🥂 Best in NYC

Best Brunch Restaurants in NYC

The best brunch spots in New York City — from Balthazar's grand brasserie weekend spread to Russ & Daughters' century-old bagel tradition.

3 picks

Brunch in New York is an institution, not a meal. The city's approach runs from grand brasseries with floor-to-ceiling windows and prix-fixe spreads to 100-year-old Jewish appetizing counters where smoked fish and bagels is the only religion that matters on a Sunday morning.

Balthazar in SoHo sets the standard for the theatrical brunch experience — the room is magnificent, the pastry basket is worth ordering, and the energy on a Saturday morning is distinctly New York. Russ & Daughters Café on Orchard Street is the opposite: quiet, precise, and dedicated entirely to the traditions of New York Jewish food. Both are essential. Katz's Delicatessen, technically a lunch and dinner institution, has become a weekend morning pilgrimage of a different kind — pastrami at 10am is a reasonable New York decision.

Reservations are non-negotiable at the top spots. Balthazar books out weeks ahead on weekends. Russ & Daughters Café fills quickly for morning slots. Katz's is walk-in only, which means arriving early is the move — by 10am on a Sunday, the pastrami line has already formed. For a neighborhood egg-and-coffee experience without the competition, the West Village, Park Slope, and the Lower East Side all have excellent walk-in-friendly options that don't make the major lists but deliver consistently.

Russ & Daughters Café

Russ & Daughters Café

Jewish · Appetizing · Brunch  ·  Lower East Side  ·  $$

★★★★½ 4.7 4,600

The sit-down extension of the legendary LES appetizing shop — bagels, lox, and the Jewish food canon executed at its absolute peak

Must-try: Classic board (smoked salmon on bagel), The Super Heebster, Borscht

📍 127 Orchard St, New York, NY 10002

Full Details Reserve on Resy
Katz's Delicatessen

Katz's Delicatessen

Jewish Deli · Sandwiches  ·  Lower East Side  ·  $$

★★★★½ 4.6 14,200

The Lower East Side's iconic Jewish deli since 1888 — the pastrami sandwich is New York in a single bite

Must-try: Hand-carved pastrami on rye, Corned beef sandwich, Matzo ball soup

📍 205 E Houston St, New York, NY 10002

Full Details View on Maps
Balthazar

Balthazar

French · Brasserie  ·  SoHo  ·  $$$

★★★★½ 4.5 8,600

Keith McNally's grand SoHo brasserie — steak frites, oysters, and the energy of old Paris transplanted to Spring Street

Must-try: Plateau de fruits de mer, Steak frites, Eggs Benedict at brunch

📍 80 Spring St, New York, NY 10012

Full Details Reserve on OpenTable

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best brunch spot in NYC?

Balthazar in SoHo for theatrical brasserie brunch, Russ & Daughters Café for the Jewish appetizing tradition done at its best, and Katz's Delicatessen for the iconic Lower East Side deli experience. Each represents a different New York brunch tradition.

Does Balthazar take reservations for brunch?

Yes. Balthazar takes reservations via OpenTable and they book out weeks ahead for weekend brunch. Book as early as possible for Saturday and Sunday slots — weekday brunch is more accessible.

What makes Russ & Daughters Café special?

Russ & Daughters Café is the sit-down extension of the century-old Lower East Side appetizing shop. The Classic Board (smoked salmon on a bagel), the Super Heebster, and the borscht are the essential orders. The quality of the cured and smoked fish is unmatched in New York.

How early should I arrive at Katz's Delicatessen?

Katz's is walk-in only. Arrive before 10am on weekends to beat the crowd — by 11am the pastrami line is substantial and waits can exceed 30 minutes. On weekdays, timing is far more forgiving.

What should I order at Balthazar for brunch?

The pastry basket and eggs Benedict are the essential brunch orders. The plateau de fruits de mer works beautifully at brunch if you're ambitious. The croque monsieur and croque madame are also underrated.

Are there good walk-in brunch options in NYC?

Yes. The West Village, Park Slope, and the Lower East Side all have neighborhood brunch spots with walk-in tables and quality comparable to the major destinations. These don't make the major lists but deliver consistent food and a more relaxed experience than competing for weekend reservations.