Do you love breakfast almost as much as I do? If so then you need to read this epic guide to the best breakfast in NYC.
See, as a local who was born and raised in the city, I know exactly where to go if you want a next-level awesome breakfast that includes French toast, pancakes, omelets, waffles, and more.
So, stop stressing about where to eat breakfast in NYC. Instead, use this handy guide to enjoy some of the best food that NYC has to offer.
This way, you can avoid the lame AF, over-priced tourist traps and go where the REAL locals go to enjoy a delicious breakfast.
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Table of Contents
1. Golden Diner
I love Golden Diner in Two Bridges for so many reasons. First of all, the prices are great and the food is delicious yet innovative.
So, chefs here like to put a unique Asian spin on classic American diner foods. As a result, you can try amazing things like the Chinatown Egg and Cheese Sando and the Honey Butter Pancakes.
While I did like my egg and cheese sando (the hashbrown inside added a nice crunch), I loved the pancakes and easily consider them some of the best pancakes in NYC.
They are so light and fluffy and are drenched in this beautiful honey butter syrup that I cannot stop eating. So, be sure to stop by and see what all the fuss is about.
2. B&H Dairy
B&H Dairy is located in the East Village and has been wowing locals with their amazing breakfast since 1938.
I love this place because it’s just a chill diner where you can roll up to the counter and order two eggs (any style), home fries, challah bread, orange juice, and tea/coffee for just $7.00.
Yup, this spot is easily one of the best cheap eats in NYC and is a place that I like to all the time since it has a very local feel and is super down to Earth.
Just get here before 11:00 am since that is when they stop serving breakfast.
3. Lexington Candy Shop
Honestly, what’s not to love about this vintage diner on the Upper East Side?
The prices are great, the food is incredible, and the vintage-style decor makes you feel like you’ve walked into a local soda fountain from the 1950s.
The old-school vibes also make total sense when you realize that place dates back to 1929. So, yeah, they are clearly doing something very right.
The last time we visited we got the cheese omelet, the banana nut French toast, and a classic Egg Cream.
We basically devoured everything in five minutes, with the French toast and egg cream being our faves.
I dunno what they do to the French toast but it tastes almost like this super heavenly cake that is crispy on the outside and that you can’t stop eating. The egg cream is also amazing and a must-try.
4. Thai Diner
I am DYING to try Thai Diner since I’ve heard a ton of great things about this fun and funky restaurant that puts a unique Thai spin on classic American dishes.
Freinds of mine have visted and swear that their egg sandwich is one of the best sammies they’ve ever had.
It’s made with sai oua sausage, mayo, scallions, a soft egg crepe smothered in melty American cheese, and fresh Thai basil. So, it is this perfect basil of fresh herbs with rich cheese and eggs.
However, if you enjoy something sweet for breakfast then you can’t beat their Thai tea babka French toast. It’s supposed to be perfectly crispy and features the refreshingly sweet flavor of a Thai Iced Tea.
5. Veselka
Velselka first opened in 1954 and is iconic hotspot for Ukranian pierogis, blintzes, and borscht in the East Village.
There is always a line out the door and I love ordering their pierogis. I literally cannot stop eating them and like that you have the option to get them either boiled or pan-fried.
Personally, I prefer mine fried with sour cream on the side. But, to each their own.
Now, I know this place doesn’t SOUND like an NYC breakfast joint, but they do serve a nice brunch.
It’s available at their East Village location on Saturdays and Sundays, with the “Brunch” pierogi being my fave.
It’s a plate of classic Ukrainian dumplings that are stuffed with bacon, scrambled eggs, cheddar cheese, and potato.
Yup, it’s one of my fave brunch indulgences. However, they do have a ton of other classic brunch fare like omelets, waffles, pancakes, eggs Benedict, etc.
6. Old John’s Diner
This diner has been around forever and is a great option if you enjoy good food and excellent service.
The last time we visited I was really surprised that in addition to the typical diner fare, they also serve high-end breakfast items like Shakshuka and Avocado Toast.
However, we went the classic route and ordered French Toast and a spinach and mushroom omelet. Both were great and we will be back the next time we visit Lincoln Center.
