As someone born and raised in New York, I can tell you that the best French toast in NYC can be hard to find. But, luckily for you, I have a serious love for breakfast and have made it my mission to find the best French toast this city has to offer.
From trendy brunch spots in Brooklyn to hidden gems in Manhattan, I’ve scoured every borough for the most irresistible, delicious slices of breakfast goodness topped with everything from fresh berries to caramel drizzle.
Whether you’re a fellow local or a visitor looking for some cool breakfast spots in NYC, I’ve got you covered and will show you where to find the fluffiest, most flavorful French toast in NYC.
Trust me, after years of indulging in countless plates of this classic breakfast food, I know exactly where to go to satisfy all of your most intense cravings. So, let’s dive in and learn more about the best French toast in New York City.
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Table of Contents
1. Thai Diner
I have heard SO many good things about Thai Diner that I just had to drag my partner here. The first thing we loved was the reasonable prices.
The second thing we loved was the fun decor, the unique fusion of American/Thai cuisine, and that brunch is served daily until 4:00 pm.
In terms of the food – which is probably the only thing anyone cares about – we loved the Thai Tea French Toast. The toast itself was this brioche bread and was more of a savory French Toast.
But, then when you dip it in condensed milk and slather it with this Thai Tea flavored creamy spread you get this amazing combination of sweet and salty flavors.
I also liked my roti egg and cheese sandwich, but the French toast reigned supreme.
I basically had to wrestle it away from my partner so that I could get a bite. So, definitely stop by for brunch or some amazing Thai food.
2. Sadelle’s
Typically people come to this vintage-style eatery for their incredible smoked fish and their amazing bagels. However, we dare to be different at Sadelle’s and always get their epic French toast.
Yes, it is a bit expensive at $25.00 a plate. And TBH, if it wasn’t so stinking good I probably wouldn’t pay that much for a plate of glorified eggs and bread.
However, their French toast is the stuff that foodie dreams are made of. Essentially, you’ll get two giant pieces of brioche French toast served to you with some syrup on the side and a thin dusting of powdered sugar.
Then, when you go to take a bite, you’ll find that the exterior is perfectly crispy while the interior is perfectly moist. Overall, the contrasting textures are awesome, and I am hardcore addicted to their epic French toast.
So, stop by today if you love French Toast and are looking for a killer brunch in NYC.
3. Maison Pickle
This retro-chic, French-inspired restaurant is a hotspot for brunch lovers. It’s always buzzing with patrons eager to try some of the best French toast in NYC.
Therefore, I HIGHLY recommend making reservations. Otherwise, you will most definitely have to wait in a long line.
Once inside, the lively dining room hums with conversation, creating an energetic atmosphere. TBH, the dining room was a bit noisy and crowded for me.
However, I sucked it up since I am obsessed with their Challah French toast. Topped with maple syrup and butter – or berries and whipped cream – it’s a foodie’s dream since it is crispy on the outside, subtly sweet, and totally perfect.
Portions are generous though, so sharing is a good idea. Also. don’t miss the pull-apart bread. It is served in a cast iron skillet with a large pat of herb butter and is a total must-try.
Finally, save room for dessert since their famous 24-layer chocolate cake (or Funfetti) is one of the best and most Instagrammable dishes in the city.
4. Shuka
This Mediterranean restaurant serves a killer French toast for brunch. I recently visited for the first time and was blown away by their chocolate babka French toast.
Yeah, I am a sucker for chocolate babka and turning it into French toast totally won me over.
Costing just $17.00, this plate is bursting with flavor since the French toast is topped with milk chocolate streusel, fruit, and whipped cream.
Basically, I am OBSESSED with this French toast and had to fight for a piece since my partner felt the same way. You will have to get up a wee bit early though since brunch is only available on weekends from 10:30 am to 3:30 pm.
But, real talk? This place is 110% worth getting up for.
5. Jacob’s Pickle
This Upper West Side eatery is all about Southern comfort food, with iconic dishes like fried green tomatoes, cheesy grits, mac and cheese, and a hot chicken biscuit.
However, if you stop by for breakfast/brunch then you MUST order their decadent French Toast. It’s served with fresh-cut strawberries and powdered sugar and is over-the-top delicious.
No, really, I was full and still could not stop eating it while sipping one of their awesome Bloody Mary’s. Just mentally prepare for a wait since they do not take reservation for smaller parties.
I would also order one plate for two people since the portions here are HUGE. No, really. We were eating French toast for two days straight because we had so much left over.
