Best Brunch in NYC: 15 Top Picks

Whether you are having eggs benedict, avocado toast, or a burger, brunch is arguably the best meal of the day. It covers the timeframe of multiple meals and there is a menu item for everyone. Brunch in the city is even better. Pulled an all-nighter at the club? Brunch. Still on a high from Broadway? Brunch. About to have a post-breakup shopping day? Brunch.

Brunch in NYC is a way of life. It is the perfect meal to talk and laugh with old acquaintances, go on a first date (or fourth), or simply have time to yourself with a french-toast feast. For all you brunch-lovers, we have created an excellent guide to finding the best brunch in NYC. We just ask that you try not to drool all over your screen while reading.

15. Little Collins

Little Collins is an excellent low-key Australian brunch spot and has some of the best brunch in NYC. The avocado toast is some of the best you will ever have—topped with pepitas, chili flakes, and mint, and the option to add an egg for even more flavor and protein. The Sweet Uncle Fred is also worth digging into. It is a piece of toasted banana bread topped with fresh berries, honey, ricotta, and almond brittle. Your mouth and heart will thank you for providing them with the goodness they were missing out on all this time.

14. Egg Shop

Eggs, eggs, and more eggs! For our eggheads out there, this is the place for you. Whether they’re scrambled, over-easy, in a burrito, bowl, or sandwich, Egg Shop has exactly what you want. They have a spicy twist on a classic bacon, egg, and cheese sandwich along with delicious egg scrambles. The hash browns are served as hash brown cakes and are worth ordering as well. The restaurant is owned by a dynamic husband and wife duo and the staff is incredibly welcoming and friendly. Head to this establishment in the Lower East Side to eat some of the best brunch in NYC!

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13. Clinton Street Baking Company

Clinton Street Baking Co. is a local-favorite eatery with a cute, cozy diner feel. The right thing to do here is order their fluffy pancakes—whether you choose chocolate chip, banana, or blueberry—there is no wrong choice. And the maple-butter syrup? Absolutely takes the pancakes to the next level. If pancakes aren’t your thing, the soft-shell crab eggs benedict is sure to satisfy.

12. Sunday In Brooklyn

Look no further for some of the best brunch in NYC, Brooklyn style. This brunch spot is worth visiting for the chicken sandwich alone. We love their take on this classic—the addition of Japanese kewpie mayo and hot honey is 10/10 and has the sandwich bursting with flavor. If you’re feeling something sweet, their pancakes are so unique and delicious! Think thick pancakes with a hazelnut, maple, praline sauce. One word for this place: YUM.

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11. Hudson Clearwater

This cute, cozy restaurant is located in the West Village. Make sure to dine in the garden if you can for the perfect brunch ambiance. HC has phenomenal food and is not just your run-of-the-mill brunch. Some of the standout dishes here include the cornflake-crusted French toast, lemon ricotta pancakes with blood orange, pomegranate, and mascarpone, and the duck hash. There are far too many mouthwatering items on the menu to choose just one, so take a group and sample a bit of everything. This is a restaurant you’ll want to visit over and over again.

10. Sadelle’s

Sadelle’s is a classic Soho restaurant that serves up some of the best brunch in NYC. They are famous for their smoked salmon platter that comes with unlimited bagels, cream cheese, and all the fixings. The platter is large, so it’s best to order it to share. For an individual meal, try their Scottish smoked salmon eggs benedict or their French toast. The perfect NYC day involves brunch at Sadelle’s followed by some shopping in Soho.

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9. Jacob’s Pickles

If there is one southern restaurant in New York that you must visit, look no further. Jacob’s Pickles has lines out the door 365 days a year and for good reason. This food is divine. JP has some of the best brunch in NYC including their southern biscuit sandwiches, biscuit French toast, and Croque Madame. The sausage or mushroom gravy-smothered chicken is incredible. It comes served with their famous biscuit and cheesy grits. The portions are massive and definitely worth sharing, but you may not want to after that glorious first bite. Jacob’s Pickles has flavor, depth, ambiance, and is truly the total package when it comes to brunch.

