Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and it’s also the most delicious if you do it right. And guess what? These seven NYC breakfast spots know how to do it right! From all-American buffets to French-inspired menus, breakfast doesn’t have to be boring when you stop by any of these beloved New York restaurants, bakeries, and cafes. Put down the spatula and let someone else cook for you in the A.M. There’s no better way to start your day.
Best of NYC Breakfasts: Heartland Brewery and Rotisserie (Midtown West)
Looking for a NYC breakfast buffet that won’t cost you a fortune? Head to NYC’s most famous landmark, the Empire State Building, to enjoy a $15.95 buffet at Heartland Brewery and Rotisserie. From scrambled eggs and homemade French toast to fruit salads and yogurts, everyone can have their fill of breakfast goodies here. 350 Fifth Ave., 212-563-3433, heartlandbrewery.com
Best of NYC Breakfasts: Jack’s Wife Freda (SoHo)
Mix things up a bit with some light Mediterranean eats for breakfast at Jack’s Wife Freda. Forget green eggs and ham, because their Green Shakshuka is much more exciting, with two baked eggs served in a green sauce with challah toast. The Madame Freda (pressed sandwich with duck prosciutto, cheddar béchamel, gruyere, and a sunny-side-up egg) is also a must. Additional location in the West Village. 224 Lafayette St., 212-510-8550, jackswifefreda.com
Best of NYC Breakfasts: Dimes (Lower East Side)
As Dimes proves, breakfast doesn’t always have to consist of pancakes and bacon. Keep it healthy with orange date muesli, matcha yogurt, berry acai, or carob acai at this NYC hotspot. If you’re an egg fan, Dimes makes one of the best egg sandwiches in the city, so make sure you order up a breakfast sandwich (scrambled eggs, avocado, cheddar, pickled jalapeño, and Dimes hot sauce). 49 Canal St., 212-925-1300, dimesnyc.com
Best of NYC Breakfasts: The City Bakery (Flatiron)
The City Bakery offers the perfect grab and go experience for New Yorkers in search of a scrumptious breakfast. Pastries is the way to go at this NYC staple, with favorites like the Pretzel Croissants, Mixed Berry Scones, and Cinnamon Swirl Muffins freshly baked behind the counter. If it’s a chilly morning, you’ve got to order up a cup of their much-talked-about hot chocolate, because in our opinion, it should be considered a sin not to. 3 W. 18th St., 212-366-1414, thecitybakery.com
Best of NYC Breakfasts: The NoMad Restaurant (Flatiron)
Sometimes you really want to go all out for breakfast, and if that's the case, The NoMad Restaurant should be your destination. A quiet ambiance takes over the atrium where you can enjoy a crab and tarragon eggs Benedict, duck sausage and cheddar egg sandwich, and a braised bitter greens, bacon, and ricotta frittata, along with your choice of fresh-squeezed juices and exotic teas. 1170 Broadway, 347-472-5660, thenomadhotel.com
Best of NYC Breakfasts: Russ & Daughters Cafe (Lower East Side)
You can never go wrong in ordering any of the bagel boards at Russ & Daughters Cafe (Shtetl and The Classic topping our list of picks), but make sure you don’t neglect the rest of the wonderful breakfast options offered at this beloved foodie hangout. The babka French toast (chocolate babka, sour cream, and berries) and Lower Sunny Side (sunny side-up eggs, Gaspé Nova smoked salmon, and potato latkes) definitely hold their own as well. 127 Orchard St., 212-475-4881, russanddaughterscafe.com
Best of NYC Breakfasts: Buvette (West Village)
For a Parisian-inspired breakfast stop by Buvette, where a rich dining experience that includes both the perfect atmosphere and flavor-packed foods awaits you. Mushroom croques, prosciutto and eggs, and Belgian waffles adorn the menu of this charming breakfast eatery, making the exposed brick walls and golden tiled ceiling that much more enchanting. 42 Grove St., 212-255-3590, newyork.ilovebuvette.com
