Best-of Guides New York

The Best MICHELIN Guide Brunch Spots in New York City

6 Restaurants
Brunch isn't just another meal. In New York, it's a lifestyle. In fact, whole weekends may be defined by where you're brunching (yes, it's a verb too). New York is home to many different styles of brunch. There's the stayed-out-late brunch, where countless cups of coffee and a stick-to-your-ribs meal is on order. There's the on-the-go brunch that begs for a bagel and schmear. And then there's the brunch where lingering over Bloody's or Champagne is de rigueur. No matter which one you're seeking, we've pulled together a list of the best spots for the classic midday meal. Check them out below.

New York City by The MICHELIN Guide

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Updated on 05 June 2024
The Four Horsemen
295 Grand St., 11211 New York
$$$$ · American

This chic and convivial wine-focused spot is as minimalist as their succinct menu, designed by Chef Nick Curtola. This neighborhood gem is laser focused on wine varietals, so if their wide-ranging selection has you atwitter, fret not; they also feature half-glasses for abundant sampling.

Inspector notes: "Slices of sweet Bosc pear and salt-baked onion augment beautifully crisped and properly rendered Long Island duck."

Rule of Thirds
171 Banker St., 11222 New York
$$$ · Japanese

A meal here is delightfully untethered by tradition. The cuisine is essentially Japanese, albeit with a perceptible dash of urbanity. The simple, shareable plates are most cherished and include vegan items, like house-made chilled silken tofu with soy milk, okra, ginger and black garlic.

Inspector notes: "Almond miso soup is velvety, while hamachi collar is brushed with miso butter and grilled until slightly blistered for a particularly satisfying dish."

Russ & Daughters Cafe
127 Orchard St., 10002 New York
$$ · American

From white-jacketed servers to that pristine counter, this updated yet model LES café channels the very spirit and charm of its mothership, set only blocks away. The adept kitchen follows suit, taking the original, appetizing classics and turning them on their heads to form an array of proper and profoundly flavorful dishes.

Inspector notes: "Caramelized chocolate babka French toast is crowned with strawberries for a sweet-savory treat; and “eggs Benny” with salmon, spinach and challah never fails to peg a bruncher."

Sunday in Brooklyn
348 Wythe Ave., 11249 New York
$$$ · American

With all due respect to Monday through Saturday, the best day may be "Sunday in Brooklyn." A breezy vibe, old-school tunes and stirring sips encourages lingering. Add that to the fact that all baking is done on-site, and it's no wonder this is such a bit hit.

Inspector notes: "Begin with crusty sourdough and creamy beer butter or warm and sticky buns."

Superiority Burger
119 Avenue A, 10009 New York
$$ · Vegetarian

What began with a handful of seats and vegetarian burgers has evolved with a new location and new menu. Brooks Headley's first-come, first-served spot, with vintage diner vibes, is squarely in the middle of the East Village and the new menu is equal parts quirky and contemporary, and fully vegetarian (even sometimes vegan).

Inspector notes: "Cabbage filled with sticky rice and oyster mushrooms has plenty of character, and the burger crafted from quinoa, chickpeas, carrots and walnuts is how they made their name."

Yellow Rose
102 Third Ave., 10003 New York
$$ · Tex-Mex

Sorry Texas, this "yellow rose" belongs to the bustling East Village and announces its arrival via a striped awning and bright green sign. Inside, it's quaint and vintage in every way—with a takeout window and set of saloon doors that lead to the main dining room. Amidst this setting of weathered wood and stained glass chandeliers, diners can be found devouring Tex-Mex food with a focus on tacos and inspired cocktails.

Inspector notes: "Flour tortillas are made in house daily and feature in a myriad of deliciously dressed-down creations—from the migas tacos with simmered tortilla chips to the more hearty carne guisada."