Top 10 Breakfast Places in NYC: Your Guide to Start a “Delicious” Morning in NY in 2024

When you are in New York City, you are treated to a melting pot of food choices from all across the world. Breakfast is one of the most famous food options in New York. There are plenty of fabulous places to start your day in the city that never sleeps. The choices are vast, from Jewish classics to American comfort food; you can pick Japanese rice bowls or some French pastries, and every type of taste bud is catered for in this city. It is worth remembering that choosing a breakfast place yourself, rather than opting for a hotel with breakfast, saves you money, too.

What makes New York such a great place to eat a wonderful breakfast in the morning is the energy. This is a city where you can sit in a beautiful cafe, watching people starting their day. It is a great place to watch people while you enjoy a plate full of pancakes smothered in golden syrup. New York is a large city, so making sure you are stocked up and ready for a full day of exploring is essential. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, as your mum always said, so here are the best 10 places to start your day in New York.

Old John's Diner

When you are looking for a classic gem of a breakfast place, Old John’s is the choice. This diner goes all the way back to 1951 when it was opened on 66th and Broadway. It was a place loved by celebrities as well as tons of locals. The diner was forced to relocate in 1998 to 67th Street and is still as popular as ever. The decor is fantastic; it looks vintage yet modern with white and black tiles. But what the locals love about eating at Old John’s Diner is the staff have been around for over 20 years. This gives the place a homely feel, and everyone feels welcome.

When it comes to food to start your day off in the Big Apple, Old John’s Diner does not disappoint. There are several sandwiches on offer, like the Lox, which contains scrambled eggs, gravlax, cream cheese, red onion, and tomato on a brioche roll. You can always go for the Mexican sandwich, which is mozzarella, scrambled eggs, avocado, and sausage filled into a brioche. Those wanting a more healthy, fresh option can go for some granola with raspberries, blueberries, and Greek yogurt.

Old John’s Diner is at 148 W 67th St, which is just a few minutes away from the famous Wallace Hotel, known for its luxurious feel. The hotel is pet-friendly and offers spa soothing treatments for guests. If you are looking for a premium stay in the center of the city, The Wallace can be a good idea

Two Hands

Two Hands is a group of community-focused Australian restaurants that has a concept of delivering exceptionally fresh and delicious food. Their main focus is to feed you but make it healthy. The menu contains a wide range of meals that will not only give you fuel for the day but fill you with nutrition. The wonders of Two Hands, Henry and Tara Roberts, have their own farm in the Hudson Valley, where they raise Angus cattle and Romney lambs. All animals are 100% grass and local non-GMO grain-fed. So, if you are after healthy choices rather than deep-fried options, then I would certainly recommend you visit Two Hands.

The restaurant serves breakfast all day long and offers a warm, pleasant atmosphere where everyone feels welcome. Looking through the menu, you will certainly spot that their approach is unique. For example, there is a Brassicas Salad with charred broccolini, kale, hummus, six-minute egg, avocado, buzz chili, and seeds or a Salmon Quinoa Bowl with grilled salmon, turmeric quinoa, crunchy shaved veggies, avocado, and puffed rice. Two Hands offers a Kid’s menu with yummy and nourishing options that will please even picky young visitors. Signature cocktails, sparkling wine, smoothies, juices, tea, and fresh coffee are on the Drinks menu.

Two Hands has several locations in New York, with one of the most visited and convenient for most NY visitors in Noho, 74 Bleecker St. Actually, Bleecker Street is famous for music venues and comedy, so if you want to stay close to the center for American bohemia, you might be interested in The Marlon Hotel, a stunning 4 star hotel that is just 12 mins walk from Two Hands.

Russ & Daughters

Russ and Daughters Cafe opened its doors for the first time in 2014 on the 100-year anniversary of Russ and Daughter, the famous appetizing store in the city. Now, customers can come and sit down in the establishment and enjoy the finest breakfast treats. In 1904, a Jewish immigrant, Joel Russ, started selling herring from a push cart in the Lower East Side of New York. Then, in 1914, he saved enough money to open an appetizing shop on Orchard Street. In 1920, he moved to a new location, 179 East Houston Street. Joel had three daughters, and by 2014, the fourth-generation cousins opened Russ and Daughters Cafe.

The unique dining experience at Russ and Daughters Cafe is what makes it so appealing. You can sit down and enjoy a platter of smoked fish with cream cheese, capers and pickles with a bagel and bread basket. There are several types of caviar available. Herring is a popular choice and of course you can opt for a more traditional breakfast of poached eggs and smoked salmon and hollandaise. Whatever you choose it will taste amazing here.

Russ and Daughters offers 4 locations: the shop, the cafe, Brooklyn and 34th St. If you travel to NY in the warm part of the year, I would recommend the Brooklyn location since it offers indoor and outdoor seating. And if you are planning to stay in Brookly, I can certainly advise the Pointe Plaza Hotel that offers a welcoming and pleasant stay. It is just 16 mins walk from Russ and Daughters.

