It's on 10 of my lists. Each entry below is what I wrote about it there, with my verdict on that list, the fullest first.
- Address80 Spring St, New York, NY 10012
- From my guide, updated September 2026.
New York restaurateur Keith McNally opened Balthazar in 1997 and it didn’t take long for it to become one of the most famous restaurants in the Big Apple (as well as one of the best it).
Specializing in French-fare, the interior is charmingly Parisian with accents of gold sprinkled throughout the restaurant. During the holiday season it becomes one of the best Christmas restaurants in NYC complete with lights and garlands creating a cozy experience. The snug atmosphere and tasty hot-drinks make visiting one of the most popular it so consider making reservations!
If you can’t get in for brunch, I learned a trick, visit the bakery next door! They make the best chocolate donuts in New York City, perfectly dense and chocolatey. Oh, and the chai latte from this joint can’t be missed.
Further reading. Looking for more places to enjoy a meal in SoHo? Be sure to read 20 Remarkable Restaurants in SoHo (Both Hotspots & Hidden Gems)
New York restaurateur Keith McNally opened Balthazar in 1997 and it didn’t take long for it to become one of the most iconic restaurants in SoHo. Specializing in French-fare, the interior is charmingly Parisian. It’s so irresistable even celebrities are known to frequent the restauant.
The high-end flare has made it a popular dinner restaurant in SoHo for celebrating birthdays, anniversaries and the like. Popular plates include the steak frites and duck confit.
But Balthazar is most popular for brunch (reservations can be hard to get). Luckily I’ve learned a trick, visit the bakery next door! They make the BEST chocolate donuts I’ve ever had, perfectly dense and chocolatey. Oh, and the chai latte from this joint can’t be missed.
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?
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.
The decor and tantalizing smells have a way of transporting everyone to Paris. The food always hits the spot and the picked wine list only adds to the romance. If you’re looking for a romantic thing to do in New York City, make brunch at Balthazar a priority.
I suggest lingering for a while, don’t rush the meal (or experience). Settle in and whisper sweet little nothings until your cheeks get sore from smiling. Isn’t that what the weekend is for?
Balthazar is an iconic NYC eatery year round, but there’s something special about the holiday season when the French bistro transforms into a refined winter wonderland.
Warm and inviting, Balthazar exudes romantic vibes ideal for memorable brunch dates. Whenever someone plans to visit for the holidays, 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 holiday decorated restaurant in New York City is scoring a reservation. If brunch is fully booked, pay a visit to the bakery next door.
Warm and inviting, Balthazar exudes cozy vibes ideal for romantic brunch dates in SoHo. From outstanding smoked salmon eggs Benedict to incredible french onion soup, the hardest thing about visiting this popular SoHo brunch restaurant is scoring a reservation.
If brunch is fully booked, pay a visit to the bakery next door for fresh baked goods. The chocolate donuts and chai lattes. 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?
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.
For an iconic New Year’s Day dining experience in NYC, consider Balthazar’s. The Parisian brasserie boasts a romantic ambiance with garlands, twinkling lights, warm tones, and red-leather booths, a scene straight out of a movie. Since its opening in 1997 by Keith McNally, the food has been exceptional. Don’t miss the outstanding eggs Benedict with smoked salmon or the delectable French onion soup. If brunch is booked, try their bakery next door for the best chocolate donuts and a must-try chai latte.
80 Spring Street, SoHo. Is it a scene? Yes. Is it overpriced? A little. Is it still one of the best brunches in Manhattan? Absolutely. The French onion soup ($18) is the best in the city and I’ll fight anyone who disagrees. The steak frites ($36) at brunch is a power move. The pastry basket ($16 for the table) is filled with croissants and pain au chocolat that are baked in-house and they’re excellent.
They make the BEST chocolate donuts in NYC – perfectly dense and chocolatey.
In my opinion, the ultimate eggs Benedict can be found at Balthazar’s in SoHo, especially the smoked salmon version.