Get all the pastries you can at K’Far Brooklyn, especially the brown butter artichoke bureka. Trust us. Photo courtesy of K’Far Brooklyn

GuidesNew York

The Resy Guide to Breakfast in New York

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As busy New Yorkers, we often eat weekday breakfast on the go, so when we finally have the time to sit down and enjoy a proper early morning meal, it better be good. From the perfect stack of pancakes and delicately layered pastries to decked-out toasts and platters of smoked salmon, New York has it all. And even though brunch reigns supreme on the weekends, these picks are open for breakfast during the week, so save this list for the next rare morning where you can sit down and commit to an all-out breakfast.

Newly added: Raf’s and Café Chelsea.

For when you want to get serious about pastries …

Check in at K’Far Brooklyn, the new outpost of chef Michael Solomonov’s popular Philly spot at the Hoxton in Williamsburg. K’Far, meaning village, is named after Solomonov’s hometown of K’Far Saba in Israel. Along with pastry chef Katreena Kanney, Solomonov has curated a delicious menu inspired by Israel’s diverse culinary landscape. Do indulge in their signature pistachio sticky bun and a chocolate rugelach, or three.

See also: Enjoy a classic French breakfast with an Italian twist over at Raf’s, complete with overflowing pastry baskets, omelets, and eggs in purgatory. Make like the Europeans do and have a drink with your meal. Trust us and go for the Bloody Mary.

There’s also Little Flower Café in Astoria, an all-day halal café serving flavorful pastries and sandwiches inspired by the owners’ Afghan roots. Alternatively, if you’re craving expertly crafted bread and some of the city’s best (and only) laminated baguettes, head to ALF Bakery in Chelsea Market.

Photo courtesy of Agi’s Counter
Photo courtesy of Agi’s Counter

For when you need your breakfast to be delicious, but also extremely aesthetically pleasing …

Grab a seat at Agi’s Counter. Chef-owner Jeremy Salamon opened this charming pastry shop and restaurant in Crown Heights in 2021 with dishes inspired by his Hungarian roots. The restaurant is named after Salamon’s grandmother, and the enchanting decor evokes a homey old-school vibe just like you might find at grandma’s. Stop by for one of their stunning Ferdinand buns if you’re on the go, or sit down and enjoy a spread of crispy Hungarian crepes and paprika pork sausage with sunny side up eggs.

See also: Smør, to surround yourself with some serious hygge energy. Try their extravagant Danish smorrebrod piled high with toppings like smoked salmon, chicken salad, or pickled herring. Or visit For All Things Good in Williamsburg or Bed-Stuy to enjoy a fresh corn tortilla topped with a perfect pinwheel of avocado.

For when you’re craving incredible smoked salmon …

While no New York City breakfast guide would be complete without legendary institutions like Russ & Daughters and Barney Greengrass, there are also incredible new spots showcasing a modern take on the traditional Jewish comfort foods. Pro tip: If you need breakfast on the go, Edith’s also has a sandwich counter where you can snag their signature BEC&L (hint: the L stands for latke).

See also: Another playful take on classic Jewish deli foods can be found at Gertie. The bright space features one of the most aesthetically pleasing wall murals of all time, and you don’t want to miss the hot smoked pastrami salmon. And for even more suggestions on where to find Jewish comfort foods throughout the city, we’ve got you covered here.

Photo courtesy of Le Crocodile
Photo courtesy of Le Crocodile

For when you want to summon the vibes of a classic Parisian bistro or brasserie …

Say bonjour to Le Crocodile. This all-day brasserie in the Wythe hotel from chef-partners Jake Leiber and Aidan O’Neal just debuted a new breakfast menu that starts at 7 a.m. every day featuring Parisian inspired favorites. The intricate tiled floors, rustic brick walls, and unique chandeliers make this an ideal spot for those looking for an early morning pain au chocolat pick-me-up in a chic atmosphere.

See also: Classic French restaurants like Buvette provide a buzzy scene even in the early hours. Pro tip: Set a Resy Notify for an early morning table at Buvette to try their signature steamed eggs topped with prosciutto. And if you happen to find yourself in Midtown, do stop by Le Rock or Koloman, both of which serve breakfast Tuesdays through Fridays.

Might we also suggest stopping by Café Chelsea for breakfast? Chelsea’s cool-kid hangout of the moment is much easier to get into during the mornings than the evenings and it also happens to be just as good before dark as after. We’re definitely here for the eggs Benedict, brioche French toast with custard, and fresh-squeezed grapefruit juice. There’s something romantic and alluring about a far-above-average hotel breakfast that just can’t be beat.

For when you’re looking for the perfect Aussie avo smash …

Soak up the sunny vibes at Two Hands. Australian cafe culture has made its way to New York, and we’re here for it. Make a Resy at one of their four New York City locations for a proper flat white and beautifully designed breakfast plates.