The Granola Bar

The Granola Bar has three menus: Daytime, Dinner, and Happy Hour. If you look at their Instagram page, you will see that it is a perfect place to enjoy your meal and take some colorful pictures.

Why not have a glass of quality wine with your breakfast? Here, you will be able to enjoy a range of red, white, rose, and sparkling wines. But don’t worry, tea, coffee, and smoothies are also served here. A large selection of breakfasts like Pesto and Egg Wrap, Breakfast Burritos, Buttermilk Pancakes and many others promise to make you enjoy your morning and will fill you with energy to discover the city. There are also Signature Tasks, Salad Bowls, Sandwiches, and Bars like Chocolate Date and Almond Butter Chocolate Chunk.

I can’t forget to mention the Granolas that are made in Westport, CT and delivered to NY. Choose from Vanilla Almond, Cinnamon Honey, Toasted Coconut and so many other delicious options. I bet you feel hungry only reading the names of breakfast options the Granola Bar serves. And if you feel like coming back here for dinner, there is no shortage of starters, handhelds, mains and sides.

The Granola Bar has 6 locations in Connecticut and 2 in New York, the one at 96 Purchase St and the other one at Upper West Side, 551 Amsterdam Avenue, which is a favorable area for New York travelers. Central Park is just . Of course, this area is surrounded by hotels, but the one you might be interested in is the Arthouse Hotel, which features a bar with live music, free wifi, and a 500-square-foot terrace with perspective on the Upper West Side and overlooks the NYC skyline.

Buvette

It is worth visiting Buvette during the week as the long lines come out the door during the weekends. This is a very popular place to enjoy chef Jody Williams' food. Buvette is known as a French bistro and is set in the West Village. It was established in 2011 and combines the beauty of an old cafe in a relaxed way. You will feel like you are in Europe when you eat at Buvette. The chef likes to use seasonal ingredients, which means there are amazing flavors for every dish.

As you can imagine, with a French bistro, there are plenty of croissant options for breakfast. The Belgian waffle is a particular favorite, along with buttermilk waffles, berries, and creme fraiche. There is beautiful avocado toast, pain perdu, which is brioche bread with berries and creme anglaise. There are a host of classic Les Croques with ham, roasted mushrooms, and a sunnyside egg. There is granola, yogurt, and berries for those who want a lighter option. Overall, Buvette is a cool place to spend your breakfast. Buvette has become so popular that it has opened establishments in other countries.

Buvette is located at 42 Grove St not too far from a picturesque Washington Square Park, Piers at Hudson River Park, and Carrie Bradshaw's House which can be a place of your interest if you used to watch the epic Sex and the City. Want to stay in this area? Chelsea Pines Inn offers affordable stays including pets, free wifi, terrace and room of any type.

Clinton St Baking Co

Clinton St Baking Co has been in business since 2001, so they know everything about hungry visitors' desires. They use the highest quality ingredients like sustainable coffee, natural milk, cage-free poultry & eggs, premium ice cream, and heritage farm-raised pork. The chefs take inspiration from the American South, coastal New England, Jewish New York, and Spanish cooks, bringing the most varied menu you can imagine. The New York Magazine once said Clinton St Baking Co. offers the "best pancakes in town," so if you are a big pastry lover, the restaurant has a high chance of becoming your favorite spot for breakfast, dinner, and snacks.

The Daytime menu is extensive, offering Buttermilk Biscuit Sandwich with bacon or chicken apple sausage, Brioche French Toast with caramelized bananas and roasted pecans, Huevos Rancheros with sunny side up eggs with red beans, guacamole, jalapeno and salsa. Among drinks, you can treat yourself to a Mexican coffee, which is a combo of tequila, kahlua, single-origin coffee, real whipped cream, dash cocoa powder, Hot Buttered Rum which is Diplomático Reserva anejo rum, market apple cider, warm maple butter, and cinnamon as well as fizzy drinks and shakes.

Looking for places to stay in this area? I can certainly point your attention to Hotel Indigo Lower East Side New York, probably one of the most beautiful hotels in the whole city with outdoor swimming pool, filtess center and modern, colorful rooms that will make your stay delightful. Actually, Clinton St Baking Co is literally 6 mins away from the hotel, so you are stamps away from one of the best bakeries in New York.

Jack’s Wife Freda

Jack’s Wife Freda is a simple, cute cafe in Soho that stems from a love story. Freda and Jack met and married in South Africa in 1930; many years later their grandson traveled to New York and met Maya. The two lovers married in Israel and eventually decided to open Jack’s Wife Freda in 2011 in the Soho district. The menu at this cafe has favorites from their childhood, some in South Africa and some in Israel. Jack’s Wife Freda, is a fabulous place to start your day in the city.

