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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 sandwiches 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 weekday morning where you can sit down and commit to an all-out breakfast.
Newly added: Balthazar, Barbuto, Cafe Reggio, Chez Nous, Citizens of Soho, Dae, Pastis, Ramen by Ra, Sadelle’s, and Villard & The Gold Room.
For a supremely cozy breakfast any time of year …
The wildly creative (and wildly delicious) breakfast ramen at Ramen By Ra is just the ticket. Rasheeda Purdie’s menu includes bacon, egg, and cheese, everything egg drop, and lox bowls all served with her signature friendly service. Her new location in the East Village is slightly larger than her original four-seat counter, but you’ll still want to set a Resy Notify to make sure you can have ramen for breakfast. For more of the city’s best noodle soups, read on here.
For an only-in-New-York breakfast worthy of The Gilded Age …
You can’t go wrong with Villard & The Gold Room. The address alone is awe-worthy — they’re housed in the supremely iconic Lotte New York Palace hotel. For breakfast, head over any time after 6:30 a.m. for a basket of pastries, American-style bacon and eggs, and lemon mascarpone pancakes. Pro tip: Head back later in the evening for a cocktail in The Gold Room, which is walk-ins only. We’re fond of The Carnegie with single malt and torched rosemary.
For when you want to get serious about pastries …
Check in at K’Far Brooklyn, the 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 with some serious baking chops. 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 (the genius once at Raf’s, Camari Mick, is branching out on her own, but her pastry sensibilities remain), omelets, and brioche sandwiches with Italian sausage and broccoli rabe. 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.
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 spanakopita babkas if you’re on the go, or sit down and enjoy a spread of crispy Hungarian crepes and thick- cut szalonna (Hungarian-style bacon) 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 – Bed Stuy to enjoy avocado and egg memelas and the world’s cutest tlayudita, topped with perfectly runny eggs and fresh herbs.
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. Sadelle’s, now open for a decade, is ideal for impressing parents with a show-stopping tower laden with salmon, tuna salad, and other accouterments for your house made bagels. 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: For even more suggestions on where to find classic Jewish staples throughout the city, we’ve got you covered here. Jonathan Waxman’s Barbuto Brooklyn has a Pane Brooklyn, which consists of a bialy or bagel, plus smoked salmon, cream cheese, and sliced Roma tomatoes with red onions. (And on weekends, don’t miss the Pizza Brooklyn, a pie topped with smoked salmon, caviar, and creme fraiche that’s in a class all its own.)
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 has a 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 Balthazar provide a buzzy, celebrity-favored scene even in the early hours. Don’t skip the asparagus and leek quiche or their specialty green juice. Monkey bread and sticky bun for the road, please. And if you happen to find yourself downtown, do stop by “Sex and the City” hot spot Pastis, or the lovely Chez Nous at The Marlton Hotel, which open weekdays at 8 and 7 a.m. respectively.
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 mascarpone, 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 three 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. If you’re willing to say the word “brekkie” out loud, you also can’t go wrong with Citizens of Soho and their smashed avo toast.
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, and Cobble Hill’s Dae‘s toasts are so beautiful they had to institute a “no influencing” policy. Even so, we don’t think they’d mind if you snap a quick pic.
For when you need a strong Italian espresso …
Make a Resy at the quintessential Milanese cafe, Sant Ambroeus. This trendy Soho haunt offers typical breakfast dishes with an Italian flair, and their coffee bar has an extensive selection, perfect for espresso lovers. Their almond cornetto and panettone French toast? Molto bene. Pro tip: If you can’t make it to Soho, do know that there are three other locations all over the city.
See also: Café Reggio bills itself as the home of the “original” U.S. cappuccino, and based on our experience (and their near-century in business), we don’t see much evidence to the contrary. Head here for brooding and people watching on the outdoor patio.
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 chai 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.
For when you’re craving a Japanese breakfast …
Book the breakfast tasting menu at Okonomi. This 12-seat counter in Williamsburg serves an all-day traditional Japanese set breakfast called Ichiju Sansai, which includes roasted fish, a rice bowl, miso soup, and three sides. The thoughtful presentation and unique space make this a great spot to impress out of towners. Their Manhattan location has a few more options, like their unadon set with grilled eel and the kamayaki, with dry-aged fish collar.
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 11:30 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 French toast and hot honey chicken, 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.
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. Get there early, though — these pancakes inspire a line that can get just as long as the one at Clinton St.
If you’re interested in an alternative slab of sweet carbs, check out the Thai tea elephant ear 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.
