The Absolute Best Brunch in NYC

With old-school diner menus, a wall of colorful VHS tapes, and shades of blue as far as the eye can see, brunch at Baby Blues Luncheonette is all about the vibes. The playful interior is equal parts trendy and nostalgic, providing a fun backdrop for the Greek-influenced diner fare. The menu consists of dishes like Baklava Banana Bread; a Zorba Plate with haloumi, tzatziki, and Greek potatoes; and an H.L.T, the restaurant’s take on a diner classic that swaps bacon for haloumi. So whether you’re in a sweet or savory mood, this buzzy modern diner has you covered.

In the lobby of the Hoxton Hotel, K’Far is an Israeli all-day cafe from the team behind the beloved rooftop restaurant, Laser Wolf. The spot’s Jerusalem Bagel is the star of the show, and it comes as a breakfast sandwich loaded with either smoked salmon and za’atar tzatziki or egg, cheese, za’atar, and schug. Other brunch options include classic dishes like Shakshuka and flaky, savory Borekas. And don’t leave without perusing the pastry case for top-notch treats like a Pistachio Sticky Bun or personal-sized Cinnamon Walnut Babka.

This cozy-yet-upscale Austrian restaurant quickly became a dinnertime favorite when it opened last year, but the newly unveiled brunch menu is worth a separate visit. Koloman’s brunch offerings range from classics like Eggs Benedict and Pain Perdu to inventive dishes like the “Everything” Paris-Brest that combines influences from Paris, Vienna, and New York City for a luxurious savory pastry with horseradish chantilly, salmon, cucumber, and sturgeon caviar.

This Miami-born restaurant is making New Yorkers crave Asian-inspired BBQ dishes for the first meal of the day. KYU won diners over with playful dishes like Corn Ribs and Tuna Crispy Rice—both of which are also available during brunch—but new daytime offerings like Eggs Benedict with pulled short rib and yuzu hollandaise sauce and a Duck Scramble with toasted rice and creamy gochujang seal the deal. The restaurant also channels its fun energy into the daytime cocktail menu with creations like the Zodiac Killer (tequila, creme de banana, coconut, guava juice, fresh pressed pineapple) which is designed to share with four to eight people and comes in a rooster-shaped pitcher.

For days when a leisurely brunch isn’t in the cards but you’re still craving lox or pancakes, head to S&P. Located in the former home of iconic deli Eisenberg’s, this retro diner was recently taken over by the team behind Court Street Grocers. The menu has everything you’d expect from a lunch counter with breakfast staples like Corned Beef Hash and a Denver Omelet with ham, American cheese, green peppers, and onion, plus more lunch-y options like a slate of sandwiches and Matzo Ball Soup. Most of the items are classics, but the team brought in a few modern twists like the popular Broccoli Rueben that can be found at the group’s sandwich shops around the city.

For a brunch that’s equal parts delicious and entertaining, head to Valerie. Every Sunday, the restaurant hosts jazz brunch with tunes from Danny Lipsitz and The Brass Tacks performed in the dining room as you sip boozy morning cocktails like Tea With the Queen or the English Breakfast, which pairs tea-infused gin with lemon tonic. If you can’t make it to Midtown for the performance, the brunch menu is served all weekend and includes dishes like Lemon Ricotta Pancakes and Croque Madame.

Agi’s Counter has stand-out pastry shop offerings that have quickly made it a Crown Heights favorite. But be sure to stop by for a full brunch service that blends pastries with heartier menu items highlighting Jewish and Eastern European cuisine. Brunch favorites include a Tuna Melt with pickled peppers and Pogacsa, a Hungarian cheese biscuit topped with a fried egg, dill, and alpine cheddar. Every Sunday, chef Jeremy Salamon offers Fank, a specialty Hungarian donut topped with powdered sugar and served with whipped butter and seasonal jam, that you won’t want to miss.

For those who insist on kicking off brunch with an order of pancakes for the table, this popular Los Angeles spot’s NYC outposts in the West Village and Carroll Gardens are a must-visit. The simple menu at Breakfast by Salt’s Cure is centered around its signature item: Oatmeal Griddle Cakes. The thin pancakes are slightly crisp around the edges and are designed to eat without maple syrup. Choose from flavors like the OG with Cinnamon Molasses Butter; Banana Nut with Toasted Walnuts; and Blueberry with Salted White Butter and Toasted Flax Crumble. For sides, tack on options like eggs offered sunny-side-up or flipped; Sausage Patties; and Home Fries to complete your meal.