6. Shopsin’s
The quirky little diner can be found inside the Essex Street Market and is known for its hella good French toast. Wait, who am I kidding? Everything here is good.
But, the French toast is straight-up mythic and unlike anything I’ve ever tasted. Basically, they combine French toast and bread pudding into one beautiful dish that you can’r get enough of.
You can even take your French toast to the next level by adding banana, pecan, and brown sugar to it for just a few extra dollars.
It’s perfectly cooked and such a sweet and delicious treat that I have to actively remind myself not to come here everyday. Yeah, then none of my clothes would fit and I’d be very sad indeed.
7. Lexington Candy Shop
I love this vintage diner/old-school soda fountain more than words can say. First of all, the vintage decor is absolutely awesome and creates a warm and welcoming feel every time you step through the door.
Secondly, the food is amazing and well-priced at around $15.00 per plate. The last time we were here we got the egg cream, the cheese omelet, and the banana nut French toast.
Everything was excellent but the classic egg cream and French toast were our faves. TBH, I have no idea what they do to the French toast here. But, it is crispy on the outside and almost cake-like on the inside.
I legit could not stop eating it and come back every chance I get for French toast and an egg cream. So, now I know why they have been around since 1929 and are still in business.
8. Russ and Daughters Cafe
Most people I know head to Russ and Daughters for the epic bagels, the fresh cream cheese, and the divine smoked salmon. However, your girl over here has a massive sweet tooth and always orders the French toast.
Just remember, you can only get this dish at their cafe and not at their counter store. So, be sure to head on over to their cafe on in Lower Manhattan and order the Babka French Toast.
I got the cinnamon with apple, walnuts, and creme fraiche, but they also have chocolate with sour cream and berries.
Overall, it was light, crispy, and flavorful. I basically could not put my fork down. So much so that my poor partner didn’t even get a taste. So, if you love French toast almost as much as I do then you MUST stop by Russ and Daughters Cafe.
9. Kopitiam
When I stepped into this affordable Malaysian restaurant, I had high hopes. Not only were the prices VERY reasonable (think $8.00 for an entree), but they served breakfast all day.
And since I am a very NON-morning person, I’m always happy when I can order breakfast at 4:00 pm. Anyway, we had a look the menu and ordered a Kaya Toast, and the Malaysian-style Milo French Toast.
Not gonna lie, the kaya toast was the star. The bread was thick, crispy, and perfectly paired with the rich butter and sweet kaya. Seriously, my partner gobbled up this sandwich faster than I could say, “Kaya.”
In contrast, the French toast was not really to our taste, The thick bread was a bit mushy and wasn’t very sweet even though it was coated in Milo. Thankfully, there was a bit of condensed milk on top to add much-needed sweetness to the dish.
Overall, I thought the French toast was okay but not amazing. However, I think this is just a style of French toast I am not really into. Plus, I know many people who LOVE their French toast, which is why I added this place to this list.
So, definitely stop by for yourself and let me know what you think.
10. Loring Place
Not gonna lie, I was a bit skeptical the first time I stepped inside this swank, Greenwich Village restaurant. I mean, the decor looked nice, but the vibe seemed a bit too posh for my taste.
However, my mind was absolutely BLOWN when I bit into a slice of their squash blossom pizza. It was a unique combination of ricotta, honey, and chiles that has me licking my fingers and eating every last bit of that pizza.
I loved this pizza so much that I obviously had to come back for brunch. There was a lot of good stuff to choose from but I am BEYOND glad that I ordered the crispy Brioche French toast.
It was crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and heaven in my mouth. It was also served with a fun combination of
maple cranberries and cinnamon creme fraiche that I haven’t really seen.
So, the food was great, and I loved that they did a unique take on this iconic American dish.
Map of the Best French Toast in NYC
Conclusion
In a city as vibrant and diverse as New York, finding the best French toast can feel like an adventure in and of itself. From classic French toast served in cozy diners to the more decadent creations of posh eateries, NYC really does have something for everyone.
Whether you’re a fan of thick brioche soaked in vanilla-infused batter or crave a more modern treat with unique toppings, the city’s French toast scene has something to wow you.
So, grab a fork, bring your appetite, and enjoy all of the culinary delights that this city has to offer. Because there really is nothing quite like a perfectly cooked plate of warm French toast.
Finally, please consider buying me a coffee. It’s a great way to say “thank you” for all the free content you receive. No amount is too small and anything you can give will be greatly appreciated.
