There’s something magical about waking up in New York City and grabbing breakfast in a spot that feels like it was made just for you. As someone who lives here and spends weekends hunting for that perfect morning bite, I’ve narrowed it down to my top five favorite breakfast places in NYC for 2025. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or you’re a local looking for a new go-to, this guide brings you the best of the best—backed by experience, local buzz, and food that speaks for itself. If you like you can visit that website about wooden Chopstick for how to use and everythig. 25 Best Breakfast Places in the USA – Top-Rated Spots You Can’t Miss.
1. Buvette (West Village) – For a Cozy, French Morning
- Address: 42 Grove St, New York, NY 10014
- Must-Try: Waffle Sandwich with Prosciutto, Steamed Eggs with Pesto
- Hours: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Buvette West Village – official website
Why Locals Love It:
Buvette isn’t just breakfast—it’s an experience. Nestled in the West Village, this tiny French bistro feels like Paris in the heart of Manhattan. The menu is elegant but approachable. Their steamed eggs are unbelievably soft (seriously, how do they do it?), and everything comes out looking like a work of art.
Local Tip: Get there early—tables fill up fast, especially on weekends. Solo diners can usually snag a seat at the bar.
2. Russ & Daughters Café (Lower East Side) – A NYC Classic
- Address: 127 Orchard St, New York, NY 10002
- Must-Try: Classic Lox Bagel, Pastrami-Cured Salmon, Potato Latkes
- Hours: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM (Closed Tuesdays)
- Russ & Daughters Café – official website
Why Locals Love It:
Russ & Daughters has been part of NYC’s food scene since 1914—and their café brings that same legacy with a modern touch. Expect top-notch smoked fish, house-made cream cheese, and that unbeatable NYC bagel experience. It’s where tradition meets taste.
Local Tip: The bagels are always amazing, but if you’re gluten-free, they offer alternatives without skimping on flavor.
3. Good Thanks (Lower East Side) – Aussie Vibes & Aesthetic Plates
- Address: 131 Orchard St, New York, NY 10002
- Must-Try: Chili Scrambled Eggs, Ricotta Hotcakes, Oat Flat White
- Hours: 8:00 AM – 3:30 PM.
- Good Thanks Café – official website.
Why Locals Love It:
Good Thanks brings Aussie brunch culture to downtown NYC with bright interiors, seasonal ingredients, and coffee that rivals anything you’ll find in Melbourne. It’s a favorite among creatives, digital nomads, and anyone who cares deeply about aesthetics and taste.
Local Tip: Order a flat white and snag a window seat. It’s one of the best people-watching spots in the LES.
4. Clinton St. Baking Company (Lower East Side) – Best Pancakes in NYC
- Address: 4 Clinton St, New York, NY 10002
- Must-Try: Wild Blueberry Pancakes, Fried Chicken & Waffles, Buttermilk Biscuit Sandwich
- Hours: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Closed Tuesdays)
- Clinton St. Baking Co. & Restaurant – official website
Why Locals Love It:
Ask any New Yorker where to get the best pancakes, and Clinton St. Baking Company will likely top their list. Their pancakes are fluffy, golden, and absolutely worth the wait. The vibe is cozy and unpretentious—just good food done really well.
Local Tip: Go on a weekday to avoid the long wait. Or, order pancakes for takeout and eat them in nearby Tompkins Square Park.
5. Sunday in Brooklyn (Williamsburg, Brooklyn) – Brunch Worth Crossing the River For
- Address: 348 Wythe Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11249
- Must-Try: Hazelnut Maple Praline Pancakes, Egg & Cheese Sandwich, Smoked Salmon Toast
- Hours: 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM.
- Sunday in Brooklyn – official website.
Why Locals Love It:
Yes, it’s in Brooklyn—but it’s absolutely worth the subway ride. Sunday in Brooklyn serves up one of the most creative and delicious brunch menus in the city. Their hazelnut praline pancakes are legendary (and Instagram-famous), and the whole space just feels like a warm hug.
