The Tastiest Breakfast & Brunch in New York

Monkey Thief

★★★★★ 4.9 (46) • $$

"A true cocktail bar in Hell's Kitchen - I'd never thought I'd see the day. While there are many nearby bars and restaurants in the area with a cocktail program, there aren't any where the mixology is the focus. There are ones where the drinks are simply just too sweet, others where the focus is on wine with a nice cocktail program, and others where the restaurant's food is the primary focus and the cocktails are secondary. But here, the mixology of the cocktails are in the forefront. As you peruse the menu, many of the ingredients you'll see in the cocktails may seem... different... from a typical cocktail. At Monkey Thief, the variety of ingredients complement one another and are paired beautifully in a way I never thought possible: fish sauce? yep. sesame? yep, that too. chaat masala? mmhmm. Just like any cocktail program, some drinks will be sweeter while others will be boozier. The 7 Long Years is a take on a spicy pineapple margarita with a touch of sesame, a gateway drink to the many other eclectic flavors on the menu. The Bullet Train is a really well made espresso martini. I really like the Major Tom. And the Tea Service, while on the sweeter side, is also delicious. The service is attentive but not overly so. And even the food is complementary, with similar pan-Asian flavors and you can't really go wrong with anything. Our last visit, we got an order of fries and they were addicting, to say the least. On other visits, we tried the calamari, potstickers, and fried chicken, which were all delectable. Now my fourth time to Money Thief, they continue to be consistent with every visit, and while we didn't need a reservation this time, I wouldn't be surprised if they become a necessity soon as it became busier and busier as the night progressed."

Risbo

★★★★☆ 4.1 (282) • $$

"Back again for brunch and it did not disappoint! You order at the counter and bus your own table, but the vibe is laid-back with great music. The lamb hash was insanely tender and flavorful, and the roasted chicken is a must get. My boyfriend loved his baked eggs and lamb sausage too. It might take a minute for the food, but trust me--it's so worth the wait!"

Olea

★★★★☆ 4.2 • $$

"I almost cannot bear how adorable this place is! We were looking for a restaurant on Saturday night for the three of us who have different dietary preferences and restrictions. I figured Mediterranean would fit the bill and Olea's array of tapas, many of which are vegan, convinced me that it would be just the right place for us (my husband likes meat, my friend is dairy- and gluten-free pescatarian). Originally I had tried to get a reso for Miss Ada but that wasn't happening. Olea encourages walk-ins but takes a few reservations (they had a 9pm available but we had 10pm bar plans). We were able to get a table outside right when we arrived around 7pm and the place filled up soon thereafter. The outside seating area is quaintly-appointed with cushioned folding chairs. We felt so comfortable and the pacing of service is leisurely which was exactly what we wanted on a late summer Saturday night. They have heating lamps as well, so I am sure late into fall is OK out there.We started with drinks (they have a nice Lambrusco-yay!) and za'atar-spiced olives, then my friend and I split the Impossible meatballs which are delicious, perfectly cooked with an excellent tomato sauce and the creamiest vegan feta that I've ever had. This is a must-order and I don't always love meatballs. I also had the split pea soup which is excellent and hummus and endive leaves. I've had better hummus, this one is a little bland for my liking, but not really an issue for me. Let's just say these plates may be called "small plates" but small, they are not. I also tasted my friend's shishito peppers which is an enormous portion and perfectly crispy and salty. Get this to share if you can as it compliments a lot of the other dishes so well.Prices are so impressively fair, as I mentioned the plates aren't tiny but medium sized, priced as though they are small plates. Pretty cool in this day and age of walking out of a place hungry after dropping a small fortune. It is what it is and I like to eat out so I take it in stride (unless it's truly a rip-off), so Olea is a nice departure from that type of situation.Olea is literally the perfect place to have a long dinner with friends and good conversation. One of my favorite pursuits."

Allswell

★★★★☆ 3.7 (467) • $$

"Love it - great food, good price and great staff. One of my favorite neighborhood spots."