8. Shuka

Shuka is a hidden gem located in Soho that serves some of the best brunch in NYC. Mediterranean cuisine offers some of the best food in the world and Shuka is here to prove that to you. Start off with the halloumi—fried yogurt with flavorful spices and a housemade sauce on top. It is truly one of the best appetizers you will ever eat in your life. For the main course, try the classic shuka—eggs poached in a spicy tomato sauce—or the chocolatey babka French toast for a sweeter option. For something simple and delicious, order the Mediterranean plate. The beet hummus is not only beautiful, but outstanding when it comes to flavor. You’re not just here for brunch, you’re here for an incredible food experience.

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7. The Smith

The Smith is a crowd and palate-pleaser and has some of the best brunch in NYC. The omelet with goat cheese is simple yet full of flavor, the avocado toast is 10 times better than your average avocado toast, and the vanilla bean French toast will keep you coming back for more. Oh, and don’t forget about their house ketchup for your fries and potatoes! Heinz could never. There are multiple locations conveniently located throughout the city so it’s easy to stop by for brunch no matter where you happen to be.

6. Robert

Not only does Robert craft some of the best brunch in NYC, but the views from this restaurant—overlooking Central Park and Columbus Circle—are breathtaking. Yet even with these gorgeous views, the food remains the star of the show. We recommend ordering the French toast that is served with seasonal fruit and a dulce de leche syrup. For a more savory option, get the burger. It’s cooked to juicy perfection. Don’t forget to start with their tasty burrata or tuna crudo. Pro tip: if you want a window view, be sure to book reservations in advance.

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5. Barney Greengrass

Barney Greengrass has been a brunch destination for New Yorkers for more than 100 years. They claim to be “a food store for those who demand the best”. And that they are. Barney Greengrass has some of the best smoked salmon in the city—it’s fresh, salty, soft, and extremely memorable. Many NYC residents, including celebrities, have deemed this restaurant some of the best brunch in NYC, and we couldn’t agree more. The meals are so simple, yet so tasty, you will no doubt end up coming back every time you’re in the city. Get an egg scramble with a mix of smoked salmon to put on a bagel and you are set. If you’re a local, take some salmon to enjoy at home.

4. Maison Pickle

Maison, sister restaurant to the ever-famous Jacob’s Pickle, takes a French twist on classic southern cuisine. If you’re wanting a taste of the south, order the chicken and French toast. But the main standout of this restaurant is, hands down, their French dip sandwich. The gruyere cheese, horseradish aioli, and caramelized onions on top of the perfectly soft sirloin beef all make for one of the most perfect brunch items you will ever consume. And how dare you forget the appetizers? The frosted cinna’nut bun pull-apart and buffalo mac n’ cheese may leave you in a puddle of joy-induced tears.

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3. Bubby’s

Bubby’s is a classic New York brunch spot and absolutely divine. From their home fries to the huevos rancheros to the fried chicken biscuit—you simply cannot go wrong. However, the best item on their menu and what they’re most famous for are their pancakes. These are some of the best pancakes you will ever consume. They will make you fall right in love. Pick your toppings from banana and walnut, blueberry, chocolate chip, or Nutella, strawberry, and whipped cream. Whatever the topping, the actual pancake itself is what stands out. Buttery, fluffy, hot, and perfectly griddled. After eating one of the best brunches you’ve ever had, take a walk around the cute cobblestone streets of Tribeca then over to the Hudson River.

2. Balthazar

After eating at Balthazar, you’ll come to the realization that the French really do breakfast and brunch right. Balthazar lives up to the hype and easily has some of the best brunch in NYC. Brunch doesn’t need to be fancy and sometimes simple is best, which is what Balthazar offers. Their menu has the most quality, fresh ingredients. Start off with one of their decadent pastries then end with the Eggs Florentine or a simple toast with wild mushrooms, onions, dill, and arugula. Your heart (and stomach) will be bursting from the joy this meal is bound to give you.

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1. Tartine

This quaint French restaurant in the heart of the West Village offers the best brunch in NYC, without a doubt. From the thick and perfectly made Croque Madame, to the warm apple pancakes, there is nothing on this menu that isn’t delicious. Even the side potatoes that are beautifully roasted and made with fresh rosemary and veggies are worth coming back for. Their brunch is served on weekends only and will always have a line, so arrive right when they open if you don’t want to wait. The staff goes above and beyond with their service as well. Run, don’t walk to our very favorite brunch spot in New York City and get ready for a life-changing brunch experience!