Living in New York City for over a decade has strengthened my love for food year after year. There’s something magical about the city’s diverse culinary landscape, especially the best brunch NYC spots I go back to again and again. Brunch is more than just a meal — it’s an experience and ritual that lets you unwind while enjoying delicious food.
Whether you’re going on a date, catching up with friends and family, or simply spending a relaxing solo day, there’s no shortage of options for brunch spots in Manhattan! Read on for a curated list of NYC restaurants I’ve tried and absolutely recommend.
The Best Brunch NYC Edition: 11 Must-Try Spots
Best Brunch For Afternoon Tea
Grand Salon at Baccarat Hotel
Feel like royalty when you dine at the Grand Salon at Baccarat Hotel. Inside, the place is decked out in sparkling chandeliers and bouquets of red roses. My boyfriend Dex and I enjoyed their signature Afternoon Tea service to celebrate his birthday last year.
For Afternoon Tea, there are a few menus to choose from. Since we went in December, we had the holiday menu which included plenty of savories, sweets, and teas on an Art Deco glassware set. The closest menu to that is Prince of Wales, offered throughout the year. The meal is not only aesthetically pleasing but also so delicious and filling.
Neighborhood:
Midtown West
Address:
Grand Salon at Baccarat Hotel
28 West 53rd Street, Floor 2
New York, NY 10019
Best Brunch With a Cozy Atmosphere
Pinto Garden
Come for the comfort Thai food (think: pumpkin curry), and stay for the rustic-chic interiors at Pinto Garden. This floral-filled restaurant in West Village has a comfy interior that feels like a grandma’s dining room and a garden exterior in the back where you can sip on rosé while enjoying dishes like Pad Thai Sun Rise Noodles and Shrimp Avocado Toast.
Just note to bring layers if you’re dining in the garden when it’s cold out. I visited on a winter morning for brunch and was so glad I had my fluffy coat and scarf lol.
Neighborhood:
West Village
Address:
Pinto Garden
117 West 10th Street
New York, NY 10011
Best Brunch For A Date
La Grande Boucherie
One of the best brunch NYC spots for a date is La Grande Boucherie, a romantic French brasserie with art nouveau-style decor all-around. Sitting at the outdoor plaza (with a pretty arched skylight) feels like a mini getaway to Paris.
I came here for brunch with Dex and we ordered the Eggs Norwegian, Steak Aux Oeufs, and signature French onion soup (you need to try!). The dessert was one of the best I’ve ever had — it’s the Tarte Au Chocolat sprinkled with gold.
Neighborhood:
Midtown West
Address:
La Grande Boucherie
145 West 53rd Street
New York, NY 10019
Best Brunch NYC Spot For a Girls’ Day
Tea Around Town
If you and your girls love all things pink, flowers, and tea, then Tea Around Town is the perfect NYC brunch for you. Here’s how it works: You’ll meet near the New York Public Library (address below), board the pink bus, and ride along Manhattan for 90 minutes while enjoying high tea treats.
The savory assortment includes delicious items like lobster puffs and truffled deviled eggs, and sweets include raspberry tarts and strawberry cheesecakes. There’s also plenty of scones and teas to go around. It’s such a fun experience that you can visit again since the themes often change according to seasons.
Neighborhood:
Meet in Midtown West
Address:
Tea Around Town
Departure Point: 42nd Street between 5th & 6th Avenues
Across the street from 11 West 42nd Street
Best Brunch For Family Gatherings
Sarabeth’s
Sarabeth’s is a crowd favorite for so many New Yorkers who love brunch! With a wide range of food on the menu, it’ll satisfy just about everyone’s cravings. I recently had the classic lobster roll and it was so fresh.
Also on the menu, there’s a variety of salads, pancakes, French toast, omelets, sandwiches, soups, and more. When my family came to the city to visit, we loved our meal here. In addition to the Upper West Side, the restaurant also has locations in Central Park South, Greenwich Village, and Park Avenue South.
