Consider This Your NYC Brunch Bucket List (2024)

There are several locations of this quintessentially French brasserie throughout the city (called Boucherie and Petite Boucherie), but none quite as magical as La Grande Boucherie in Midtown—which spans the entire block of 6½ Avenue of the Americas and creates a sort of Parisian square. Whether you sit inside, among Art Nouveau-style décor, or in the grandiose heated atrium, this place was made for special occasions. There is no wrong order—but what would be wrong is not ordering viennoiseries (think croissants and pain au chocolat) for the table.

145 West 53rd Street, boucherie.nyc

Predominantly a walk-in hotspot, this beloved bistro started in SoHo (pictured here) and has since expanded to multiple locations. The all-day menu means you can have breakfast or brunch no matter the time—and with bottomless drip coffee until 4 p.m. and a host of classic co*cktails on offer, why wouldn't you? The green shakshuka and rosewater waffle are highlights.

multiple locations, jackswifefreda.com

In a quaint townhouse on the Upper East Side, JoJo—from acclaimed French chef Jean-Georges—has mastered the art of being super elegant and dreamy, while not making you feel out of place if you're just looking to have cozy, laid-back brunch. (Though we highly recommend it for special occasions too, especially with parents.) The crispy potatoes are a highlight—and order the carrot cake for dessert, because yes a hundred times over to post-brunch dessert.

160 East 64th Street, jojorestaurantnyc.com

This casual eatery is a bucket list breakfast/brunch stop. And with its iconic red exterior, you can't miss it. There's plenty to choose from on the menu, but once you get a seat here, get the pancakes—they're arguably some of the best in the city.

4 Clinton Street, clintonstreetbaking.com

If you find yourself in the quaint and trendy Dumbo neighborhood of Brooklyn (which you should), Cecconi's is a must. There's nothing quite like a brunch co*cktail and a waterfront view—especially when it's of the Manhattan skyline.

55 Water Street, cecconisdumbo.com

The West Village has an overwhelming number of brunch options—but Dante is a standout, if only for the curb appeal. Get the house-baked cinnamon roll with yogurt icing for the table.

551 Hudson Street, dante-nyc.com

You'll find more tables at the other 10+ NYC locations of this Aussie café taking the States by storm, but this one on the Upper East Side—located next to the historic Church of the Heavenly Rest on 5th Avenue—is so aesthetically special. Brekkie is served all day, leaving you plenty of time to indulge in the famous avocado smash (add an egg!) or what's probably our favorite banana bread ever.

multiple locations, bluestonelane.com

A brunch staple in the Meatpacking District, Pastis never goes out of style. Sweet and savory options abound—the pastry basket for the table is always a good idea—but if you're leaning more towards "unch" than "br," get the cheeseburger. Just do it.

52 Gansevoort Street, pastisnyc.com

Here's another dreamy spot, new to Soho, worthy of a special occasion. The combination of the delicious food (the 9-grain pancake with banana butter is even better than it sounds) and the garden-like atmosphere (with so much natural light streaming in through the big windows and retractable roof) is chef's kiss.

23 Grand Street, twentythreegrand.com

You can't miss Bar Primi's bright red neon sign on a bustling East Village corner, and you shouldn't miss the breakfast spaghetti, complete with pancetta, a poached egg, and cheese.

325 Bowery, barprimi.com

Serving elevated French fare inside upscale SoHo furniture store Roman and Williams Guild, La Mercerie is simply special. It's not your typical hearty brunch spread (though you'll want to order every pastry), but we're positive you'll leave satisfied, relaxed, and longing to return. (Just make sure your phone is fully charged, because you'll be snapping lots of photos.) In the warmer months, the outdoor dining setup will transport you to the streets of Paris.

53 Howard Street, lamercerieny.com

You'll find this neighborhood favorite on a picturesque West Village corner. Each dish sounds more delicious than the next, but we'll give you a savory and sweet highlight: the soft scramble and smoked salmon toast and the coconut creme doughnut.

131 Sullivan Street, thedutchnyc.com

Whether you're looking for A+ avocado toast, a big brekkie, or even a breakfast skillet, Dudley's is the perfect cozy Lower East Side pick. The colorful menu and the cool Aussie vibe of the café make it an ideal spot to spend your Sunday morning.

85 Orchard Street, dudleysnyc.com

With their Nolita (pictured here) and West Village locations, this plant-forward café—featuring refreshing pops of yellow and greenery—is a weekend brunch staple in NYC. And where do we even begin with the food? You can't go wrong with the egg sandwich or a classic vegetable salad or bowl (they specialize in veggies, after all), but try the loaded banana bread for something sweet. Don't sleep on the smoothies either.

multiple locations, thebutchersdaughter.com

For a cozy, fireside, farm-to-table brunch tucked away in the quaint Irving Place area of Gramercy, Friend of a Farmer is unmatched. The Boomer Special is your chance to get a taste of everything, with your choice of the equally tantalizing blueberry, pumpkin, or apple pancakes—served alongside eggs and a breakfast meat.

77 Irving Place, friendofafarmer.com

This is Southern, homestyle comfort food in the heart of Tribeca, with a cosmopolitan twist. Splurge on freshly baked, buttery biscuits, build-your-own pancakes (big portions), and fantastic Bloody Marys.

120 Hudson Street, bubbys.com

Any menu with beignets has our attention. And while the grandma-style pan pizza is a favorite (especially among the dinner crowd), the smoked salmon pizza and bacon and egg calzone should not be missed at brunch.

21 West 8th street, loringplacenyc.com

New Yorkers have a soft spot for this restaurant that started as a bakery (by a woman named Sarabeth!), because it never disappoints. With four locations across Manhattan (pictured here is the pretty little corner one on Park Avenue South), it's a great place to take visiting family. The menu covers pretty much anything anyone could ever crave for brunch, but we love the lemon and ricotta pancakes.

multiple locations, sarabethsrestaurants.com

On the corner of Lafayette Street and Great Jones in Manhattan's NoHo neighborhood sits the French café and bakery known for a viral cream-filled croissant called the Suprême. The pastry is only available in person at the bakery (not on the brunch menu) on a first-come, first-served basis—so if you're itching to try one, time your brunch reservation so you can join the line before or after your meal. (Fresh batches drop at 8 a.m., 12 m., and 4p.m. daily, and it's recommended to arrive about 45 minutes to an hour before to get a good spot in line.) If you'd rather not commit to waiting in line, the brunch menu is just as delicious, we promise.

380 Lafayette Street, lafayetteny.com

A celebrity hotspot for dinner, Locanda Verde is also quietly one of the best brunches in Tribeca. Trust us when we say the lemon ricotta pancakes are not to be missed.

377 Greenwich Street, locandaverdenyc.com