the background. Miss Lily’s serves some mean jerk wings and fries and an amazing breakfast roti!
Good to Know
It usually doesn’t get too packed during brunch time, so you probably won’t have to wait to be seated. For an additional $20 USD you can add a bottomless option for certain cocktails including Lily’s Rum Punch.
Best for: happy vibes and spicy Caribean food!
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14. Timna
Serving modern Israeli-Mediterranean cuisine and offering a very welcoming environment where you can enjoy some excellent food, Timna is quickly becoming a favorite with locals. Make sure to try the hummus masabacha and the shakshuka.
Good to Know
Don’t miss their special, which includes an entree, main dish, grilled pita, coffee, and orange juice for $29 USD (they also offer a bottomless option for $39 USD).
Best for: light and fresh Mediterranean food with some great vegetarian options.
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15. Veselka
This East Village institution is open 24-hours a day, so you might see some funny characters if you come early for breakfast. Veselka has been serving loyal customers for over 60 years, so they must be doing something right! This classic Ukrainian diner offers blintzes served with sweetened sour cream and seasonal compote, their signature brunch pierogi and tasty kielbasa, a typical meat sausage.
Good to Know
Their brunch menu is only available on weekends and holidays from 9 am to 4 pm. Due to its popularity, you may need to wait about 15 minutes for a table, but it is well worth it.
Best for: Ukrainian comfort food
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Best Brunch: West Village & Greenwich Village
16. Banter
Banter is an Australian café that offers a menu full of simple brunch classics. The place is small has a nice laid-back atmosphere and the food is delish. Some of the top choices you should try are their homemade gluten-free granola, the falafel bowl or the golden folded eggs.
Good to Know
It can get busy on weekends, so if you want to avoid waiting (about 30 minutes or so…) it’s best to come early or on weekdays.
Best for: simply delicious Australian brunch.
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17. Boucherie
This old-school French brasserie serves classic bistro dishes and great dry-aged steaks. Boucherie‘s most popular brunch options include steak tartare, avocado toast and their Croque Monsieur.
Good to Know
The place is spacious, classy, and modern. It is one of those few places where you can have brunch in NYC without a reservation. They have two other locations in the city as well.
Best for: all French classics in a classy atmosphere.
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18. Loring Place
With its serene ambiance of whitewashed brick walls, clean design and plenty of space, Loring Place offers a great alternative to crowded brunch locales. And if that’s not enough to get you through the door, know that their handmade pasta, wood-grilled pizzas, and homemade ice cream are all made with fresh seasonal ingredients.
Good to Know
They also offer a great fixed price lunch menu for $29 USD. Plus, there are quite a few vegetarian options on the menu.
Best for: delicious food in a beautiful setting.
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19. Rosemary’s
With its signature Italian-style brunch, cozy ambiance and freshly-picked veggies from its rooftop garden, Rosemary’s offers a fool-proof formula that mixes both Italian and American brunch options. The rustic ambiance combined with modern and bright design makes this an ideal place for a classy but casual time out with friends. Similarly, the food is made with simple and wholesome ingredients with some added luxurious touches to enhance the experience.
Good to Know
Reservations are only accepted for groups of eight people or more. The wait can be long sometimes, but it is worth it! They also offer gluten-free and vegetarian-friendly options.
Best for: great bread and focaccia, plus fresh produce straight from their garden!
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20. Tartine
One of the few BYOB places in New York, Tartine is a small French cafe nestled in a corner in the West Village. Portions are generous and some of the top choices include the eggs benedict, the omelet, and their epic French toast.
Good to Know
They take cash only, no cards. Also, you are only taken to your table once your group is complete. And keep in mind that the place is quite small and can get crowded during brunch time.
Best for: a laid-back brunch and BYOB!
Best Brunch: Meatpacking District and Chelsea
21. Cookshop
This Chelsea favorite is always bustling. Cookshop is located next to the Highline and serves seasonal, locally sourced dishes. Some of the most interesting dishes you can order are the poached eggs Cilbir with sweet potato hummus, the gluten-free almond pancakes, and the chicken brodetto.
Good to Know
They take reservations for brunch, so better call ahead! Walk-ins are also OK, but you might have to wait for your table. If possible, try to sit outside.
Best for: an eclectic brunch in a great ambiance and friendly service.