La Puerta Roja

★★★★☆ 4.1 (202) • $$

"I came here with a group of friends for brunch after church. It was a nice neighborhood spot, serving Latin cuisine.I got a mixed platter, containing steak, sausage, pork belly, egg, rice and beans, avocado, as well as maduros, which I replaced with tostones. The steak was thick cut, with grill marks, and delightfully tender, juicy, well seasoned. The sausage was also tasty and succulent. The pork belly was extremely crispy, with quite a bit of meat. I also really enjoyed the tostones, which were crunchy and flavorful. The egg was also tasty, especially paired with the meat. The rice was a little bland, and since I'm not a fan of black beans, I didn't try them. Service was decent. Our waitress was very nice and worked hard to make sure we were all taken care of. The prices are very reasonable, even on the dinner menu. I'm not usually in this area of Brooklyn, so I'm not sure when I'll be back, but I would be open to trying dinner here. The Fried Pork Chop or Skirt Steak dishes sound particularly appetizing."

Sunday In Brooklyn

★★★★☆ 4.3 (67)

"This is a place to plan a group brunch with friends or a simple brunch dinner at their bar seating. The menu is somewhat limited but does offer options in terms of breakfast platters like their famous pancakes (which 10/10 would recommend to share), breakfast/lunch style sandwiches, salads and other dishes. Tried their biscuits and gravy and really enjoyed the dish. Service was quick but the wait to be seated was long."

44 & X Hell's Kitchen

★★★★☆ 3.7 • $$$

"Came here for dinner with a friend. The interior decor was beautiful and elegant. There was a sleek, fancy vibe to the place. Also, the restrooms were so pretty, lit up in hot pink with candle lights and pink roses all around. I ordered the Pistachio crusted Tilapia, served with roasted sweet potatoes, caramelized brussel sprouts, zucchini, shiitake mushroom, topped with Maine lobster jumbo crab ravioli. The size of the Tilapia was generous with a tasty delicate and nutty pistachio crust. The fish was tender, flaky, and well seasoned. The ravioli was perfectly cooked with plenty of flavorful lobster crab filling. The vegetable medley was fresh and soft. All of this was in a creamy, rich sauce.My friend had the Rack of Lamb crusted with sweet potato and hazelnut. This came with wild mushroom, artichoke gratin, and grilled asparagus. I really enjoyed this, as the lamb was wonderfully succulent, juicy, and slightly crispy on the edges. The sauce was savory and full of flavor pan juices.For dessert, we shared housemade cookies and petits fours. There were 2 of each, so it worked well. We started with the Strawberry Macaron, which was fruity and had a nice chewy consistency, but tasted more like raspberry. Next, we tried the Pistachio and Apricot Cake, which was similar to marzipan and satisfyingly sweet. The Chocolate Crunch Cupcake was rich, deeply chocolate-y, while the frosting was velvety and simply delightful. We had the Lemon Curd Tartlet last, which was light and refreshing with a yummy crunchy crust. Service was wonderful. Our waiter was friendly and attentive, as well as knowledgeable about the menu. Prices are a little on the higher end. I was sad that it had just changed to Spring, because they no longer had the Sticky Toffee Pudding dessert. I would like to return to try the Short Rib, Breast of Duck and hopefully Sticky Toffee Pudding will make a comeback."

Ma-N-Pop Soul Food

★★★☆☆ 3.3 (178) • $

"The ambiance is nostalgic. It reminds me small of an old school diner. I got the Breakfast special with coffee, home fries. eggs and bacon. The coffee was cold. They didn't cook my eggs the way I asked. The rest of the food was ok. I do feel like it was good for the price. I wish the meal would have came with toast. I would give them another chance."

Royal Restaurant

★★★☆☆ 3.4 (54) • $

"Glad to see indoor dining finally back in NYC ( while the rest of NY state remained open for indoor dining ). Hopefully indoor dining in NYC is here to stay for good. Grabbed a egg on everything bagel on my way to NYC health + hospital testing site on 14th Ave and 63rd St."

El Paso Mexican Grill 2

★★★★☆ 4.2 (19)

"10/10 food and service amazing hospitality from owner and staff would 100% come again!"

Verde on Smith

★★★★☆ 4.2 (945) • $$

"Amazing! The food was great, service on point and the atmosphere was great, chill. My co-workers and I went to get brunch on day, they bottomless mimosas for an hour. Our server was refilling our drinks very quick GOD BLESS EM!! We got the skirt steak eggs Benedict that was absolutely amazing. It was savory, the steak was tender and delicious. This is a must try if you're ever looking for brunch."