Neighborhood:
Upper West Side
Address:
Sarabeth’s
423 Amsterdam Avenue
New York, NY 10024
Best Brunch For Dim Sum
Hey Yuet
For traditional Cantonese dishes, look no further than Hey Yuet as one of the best brunch NYC spots. This restaurant has so many delicious dishes that aren’t at every dim sum restaurant. What to order: congee (rice porridge), soup dumplings, rice rolls with shrimp, pan-fried chive dumplings, and egg tart.
Everyone who worked there was super friendly and the atmosphere was unique with vintage cameras, record players, and traditional Chinese outfits on a garment rack. A must-try spot for brunch.
Neighborhood:
Chelsea
Address:
Hey Yuet
251 West 26th Street
New York, NY 10001
Best Brunch That Feels Like A Tropical Vacation
Tommy Bahama Restaurant & Bar
A friend recommended I try the Tommy Bahama Restaurant & Bar, and I’m still thinking about the incredible key lime pie! But really, everything that we ordered was so flavorful. Located on the busy New York street that is Fifth Avenue, walking inside felt like being transported to a calming tropical vacation.
Definitely try the “World Famous Coconut Shrimp”, Blackened Mahi Mahi Tacos, Seared Ahi Tuna Bowl, and Lump Blue Crab Cakes. Seafood lovers, this restaurant is for you! After brunch, shop the store downstairs for island-inspired clothes, accessories, and home goods.
Neighborhood:
Midtown East
Address:
Tommy Bahama Restaurant & Bar
551 5th Avenue (at 45th Street)
New York, NY 10176
Best Brunch NYC Spot For Bagels
Sadelle’s
In the mood for bagels? Dine at Sadelle’s. This SoHo restaurant is definitely on my list of best NYC brunch spots for its traditional dishes that also include eggs benedict, omelets, salads, sandwiches, soups, and more. This vintage-style spot is also known for its celebrity guests who have been seen brunching here.
Neighborhood:
SoHo
Address:
Sadelle’s
463 West Broadway
New York, NY 10012
Best Brunch With Stunning Colorful Interiors
Crosby Street Hotel
On my birthday, Dex surprised me with a visit to Crosby Street Hotel for Afternoon Tea. Served from 11am-5pm, this spot features the most stunning interiors with bright colors and unique prints that complement each other perfectly.
The tiers of savories and sweets fresh from the kitchen tasted delicious and were almost too pretty to eat! Even the animal design tea set was so intricately made. We just adored our time there.
Neighborhood:
SoHo
Address:
Crosby Street Hotel Afternoon Tea
79 Crosby Street
New York, NY 10012
Best Brunch NYC Spot With Delicious Desserts
MarieBelle
MarieBelle is one of my favorite chocolate shops in New York City. In the store, there’s also a cozy Cacao Bar filled with antique-style furniture and decor that will make you feel like you’ve been transported back in time.
The Afternoon Tea menu includes, yes, chocolates and sweets, including their very own version of Tarte Tropezienne. When we stayed at La Belugue in France, we loved this dessert and have been looking for bakeries that serve it in NYC. This one is a halved brioche filled with vanilla pastry cream topped with pearl sugar. So good!
Neighborhood:
SoHo
Address:
MarieBelle
484 Broome Street
New York, NY 10013
Best Brunch With A Wellness Flair
Electric Lemon
Located in the Equinox Hotel at Hudson Yards, Electric Lemon is the cool, healthy restaurant you need to try. The seasonal American restaurant is known for its veggie-forward dishes and sleek space on the 24th floor with a terrace overlooking the Hudson River.
The restaurant works closely with farmers, growers, and food artisans across the Mid-Atlantic region to create vibrant, nutritious, and delicious dishes. It’s truly one of the best brunch NYC restaurants. I went after visiting the Edge nearby and it gave me such an energetic start to the day!
Neighborhood:
Hudson Yards
Address:
Electric Lemon
33 Hudson Yards, 24th Floor
New York, NY 10001
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