The Best Brunch Spots in NYC
When people ask Manhattan natives what their favorite meal of the day is--breakfast, lunch, or dinner--you may be surprised to learn that the answer is often none of the above. New Yorkers favor brunch, also known as the in-between period after breakfast and before lunch. This late morning meal often occurs around 11 am or 12 pm, where the sunlight is perfect for taking pics. Now, what makes the following places “the best” for brunching, you may ask? They have the perfect combination of both an Instagrammable ambiance and almost too-pretty-to-eat food that you won’t be able to resist. Trust me on this one…
1. Robert: With stunning views of Columbus Circle and NYC skyscrapers that seemingly go on forever, this restaurant had to be on my list. And while you’re there, make sure to try the smoked salmon with scrambled eggs and the challah french toast. Both are totally worth it.
2. By Chloe Rockefeller Center: Go ahead and take your pics of the adorable LED “Here to Rock” sign. Finished? Great. Time to devour your smoothie bowl. (Fun fact: the restaurant is Vegan-based!)
3. Seamore’s: After digging into their avocado toast or stacks of pancakes, you may even forget that there's stunning rainbow heart graffiti outside!
4. Beauty and Essex: Besides the fact that there’s a gorgeous mural of rainbow wings across the street, the restaurant serves an array of creative brunch dishes including red velvet waffles, a bagels and lox board, and heavenly pumpkin walnut bread.
5. Hotel Chantelle: After taking pics in front of the black and white doodle mural upstairs, enjoy listening to New Orleans-inspired jazz while feasting on tuna nicoise, breakfast sausage "lollipops," or bananas foster waffles.
6. Pietro Nolita: This cozy pink restaurant is an instant mood booster, especially after tasting their eggs benedict with smoked salmon or "Italian Style" french toast.
7. Bluestone Lane (the Greenwich Avenue location): The storefront has an adorable cafe vibe, not to mention, artsy “heart” cappuccinos, avocado "smash," scrumptious salmon toast and healthy breakfast bowls.
8. While We Were Young: The comfy pale pink booths make for the loveliest brunch--likewise the delicious chicken & waffles and strawberry salad.
9. Sarabeth’s (the Upper East Side location): This chic restaurant is a scene straight out of Gossip Girl. I wonder if Blair Waldorf would have enjoyed the Goldie Lox Omelet (made with scrambled eggs, cream cheese and lox) and homemade muffins with jam as much as I did…
10. Nomo Kitchen: Seated beneath a glass ceiling and in front of a giant, multi-colored heart mural, I swear your lemon ricotta pancakes or breakfast pizza will taste ten times better.
