New York City runs on energy—and that starts with breakfast. From grab-and-go snacks to slothful, all-day brunches, breakfast in NYC is a tradition. With cuisines from around the world blending into every block, from bagels to shakshuka, sponge cakes to plant-based scrambles, anything goes.
In this guide, we’re spotlighting where to get the best breakfast in New York, whether you’re a local with a favorite corner café or a first-time visitor hoping to taste the real NYC.
Why Finding the Best Breakfast in New York Matters
Let’s be honest: mornings in New York are chaotic. That is not to say that breakfast is skipped, however—but that it needs to be worth the effort and the money. Over 68% of New Yorkers consume breakfast from outside the home at least once a week, according to a 2023 survey done by Grubhub. That is millions of breakfasts per day.
The best breakfast places here don’t just nourish—recharge the city. Whether headed to the office, museum, or Brooklyn flea market, starting with the right plate sets everything in motion.
What Makes a Breakfast Spot Iconic in New York?
To be iconic in NYC, a breakfast spot needs more than great food. It needs:
- Consistency – serving up quality dishes day after day.
- History or story – has it been there since the 1900s or started as a food truck.
- Local character – people must be able to identify the place with its local surroundings.
- Local following – locals come back, and tourists hear about it for a reason.
Others are tiny counters with stools nowhere in sight; others, again, are boisterous diners with coffee cup refills and chatter galore. Combined, they are the spirit of the Best Breakfast in New York.
Also Read: Best Areas to Stay in New York for Tourists, Families, and Couples
Best Breakfast in New York: Our Top 10 Iconic Picks
Here are 10 spots that locals and visitors agree on—places that define what breakfast in NYC is all about:
Russ & Daughters Café
A staple since 1914, known for its lox, smoked sable, and bagel boards. If you want to taste the roots of NYC’s Jewish deli culture, start here.
- Address: 127 Orchard St, New York, NY 10002
- Rating: 4.6/5
Balthazar
This French bistro is a Soho legend. Expect buttery croissants, eggs Florentine, and excellent service. It’s ideal for a slower, indulgent start to the day.
- Address: 80 Spring St, New York, NY 10012
- Rating: 4.5/5
Clinton St. Baking Company
Famous for its pancakes with warm maple butter, but their eggs Benedict and southern-style biscuits are equally worth it. Lines form early—come prepared.
- Address: 4 Clinton St, New York, NY 10002
- Rating: 4.4/5
Ess-a-Bagel
Possibly the biggest, chewiest, most satisfying bagels in the city. Their lox and scallion cream cheese is a classic, but they also do egg sandwiches and deli-style fillings.
- Address: 831 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10022
- Rating: 4.5/5
Bubby’s
Comfort food done right. Their buttermilk pancakes, house-cured bacon, and homemade pies give you that home-cooked breakfast feel in the heart of downtown.
- Address: 120 Hudson St, New York, NY 10013
- Rating: 4.3/5
La Bonbonniere
Old-school, cash-only, and totally no-frills. This hidden gem serves up massive omelets, bacon, toast, and a strong cup of coffee—perfect for people-watching in the West Village.
- Address: 28 8th Ave, New York, NY 10014
- Rating: 4.4/5
Jack’s Wife Freda
A modern take on Mediterranean-American breakfast. Highlights include green shakshuka, rosewater waffles, and excellent latte art.
- Address: 50 Carmine St, New York, NY 10014
- Rating: 4.2/5
Daily Provisions
Home of one of NYC’s best bacon, egg, and cheese sandwiches. Everything’s fresh, from the bread to the roasted coffee beans.
- Address: 103 E 19th St, New York, NY 10003
- Rating: 4.6/5
Sarabeth’s
A brunch institution offering lemon ricotta pancakes, housemade preserves, and rich omelets. A bit more upscale, but worth the experience.
- Address: 423 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10024
- Rating: 4.4/5
Cafe Mogador
If you like spice and variety in the morning, their Moroccan eggs, fresh pita, and home fries offer a unique start to your day.
- Address: 101 St Marks Pl, New York, NY 10009
- Rating: 4.5/5
Local Favorites vs. Tourist Hotspots: Where Is the Best Breakfast in New York Really Found?
Tourists congregate at institution—and deservedly so—but New Yorkers go for the cozy, hard-to-reach gems. Want to avoid lines? Go:
- Tompkins Square Bagels – their cream cheeses flavored to legendary perfection.
- Peter Pan Donut & Pastry Shop in Greenpoint – cash only, old-fashioned, and full of personality.
- Brooklyn Farmacy – a revamped 1920s soda fountain with hearty breakfasts.
The truth is, the best breakfast in New York is your way. Old school or new, grab-and-go or sit-down—NYC has it all.
Best Breakfast in New York for Every Type of Foodie
Need something in particular? Here’s a brief guide:
- For bagel lovers: Ess-a-Bagel, Russ & Daughters, Tompkins Square Bagels
- For sweet breakfasts: Clinton St. Baking Company, Sarabeth’s
- For healthy starts: Jack’s Wife Freda, Two Hands, Bluestone Lane
- For comforting comfort food: Bubby’s, La Bonbonniere, Café Lalo
- For international flavor: Cafe Mogador, Buvette, Kopitiam
Tips for Enjoying the Best Breakfast in New York Like a Local
- Get there early: Avoid lines and long wait times, especially on weekends.
- If possible, go weekdays: Much-loved destinations are quieter in the middle of the week.
- Order the house special: Don’t overcomplicate the menu—staff normally know what does the trick.
- Use Google Maps for wait time: Real-time crowd estimates are available with some apps.
- Break out of Manhattan: Brooklyn and Queens offer strong breakfast competition.
Map of Where to Get the Best Breakfast in New York
If you’re viewing more than one neighborhood, use Google Maps to create a self-guided food tour. Several of the spots mentioned are within a short walking distance from subway stations, so it’s easy to get a bite in between seeing sights.
Final Thoughts
What makes the best breakfast in New York is more than what’s on the plate. It is the ambiance, the crowd, the smell of just-brewed coffee, and that perfect bite that cause you to pause in a city that never pauses. From a grab-and-run egg sandwich to dining for an entire brunch, NYC mornings are unforgettable—especially when enjoyed with food that has the taste of a piece of city heritage.
Take your time, do something different, and breakfast the New York way—one iconic location at a time.
FAQ’s
What do most New Yorkers eat for breakfast?
Most New Yorkers have quick, grab-and-go items like bagels with cream cheese, bacon-egg-and-cheese sandwiches, or a pastry and coffee. Convenience and taste are the most important factors.
Where is the best place to eat breakfast in New York?
There isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution, but spots like Russ & Daughters, Clinton St. Baking Company, and Ess-a-Bagel are always top on the list. It’s a question of whether or not you want quick, high-end, or somewhere in the middle.
What does a traditional New York breakfast look like?
A classic New York breakfast is a lox and cream cheese bagel, a street vendor coffee, or an egg roll sandwich from a bodega. It’s inexpensive, satisfying, and full of character.
Is New York breakfast expensive?
Depends. A good bagel and coffee is under $10, and sit-down restaurants like Balthazar or Sarabeth’s would be $25–$40 per person. The city has breakfast at nearly every price level.