The menu offers lots of incredible choices no matter what your taste. The Mediterranean Breakfast includes pita bread, avocado, 2 eggs, and chopped salad. Another firm favorite is Jack’s Breakfast, which consists of grilled skirt steak, roasted tomato, fingerling potatoes with pickled onions, and sourdough toast. But something that really stands out is Madame Freda. This is a duck prosciutto pressed sandwich with cheddar bechamel and a sunny side egg. As you can imagine, these are all delicious breakfast treats served in a warm family setting.

There are 5 locations in total: Soho, Chelsea, West Village, Union Square and Williamsburg, but Soho is the first one their story and business grew from, so I thought this one must be the best one to try. If you would like to stay in this area, there is a charming Sohotel that allows pets and offers modern rooms at fair prices.

Cafe Chelsea

Cafe Chelsea, which was reopened in 2022 with a lobby bar, offers some excellent food options in the city. Many people refer to Cafe Chelsea as the new Balthazar as it follows the same template as the French brasserie. You will be impressed by the decor and the many mirrors on the walls, making it a place to watch others socialize. This very intimate cafe has seats so close you can start chatting with others at the opposite table. Cafe Chelsea feels old, but it isn't; the food is well above average, and you are treated to limitless black coffee for breakfast.

Taking a look at the menu is exciting; there are wonderfully delicate croissants, granola, fruit plates, and porridge with coconut and blueberry. These are the options you want if you have a sweet tooth like me. If you want to put in some calories for your walk around the city, ordering the American Breakfast, which features eggs, meat, roasted potatoes, avocado, and beans, will give you all the energy you require. Those wanting to try out some French-style breakfasts can go to Saumon Fume. This is sliced smoked salmon, creme fraiche, capers and sourdough.

The famous Hyatt Place NYC Chelsea is only 4 mins walk away from the Cafe Chelsea if you need a comfy stay. The hotel features modern ambience, sleek-design rooms and positions itself as a family-friendly hotel.

Eggstravaganza

If you are after a non-traditional breakfast, Eggstravaganza will undoubtedly surprise you. This is a Mexican restaurant with quality food and fantastic service. Find some of the best brunch and luck options with a Mexican flair. I loved their menu choices and prices, not to mention the location, which is right in the heart of the city. This is why Eggstravaganza takes a place on my list of the 10 best breakfast places in New York.

Treat yourself to an Earthy Breakfast with eggs, tomatoes, turkey, and spinach. Lumberjack Breakfast offers pancakes or french toast deluxe, two eggs any style, a choice of bacon, ham, or patty sausage, or one of the Breakfast Tacos served on a gluten-free corn tortilla with mild salsa, Cotija cheese, and cilantro. Eggstravaganza also offers fresh Sandwiches, Burritos, Quesadillas, Tacos, Salad Bowls, Wraps, and a choice of drinks.

Located on 52 Park Avenue, Eggstravaganza is the place that you will probably pass on one of your days in New York. It is minutes away from the beautiful green Washington Square Park with stately arch and fountains. The nearest hotel to book your stay at is Washington Square Hotel offering pleasant accommodations and a range of amenities including free WiFI, fitness center and spa.

Banter

Banter features a cozy atmosphere and serves healthy and nourishing breakfasts for locals and city guests. Each of their meals is a piece of art that does not only look attractive but tastes fantastic. Banter offers three locations, Murray Hill that was opened recently, West Village and Greenwich Village which is a great location to stay in your area visiting New York for the first time.

The Daytime menu includes a wide range of brekkies like Bacon and Egg Rolls, Smoked Salmon Toast, Golden Folded Eggs, a variety of Sandwiches served with sweet potato fries and salad, and a choice of Sweets with your favorite Banana Toast and Nutella French Toast. As you can see, Banter is more on the traditional side, offering breakfast options that everyone loves. The coffee list is extensive, plus there is a Wellness list that includes Matcha Latte, Chai Latte, and Golden Latte.

If you pick the location Greenwich Village,169 Sullivan St, you will be surrounded by attractions that are on the list of arty travelers. They are famous jazz clubs, off-broadway theaters, Whitney Museum of American Art, Washington Square Park, and The High Lane. The location is filled with hotels among which I can recommend Hotel Huge, just 13 mins away from Banter. The hotel offers the most sophisticated urban retreat with a duplex rooftop bar lounge and fitness center.

Final Thoughts

Looking through these breakfast spots, you know you have endless options to spend your mornings enjoying delicious food and drinks before you kick off and explore the Big Apple. In a city like New York, chefs go beyond norms since neither locals nor visitors are willing to pay for something average. NYC has the most ethnically diverse population; therefore, you can find any cuisine and flavor that your gut and brain desire. So I hope that with this selection of restaurants, you will find at least one to pop up for a tasty breakfast.