Pollo D'Oro

★★★★☆ 3.9 (368) • $$

"Had a great time food was good and staff was friendly and knowledgeable. Lovely venue great atmosphere"

Radio Star

★★★★☆ 4.1 (24)

"The Fish in Parchment was incredible -- everything at this place is thoughtfully done and flavorful. Also love the 304 cocktail, which makes scotch and rye feel like a summery combo."

Times Square Diner

★★★★☆ 4.1 • $$

"Cute little diner with excellent, fast service. Stopped in for bite after seeing a show late on Sunday evening. Seated quickly, visited by waitstaff quickly. Most impressive was how fast the food came. Hot & delicious! Some got breakfast, some dinner, some just got apps or soup. Everyone was pleased with their meal and we were in & out under an hour. Which was perfect because we had a long ride home. Definitely reccomend if you're seeking a quick bite."

Kulushkat

★★★★☆ 3.9 (189) • $$

"A young man named Yadin is presently the manager of Kulushkat restaurant. He's super cool and he runs a vibey little eatery. I purchased my second falafel sandwich from this place, this past weekend. Fresh hummus, crispy red cabbage, yummy tahini sauce and added pickles are what my sandwich was made of. I chose whole wheat pita bread for the first time ever and it was really good. I sat inside waiting for my order while rocking to smooth reggae music. Yadin is a manager who doesn't mind bussing tables and making sure that customer's needs are met, if the servers are busy zipping around. The falafel sandwiches are substantial in portion. I was able to eat it in halves, saving a half for later. The prices are very reasonable. I won't be staying away from Kulushkat for too long. Wonderful work day treat."

Angelicas Coffee Shop

★★★★☆ 3.7 (84) • $$

"This is an adorable diner and I have no idea why it's taken me over a decade to dine here while I used to live like two and a half blocks away. By used to I mean, I was evicted for renovations and am moving back at some point in the imminent near future when they are done. But moving on - I waited until after I moved every last piece of furniture into storage to treat ourselves to breakfast here. It's directly across the street from my local laundromat as well. The menu here is extensive and daunting. You can go the lunch/dinner route and get anything from a burger, sandwich with millions of options to pasta, crepes, burritos, mexian food, etc. Breakfast as well - so many options. I went a fairly basic route with an omelette as well as my dining companion. I had the California (avocado, mushrooms, cheddar cheese) and he had the Spicy (Chorizo, jalapenos, onions, and pepper jack cheese). Him with the breakfast homefries potatoes and I went with the french fries which are crinkle cut (not my favorite but a solid option). Everything was pretty good and kind of simple but in the best way possible. Which was what I needed after going through hell. Copious amounts of buttered toast are complimentary with the meal as well. They have Cholula on every table which is the best of all hot sauces next to Sriracha. I was really tempted by the Oreo pancakes, Nutella sandwich, and the Pancakes special with choice of meat and eggs. But I should make it a point to come back soon. Like this place has so much charm and I saw that their little outdoor dining hut got demolished by a freaking car in the middle of the pandemic so they can use all the help they can get. One thing I wish they would update is the pricing on the menus. They do have a disclaimer that they are different and higher on the front of it but it would be nice to know what you're buying in advance. Still cheaper than most diners in Manhattan though so it's not the end of the world."

POST

★★★★★ 4.5 (391) • $$

"Biscuit sandwiches were good but the eggs were hammered and the bacon could have sizzled on the griddle a bit longer. Coffee was good and it was an overall nice experience."

One Elleven

★★★★☆ 4.3 (50) • $$

"I love it here the best Pelmeni ever !!!!!! I live the bartenders they are so sweet and make great drinks ! The food is amazing it's hard to choose what I'm getting but I can't go wrong with the Pelmeni !!!!!!! I really enjoy coming here it's the best !!! P.S Dima makes the best drinks !!!!"

