Who does not love brunch? It is the meal of the day, where all the juicy gossip of the events of the night prior get discussed at length. Think Sex and the City/And Just Like That/ Gossip Girl. Brunch always supports that tête-à-tête.
Here are some great spots in the city to partake in the perfect combo of breakfast and lunch:
The Ned NoMad hotel and private club welcomes visitors and guests to Manhattan’s first Cecconi’s restaurant. Open seven days a week from 7am-11pm guests can find themselves at the modern-day classic Northern Italian restaurant for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner. Those seeking a posh brunch featuring modern cuisine can look to Cecconi’s with selections from Cacio pepe scrambled eggs and Buttermilk pancakes topped with caramel and blueberry syrup, off of the breakfast menu, to hand-made pasta, wood-oven pizza, and seafood classics off of the all-day menu. I cannot wait to try Cecconi’s when I am back in the city.
Milady’s officially launches its outdoor terrace this spring, positioned on the corner of Prince and Thompson Street, right in the heart of Soho. Diners can soak up the sun while sipping on a line-up of refreshing cocktails, created by owner and bar-industry veteran Julie Reiner, such as the Milady’s Spritz, Hawaiian Iced Tea, or an American Whiskey Highball. There’s also delicious elevated and produce-focused fare for lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch, including Steak Tartare, Caviar Dip, and a house-made Veggie Burger.
As the premier brunch destination in the heart of West Village, Saint Theo’s boasts an elevated Venetian-inspired weekend lunch menu. Served exclusively on Saturdays and Sundays from 12PM-2:30PM, menu highlights include Saint Theo’s classics including Tuna Crudo with lemon zest, olive oil and seasalt; Beef Carpaccio with mushroom, arugula, aioli and balsamic vinegar and the Seabass Linguine with dill, la passata and garlic oil. The breezy, vibrant 110-seat space uplifts a dining room, bar, and lounge, with an eclectic mix of vintage and modern design features including colorful Murano glass sconces, Venice Biennale exhibition posters, framed Pirelli calendars and deep green linen banquettes.
Thief combines the precision and craft of a world-class cocktail program with the edge and artistic culture of New York City in the ‘80s. Located at 161 Ludlow St, the bar pairs classic and modern art pieces, graffiti murals and a killer playlist with a distinctive cocktail menu and expansive food offering. Thief recently launched brunch with twists on classic brunch favorites like french toast served with apple mezcal caramel and mezcal maple butter.
Midtown East’s Valerie, known for its extensive gin library and lively happy hours, has unveiled their boozy rendition of morning tea time. The Tea with the Queen, is a spiked cuppa with English breakfast & bergamot infused Navy Strength Gin, Luxardo Bianco, Punt e Mes, and orange juice. If you’re looking for an excuse to have a G&T at 11am, the Chai Gin & Tonic includes chai infused Fundy Gin (with notes of earthy, sweet juniper berry & citrus peel), lemon, Havi Amer, cardamom bitters, and Fever Tree Premium Indian Tonic. Guests can pair these brunch libations with lemon ricotta pancakes with cardamom and crab salad and egg toast with roe which are a few of their new dishes.
Isla & Co. is Parched Hospitality Group’s popular Aussie all-day cafe and restaurant with locations in Midtown at Hotel Hendricks and in Williamsburg adjacent to the William Vale. Executive Chef Matt Foley’s brunch menu, which is served daily until 3pm, includes favorites like Brioche French Toast, Isla Benedict, Smashed Avocado Toast and Mushroom Toast. There are new additions to the menu like Kangaroo Tucker, traditional Australian rubbed kangaroo skewered over herbed tahini, marinated cucumbers and pickled onions. I highly recommend the Kangaroo Tucker! Brunch pairs perfectly with an Aperol Spritz, Bloody Mary or Espresso Martini.
Ainslie is now open in the 20,000 square foot space that formerly occupied Vandal at 199 Bowery on the Lower East Side. Ainslie has remained a neighborhood favorite in Williamsburg since its flagship location opened in 2019. Ainslie’s kitchen is helmed by Executive Chef John DeLucie serving a menu filled with Italian favorites ranging from wood-fired pizzas and Eggs in Purgatory to French Toast and Pancetta & Pecorino Omelette.
Haven Rooftop, Sanctuary Hotel
Haven Rooftop above the Sanctuary Hotel in Midtown is ready for diners to escape to. Haven offers delicious food and craft cocktails. Favorites include sliders, tuna tartare, and Times Square Omelet, Acai Bowl and Brunch Pizza with eggs sunny side, mozzarella, tomato sauce, bacon. Pair that with a Cloudtini or Summer Sangria for a truly elevated experience. Brunch can be made bottomless for $29 with the purchase of an entree for an hour.
Hole in the Wall has locations in FiDi, Murray Hill, in Flatiron at Hotel Henri and Williamsburg . Signature dishes from Executive Chef Matthew Foley include a Chili Scramble, Avocado Toast and a Brekky Roll with applewood smoked bacon, chorizo pate, folded eggs, chimichurri and mayo on a milk bun with tots on the side. You can also enjoy the Spicy Fried Chicken Sandwich or Crispy Pork Belly with sticky glaze, chili, fried shallots and lime. Sip on a Jalapeno Bloody Mary, a Blood Orange Negroni, an Aperol Spritz or a Mimosa any time of day.
Amali features seasonal Mediterranean fare that’s locally sourced and served in a sleek space. The restaurant’s Executive Chef Alex Tubero works with many small farmers, purveyors and fishermen, resulting in frequent menu changes. Amali is currently serving Soft Scramble with Bloomsdale spinach, feta, lemon and flatbread, Shakshuka, Cavatelli and Wild Mushroom Caponata along with many others for brunch.
Carnegie Diner & Cafe is located on the corner of West 57th Street and 7th Avenue, steps from the iconic Carnegie Hall in the heart of Midtown Manhattan. The diner and cafe is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner indoors and outside seven days a week. It pays homage to the diners of yesteryear in its design only but has a menu made for today, with something for everyone. Menu items feature an extensive all-day breakfast menu in addition to serving up salads, burgers, sandwiches, main entrees, pastas and desserts.
Carroll Place is a classic Italian American wine bar and gastropub in the heart of Greenwich Village. The brunch menu, created by Chef John DeLucie is filled with favorites like Eggs Benedict, Penne Alla Vodka, Pappardelle and more with 1 1/2 hours of unlimited brunch drinks for $30 with the purchase of any entree. which pair perfectly with the restaurant’s artisan cocktails, beers and 25 wines by the glass.
Loulou is a stunning French Bistro and Speakeasy in Chelsea with one of the most stunning outdoor seating options in town. Signature menu items from Executive Chef Jarett Brodie include a Loulou Burger made with grass-fed beef, cheddar and caramelized onions, Duck Leg Confit with apple rosemary puree and gala chutney and Steak Frites. That’s in addition to a large selection of gorgeously crafted cocktails, which you can indulge in, in the dining room or by entering the restaurant’s speakeasy via a vintage Coca-Cola vending machine door on 8th Avenue.
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