I think if I had to pick a fave it would probably have been the omelet since it was well-cooked and came with crispy, yet flavorful, homefries.
7. Jack’s Wife Freda
Started by Dean and Maya Jankelowitz—a husband-and-wife team from South Africa and Israel—this Mediterranean-American restaurant serves incredible homemade dishes that I can’t get enough of.
During my last visit, I ordered the Green Shakshouka, which arrived with a flavorful green tomatillo sauce.
It was great and I used my lightly toasted bread to soak up all that delicious sauce. My only regret? Not having more freshly baked bread on my plate!
Meanwhile, my partner opted for perfectly cooked eggs with avocado, bread, and a cucumber salad.
Overall, we 100% enjoyed our light, flavorful dishes and have since been back many times.
I also can’t recommend Nana’s Tea enough—it’s made with fresh mint and instantly transports me back to Morocco.
8. Davelle
If you ever find yourself searching for breakfast on the Lower East Side then stop Davelle. This tiny Japanese cafe has friendly staff and serves an amazing Japanese curry.
But what truly earns Davelle a spot on the list of the best breakfast spots in NYC is their beautiful Japanese-style toast.
Modeled after a traditional Japanese tea and coffee shop—known as a kissaten—this café is celebrated for its one-of-a-kind specialty toasts that are as delicious as they are photogenic.
Drop by between 8:00 am and 3:30 pm daily to sampel innovative creations like Ogura (red beans), honey lemon (just don’t eat the lemons), berry and cream cheese, ham and egg, and cheese curry.
Every toast is served on stylishly photogenic “newspaper”, making this a perfect Instagram spot in NYC.
Just be sure to grab your food to go and eat in a nearby park since seats here are hard to come by.
9. Russ and Daughters
Easily one of the best bagel shops in NYC, Russ and Daughters is the place to go if you want a classic New York bagel with lox and cream cheese.
After all, they have been around since 1914 and have mastered the subtle art of smoking fish.
Stop by their OG location and order a wide variety of smoked fish, caviar, and bagels from the deli counter.
However, you can also visit the Russ & Daughters Café on the Lower East Side (or in the Jewish Museum on the Upper West Side) for a more formal dining experience.
Once here start with a smoked pepper-infused Bloody Mary and pair it with a classic board filled with nova smoked salmon, chive cream cheese, an everything bagel (topped with tomato, onion, and capers), and a side of wasabi-infused roe.
It’s epic and an iconic NYC breakfast that everyone should try at least once during their NYC itinerary.
10. Clinton Street Baking Company
I love breakfast at Clinton Street Baking Company since they serve some of the best pancakes I’ve ever eaten. In fact, the last time I was here, I ordered their blueberry pancakes.
I basically died and went to heaven since the pancakes were exceptionally delicious and served with a generous amount of blueberry compote on top.
I literally could not stop eating them, especially with the butter-infused maple syrup on the side. If I’m being honest, the blueberry compote wasn’t my thing.
But, I loved the syrup on the side since it wasn’t as sweet as tradtional syrup.
Now, if you like a more savory breakfast, get the biscuit sandwich. It’s loaded with scrambled eggs, melted cheddar, homemade tomato jam, and features hash browns on the side.
Add a side of sugar-cured bacon to your order and you’ve got yourself a breakfast to remember.
Local Tip: Be prepared for a wait. I stopped by on a snowy Monday afternoon and still had to wait 20 minutes for a seat.
11. Miriam’s
First started out in Brooklyn, Miriam has since found a new home on the Upper West Side. It is also a fantastic spot for anyone who loves Israeli cuisine.
I’ve been a few times, and my favorite dishes are the hummus, the warm homemade bread, the falafel, and the refreshing cucumber and tomato salad.
While I’ve tried the Shakshuka in the past and wasn’t overly impressed, I did enjoy the Middle Eastern breakfast on my most recent visit.
The Sambusak was super tasty, with its perfectly baked exterior and a filling of cheese, avocado, and tomatoes.
My only critique was that the juice from the tomatoes inside made the fresh bread a bit soggy after a while.
