The list, in my order
12 I’d go back to and 1 only if it suits you. My verdict on every one, and the ones nearby from my other lists.
Rule of Thirds

- Address171 Banker St, Brooklyn, NY
- From my guide, updated September 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.
Following suit, my recommendation is 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 Williamsburg brunch dish, don’t miss it.
Sunday in Brooklyn

- Address348 Wythe Ave, Brooklyn, NY
- From my guide, updated September 2026.
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 hearty brunch fare.
Flirt with some appetizers like the ricotta toast or cinnamon rolls before committing to an entree. The gravy-smothered cheddar biscuits and signature hazelnut praline pancakes are a must-order in my book.
12 Chairs
- SubwayL to Bedford Av, 7 min
- Address342 Wythe Ave, Brooklyn, NY
- From my guide, updated September 2026.
What started as a small SoHo cafe two decades ago has turned into one of the most popular brunch restaurants in Williamsburg. Specializing in Middle Eastern cuisine, 12 Chairs Cafe relies on seasonal ingredients to guide the menu.
The brunch offerings are full of tantalizing options like Shakshuka (poached eggs in a spicy Moroccan tomato sauce served in a skillet), Eggs Siniya (sunny side eggs cooked with tahini sauce served in a skillet) and Borek (fried dough filled with potato puree and runny egg).
If you’re dinning with a picky palate, opt for the tried-and-true lamb burger or Challah bread french toast. Whatever you decide on, make sure an order of the babaganoush starts the meal.
Cafe Mogador

- Address133 Wythe Ave, Brooklyn, NY
- From my guide, updated September 2026.
Celebrating more than 40 years in the East Village, Cafe Mogador recently expanded to Williamsburg with an exciting lineup of Mediterranean-inspired breakfast classics. The Middle Eastern Breakfast (eggs, hummus, tabouli and salad) and Moroccan Eggs (poached eggs, spicy tomato, pepper sauce, house-made sausage) are both great options for a punchy Williamsburg brunch meal. If you’re playing it safe, go with the creamy eggs Benedict or airy buttermilk pancakes, both delicious.
Don’t overthink it. Their most popular items are popular for a reason. But if you see a daily. That’s usually where the kitchen really shows off.
Pies 'n' Thighs

- Address166 S 4th St, Brooklyn, NY
- From my guide, updated September 2026.
Pies ‘n’ Thighs might be the most popular Williamsburg brunch destination this list. The charm of this endearing corner restaurant is only outmatched by the comfort food churning out of the kitchen. Southern classics like biscuits, gravy and fried chicken grace every table.
The Chicken Biscuit is my favorite thing on the menu. A beautiful combination of fried chicken cutlet on a biscuit with honey butter and hot sauce, it checks all the boxes.
Since opening in 2006, the accolades and awards for Pies ‘n’ Thighs keep streaming in. The restaurant was awarded Best Donut in New York by New York Magazine, Best Fried Chicken by Food & Wine and Best Biscuits in New York by the New York Daily News.
Sweetwater

- SubwayF, G to 7 Av, 2 min
- Address105 N 6th St, Brooklyn, NY
- From my guide, updated September 2026.
Owned by the masterminds behind Bakeri (one of the best bakeries in Brooklyn), Sweetwater is the ideal spot to start your Sunday morning. The brioche french toast is borderline addicting and the lamb burger can be billed a guilty pleasure.
Although Sweetwater has a cozy interior, snagging a table outside is still the way to go because the outdoor patio is prime for people-watching. Between the great vibes and creative dishes churning out of the kitchen, Sweetwater is easily one of the best brunch restaurants in Williamsburg.
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.
Diner