Brooklyn Waffle House

★★★☆☆ 2.9 (50) • $$

"Brooklyn waffle house has the best soul food in Brooklyn. I've been looking for a soul food restaurant that reminds me of cooking in the south and this place definitely gives me those memories. I had Turkey wings which were falling off the done it was so tender and packed with delicious flavor. The Mac and cheese was super cheesy and moist. The customer service was top tier. I definitely recommend this place if you want some great soul food. This inside has a nice ambiance and a nice grass wall for picture."

Brooklyn's Best Eats

★★★★★ 4.8 (24)

"First time visit and it was delicious!! We bagels, fruit smoothies, and a blueberry muffin with butter. Staff was friendly which is always a plus."

Stowaway

★★★★☆ 3.8 (57) • $$

"Great spot. The fries are as closest thing to bojangles' within hundreds of miles and that's a great thing. The pancake is amazing as is the fried chicken. Oysters are fresh and wonderful and they have a consistent happy hour. Soundtrack is also usually on point and carries the southern theme in the best way possible. I've heard Robert Lester Folsom not once but twice here. Oh yeah and the biscuits are some of the best you will find. The servers are very attentive and helpful."

The Grounds of Brooklyn

★★★☆☆ 3.2 (76)

"I don't typically see a lot of people dining at the Grounds of Brooklyn, but maybe that's because it's only been open for around 4 months, so a lot of people may not know about it yet. It's also right next to Milk & Honey, which is huge popular, so I'm guessing most people just haven't gotten around to checking out Grounds of Brooklyn yet. My boyfriend and I came here for lunch last week and were pleased to see they had a good brunch/lunch menu. He got the Bulgarian waffles and I had the breakfast burrito (sausage, egg, avocado, black beans). We shared the crispy cauliflower appetizer. The waffles looked really pretty on the plate! My boyfriend enjoyed them overall. My sausage breakfast burrito was pretty satisfying, but my favorite part of the meal was the crispy cauliflower. Although it didn't come out as crispy as I expected, the spices on the cauliflower made it so delicious! Definitely get the cauliflower!Also, the restaurant is really nice inside. Kind of made it feel like I went back a few decades in time. Taste | 4Atmosphere | 4.5Presentation | 4Service | 4OVERALL | 4"

Otway

★★★★☆ 3.9 (142) • $$$

"Stumbled upon Otway on a Saturday around brunch time and decided to stop for a bite, as there were plenty of available tables. I ordered the deluxe breakfast with bacon and it was tasty -- the bacon and the crispy potatoes were particularly amazing. However, I did find the all-day food menu to be a little limited. This place seems to shine for its pastries and drinks, neither of which I tried on this visit. But with $10 glasses of natural wine and great deals on happy hour cocktails, I'll definitely need to come back."

Non Solo Piada

★★★★★ 4.6 (448) • $$

"This is a cute little place serving Italian street food. There is an area to order with only a few chairs, as well as enclosed, heated outdoor dining with additional tables and seating. The decor is lovely, with tons of adorable displays and quotes about coffee & love. It also had a cozy atmosphere and sweet feel. I selected the Piemontese Cassoni, which consisted of sweet Italian sausage, mushrooms, mozzarella cheese, as well as truffle oil. That truffle oil really shone, and the cheese was irresistibly melty, while the sausage was wonderfully juicy, tender, cooked with delightful seasonings and spices. For dessert, I ordered the Nutella Mochachino, as well as the Nutella Bombolone. The Mocha was very tasty, topped with whipped cream and generous helping of Nutella. It was silky smooth, rich coffee taste, and like a warm hug. The Bombolone was okay, but there wasn't enough Nutella filling.Service was really good. Our waitress was friendly and knew the menu well. Payment is handled at the counter. They didn't have enough change for me, but the owner came back with plenty. The prices were very reasonable. I would return to try the Truffle Pizza."

Pure Bistro

★★★★☆ 3.9 (266) • $$

"Every time I come here it's a great experience. the food is consistent and delicious and service is always friendly. Super reliable"

Monarch Izakaya Restaurant

★★★★☆ 4.4 (169) • $$

"I had a wonderful brunch experience at Monarch and can't wait to go back! My best friend is vegan, and Monarch has an entirely vegan brunch menu that she was able to order from (she got the Hungry Panda, which she loved). I ordered the Breakfast Banh Mi, which I was so happy with -- it was SO filling, and the homemade bread wasn't too hard (which can be an issue with a banh mi). I swapped the side salad for the breakfast potatoes, which were seasoned to perfection. For a drink, I got the hot matcha latte, which came with the cutest little foam art! Next time I go, I'm hoping to try the kimchi waffle."