Local Tip: Make a reservation if you can. This place gets packed, especially during peak brunch hours.
6. Maison Pickle (Upper West Side) – Comfort Food with a Gourmet Twist
- Address: 2315 Broadway, New York, NY 10024
- Must-Try: Challah French Toast, Crab Cake Benedict, House-Made Pastrami Hash
- Hours: 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM (Breakfast/Brunch).
- Maison Pickle – official website
Why Locals Love It:
Maison Pickle is famous for its over-the-top yet refined comfort food, especially the thick-cut challah French toast that could feed two. Portions are generous, and everything is packed with flavor. The art deco vibe gives you that old-school NYC charm with a modern twist.
Local Tip: If you’re not into sweets, the crab cake Benedict is a surprisingly perfect balance of savory richness.
7. La Mercerie (SoHo) – Stylish Breakfast Inside a Designer Store
- Address: 53 Howard St, New York, NY 10013
- Must-Try: Buckwheat Crêpes, French Omelette with Herbs, Pain au Chocolat
- Hours: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM (Weekdays); Brunch on Weekends.
- La Mercerie – official website.
Why Locals Love It:
La Mercerie is a dreamy French café tucked inside the Roman and Williams Guild interior design store. It’s equal parts beautiful and delicious. The service is polished, the atmosphere is serene, and it’s one of those spots where time just slows down.
Local Tip: Arrive early for a calm breakfast, then wander the designer showroom after your meal.
8. Golden Diner (Chinatown) – Where Diner Meets Asian Fusion
- Address: 123 Madison St, New York, NY 10002
- Must-Try: Thai Tea Babka French Toast, KBBQ Breakfast Wrap, Golden Diner Club
- Hours: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM.
- Golden Diner – official website.
Why Locals Love It:
This is not your average diner. Golden Diner blends classic New York diner culture with Asian flavors, and the result is one of the most creative breakfast menus in the city. Chef Sam Yoo’s vision has made this place a cult favorite with lines out the door.
Local Tip: Ask for their seasonal specials—the menu changes frequently, but it never disappoints.
9. Daily Provisions (Multiple Locations – UWS, Flatiron, Union Square)
- Address Example: 375 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10024
- Must-Try: Bacon, Egg & Cheese on a Soft Roll, Everything Croissant, Maple Cruller
- Hours: 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM
- Daily Provisions Official Website
Why Locals Love It:
Daily Provisions nails the grab-and-go breakfast concept without sacrificing quality. Their egg sandwiches are iconic, the pastries are flaky perfection, and their house-made crullers are the stuff of breakfast legend.
Local Tip: Use their mobile order system to skip the line—especially during the morning rush.
10. Jack’s Wife Freda (SoHo & West Village) – Mediterranean Breakfast with Personality
- Address: 224 Lafayette St, New York, NY 10012
- Must-Try: Rosewater Waffle, Green Shakshuka, Mediterranean Breakfast Plate
- Hours: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Jack’s Wife Freda – Mediterranean Breakfast with Personality
Why Locals Love It:
Charming, casual, and endlessly photogenic—Jack’s Wife Freda serves up Mediterranean-influenced breakfast in a cozy, welcoming setting. It’s the kind of spot where the servers know your name and the food keeps you coming back.
Local Tip: Order the fresh cantaloupe juice—it’s simple, refreshing, and surprisingly hard to find elsewhere.
11. Cafe Mogador (East Village) – NYC’s Favorite Moroccan-Inspired Brunch
- Address: 101 St Marks Pl, New York, NY 10009
- Must-Try: Moroccan Eggs with Merguez, Halloumi Eggs, House-Made Pita
- Hours: 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM.
Why Locals Love It:
Cafe Mogador has been a staple in the East Village since 1983—and it’s still packed every weekend. Their Moroccan-style breakfast blends North African spices with Mediterranean ingredients, offering something unique without being too heavy. Cozy, warm, and effortlessly cool.