- Address85 Broadway, Brooklyn, NY
- From my guide, updated September 2026.
Embracing simplicity, Diner crafts classic American breakfast dishes out of a refurbished dining car. Opened in 1991, the popular Williamsburg restaurant is often billed as a pioneer of the city’s obsession with locally-sourced ingredients. With a commitment to sustainable ingredients, the menu rotates with the seasons. Not surprisingly, the salads deserve special mention, as does the semolina pancake and heirloom tomato sandwich (a summer staple).
Egg Shop
- Address138 N 8th St, Brooklyn, NY 11249
- From my guide, updated September 2026.
Aptly named, eggs make an appearance in nearly every meal at Egg Shop. Smoked salmon Benedict, hearty breakfast burritos, playful brisket chilaquiles and garlicky Turkish eggs are just a handful of the options on offer. As strange as it may seem, the restaurant’s expertly-crisped hashbrowns with chipotle bourbon ketchup are a highlight on the menu.
Jack's Wife Freda

- Address345 Park Ave S, New York, NY
- From my guide, updated September 2026.
Jack’s Wife Freda merges South African and Israeli cuisine, which 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).
Named after Dean’s grandparents, Jack and Freda, this chic Williamsburg brunch restaurant is a love letter to comforting childhood meals.
Beyond inspired meals, the welcoming atmosphere and great vibes earn Jack’s Wife Fredaspot on our list of the best brunch in Williamsburg.
My adviceDon’t leave without trying Naom’s Malva Pudding, an African sponge cake soaked in sweet caramel pudding with a side of whipped cream, it’s a very memorable cap to the meal.
Ainslie
- SubwayG, L to Lorimer St, 3 min
- Address76 Ainslie St, Brooklyn, NY
- From my guide, updated September 2026.
Rustic reclaimed wood with lush plants and a spacious outdoor patio makes Ainslie one of the most idyllic spots to enjoy brunch in Williamsburg. Dining here is an Italian affair, the menu is full of exciting pizzas, delicious pastas and an incredible wine menu. But the brunch fare is where this gem truly shines.
Shake things up with the Buongiorno Pizza (pancetta, onion, mozzarella & sunny side eggs) or Eggs in Purgatory (baked in spicy tomato sauce & creamy polenta). Or, if you consider yourself a traditionalist, the eggs Benedict is excellent, the ham is smoked beautifully!
Juliette Restaurant

- SubwayL to Bedford Av, 2 min
- Address135 N 5th St, Brooklyn, NY
- From my guide, updated September 2026.
Juliette Restaurant is a charming French bistro with endearing garden vibes. The menu is a roll call of everyone’s favorites, from traditional French onion soup and croque monsieurs to creamy eggs Benedict.
My go-to order is a toss up between the shakshuka and seasonal Dutch pancake. The food is solid, but it’s the good vibes that keep me coming back. The garden-themed venue couldn’t be cuter, it’s one of my favorite brunch restaurants in Brooklyn for catching up with girlfriends over mimosas.
Five Leaves
- Address18 Bedford Ave, Brooklyn, NY
- From my guide, updated September 2026.
A neighborhood haunt since 2008, Five Leaves is a popular Australian cafe serving some of the best brunch in Williamsburg. The ricotta pancakes steal the show, but if savory brunch is more your speed, consider the Moroccan scramble (made with merguez sausage, spiced chickpeas and avocado). It’s a hearty meal that’ll tide you over until your midday nap.
My go-to ordering tip, ask the staff what’s popular that day.
Le Crocodile
- Address80 Wythe Ave, Brooklyn, NY
- From my guide, updated September 2026.
On par with the neighborhood’s hipster reputation, Le Crocodile dishes out some of the most exciting French-inspired brunch in Williamsburg. Helmed by the chefs behind Greenpoint’s beloved Chez Ma Tante, Le Crocodile specializes in expertly-executed French cuisine.
The restaurant attracts stylish New Yorkers to the spacious dinning room every night of the week, but there’s something special about the brunch menu, incredible dishes like eggs with blistered tomatoes and basil pistou rubs elbows with Croque Madames and airy gouda quiche, this place is a foodie’s haven.
Warm and inviting, Le Crocodile is a great place for a first date brunch in Williamsburg. Especially if you’re trying to impress, the restaurant is stunning and the service is top-notch.
