It is often said that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Whether your trip to the Big Apple involves attending a business conference or exploring the iconic sights of Manhattan, a nourishing breakfast is essential for fueling your adventures. New York City, a melting pot of cultures and culinary innovation, offers a diverse array of breakfast options to satisfy every palate. From cozy diners serving classic comfort food to elegant brasseries offering refined pastries, the city is a breakfast lover’s paradise.
Fortunately, New York City is home to a multitude of exceptional restaurants that open their doors early, presenting a tempting array of menu items. Indulge in soft-boiled eggs with perfectly crisp bacon, savor heavenly pancakes piled high with fresh fruit, or experience Brooklyn’s iconic morning indulgence: chicken and waffles.
While some of these establishments are popular, finding a table is usually a breeze, especially during the week. However, if you plan to grab a bite to go before a meeting, allow extra time to navigate the morning rush hour.
Here’s a curated list of some of the best breakfast spots in New York City, each offering a unique and memorable dining experience:
Balthazar (SoHo): A Parisian Escape
Step into Balthazar, a SoHo institution, and be transported to the heart of Paris. This classic brasserie exudes an atmosphere of timeless elegance, with its high ceilings, antique mirrors, and bustling ambiance. While the weekend brunch scene is vibrant, a weekday breakfast at Balthazar offers a serene opportunity to savor the flavors of France. Indulge in the delicate flavors of eggs Florentine, sip on a rich and creamy cafe au lait, and savor the flaky layers of a freshly baked pain au chocolat.
Address: 80 Spring St, New York, NY 10012
Phone: +1 212-965-1414
Dominique Ansel Bakery (SoHo): A Pastry Lover’s Dream
Just a short stroll from Balthazar, Dominique Ansel Bakery awaits with its innovative and visually stunning pastries. This SoHo gem offers both counter and table service, along with a charming year-round greenhouse garden area in the back. Dominique Ansel is the birthplace of the legendary Cronut, a hybrid croissant-doughnut that has captivated pastry enthusiasts worldwide. While the Cronut may require a wait, the bakery offers a tempting array of other delights. The DKA, a croissant-like pastry with a caramelized exterior, is a crowd favorite, while the blossoming hot chocolate is an Instagram-worthy masterpiece. For those seeking savory options, the bakery also offers egg sandwiches, quiches, and soups.
Address: 189 Spring St, New York, NY 10012
Phone: +1 212-219-2773
Barney Greengrass (Upper West Side): A Deli Institution
Venture to the Upper West Side and discover Barney Greengrass, a Jewish deli that has been serving up smoked fish delicacies for over a century. This iconic establishment is renowned for its exceptional smoked salmon, sturgeon, and Nova Scotia salmon, which can be enjoyed with eggs or on a traditional New York bagel with cream cheese and capers. For a change of pace, try the cheese blintzes or the chopped chicken liver salad, both classic deli staples. Barney Greengrass offers a taste of New York’s rich culinary history.
Address: 541 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10024-2803
Phone: +1 212-724-4707
Clinton Street Baking Company (SoHo): Pancake Perfection
Since its opening in SoHo in 2001, Clinton Street Baking Company has been drawing crowds with its legendary pancakes. These fluffy stacks are renowned for their light texture and rich flavor, making them a must-try for any pancake aficionado. To avoid long waits, especially on weekends, try dining during the week. If you are craving breakfast for dinner, they also serve a selection of breakfast items in the evening. If your visit coincides with Pancake Month, you will have the opportunity to sample unique flavor combinations like blueberry yuzu or Mexican chocolate.
Address: 4 Clinton St, New York, NY 10002
Phone: +1 646-602-6263
Buvette (West Village): A Taste of France
Inspired by European traditions and established in the West Village neighborhood, Buvette New York offers a pared-down breakfast and brunch menu of French classics. Whether you crave a waffle sandwich or steamed eggs with smoked salmon, there are plenty of options, both indulgent and healthy, to enjoy in this easy-going spot. The intimate setting and authentic French flavors transport you to a Parisian cafe.
Address: 42 Grove St, New York, NY 10014
Phone: +1 212-255-3590
Bubby’s (Tribeca): A Tribeca Tradition
Bubby’s has been a Tribeca staple since 1990, offering classics like smoked salmon bagels, eggs Benedict, and huevos rancheros to hungry diners. While quite popular as a brunch spot on weekends, weekdays at Bubby’s are relatively quiet and calm. The comforting atmosphere and hearty portions make Bubby’s a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
Address: 120 Hudson St, New York, NY 10013
Phone: +1 212-219-0666
Shopsin’s (Lower East Side): An Unforgettable Experience
For a truly "only in NYC" breakfast experience, look no further than the legendary Shopsin’s Restaurant, located inside the Essex Market on the Lower East Side. Be aware of the house rules: no reservations, no groups larger than four, and no ordering the same thing as someone else at your table. Prepare yourself for a dense menu of pretty delicious food and possibly colorful language. Shopsin’s is a one-of-a-kind culinary adventure.
Address: 88 Essex St, New York, NY 10002
George’s New York (Financial District): A Diner Classic
For a quintessential diner experience in the Financial District, swing by George’s New York, a neighborhood stalwart since the 1950s. Expect typical diner fare like chocolate chip pancakes, eggs with hashbrowns, and a number of specialty omelets. George’s is a testament to the enduring appeal of classic American diner cuisine.