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22. The Wild Son
Located on a quiet street between the Highline and the Hudson River, The Wild Son serves brunch seven days a week and is known for its creative cocktails. Their extensive menu has several tasty options including the pulled chicken sandwich, their delicious pancakes (with a gluten-free option also available) and Their classic Good Morning Sunshine breakfast sandwich.
Good to Know
The place is not very big, so you might have to wait a bit (30 – 40 minutes approx.).
Best for: best pancakes near the Highline and the Whitney Museum.
Best Brunch: Gramercy, Murray Hill & Nomad
23. abcV
With its immaculate interior of crisp white furniture and perfect accents in millennial pink, this is not your average meatless restaurant. Still, abcV is not all about its look, they actually serve some of the best vegetarian food in NYC. Some of the top choices for brunch are the vanilla chia bowl, the vegan einkorn pancake, and the slow-roasted beets.
Good to Know
It tends to get busy, so reservations are recommended. The food is served tapas-style, so you share a few dishes with your whole group.
Best for: creative vegetarian/vegan brunch.
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24. Citizens of Gramercy
This small but cozy Australian cafe is totally Instagram-worthy! The interior is clean and minimalist, the food is nicely arranged and portions are generous. Some of the must-try dishes at Citizens of Gramercy include the avocado toast, the pulled pork Benny and the farmer’s bowl.
Good to Know
This is the newer sister restaurant of Citizens of Chelsea, which is also not too far away.
Best for: Insta-worthy brunch!
25. Midwinter Kitchen
Midwinter Kitchen is named after its owners’ farm in Ancram, New York. This casual slow-food restaurant offers a very unique experience since they actually grow the food that they serve. Some of the things you should try: the blueberry cornmeal pancakes, the chorizo with biscuit and gravy or the spiced chickpea and kale hash.
Good to Know
This little gem tends to get busy for brunch, so come early or expect a wait. In any case, come by… This will probably be your new favorite brunch spot in NYC.
Best for: a unique farm-to-table experience with the freshest ingredients.
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26. Upland
This Obama-approved Murray Hill restaurant serves Italian-inspired fare and one of the best burgers in NYC. Upland lives up to the hype and delivers modern and creative cuisine with a California vibe.
Good to Know
Try to score a booth. And definitely try their legendary burgers.
Best for: burger and/or pizza for brunch.
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Best Brunch in Brooklyn
Because not everything happens in Manhattan, you should also consider some of these places for having brunch in Brooklyn.
Best Brunch in Williamsburg
27. Diner
Housed in a refurbished vintage dining car from the 1920s, Diner serves a brunch menu that changes daily. Some of your meal choices might include these classic dishes: the breakfast sandwich, brisket, and eggs, mushroom frittata or their legendary burger, which is always available.
Good to Know
Diner is located close to the Williamsburg Bridge, so you can take a nice stroll after your meal.
Best for: an unusual location, unique atmosphere, and yummy food!
28. Juliette
A French-inspired bistro with beaucoup de charm, Juliette rarely disappoints. Here brunch is available every day, the food is delicious and reasonably priced. Plus, you get to enjoy your meal in a beautiful setting that features an indoor patio covered with plants. Some of the treats you should try include the blueberry Dutch pancakes, the scrumptious bruled grapefruit, and the killer roasted banana stuffed french toast.
Good to Know
If the weather is nice, try to get seated outside on the rooftop terrace.
Best for: their poached eggs with a sourdough avocado toast.
29. Sunday in Brooklyn
Located just over the Williamsburg Bridge, Sunday in Brooklyn is housed in a three-story building that features beautiful rustic design, a rooftop garden, and a marketplace. Some of their specialties include avocado toast, quinoa and lentil bowl with smoked salmon, and spicy chorizo hash.
Good to Know
This is one of the most popular brunch places in Brooklyn and it gets crowded, so it is highly recommended to make a reservation. Also, be aware that they don’t accept cash. And dogs are not only welcome, but they also have some special treats for them, too!
Best for: Their famous Hazelnut Maple Praline pancakes, of course!
Best Brunch: Greenpoint
30. Chez Ma Tante
Named after a Montreal Hot Dog shack, Chez Ma Tante is a laid-back neighborhood restaurant that serves European-inspired cuisine. Don’t miss trying the chips with garlicky aioli, their on-point brunch cocktails and their famous pancakes, of course
Good to Know
They take reservations, so it’s best to call ahead to avoid waiting. Their pancakes are legendary and that’s what most people come here for.