Lolita

★★★★☆ 4.3 (89)

"Jade is hands down the most polite, efficient and amazing perfectionist bartender/mixologist. The Michelada and Paloma are my fav. The tropical Negroni is next level flavor profile is delicious.The bar is the vibe/spot to be."

The Wilson

★★★★☆ 4.1 (441) • $$

"My breakfast was amazing. Great service and staff. Can wait to come back for dinner and desert!"

Jeffrey's Grocery

★★★★☆ 4 (574) • $$$

"Have never had a bad experience here, even when they're slammed. Service is so genuine and welcoming. Food is insanely good. Drinks are always amazing. Vibes are always correct."

Mike’s Diner of Brooklyn

★★★★☆ 3.7 (152) • $$

"Small old fashioned diner in brooklyn with great food and good service! Seems like the friendly type where the workers know the locals/regulars. Makes you feel like you are at home. Coffee wasn't THE best, but it did the job. Friendly staff. I ordered a BEC w/home fries. Pretty good. Fresh with no complaints. Was very clean and good atmosphere. Paid $20 (food+tip). Will be back for more if I'm ever in the area!"

Shuka

★★★★☆ 4.3 • $$

"I need more fried halloumi. I love Shuka's Feast (who am I kidding, I love all feasts) as an option for dinner, but it needs more fried halloumi, because fried halloumi is my favorite thing here. If you do get the Feast, you're going to start off with a very large, very colorful, very delicious spread of veggies, dips, dates, falafel and more that all pairs very well with their fluffy and fresh pita. For the second round, you get your choice of kebab, as well as rice and some more veggies. Personally, I love the steak (Niman Ranch FTW) and the lamb merguez, but there isn't a bad one in the bunch. All of this is served up by some very nice folks in a beautiful, comfortable setting. The only downsides are that the wine list is quite pricey, and there is not as much meat (kebabs are small) or fried halloumi for my liking.Otherwise, outstanding."

The Factory 380

★★★★☆ 4.4 (204) • $$

"Went here for a brunch with 3 of my friends to celebrate my 21st! Two of us got the all you can drink + an entree, the other two got signature cocktails + an entree. Overall the vibes were spectacular, we all enjoyed the atmosphere. Food was delicious and portions were great, the drinks were also delicious! Only reason I took off a star was because our waiter was not very attentive to us or acknowledge that we were celebrating a birthday :/ Either way I would return to review it but would hope they were more attentive."

Ops

★★★★☆ 4.3 (216) • $$

"pizza was out of this world levels of delicious, staff was kind and attentive, can't wait to visit again!"

Brooklyn Hero Shop

★★★★☆ 4.2 (53)

"Charming little sandwich shop in Brooklyn! The menu holds a great selection of sandwiches and more. You're guaranteed to find something to your liking. They were so sweet to me as I was deciding what to try. They let me sample a piece of their grilled chicken and the broccoli rabe - while giving me some recommendations from the menu. The grilled chicken was well season and cooked perfectly. The Broccoli rabe was pretty good. I ended up getting a chicken parm hero for my son and a chicken club on a roll for myself. I placed my order to go. My son and I enjoyed the sandwiches at home. The chicken cutlets were so fresh, with the perfect crispiness. I really enjoyed the garlic aioli and the sauce ithe chicken parm was pretty good too! The sandwiches were made to order and it didn't take long for them to be made. It gave me enough time to take a walk around the store and explore the store. I decided to try a peach juice that I saw in their refrigerator. It was a semi sweet, light juice consistency - I placed it in a glass with ice and hit the spot."

Spicy Moon at Bowery

★★★★☆ 4.2 (152) • $$

"Took my vegetarian parents here and they were so impressed. The interior is spacious so we were seated quickly even on a Sunday afternoon. Service was nice but a little understaffed. We got the veggies dumplings, mapo tofu and dan dan noodles. The mapo tofu was pretty spicy but with a side of rice, it was amazing. Everything on this menu seemed like a hit. Will definitely be back to try more!"