That said, the service left something to be desired during my last visit. We waited nearly 30 minutes just to place an order and get water.
Despite that fact, the food was solid, and I’ll for sure return—with a reservation—since this place gets incredibly busy.
12. Salt’s Cure
I first visited Salt’s Cure because I heard so many good things about their $10.00 griddle cakes.
So, we stopped by their West Village location and ordered the Classic (two eggs, two griddle cakes, and two sausages) for $18.00.
After placing our order at the counter, we sat down and waited for our food. Honestly, the highlight of my meal were the garbanzo bean “sausages”.
They were fantastic and had more sausage flavor than I thought they would.
As for the griddle cakes, I found the texture odd. The inside reminded me of oatmeal and had a gummy consistency that wasn’t for me.
That said, the cinnamon molasses butter on top was delicious, and my partner loved the griddle cakes—which is why Salt’s Cure earned a spot on this list.
It’s also great that you can choose from pancake flavors like apple, banana nut, blueberry, or chocolate.
The soft scrambled eggs on the Classic? They were fine—not mind-blowing, but not bad either.
However, I did find the portions to be a bit small. So, keep that in mind when you visit.
13. Barney’s Greengrass
If you’re on the Upper West Side and craving breakfast from an authentic Jewish deli, then hit up Barney Greengrass.
This spot is a true NYC institution and has been serving incredible Jewish-inspired fare since 1908, making it a must-visit for breakfast lovers.
Just remember that Barney Greengrass is cash-only. So, plan ahead!
Sure, this isn’t a fancy spot. However, that’s part of its charm. So, feel free to show up in your comfiest sweatpants and enjoy the laid-back atmosphere as you dig into omelets, bagels, and more.
If you’re a fan of smoked fish, the smoked fish platter is a must-eat, with the nova being the undeniable star of the plate.
14. Bubby’s
First things first: Bubby’s is super popular. So, if you can, visit on a weekday since weekends can be packed beyond belief.
However, there’s a good reason for the hype since this breakfast joint in NYC serves awesome American comfort food.
While I enjoyed my avocado toast topped with a poached egg, the real showstopper was the pancake stack.
We went with the pancake flight and these James Beard award-winning pancakes were pure heaven.
We also liked the flight because it allowed us to try three different flavors of pancakes: caramelized banana with walnuts, blueberry compote, and Nutella with mixed berry compote and whipped cream.
Of all the flavors, I liked the banana the best. I also like that the pancakes are served with real maple syrup and not fake stuff from the grocery store.
Just be sure to come hungry since the portions are pretty enormous. Then afterward, visit the firehouse from the Ghostbusters since it is right next door and one of the most unique things to do in NYC.
15. Fairfax
Fairfax is a trendy spot in the West Village where the only thing better than the food is the eclectic decor.
In fact, this restaurant feels a lot like your quirky best friend’s living room since the dining room is filled with mismatched sofas, vintage posters, bookshelves, and animal heads.
However, if eclectic decor isn’t your thing then grab a seat outside and order the petit omelet.
Although the “omelet” comes out more like scrambled eggs, it’s incredibly flavorful thanks to the chives inside, which add a fresh, aromatic touch to the dish.
The light kale salad also brings a nice balance to the meal, with the freshly toasted bread being another highlight of my visit.
Added bonus? Fairfax serves Stumptown coffee. So, be sure to order a latte to round out your meal.
16. Buvette
Ahh, another classic in the NYC breakfast world since Buvette is every Francophile’s dream in the West Village.
In fact, the entire restaurant is designed to resemble a stylish French bistro, complete with ample outdoor seating.
Once at your table, scan the OR code and order their awesome buttermilk waffle sandwich with bacon, a sunny-side-up egg, and gruyere.
That being said, I ordered the chèvre the last time I was here and loved it. It was a decadent, yet small, plate filled with steamed eggs, creamy goat cheese, and sundried cherry tomatoes.
It was also served with super crusty bread that was a perfect contrast to the texture of the cloud-like eggs.