Address: 89 Greenwich St, New York, NY 10006-2205
Phone: +1 212-269-8026
King David Tacos (Financial District and Brooklyn): Austin-Style Breakfast Tacos
Starting as a food cart shelling out Austin-style tacos across New York, King David Tacos now has a brick-and-mortar headquarters in Prospect Heights, Brooklyn. The grab-and-go spot is a great place to grab a quick bite in the morning. The BPEC taco contains bacon, potato, egg, and cheese while the bacon is replaced with refried beans in the Queen Bean and Mexican chorizo in the Or’izo taco.
Address: Plaza St E, Brooklyn, NY 11238
Phone: +1 347-789-9410
Café Habana (Nolita): Cuban-Mexican Fusion
For a Cuban-Mexican brunch, consider stopping by Café Habana on weekends. The menu is short, with only seven items. However, it still includes classics like huevos rancheros or enchiladas suizas, chicken enchiladas topped with a tomatillo sauce and crema, and served with rice and black beans. People with a sweet tooth will enjoy the challah french toast topped with whatever fruit is in season.
Address: 17 Prince St, New York, NY 10012-3507
Phone: +1 212-625-2001
Veselka (East Village): Ukrainian Comfort Food
Founded in 1954, Veselka is a Ukrainian diner with breakfast served all day and a menu featuring challah French toast, latkes, pierogis, and blintzes alongside domestic breakfast favorites like bacon and eggs. For specialty pierogis and eggs Benedict, be sure to come for weekend brunch. This cheap, no-hassle restaurant almost always has a table open, even during the busy morning commute hours.
Address: 144 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10003
Phone: +1 212-228-9682
Daily Provisions (Union Square): Quick and Delicious
If you’re in a hurry to grab something to go, the fast service at Daily Provisions is pretty much unbeatable in Manhattan. The breakfast sandwiches don’t suffer in quality just because they come out fast! Try the maple cruller or the cream cheese everything croissant from the bakery for a real treat.
Address: 103 E 19th St, New York, NY 10003
Phone: +1 646-503-4440
Cookshop (Chelsea): Seasonal Delights
Cookshop, owned and operated by Marc Meyer, Vicki Freeman, and Chris Paraskevaides, is a great place in Chelsea to grab a seasonal breakfast treat before exploring the nearby High Line elevated walking path. The menu changes often but frequently features a mix of healthy and comfort foods like biscuits with jam or a grain bowl with a poached egg, chickpeas, beets, olives, and cherries.
Address: 156 10th Ave, New York, NY 10011-4724
Phone: +1 212-924-4440
Good Enough to Eat (Upper West Side): American Comfort Food
Good Enough to Eat’s menu more than lives up to its name – the delectable breakfast options at this Upper West Side restaurant include some truly unique takes on American comfort food. Think omelets stuffed with apple slices and Swiss cheese or pancakes that use a mix of oats, cornmeal, and two types of flour.
Sarabeth’s Restaurant (Upper West Side): Posh Breakfast Fare
Sarabeth’s Restaurant is a popular posh restaurant chain serving traditional American fare with some slightly decadent modifications. With four locations in Manhattan including Central Park South, Park Avenue South, and Tribeca, you’ll have plenty of chances to stop into one of these establishments no matter where you’re starting your day in the city.
Address: 423 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10024
Phone: +1 212-496-6280
The Smith (Midtown East): Swanky Bistro
If you don’t mind navigating the crowds of Midtown East, The Smith on 2nd Avenue is a great location for a quick or leisurely breakfast. This swanky American bistro offers traditional favorites like steak and eggs, vanilla bean french toast, and a ranchero scramble.
Address: 956 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10022
Phone: +1 212-644-2700
Dimes (Lower East Side): Health-Conscious Cuisine
The California-style kitchen at Dimes offers a variety of health-conscious dishes in a tidy, small cafe on the Lower East Side. Combining the traditional diner feel with a West Coast flair for eco-friendliness, the menu at Dimes includes fruity and savory options.
Address: 49 Canal St, New York, NY 10002-6269
Phone: +1 212-925-1300
Friend of a Farmer (Gramercy Park): Farm-to-Table Charm
Located in Manhattan’s Gramercy Park neighborhood, Friend of a Farmer brings a Vermont farmhouse to the city. The family-owned restaurant offers farm-to-table meals prepared country-style.
Address: 77 Irving Pl Ground Floor, New York, NY 10003
Phone: +1 212-477-2188
Jack’s Wife Freda (SoHo/Little Italy): Mediterranean Flavors
With locations in both SoHo and the West Village, this family-owned restaurant chain serves up a hybrid of American and Mediterranean breakfasts in rustic dining rooms.
Address: 226 Lafayette St, New York, NY 10012
Phone: +1 212-510-8550
Brooklyn Bagel & Coffee Company (Chelsea): The Quintessential Bagel
No trip to New York City is complete without having at least one NY-style bagel, and the best place to get one in a hurry is at the Brooklyn Bagel & Coffee Company in Chelsea.
Address: 286 8th Ave, New York, NY 10001
Phone: +1 212-924-2824
These are just a few of the many exceptional breakfast spots in New York City. With its diverse culinary landscape, the city offers endless opportunities to discover your new favorite breakfast destination. So, rise and shine, and embark on a delicious culinary adventure in the city that never sleeps! When you wake up in the city, the best breakfast in New York City is right around the corner.
