New York City doesn’t just do food, it defines food culture. With over 25,000 restaurants tucked between skyscrapers, brownstones, and neon-lit avenues, picking where to eat can feel like solving a Rubik’s Cube blindfolded. But when it comes to brunch—that glorious, mid-morning ritual of coffee, conversation, and comfort food—some places just hit differently.
So, if you’re visiting the Big Apple or simply looking to upgrade your weekend plans, here are five brunch spots across NYC that promise good vibes, great flavors, and that perfect Instagram-worthy moment.
1. 12 Chairs Café – A Taste of Tel Aviv in SoHo
start in SoHo—because brunch tastes better when it comes with a side of cobblestone charm. 12 Chairs Café began as a tiny, humble spot—literally with twelve chairs—and grew into one of the most beloved brunch gems in downtown Manhattan.
I first stumbled across it while on a post-Israel trip craving authentic Shakshuka—those bubbling eggs poached in spicy tomato sauce. One visit, and I was hooked.
12 Chairs beautifully blends Middle Eastern comfort with Eastern European soul. Their menu is a passport of flavors: Moroccan shakshuka, Israeli malabi, Yemenite jachnun, European blintzes, and creamy labaneh. And yes, they serve breakfast all day (which, let’s be honest, is exactly how brunch should be).
You’ll find it on MacDougal Street—a perfect pit stop before wandering through SoHo’s designer stores or lounging at Washington Square Park.
Must-try: Shakshuka and knafeh. Thank me later.
2. Maison Pickle – French Comfort on the Upper West Side
If you’re brunching near Central Park or the Lincoln Center, Maison Pickle should be on your radar. Nestled on Broadway & 84th Street, it’s an American eatery with a dash of Parisian flair—and yes, it lives up to its reputation.
Their French Dip Sandwich is practically legendary, complete with pan-scraped jus that makes every bite melt in your mouth. But it’s their brunch that really shines—fluffy challah French toast, rich Croque Madame, and cocktails that whisper “treat yourself.”
The vibe? Classic yet cozy, with that golden-hour glow that makes your avocado toast feel like fine dining.
Perfect for: Brunch before a walk through Central Park or a lazy Sunday exploring the Upper West Side.
3. Café Sabarsky – Old-World Elegance on the Upper East Side
If brunch ever had a royal cousin, it would probably live at Café Sabarsky. Tucked inside the Neue Galerie on Fifth Avenue, just across from the Met Museum, this Austrian-style café feels like stepping back into Vienna at the turn of the 20th century.
Named after art collector Serge Sabarsky, the café pays tribute to a time when cafés were the heartbeat of intellectual life. The dark wood interiors, marble tables, and classical music create a quiet, elegant atmosphere that makes you want to linger just a bit longer.
And the menu? A love letter to Austria. Think Viennese coffee, Bavarian ham and eggs, smoked trout crêpes, buttery brioches, and heavenly Austrian tortes.
Ideal for: Anyone planning a day of art-hopping between the Met, Guggenheim, and Neue Galerie. It’s brunch with culture and class—served on fine china.
4. Sunday in Brooklyn – Brunch Goals in Williamsburg
Cross the East River, and you’ll land in Williamsburg—a neighborhood that’s as cool as the latte art at Sunday in Brooklyn. This place isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a weekend mood.
The interior is rustic yet modern, filled with natural light and laughter. Their menu reads like a greatest hits album of brunch favorites: avocado toast, shakshuka, grain bowls, smoked salmon toast, and pancakes so thick and fluffy they practically defy gravity—topped with hazelnut maple praline syrup, of course.
What I love most? It feels local. You’ll see couples, families, and freelancers all soaking in that Brooklyn charm. And when you’re done, stroll through the vintage shops nearby or wander along the waterfront for postcard-perfect skyline views of Manhattan.
Order this: Pancakes with praline syrup. You’ll never look at brunch the same way again.
5. Time Out Market – The Ultimate Brunch Playground in DUMBO
Now, if you’re the type who can’t settle on just one place to eat (no judgment here), Time Out Market in DUMBO is your dream come true.
Sitting right by the Brooklyn Bridge and the East River waterfront, this massive 24,000-square-foot market brings together 17 of NYC’s best eateries under one industrial-chic roof. The atmosphere buzzes with energy—part food hall, part art gallery, part urban hangout.
Start your morning with Clinton St. Baking Company’s famous pancakes or latke eggs benedict. Not in the mood for a sit-down meal? Grab a fresh bagel from Ess-a-Bagel or a doughnut from Dough. Then, take your coffee outside and enjoy the view of the skyline while the carousel spins nearby.
Why it’s special: It’s not just brunch—it’s a culinary experience with a Brooklyn heartbeat.
Why These Brunch Spots Are NYC Musts
New York City brunch isn’t just about eating—it’s about the experience. Each of these five places has its own flavor, literally and metaphorically. From the laid-back charm of 12 Chairs to the old-world grace of Café Sabarsky, and the vibrant buzz of Time Out Market, they represent the city’s culinary diversity in the most delicious way possible.
Whether you’re a visitor trying to see the city one bite at a time or a local rediscovering your weekend ritual, these spots remind you that brunch is more than a meal—it’s a mini adventure.
So, next time you find yourself scrolling through endless “best brunch in NYC” lists, don’t overthink it. Pick one from this lineup, grab your favorite people, and dive in fork-first.
Because in New York City, the best mornings don’t start with alarms—they start with brunch.