However, try and eat the chevre quickly since the oil can separate from the eggs if it sits too long. I would also arrive early since they don’t take reservations and this place is MEGA popular.
17. Daily Provisions
I first visited Daily Provisions because a friend couldn’t stop raving about their Crullers.
I tried the cinnamon Cruller, and let me tell you—it’s easily one of the best donuts I’ve ever had. Light, fluffy, not greasy, and absolutely bursting with flavor.
I loved it so much that I completely forgot to snap a photo (oops). Still hungry after my donut, I then decided to order their avocado toast.
It cost just $13.00 and was fantastic when paired with a perfectly cooked egg on top.
The bread was also well-baked, and the avocado was equal parts satisfying and refreshing. I enjoyed it so much that I’ve been back here several times for breakfast.
These days, my go-to order is their egg and cheese sandwich. It’s delicious and super affordable at just $6.50—definitely worth stopping by!
18. Sunday in Brooklyn
Head on over to Williamsburg and indulge in some of the best pancakes that New York has to offer.
Yes, Sunday in Brooklyn has a ton of different breakfast entrees to choose from. However, my personal fave are the pancakes.
I like that they are available daily (until 4:30 pm) and that they feature this amazing chocolate hazelnut sauce on top.
It is a bit sweet, but this beautiful sauce perfectly complements the almost cake-like pancakes with crispy edges. The pancakes are also served hot, so the butter on top naturally melts into the pancake.
Just remember that these pancakes are super thick. Therefore, I’d probably only order one. However, you do have the option of ordering a stack with two or three pancakes.
19. Jacob’s Pickles
Jacob’s Pickles, located on the Upper West Side, is a go-to spot for mouthwatering Southern comfort food.
On my last visit during Restaurant Week, I tried the Deviled Eggs, French Toast, and Ice Box Pie—and loved every bite. Everything was flavorful and well-prepared.
I’ve also heard rave reviews about their buttermilk fried chicken, homemade biscuits, and, of course, their namesake pickles.
While it’s tempting to order everything on the menu, be warned: the portions are massive. So, you’ll likely end up with leftovers that you can take home.
Overall, this laid-back breakfast spot in NYC is reasonably priced and has a wide selection of craft beers on tap (20+).
20. Maison Pickle
Maison Pickle is a must-visit spot for an incredible breakfast in NYC. We’ve been a couple of times, and you can’t go wrong with their French Toast or Pull-Apart Bread.
On our last visit, I ordered the honey and butter pull-apart bread and couldn’t stop eating it—it was that good.
The Challah French Toast with butter and syrup was equally amazing. Just be mindful of the generous portions, so you don’t end up overordering.
That said, I’d probably skip the deviled eggs, as they didn’t stand out to me.
For dessert, treat yourself to their iconic 24-layer cake. We tried the vanilla, and while my partner loved it, I found it a bit on the dry side.
If you’re considering ordering it for dessert then the chocolate version might be a better choice.
21. Mom’s Kitchen and Bar
The last time I went here for breakfast I thought the mac and cheese pancakes would be so weird they were good—but they were just…weird.
That said, the pancakes themselves were huge, light, and perfectly cakey, with that classic diner-style flavor that left me wanting more.
I also appreciated how simple they were, served with delicious maple syrup on top.
Next time, I’m definitely going for the Fruity Pebbles pancakes, which come with berries, berry maple syrup, and whipped cream.
However, if you’re more into savory flavors, they have a mushroom and gouda pancake that might be right up your alley.
Whatever you do, don’t leave without trying one of their Mom’s Bigmouth Shakes. They’re $15.00 each, but they’re worth it since these milkshakes are some of the best I’ve had in NYC.
The last time I visited their Midtown location, I tried the Cookie Stand shake. It’s made with cookies and cream ice cream, Oreo crumbles, chocolate syrup, and a chocolate chip cookie.
It was a solid 10/10, and I’d recommend it to any milkshake lover. Just be sure to share it with a friend—it’s huge!
Map of the Best Breakfast in NYC
Conclusion
That just about wraps up this guide to the places with the best breakfast in NYC. I hope you found this post useful and now know where to eat breakfast in NYC.
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