See also: Good Thanks for avocado toast topped with the most perfect spiral of scrambled eggs you can imagine.

For when you want to indulge in some fancy toasts …

Make your way to Kopitiam. Chef-owner Kyo Pang opened this all-day Malaysian cafe on the Lower East Side as a daily gathering space to showcase Nyonya cuisine. The cloud-like kaya butter toast is slathered with a layer of butter as well as a heaping portion of their kaya jam made with fresh pandan and coconut – it will make you question why you’ve ever settled for an average slice of toast. Pro tip: Their milo French toast with condensed milk is also a non-negotiable.

See also: Davelle, the intimate Japanese cafe crafting designer toasts that might just be too pretty to eat.

Photo courtesy of Sant Ambroeus Soho
Photo courtesy of Sant Ambroeus Soho

For when you need a strong Italian espresso …

Make a Resy at Lodi. Even in the heart of busy Rockefeller center, Lodi manages to transport you to Italy with its minimalist, fashionable aesthetic. Enjoy your espresso alongside delicately plated dishes and expertly baked pastries. Don’t forget to buy a loaf of their housemade bread to take home.

See also: The quintessential Milanese cafe, Sant Ambroeus. This trendy Soho haunt offers typical breakfast dishes with an Italian flare and their coffee bar has an extensive selection, perfect for espresso lovers.

For when you need something light and fresh, because it’s been a while since you’ve had a vegetable …

Start your day at Café Mogador. This East Village staple has been serving its signature Moroccan-inspired cuisine since 1983. Old photos and antique plates line the walls of this quaint restaurant, giving it a charming Mediterranean vibe. In the warmer months, their small front patio is where you’ll want to be people-watching with a Moroccan mint tea in hand.

See also: St. Jardim, which serves as a cafe by day and natural wine bar at night. Stop by for a gorgeous yogurt bowl and cinnamon latte in the morning and come back in the evening for oysters and a glass of orange wine. Do note that it’s walk-ins only in the daytime.

Photo courtesy of Okonomi/YUJI Ramen
Photo courtesy of Okonomi/YUJI Ramen

For when you’re craving a Japanese breakfast …

Book the breakfast tasting menu at Okonomi. This 12-seat counter in Williamsburg serves a traditional Japanese set breakfast called Ichiju Sansai, which includes roasted fish, a rice bowl, miso soup, and three vegetable sides. The thoughtful presentation and unique space make this a great spot to impress out of towners.

See also: Hi-Collar, if you take your breakfast beverages seriously. You can choose from a wide selection of coffee beans and teas to enjoy with their signature omurice. Do note that the earliest time you can stop in here on a weekday is 11 a.m., however.

For when you need a cure after a late night out …

Get yourself to Jacob’s Pickles. Known for their generous portion sizes, this Upper West Side classic is the perfect place for a wildly indulgent breakfast. Order up a cheesy, gravy-smothered biscuit sandwich or a big plate of pancakes, and it will be like last night never happened.

See also: Sometimes a greasy breakfast sandwich can work wonders, and the Montreal-style deli sandwiches stacked high with house smoked meats at Mile End Delicatessen hit just right.

Photo courtesy of Clinton Street Baking Co.
Photo courtesy of Clinton Street Baking Co.

For when you just want some pancakes…

There’s no better place than Clinton St. Baking Co. This iconic Lower East Side spot lives and breathes pancakes, serving them up all day every day. The line often goes around the block for a chance to experience their signature stack of pancakes with warm maple butter, so set a Resy Notify to secure your seat!

See also: The classic cozy neighborhood diner with a twist, Golden Diner. Chef-owner Samuel Yoo opened Golden Diner in 2019 with the goal of incorporating the flavors of Japan, China, and Korea into the traditional diner foods he grew up with in Queens. Grab one of their retro diner stools and order the extraordinarily fluffy honey-maple butter pancakes.

If you’re interested in an alternative slab of sweet carbs, check out the Thai tea babka French toast at Thai Diner, served with Thai tea butter and salty condensed milk.

For when you want to feel like you’re at a cha chaan teng in Hong Kong …

Treat yourself to breakfast at Kong Sihk Tong. Enjoy dishes like the spam and egg noodle soup and the golden lava French toast at either their Manhattan or Queens locations.

See also: S Wan Café and M Star Café for a casual breakfast in Chinatown, where you can get a full breakfast spread for about $5, which we find pretty hard to beat.


Hannah Staab is a New York-based food and beverage writer. Her work has appeared in publications including VinePair, The Vintner Project, and Somm TV Magazine. Follow her dining adventures on Instagram.

Ellie Plass is a freelance writer based in Brooklyn. Follow her on Instagram and X (formerly Twitter). Follow Resy, too.