Local Tip: Try the mint tea for a refreshing start to your day. It’s brewed fresh and perfectly sweetened.
12. The Smith (Nomad, Lincoln Square & More) – Trendy American Fare
- Address: 1150 Broadway, New York, NY 10001 (Nomad location)
- Must-Try: Avocado Toast with Poached Eggs, Buttermilk Pancakes, Breakfast Pot Pie
- Hours: 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM.
Why Locals Love It:
The Smith offers classic American breakfast in a stylish, bustling setting. It’s consistent, lively, and perfect if you’re dining with friends or family. Their breakfast pot pie—yes, breakfast pot pie—is comfort food at its best.
Local Tip: Ask for their signature “Smith” hot sauce. It’s house-made and goes well with almost everything on the menu.
13. Friend of a Farmer (Gramercy Park) – Farm-to-Table in the City
- Address: 77 Irving Pl, New York, NY 10003
- Must-Try: Farmer’s Omelet, Banana Walnut Pancakes, Corned Beef Hash
- Hours: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM (Breakfast/Brunch).
Why Locals Love It:
Stepping into Friend of a Farmer feels like walking into a rustic New England farmhouse. It’s cozy, wood-filled, and warm—even in winter. The food is hearty, fresh, and thoughtfully prepared with farm-to-table ingredients.
Local Tip: Sit upstairs if you can—it’s quieter and has a charming, attic-like ambiance.
14. Little Collins (Midtown East) – Fast, Gourmet Australian Breakfast
- Address: 708 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10017
- Must-Try: The Smash (Avocado Toast), Brekkie Roll, Flat White
- Hours: 7:30 AM – 3:30 PM.
Why Locals Love It:
Little Collins is a hidden Midtown gem with Australian-style breakfast that’s fast, flavorful, and surprisingly affordable. It’s a hit among commuters and office workers who want real food on the go—without sacrificing quality.
Local Tip: Their “brekkie roll” is one of the best egg sandwiches in the city. It’s spicy, creamy, and layered with just the right textures.
15. Dominique Ansel Bakery (SoHo) – Where the Cronut Was Born
- Address: 189 Spring St, New York, NY 10012
- Must-Try: Cronut (flavor changes monthly), Egg Sandwich Croissant, DKA (Dominique’s Kouign Amann)
- Hours: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM.
Why Locals Love It:
Dominique Ansel is more than a bakery—it’s an innovation hub for pastry lovers. The cronut (croissant + donut) was born here, and the menu is constantly evolving. Even locals line up for whatever’s new and limited-edition.
Local Tip: Check their website the night before to see the next morning’s cronut flavor. Limited quantities sell out fast.
Final Thoughts: NYC Breakfast, Done Right
Whether you’re in the mood for something classic, something cozy, or something Instagram-worthy, these breakfast spots cover it all. They’re places I keep coming back to—and spots I recommend every time a friend asks, “Where should I go for breakfast in the city?”
So next time you’re in NYC and the morning hunger hits, skip the tourist traps and head to one of these local-loved gems instead.
FAQ – Best Breakfast in NYC (2025)
Q: What’s the best breakfast in NYC for first-timers?
- A: You can’t go wrong with Russ & Daughters Café for that authentic New York bagel and lox experience.
Q: Are these breakfast places kid-friendly?
- A: Yes! Clinton St. Baking and Sunday in Brooklyn are especially great for families.
Q: Do I need reservations?
- A: For popular weekend brunch spots like Sunday in Brooklyn and Buvette, reservations are highly recommended.
Q: Is tipping expected in NYC breakfast spots?
- A: Yes—standard tipping is 18–20% if you’re dining in.
Ready to explore more hidden gems in New York?
- Check out our USA Travel Map A Guide to Exploring America and start your day like a local.
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I am Sabiq Rasel is an Entrepreneur and broadcaster. I believe that every sip of coffee holds the potential for a moment of inspiration, creativity, and every cup tells a story.
