It's on 1 of my list. Each entry below is what I wrote about it there, with my verdict on that list, the fullest first.
- SubwayL to 1 Av, 6 min
- Address110 St Marks Pl, New York, NY 10009
- From my guide, updated September 2026.
David’s Cafe is a cozy French-American diner with large windows overlooking St. Mark’s Place, making it a prime spot for people-watching while enjoying brunch in the East Village. To the untrained eye, the relaxed vibes and well-executed meals feel like a stark juxtaposition, but there’s a reason for the madness.
A passion project of two famed NYC chefs, David’s Cafe is helmed by David Malbequi (an alum of Daniel Boulud) and Daniel Rivera (Les Enfants de Bohème). Chef Malbequi is responsible for the perfectly-executed French fare churning out of the kitchen, Rivera gets credit for the cozy vibes in the dinning room.
Churning out time-tested classics like french toast and pancakes alongside hangover poutine and burgers, David’s Cafe is a go-to East Village brunch spot for locals in the know.