Eat · Brunch · 2026
The best brunch in Manhattan.
Every one from my own visits, updated September 2026. 10 places.
I have eaten brunch at an unreasonable number of restaurants in Manhattan. This is not something I’m proud of (okay, maybe a little). But the result is that I have very strong opinions about where to go, where to avoid, and what the actual best brunches in Manhattan are right now.
The brunch scene in New York is overwhelming. Every neighborhood has 15 options and they all have avocado toast and bottomless mimosas and exposed brick. Most of them are fine. Fine is the enemy of great. I am here to steer you toward great.
- BalthazarRestaurant · SoHoThe French onion soup ($18) is the best in the city and I’ll fight anyone who disagrees.
- BuvetteRestaurant · West VillageA tiny, gorgeous French cafe that feels like Paris.
- Clinton St. Baking CompanyRestaurant · Lower East SideThe pancakes here ($19 for a stack of three with warm maple butter) are the most famous pancakes in New York City and they deserve every bit of that reputation.
- CookshopRestaurant · ChelseaThis place doesn’t get the Instagram attention that places like Balthazar and Sadelle’s get, which means you can actually get a table.
- E.A.T. by Eli ZabarRestaurant · Upper East SideNobody talks about this place for brunch and they should.
- Egg ShopRestaurant · NolitaA tiny spot that does exactly what the name says.
- Jack’s Wife FredaRestaurant · SoHoMediterranean-influenced brunch that’s consistently good across all locations.
- Russ and Daughters CafeRestaurant · Lower East SideThis is my number one brunch in Manhattan and it’s not close.
- Sadelle’sRestaurant · SoHoIf you want the most photogenic brunch in Manhattan, this is it.
- VeselkaRestaurant · East VillageThis is the best brunch value in Manhattan.
Balthazar
Restaurant · SoHo · 80 Spring Street
The French onion soup ($18) is the best in the city and I’ll fight anyone who disagrees.
Buvette
Restaurant · West Village · 42 Grove Street
A tiny, gorgeous French cafe that feels like Paris.
Clinton St. Baking Company
Restaurant · Lower East Side · 4 Clinton Street
The pancakes here ($19 for a stack of three with warm maple butter) are the most famous pancakes in New York City and they deserve every bit of that reputation.
Cookshop
Restaurant · Chelsea · 156 Tenth Avenue
This place doesn’t get the Instagram attention that places like Balthazar and Sadelle’s get, which means you can actually get a table.
E.A.T. by Eli Zabar
Restaurant · Upper East Side · 1064 Madison Avenue
Nobody talks about this place for brunch and they should.
Egg Shop
Restaurant · Nolita · 151 Elizabeth Street
A tiny spot that does exactly what the name says.
Jack’s Wife Freda
Restaurant · SoHo · 224 Lafayette Street
Mediterranean-influenced brunch that’s consistently good across all locations.
Russ and Daughters Cafe
Restaurant · Lower East Side · 127 Orchard Street
This is my number one brunch in Manhattan and it’s not close.
Sadelle’s
Restaurant · SoHo · 463 West Broadway
If you want the most photogenic brunch in Manhattan, this is it.
Veselka
Restaurant · East Village · 144 Second Avenue
This is the best brunch value in Manhattan.
Best brunch in Manhattan, 2026
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The full guide, with the ones that didn't make it and why: Best Brunch in Manhattan. Ranked by Someone Who Has Tried Too Many..