Sifting through countless options to find the best brunch in NYC is a rite of passage for locals and a highlight for tourists. Across the city, you’ll find Taiwanese takes on classic brunch cocktails in Williamsburg, a retro celebrity haunt in TriBeCa, and even West Coast sensibility with an NYC twist in the East Village.
Some of the best brunches in the city are found at standalone gems, while others are available at multiple locations throughout Manhattan and beyond. But a penchant for brunch means New Yorkers book these coveted hours far in advance. To guarantee a table at one of these top brunch spots, you should reserve ahead, too.
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Discover the 10 best brunch spots in NYC today.
For high-energy brunch across Manhattan — book The Smith (Midtown, Lincoln Square, NoMad, and East Village)
The Smith balances classic comfort food with buzzy brunch energy in Midtown, Lincoln Square, NoMad, and East Village. Skillet-roasted mac and cheese arrives bubbling with a golden crust, while vanilla bean French toast is decadent with caramelized bananas and candied orange mascarpone. The signature freshly squeezed mimosa keeps the mood lively. All locations deliver an upbeat, bustling vibe, but Midtown’s high ceilings and brass accents feel especially grand for a celebratory brunch.
For Aussie brekkie with a twist — make a reservation at Little Ruby’s Cafe (West Village, East Village, SoHo, Murray Hill, and Williamsburg)
Little Ruby’s brings an Australian cafe feel to the West Village, East Village, SoHo, Murray Hill, and Williamsburg, where airy interiors and outdoor patios set the stage for afternoons of standout coffee and vibrant plates. Ricotta hotcakes with banana and breakfast burritos highlight the cafe’s fresh simplicity, and the signature flat white draws the coffee crowd. The Williamsburg location is the newest and, along with West Village, has a full bar for more particular brunch cocktail orders.
For the best brunch in NYC with skyline views — reserve a table at RH Rooftop Restaurant at RH New York (West Village)
RH Rooftop Restaurant at RH New York in the West Village pairs American brunch with skyline views in a glass-enclosed dining room dripping in chandeliers. Brunch favorites range from the classic New York lox and everything bagel to ultra-thin Swedish pancakes and Italian Benedict with parmesan hollandaise. The long bottle list focuses on chic wines from California, Italy, and France, while formal service, plush seating, and a shimmering interior come together for one of the most refined NYC brunches far above the city streets.
For a taste of NYC brunch history — snag a seat at The Odeon (TriBeCa)
The Odeon in TriBeCa is a NYC brunch classic. It has been serving French standards since the 1980s in a sleek Art Deco space. The croque monsieur layers Berkshire ham with prosciutto and Gruyère, while the NY smoked salmon platter is served with a simple sesame bagel. To step up your brunch cocktail game, you can substitute a French 75 for the common mimosa. The spacious sidewalk seating (with heaters for cooler afternoons) is ideal for people-watching while indulging in one of the city’s most enduring brunch traditions.
For a NoMad brunch from a legendary Spanish chef — secure a spot at Zaytinya (NoMad)
Zaytinya puts a Mediterranean spin on brunch in NoMad, courtesy of celebrated chef José Andrés. The shakshouka delivers a comforting blend of spiced tomato and egg, while a dozen spreads and breads bring Levantine flair. The Turkish coffee is prepared thick and strong for a true afternoon pick-me-up after a cocktail or two. The airy dining room with neutral tones and blue accents mirrors the menu’s flavors, making this a vibrant choice for a NYC brunch with international flavor.
For eco-conscious-Californian restaurant ranked among the best brunch in NYC — book a table at Gjelina (East Village)
Gjelina brings its Venice, California roots to NYC with wood-fired plates and market-driven produce. The lemon buckwheat ricotta pancakes are topped with blueberry compote, while the chorizo and fontina pizza with fennel and tomato is a more savory option. The extensive natural wine list matches the restaurant’s eco-forward eating ethos. Simple tabletops, un-fussed walls, and an open kitchen help Gjelina’s brunch turn casual NYC mornings into afternoons of effortless California cool.
For a white cloth brunch in Manhattan — lock in a spot at Sarabeth’s (Midtown West, Gramercy Park, Upper West Side, and Greenwich Village)
Sarabeth’s is a NYC brunch institution where famous preserves and baked goods set the tone for American brunch. It has locations in Midtown West, Gramercy Park, the Upper West Side, and Greenwich Village. The fat and fluffy French toast lives up to its name, while the Goldie lox scramble with smoked salmon keeps things classic. The signature four flowers juice, blending orange, pineapple, banana, and pomegranate, is a refreshing must.
For fast-casual brunch across the city — score a table at The Grey Dog (Union Square, NoLita, Chelsea, West Village, and Flatiron)
The Grey Dog keeps brunch casual across Union Square, NoLita, Chelsea, West Village, and Flatiron, where all-day breakfast dominates the menu. The egg and cheese croissant can be stuffed with bacon, sausage, and avocado, while salted caramel pancakes come topped with crushed pistachios. Most drinks arrive in oversized mason jars, and the cozy interiors of controlled chaos and warm lighting make each location feel like a neighborhood staple.
For a MICHELIN-recognized brunch with a European sensibility — reserve Koloman (NoMad)
Koloman in NoMad reimagines Viennese café culture through a French lens, landing a MICHELIN Plate in 2022 and 2023 for its refined approach. The housemade croissants and pain au chocolat are almost required starters, while the Berkshire pork schnitzel arrives with potato salad and lingonberries. Brass fixtures and bold Art Nouveau accents exalt brunch into an occasion-worthy affair at this European cafe-style space.
For Taiwanese brunch in Brooklyn — grab a table at Win Son (Williamsburg)
MICHELIN Bib Gourmand recipient Win Son turns out Taiwanese American brunch in Williamsburg, where bold flavors and wok hei define the menu. The fan tuan wraps sticky rice around a core of pork floss, while the scallion pancake sandwich stuffs egg, cheese, and sausage in a much-hyped package. Cocktails like the Taiwan beer Amer and Buddha Bless highlight Taiwanese ingredients in an industrial chic space where dishes are filling but never predictable. This is where NYC brunch gets seriously fun.
Whether you’re looking for omelets alongside towering stacks of fluffy pancakes or international influences from Australia, Taiwan, and beyond, brunch options in New York City are many. Some of the best menus are available at multiple locations citywide, but you’ll still need a reservation to enjoy them during peak hours.
Book one of the top brunch spots in NYC on OpenTable now
For more top NYC restaurants, check out these expert guides:
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Brandon Schultz is an award-winning food and travel writer based in New York City. His work has appeared in Forbes, AAA, Thrillist, Travel + Leisure, andThe Daily Meal, among many others. He is the author of six books, including three cookbooks. Follow his adventures on Instagram @thebrandonalexandr.
