NYC’s Best Breakfast Spots: Start Your Day with Flavor
Welcome to New York — it’s been waiting for you.
And so have we—bringing you the ultimate guide to NYC’s vibrant breakfast scene.
This is the city that never sleeps and knows exactly how to fuel those early risers, brunchers, and “one-more-snooze” types. The varied options in NYC morning eats offer something for every schedule, every craving, and everyone.
From cheesy bodega sandwiches to flaky, flavor - bursting empanadas, the top breakfast spots in NYC offer something unique for every kind of morning person.
So, let’s explore the best breakfast NYC offers and reveal the hidden gems and ‘food-mongers’ favorites’ to brighten your morning—from must-try favorites to unique finds across the city’s diverse neighborhoods.
This city makes every morning count.
Why Breakfast in NYC Is a Must-Try Experience
As the saying goes, "Life is what you make it." In NYC, breakfast is exactly what you crave it to be!
By the mid-20th century, NYC evolved into a global food hub, embracing diverse cuisines and fusion dishes like empanadas and shakshuka.
Breakfast is a 'choose-your-own-adventure’ experience when in NYC. From grabbing a quick burrito to savoring a leisurely brunch, the city offers an option to suit every place and palate.
Whether you're a die-hard local or just passing through, this city’s breakfast aura is a delicious treasure hunt in itself—there’s always a craving waiting to be discovered among the breakfast spots NYC has to offer!
Don't settle for anything less than the top breakfast NYC offers for that perfect morning fuel.
NYC Breakfast Classics You Can’t Miss
What’s more New York than bagels with cream cheese, buttery pancakes, and the beloved bacon, egg, and cheese sandwich?
The Iconic NYC Bagel
With its crispy crust and chewy inside, what we know as the bagel today is believed to have come from Poland to New York with the Eastern European Jews who immigrated here.
Now a staple of "NYC morning eats," it’s an essential part of the "top breakfast NYC" experience.
Absolute Bagels are near-perfect for devotees of a chewy crust and worth waiting in line for.
Ess-a-Bagel’s everything bagels are loaded with scallion cream cheese, and they are a crowd favorite.
BO’s Bagels are the kind of bagels worth boarding a subway for. Keeping with a traditional style, BO’s are petite and chewier than most.
Assorted bagels with delicious toppings
The Perfect Pancake
The perfect pancake may be served with a spoonful of butter, and seasonal fruit, or it may come thin, crisped up, and dotted with holes.
It’s an integral part of "morning treats NYC" and the soul of the "best breakfast NYC" experience.
Chez Ma Tante’s not-too-sweet pancakes boast a thick, nearly blackened char that lends more flavor and crunch than most.
Clinton St. Baking Company is underscored by the long lines of people vying for a stack on any given Sunday
Sunday In Brooklyn is where you should head if Instagram-famous pancakes are what you’re after.
Delicious pancake platter with toppings at Empanada Mama
Bacon, Egg, and Cheese: The NYC Staple
The bacon, egg, and cheese sandwich— known lovingly as the BEC—is a beloved cornerstone of NYC morning eats and a must-try at NYC's best breakfast spots
Edith's comes smothered with special sauce and sauerkraut, with their signature coffee-tahini slushy.
Rex is the premier destination for a BEC in terms of customization.
Tompkins Square Bagels is memorable for its fluffy eggs, sandwiching ooey gooey cheese, and bacon crisped to perfection.
Savory bagel sandwich with bacon
Global Breakfast Delights in NYC
In NYC’s melting pot of neighborhoods, every corner serves up a passport-worthy bite, bringing authentic global dishes to locals and tourists alike.
Latin American Breakfast Empanadas
Empanadas are flaky pastries wrapped around delicious fillings. If you're searching for "Empanadas in NYC" or "Empanada Near Me," you’re in luck!
Salento’s employs a wispier crust with a lighter flavor along with a juicy filling of brothy chicken
Empanada Mama is known for having the biggest and best empanadas in NYC, with a huge variety of options to choose from!