Known as a comfort food stalwart, a visit to Bubby’s is welcome any time of day—but brunch is when this Tribeca restaurant really shines. You’ll know you’re there when you spot the line stretching down Hudson Street, but the wait is well worth it for classic diner breakfast dishes like a Turkey B.A.L.T. and Huevos Rancheros. On the sweet side, Bubby’s pancakes are top notch and come in the James Beard variety, which are light and fluffy, or 1890 Sourdough, which come thin and chewy. Both variations can be topped with Blueberry Compote, Caramelized Bananas and Toasted Walnuts, or other toppings. Even better, you can order the Pancake Flight and try all of the options.

Home to some of New York City’s most famous pancakes, Chez Ma Tante has been a brunch staple since opening in 2017. But beyond the thick, fluffy pancakes with a crispy exterior, this brunch spot has so much more to offer. On the savory side, classic European dishes like Country Pâté are available to start, and entrees like Sausage Toulouse with lentils and the Ham Sandwich topped with English cheddar and Branston pickle make up the bulk of the menu.

This 32-seat mom-and-pop restaurant on the Lower East Side has achieved icon status, expanding to additional locations in locales from DUMBO to Dubai. Clinton Street’s cozy space offers savory dishes like a Latke Eggs Benedict; Buttermilk Biscuit Sandwich; and a classic Southern Breakfast with sugar-cured bacon, cheese grits, and fried green tomatoes. But the star attraction are the Pancakes with Warm Maple Butter. Keep it simple or choose from toppings like blueberries, bananas and walnuts, or chocolate chunks—no matter what you decide on, you’ll quickly understand why these flapjacks have a loyal following.

Once a beloved bagel pop-up that would sell out daily, this neighborhood favorite recently unveiled a full-service concept that’s perfect for brunch. At Edith’s Eatery & Grocer, order a House-Smoked Fish Plate with owner Elyssa Heller’s lauded hand-twisted bagels; a pan-seared Malawach flatbread with grated tomato, house-made bay leaf oil, and zhug sauce for dipping; and Chicken Schnitzel with cornbread, serrano relish, and harissa honey. On your way out the door, stop into the grocery portion of the shop to stock up on pantry staples and baked goods.

With two NYC locations found in Bed-Stuy and Williamsburg, For All Things Good is a destination for fresh masa and tortillas. Quesadillas, memelas, tlacoyos, and other favorites shine on the casual spot’s all-day menu, but the brunch menu also features must-try dishes that utilize the shop’s handmade tortillas (which, by the way, are available to take home). The Chilaquiles are top notch, and the shop also offers an Avocado and Egg Memela; a Breakfast Tlayudita with egg, avocado, Oaxacan cheese, refried black bean spread, and chili oil; and more. Most of the dishes on the menu are vegetarian, so this spot is also a win for plant-forward eaters.

Chef Sam Yoo is serving up nostalgic diner classics with a twist inspired by the Chinatown neighborhood below the Manhattan Bridge. Golden Diner’s brunch menu features signature items like the Chinatown Egg and Cheese Sando; Honey Butter Pancakes; and Homemade Granola & Yogurt with pumpkin seeds and orange zest. Korean-inspired drinks include a Soju Bloody Mary and Makgeolli Horchata (with Korean rice wine and a housemade horchata blend).

This highly acclaimed Williamsburg brasserie is a brunch staple. At Le Crocodile, chefs Jake Leiber and Aidan O’Neal serve French fare inspired by their favorite haunts in both Paris and New York City with dishes like the Croque Monsieur, Eggs Florentine, and Waffles with rhubarb and zabaione. Finish it off with desserts like Sticky Banana Date Pudding, Tarte au Citron, and Crème Brûlée.

Since hitting the food scene with its Taiwanese-American offerings in 2016, the popular East Williamsburg corner location of Win Son has since gained a bakery (with signature donuts, desserts, and savory snacks) across the street. But at the original restaurant that’s open for dinner and brunch service, diners can revel in a daytime menu with options like Big Chicken & Waffles with pan gravy and a sesame waffle; Lu Rou Fan with minced heritage pork belly and two sunny side up eggs; and Sesame Noodles with oyster mushrooms, snow pea leaves, and peanuts. Small plates include Tián Dou Jiang with sweet house-made soy milk and you tiao; and the Hualien Egg Bomb with chili sauce and herbs.

If you’re seeking an epic spread of breakfast tacos, look no further than Yellow Rose. The humble Tex-Mex spot by Krystiana and Dave Rizo gained a loyal fanbase for simple Bean and Cheese Tacos, Vegan Chips and Queso, and Texas Sheet Cake on the dinner menu, but it also draws crowds for brunch. Breakfast tacos on fresh flour tortillas with egg and house mesquite-smoked bacon and other fillings make up the menu’s staples, but stop by early to get your hands on the shop’s Buttermilk Brioche Donuts, which often sell out.