Best for: their killer pancakes!
31. Esme
With its quaint interior and soothing decor, Esme is definitely a favorite spot for brunch in Greenpoint. Some of their most popular brunch options include the fried chicken sandwich, the perfectly cooked eggs Benedict and the out-of-this-world Savory French toast.
Good to Know
Make a reservation, it’s worth it. They also have an outdoor sitting area for when the weather is nice.
Best for: their unique savory French toast.
32. Five Leaves
Even though they serve brunch every day, the line to get into Five Leaves can be loooong. But it is worth the wait! Their innovative menu includes Moroccan scrambles with merguez sausage, chia pudding with rhubarb and spiced chickpeas and avocado. Plus, they always have nice music on and their coffee is on point.
Good to Know
The best place to seat is outside on the sidewalk seats to people-watch while enjoying your tasty brunch.
Best for: fluffy ricotta pancakes
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Best Brunch: Brooklyn Heights & Fort Greene
33. Colonie
Located on Atlantic Avenue, Colonie features a pleasant interior with exposed-brick walls and a lush garden wall. They focus on local and sustainable food and, if you have the chance, don’t miss trying the duck hash, the Turkish eggs and the Cacio e Pepe Scramble.
Good to Know
They don’t take reservations for brunch and they only seat complete parties, so try to arrive early.
Best for: a wholesome sustainable brunch.
34. Evelina
Evelina is a Mediterranean restaurant that offers an adult-style brunch menu that is full of sophisticated tasty options. The menu changes often, but some of the dishes you might find include the eggs benedict with truffle hollandaise, the avocado toast with crab or the squash frittata.
Good to Know
The place is not so big, so it’s recommended to reserve in advance to avoid waiting.
Best for: an out-of-the-ordinary brunch experience.
35. Miss Ada
Set in the heart of Brooklyn’s Fort Greene district, Miss Ada uses local and seasonal ingredients to prepare delicious Mediterranean dishes. With its amazing hummus, Israeli breakfast and the short rib skewer; there are plenty of options to please vegetarian and carnivorous palates alike.
Good to Know
The place is not that big, so this is not the ideal spot for brunching with a big group. Also, keep in mind that they only offer brunch on Sundays.
Best for: some of the best varieties of hummus you’ll ever try!
Best Brunch: Carroll Gardens & Park Slope
36. Buttermilk Channel
Popular for its delicious comfort food and killer bloody Marys, Buttermilk Channel features American classics done right. This unique American-style bistro is definitely one of the best spots for brunch in Brooklyn!
Good to Know
The place fills up very quickly during weekends, so try to arrive early or make a reservation. Some must-tries include their spare rib hash, the amazingly fluffy buttermilk pancakes and their famous pork chop and cheddar waffles!
Best for: absolutely delicious pecan pie French toast!
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37. Gristmill
A nice farm-to-table restaurant, Gristmill strives to offer innovative flavors while maintaining sustainable practices. Some of the dishes you should definitely try include the lox garlic knot, the biscuits & gravy and anything that involves bread (they mill there own flour!).
Good to Know
There is a lovely outdoor sitting area for when the weather is nice. Alternatively, try to sit at the chef’s table to get a glimpse of all the happenings in the kitchen.
Best for: the most perfect bread and wood-oven pizzas.
38. Krupa Grocery
Krupa Grocery is a neighborhood restaurant that has a relaxed atmosphere and serves some unique brunch gems, such as the fluffy lemon ricotta pancakes, lamb burger, and the delicious green eggs & ham. If you are in the area, this is a great spot for brunch in Brooklyn!
Good to Know
Brunch is served from Wednesday to Monday. Also, this place is both kid and dog-friendly.
Best for: a relaxed laid-back brunch.
Map of Best Brunch Spots in NYC
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Did we miss your favorite brunch spot in NYC? Leave us a comment with your recommendations, we’d love to hear from you!
Bianca Bauza
Travel Writer
Bianca is a world citizen who spent almost four years traveling around South America and Europe. Her passions include photography, street art, outdoor sports, and cooking exotic dishes. She’s now based in the Netherlands where she lives with her partner and young daughter. She still enjoys traveling, on her own or with her family, and is always looking for an opportunity to see new places.
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