Best brunch in New York, 2026.

In a world of waffles and eggs, Rule of Thirds is a breath of fresh air. Styled after Izakaya restaurants (informal Japanese bars with light fare), the menu offers an exciting assortment of sharable plates like striped bass sashimi and cold somen noodles served with tomato dashi and red crab.

But my recommendation is to get the Japanese breakfast set (roasted bluefish, short grain rice, seasonal vegetables and velvety miso soup) and souffle pancake (fluffy hotcake, honey maple butter, sesame). Unless you frequent Japan, the cloud-like souffle pancake is unlike anything you’ve had before.

Seriously, it’s my single-favorite New York City brunch dish, don’t miss it.

Named after the Yiddish word for grandmother, Bubby’s dishes out some of the most popular home-style brunch in New York City. A neighborhood haunt for more than 30 years, the restaurant’s irresistible pancakes are largely to thank.

The hardest part is choosing between the chewy sourdough pancakes and award-winning traditional flapjacks (I’m partial to the traditional pancakes). Once settled, decide on a topping like blueberries, caramelized bananas with toasted walnuts or chocolate chips.

If savory brunch is more your speed, Bubby’s has you covered in that department as well. You can opt for spicy fried. Take your time choosing but don’t forget an order of buttermilk biscuits for the table.

Jack’s Wife Freda is a popular restaurant that merges South African and Israeli cuisine. Sounds like an unusual combo, until you realize the founders are husband-and-wife duo, Dean and Maya Jankelowitz (from South Africa and Israel respectively).

The couple worked at several notable New York City restaurants before fatefully meeting at Balthazar. Years later, they took a leap of faith by opening their own. Named after Dean’s grandparents, Jack and Freda, this chic New York City brunch restaurant is a love letter to comforting childhood meals.

For brunch, I’m partial to the green shakshuka (soft baked eggs, green tomatillo shakshuka, challah toast) and rosewater waffle (lebanese yogurt, mixed berries and honey syrup). But you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu.

The best brunch in New York doesn’t need a two-hour wait to prove itself.

Perhaps best known for expertly-executed martinis, the Odeon remains one of the most charming brasseries in New York City. The French restaurant opened in 1980 and quickly became a neighborhood hangout for stylish New Yorkers and celebrities alike.

Consistently great, the restaurant runs like a well-oiled machine every hour of the day, but there’s something special about brunch. Steak frites and french onion soup are subbed for airy omelettes and stunning french toast.

There are other things on the menu, of course, like croque monsieur and avocado toast, but those are just supporting actors. Omelettes put this place on the map with New York City’s brunch crowd, see what all the fuss is about.

My adviceThe Odeon’s french onion soup is the best in town.

Balvanera is named after a Buenos Aires neighborhood renowned for its creative spirit. Aptly named, the sun-soaked Argentinian restaurant dishes out inspired brunch fare with South American flair.

Following suit, start with savory emapanadas, fresh anchovies swimming in oil and Jamón Ibérico, if the occasion calls for it. From there, dive into the brunch fare. I recommend the house-made chorizo sandwich with roasted red pepper, papas & pickles, an step up twist on traditional breakfast sandwiches.

Those with an insatiable sweet tooth will find comfort in the Torrejas Lola, french toast made with sweet milk brioche, dulce de leche and caramelized bananas.

Better still, if you’re on the hunt for the best boozy brunch in NYC, Balvanera offers bottomless sangria and mimosas for $25 with the purchase of an entree (limited to two hours).

Unpopular opinion. Hot take. If there’s a two-hour wait, the brunch isn’t worth it. These spots prove you don’t have to suffer.

Established by Neil Kleinberg, a lifelong New Yorker who opened his first restaurant at the age of 22, Clinton St. Baking Company initially started as a bakery. But the long lines and frequent return visitors gave Kleinberg an opportunity to open what would become one of New York City’s best brunch spots in 2016.

The signature flapjacks are the biggest draw (topped with wild Maine blueberry compote, banana walnut, or chocolate chunk) these are easily some of the best pancakes in New York City.

Pancakes aside, the Latke eggs Benedict (poached eggs, house smoked salmon, classic hollandaise, trout roe caviar, over crispy potato pancakes) deserve a shout-out. If you’d like to stick with classics, you’ll find incredible smoked salmon scramble, fried chicken & waffles and toothsome brioche french toast, among others.

Dudley’s is an Australian cafe serving some of the most budget-friendly brunch in New York City (dishes average $15-20). My recommendation? The ricotta pancakes with honeycomb butter, maple syrup, and Nutella. If you’re the savory sort, opt for the salmon eggs Benedict or breakfast sandwich (fried egg, tomato jam, arugula and BBQ mayo with hash brown on a sesame bun). Reservations are recommended, especially for dinner on Friday and Saturday nights. Located in a prime stretch of the neighborhood, it’s easy to pair a visit here with a walk through some of the area’s best blocks. I always end up lingering longer than I planned.

Warm and inviting, Balthazar exudes romantic vibes ideal for memorable brunch dates. Whenever someone plans to visit, the first thing I do is make reservations at Balthazar because the place never fails to impress.

From outstanding smoked salmon eggs Benedict to incredible french onion soup, the hardest thing about visiting this popular brunch restaurant in New York City is scoring a reservation. If brunch is fully booked, pay a visit to the bakery next door.

The chocolate donuts and chai lattes are on constant rotation in my weekly plans. If you do manage to get a table, linger for a while and don’t rush the experience. Isn’t that what the weekends are for?

Celebrating more than 40 years in the East Village, at Cafe Mogador you’ll find an exciting lineup of breakfast classics with a Mediterranean twist.

Opt for the Middle Eastern Breakfast (eggs, hummus, tabouli and salad) or Moroccan Eggs (poached eggs, spicy tomato, pepper sauce, house-made sausage) for a punchy New York City brunch meal. If you’re playing it safe, stick with the creamy eggs Benedict or airy buttermilk pancakes, both delicious.

Sunday in Brooklyn strives to be the jack of all trades. A popular neighborhood haunt from morning to night, this the place to go for excellent libations, unpretentious staff, great vibes and some of the best brunch in Brooklyn. Try to score a seat at the rooftop garden if you’re visiting in the summer.

As for food, flirt with some appetizers like the ricotta and roasted berry toast and cinnamon rolls before committing to an entree. The gravy-smothered cheddar biscuits and signature hazelnut praline pancakes get my vote.

Upbeat and fun, Maison Pickle is my go-to spot to bring out-of-town visitors for their first brunch in the city. It’s one of the few Upper West Side restaurants worth traveling for (I say this as someone who loves living in the neighborhood).

And travel they do, Maison Pickle is loved by locals for generous portions of comforting southern brunch fare, namely fried chicken and waffles and challah french toast. Whatever you do, make sure an order of the pull-apart bread starts the meal. Cocktails are excellent as well.

Opened in 2016, Citizens is an Australian-based cafe that prides itself on community and has mastered the art of Instagrammable brunch in New York City. But that’s not to say the food falls short, far from it. The dishes taste as great as they look. I recommend ordering the Smashing Avocado (multigrain toast, pickled onion, feta, beetroot hummus). Some would argue it’s the prettiest avocado toast in NYC, and I can’t say I disagree.

Tucked away on the corner of Gay and Christopher Streets, pint-sized Petite Boucherie is a cozy restaurant perfect for celebrating special occasions. Swing by for French fare served with a side of comfortable Parisian vibes. The French onion soup and the berry waffle are my go-to orders. There’s a charming old-school New York feel to this place that I absolutely love, it feels like stepping back in time.