New York Dearest
The guide, $35
A place · Restaurant · Lower East Side · on 4 of my lists

Dudley's.

Worth it, says Antonina. Dudley’s, from the creators of the acclaimed Ruby’s in SoHo, has established itself as one of the top restaurants in the Lower East Side.

Antonina Pattiz
Antonina PattizI went myself · from my Best restaurants on the Lower East Side
Where Dudley's appears on New York Dearest

It's on 4 of my lists. Each entry below is what I wrote about it there, with my verdict on that list, the fullest first.

Worth it
  • Address85 Orchard St, New York, NY 10002
  • From my guide, updated September 2026.

Dudley’s, from the creators of the acclaimed Ruby’s in SoHo, has established itself as one of the top restaurants in the Lower East Side. While Ruby’s is a cafe, Dudley’s stands out as a bistro with a menu featuring comforting dishes, some shared with its popular sister restaurant.

An irresistible choice is the crispy brussels sprouts, a simple side, yet the perfectly cooked golden morsels are so delicious that they could be a meal on their own.

For those with a sweet tooth, I recommend trying the ricotta pancakes. Served with honeycomb butter, maple syrup, and Nutella, these pancakes will leave you craving a second serving for days.

Worth it, says Antonina. Been? Say if you agree.

Best brunch in New York

No. 7 on that list
Worth it

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.

Worth it

Orchard Street near Broome. Take the B/D to Grand Street.

Dudley’s is Australian-influenced which in brunch terms means excellent coffee, avocado toast that actually justifies its existence, and a general atmosphere of calm that feels rare for the Lower East Side.

The ricotta hotcakes with banana and honeycomb butter are fantastic. The full brekkie plate is hearty without being heavy. And the flat white here is genuinely one of the best in the city. I first came here on a recommendation from a friend who’s impossibly picky about coffee and I’ve been coming back monthly since.

Best brunch on the Lower East Side

No. 1 on that list3 min from the subway
Worth it

Dudley’s is a popular Australian cafe dishing out some of the most affordable brunch in the Lower East Side. The large menu offers an exciting variety, from dense banana bread to incredible salads and hearty breakfast sandwiches.

My recommendation? Go for the ricotta pancakes with honeycomb butter if you’re nursing a sweet tooth. If you’re the savory sort, opt for the egg sandwich (fried egg, tomato jam, arugula and BBQ mayo with hash brown on a sesame bun). They say the bacon is optional, but in my opinion, it’s non-negotiable.

Dudley's
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Dudley's

Lower East Side