It's on 2 of my lists. Each entry below is what I wrote about it there, with my verdict on that list, the fullest first.
- AddressCarmine Street
- From my guide, updated March 2026.
The original is on Lafayette in SoHo but the Carmine Street location in the West Village is my favorite. Take the A/C/E to West 4th.
This place leans Mediterranean and South African and the combination works in ways you wouldn’t expect. The green shakshuka is the star. Baked eggs in a spiced green sauce with labneh and challah for dipping. I’ve ordered it probably forty times and I still get excited when it arrives.
The rosewater waffle is great for anyone with a sweet tooth. The iced mint lemonade is borderline addictive. The vibe is bright and casual and the service is faster than most brunch spots in the city. I’ve never waited more than 20 minutes here, even on a Saturday.
Jack’s Wife Freda is a popular restaurant that merges South African and Israeli cuisine.
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 grandmother, Freda, this chic West Village 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.