Bistro 38 dishes out empanadas—crispy or flaky pockets of joy stuffed with all kinds of deliciousness!
Savory empanadas, ready to be dipped.
Mediterranean Shakshuka
Shakshuka, the Middle Eastern brunch superstar, serves up skillet-poached eggs in spicy tomato sauce—your new weekend must-have!
Miss Ada is a gently smoky, Bolognese-thick sauce with wisps of goat cheese threaded throughout.
Bessou’s Japan-meets-Morocco mash-up is unconventional but entirely delightful
Miriam serves a plate of creamy, olive oil-drizzled hummus with pita, turning the dish into a miniature mezze spread.
Green shakshuka, a flavorful and comforting dish.
NYC’s Top Breakfast Spots by the Neighborhood
"Hey Alexa, can you help me find some great breakfast spots near me?"
Manhattan: Midtown and Lower East Side
Katz's Delicatessen: Famous for pastrami sandwiches and hearty breakfasts.
The Smith: Upscale diner with classic American breakfast.
Russ & Daughters Café: Iconic for smoked fish and bagels.
Brooklyn: Williamsburg and Dumbo
The River Café: Upscale dining with stunning views of the Manhattan skyline.
Juliana’s Pizza: A casual eatery that serves breakfast pizzas with a local twist.
Egg: Cozy spot offering farm-fresh dishes with a rustic vibe.
Queens: Astoria
Taverna Kyclades: Famous for its Greek breakfast platters, including spanakopita and fresh feta.
Cafe Boulis: A cozy spot offering delectable Mediterranean-inspired omelets and pastries.
Bakeri: A charming bakery known for its Scandinavian-inspired breakfast items, like cardamom buns and fresh bread.
Unique and Unusual Breakfast Finds in NYC
For a capital-'B' breakfast, like you’re in a family sitcom, croissant hybrids and international pastries are perfect.
Savory and Sweet Mash-Ups: If bacon maple donuts or avocado toast topped with honey are what your taste buds crave, check out spots like Dominique Ansel Bakery for innovative takes on classics.
Viral Breakfast Trends: Don’t miss oversized pancakes and globally inspired egg dishes making waves on Instagram. Try these at Sadelle’s for an Instagram-worthy breakfast.
NYC’s Best Breakfast Pastries: Try unique pastries like cruffins and kouign-amanns at Bakeri and Bien Cuit for a delightful morning treat.
Best Brunch Spots for a Leisurely NYC Morning
In New York City, ask anyone where they are before 3 p.m. on a Saturday or Sunday and, odds are, brunch is on the docket.
Classic Brunch Favorites: Do Eggs Benedict, French toast, and mimosas sound appealing? Some places known for their charming ambiance and diverse menus, such as Sarabeth’s and Cafe Mogador are perfect for you.
Creative Brunch Menus: If you crave innovative brunch dishes, explore restaurants like The Smith and Jack's Wife Freda, where fusion flavors entice foodies.
Family-Friendly Options: Check out Ellen’s Stardust Diner and The Grey Dog for spacious seating and kid-friendly menus, making them ideal for family gatherings!
Empanada Mama: A Latin Twist to NYC’s Breakfast Scene
Empanada Mama is a staple for breakfast empanadas, ideal for those seeking a flavorful Latin twist on the traditional NYC breakfast.
Our menu offers many unique empanadas, including eggplant Parmesan, pepperoni pizza, Mac n cheese, ham n cheese, ground beef, portobello, greek spinach pie, and Cuban.
So, if you're searching for 'empanada near me,' Empanada Mama is the spot to be! Every bite of our NYC-style empanadas is a flavorful adventure, and that’s a promise.
Start Your Day the NYC Way
Ready to dive into NYC’s breakfast scene? Whether you're craving classic bagels or global flavors, New York has it all waiting for you. Grab your friends, set your alarm, and start your day with one of these unforgettable breakfast experiences. Snap a pic, tag your favorite spot, and share your NYC morning adventure with us! Let’s make every morning a delicious journey.
Bon appétit!