Being New Yorkers, we live life to the fullest. We work and play our hardest in every aspect of life – that’s the way to make it here, isn’t it? After a long work week, we like to treat ourselves to the finest weekend brunch as a way of saying au revoir to the past week and welcoming a new one.
However, the sheer number of options throughout the entirety the five boroughs can be overwhelming (especially when dietary restrictions get involved). Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
From American classics at The Smith to Italian selections at Sant Ambroeus, we’ve curated a list of ten of the best brunch spots in New York City that are guaranteed to please any weekend gathering. Just be sure to make an advance reservation for most!
See also: The 8 Best Bagels in NYC
Olio E Piú
3 Greenwich Ave. | Website
A West Village gem, Olio E Piú is the perfect option for your brunch with your friends or breakfast with your significant other. Hallmarks of their brunch fare include classics like avocado toast and eggs benedict, plus handmaid pastas like Tagliatelle Bolognese and Tortelloni Di Mare. If you want something more substantial, go for the Atlantic salmon, burgers or heavenly pizza of your choice. Reservations can be booked online.
La Parisienne
9 Maiden Ln. | Website
For our downtown Manhattan lovers, journey south to the Financial District for the brunch of your dreams. La Parisienne seems to serve everything you could possibly be craving, from homemade French toast to their quinoa bowl and croque salmon sandwich. As their dishes tend to be on the healthier side, we suggest eating here after your Sunday morning workout.
Hole in the Wall
15 Cliff St., 27 W. 24th St., 445 E. 35th St., 292 Bedford Ave., Brooklyn | Website
With three spectacular locations in Manhattan and one in Brooklyn, Hole in the Wall is much more than its name suggests. Their brunch specialties consist of pulled pork benedict, a pastrami salmon lox bagel, and mushroom bruschetta. But don’t stop there – they also offer a plethora of burgers, pasta and a specialty dessert waffle. Make sure to try their wellness drinks too, including their golden turmeric latte.
Balthazar
80 Spring St. | Website
Balthazar is one of the most well-known upscale brunch stops in all of New York, opening in SoHo in 1997. A romantic but bustling brasserie, they specialize in traditional French fare, and offer everything from steak tartare hors d’œuvres to beef stroganoff, macaroni au gratin, and specialty egg entrées for brunch. Unfortunately, the restaurant is temporarily closed due to COVID-19, but will be opening again soon. When it does, you’ll want to call for a reservation.
The Smith
55 Third Ave. (at 10th St.), 1150 Broadway (at 27th St.), 956 Second Ave. (at 51st St.), 1900 Broadway (at 63rd St.) | Website
You can’t officially call yourself a New Yorker until you’ve eaten at the Smith. Their brunch is served on weekends from 10am to 4pm, and offers every dish you could possibly want – salads, steak & eggs, raw bar specialties, sandwiches and to-die-for sides. Don’t forget about their delicious brunch cocktails such as the Gatsby, Bellini and Bloody Mary. Whether you want something healthy or splurge-worthy, this is the place for you.
See also: The 9 Best Italian Restaurants in NYC
The Grey Dog
49 Carmine St., 244 Mulberry St., 90 University Pl., 242 W. 16th St., 55 W. 26th St | Website
The Grey Dog is a downtown classic for weekend brunch in the city. More of a hidden gem, this spot serves traditional brunch like omelets, pancakes and French toast, but also offers the most delicious salads, warm bowls and sandwiches. Did we mention their dishes to share? Buffalo cauliflower, fried brussels sprouts, and grilled cheese dippers with tomato soup. Even better, there’s no reservation necessary.
Sant Ambroeus
265 Lafayette St., 259 W. 4th St., 100 Madison Ave. (at 77th St.) | Website
For the finest Italian brunch you’ve always fantasized about, we give you Sant Ambroeus. This spot brings Italy to Manhattan with specialty teas and coffees, breakfast rolls with prosciutto and tuna, a wide range of dishes to get your egg fix, pancakes with berries and cinnamon and more. An upscale restaurant in three locations, you’ll want to reserve seats ahead of time.
Tavern on the Green
67th St. & Central Park West | Website
An iconic NYC restaurant, Tavern on the Green is nestled into the middle of Central Park and offers the most delicious weekend brunch. For appetizers, they serve buttermilk biscuit & sausage gravy, potato pancakes and maple brown sugar bacon. For main courses? Avocado poached eggs, brioche French toast, Scottish salmon and more. Due to COVID-19, Tavern on the Green is temporarily closed, but will be opening soon. Reservations will be able to be made online.
Johny’s Luncheonette
124 W. 25th St. | Website
Johny’s Luncheonette is your classic hole-in-the-wall brunch spot, serving breakfast until 3:30pm every day. Their menu offers a ton of classic diner dishes, such as wraps, hot sandwiches, pressed pitas, salads, eggs, pancakes, bagels, oatmeal – you name it, they have it. Don’t believe us? Try it for yourself.
The Penrose
1590 Second Ave. | Website
Last but certainly not least is the lovely Penrose, tucked nicely into the Upper East Side. The Penrose serves classic plates to share, like French toast sticks and mac and cheese bites, but also offers dishes you'd be hard-pressed to find anywhere else, such as the “Chimichanga” plate, "Chicken Milanese & Waffle," and burrata platter with arugula and sourdough. An upscale spot for sure, book your reservation here and dress to the nines before entering.
Photography by: Jupiterimages
