13 top breakfast NYC places
Last updated on February 10th, 2026.
New York City is possibly my most favorite place in the world to have breakfast.
The amount of food choices here is insane — something I discovered when writing about 7 top European cafes in NYC.
But, as impressive as the choices are, knowing where to have a good breakfast in New York can be tricky. However, if you’re willing to put in the legwork, you can start your day off on a delicious note.
From bagels and donuts, to more substantial plates, here are 13 top breakfast NYC spots. Sit back and prepare to meet the breakfast food champions of New York City.
13 top breakfast NYC places to try
1. Liberty Bagels
No one does bagels like New York City. This popular bread roll made from yeasted wheat dough is a New York breakfast staple.
Located in mid-town Manhattan, Liberty Bagels serves up hungry locals and eager visitors each day. Breakfast and lunchtimes are busy, so expect to find a line outside — or in — when you order.
A quick breakfast in NYC
With a nice firm exterior and chewy consistency, Liberty Bagels are a delicious and quick breakfast choice in NYC.
Baskets filled with freshly baked bagels line up alongside the wall. In the chiller counter are a range of different fillings ranging from sweet to savory.
I was immediately drawn to the delightful rainbow-colored bagel. A plain bagel prettified with food coloring, it went well with a traditional lox filling (smoked salmon and cream cheese).
Along with a regular coffee ($1.50), the bagel cost $8.75, not including tax. It’s not the cheapest bagel place, but believe me, it’s worth every cent.
Liberty Bagels, 260 W 35th Street
2. Pershing Square
With its cherry red façade and green neon sign, it’s hard to miss Pershing Square. Located by the wonderful, yet busy, Grand Central station, Pershing Square serves up classic American breakfasts.
Choose from lighter options such as homemade granola, or heavyweight dishes like pancakes or Belgian waffles.
A central location and open from 7am Monday to Friday, breakfast at Pershing Square will keep you going until lunchtime.
Pershing Square, 90 E 42nd Street (at Park Avenue)
3. Little Collins
Named after the famous street in Melbourne, Australia, Little Collins is a New Yorkers’ go-to. Serving up Australian classics like smashed avocado on toast, there are always lines at its 2 NYC locations.
In midtown Manhattan, I stopped by at 10am for what I thought would be a quieter time. I was wrong. Instead, I found myself standing alongside other locals waiting in line to get their breakfast.
However, this being New York, the service was quick and the lines moved fast. Grabbing a window table, I waited for my order to arrive.
As colorful as the photos I’d seen, my order of Green Eggs & Damn! were a spectacular sight. A spinach and basil omelette filled with goat’s cheese and feta served on sourdough, I was in breakfast heaven.
Along with a cappuccino, the meal cost around $20, not including the tip. Saying that, Little Collins isn’t the cheapest breakfast place in NYC but it’s definitely worth the money.
Little Collins, 708 3rd Avenue / 570 Lexington Avenue
4. Brooklyn Kolache
If you like your breakfast on the sweet side, a visit to Brooklyn Kolache is in order. They sell everything kolache — sweet and savory — plus a range of coffees and specialty drinks.
What is a kolache?
Originating from the Czech Republic, a kolache is a sweet bread pastry filled with a fruity filling. The pastry rises around the sides and has an opening in the center filled with a different topping.
At Brookyln Kolache, they’ve everything from sweet fillings like wild blueberry and sweet cheese to savory spinach and feta.
Kolaches range in price from $4.50 to $5.75, making them an affordable breakfast option in NYC. Visit the Greenwich Village or Brooklyn location and ‘Czech’ off this must-try bakery.
Brooklyn Kolache, 185 Bleecker Street (Manhattan) / 520 Dekalb Avenue (Brooklyn)
5. Daily Provisions
Taking care of all your breakfast needs, Daily Provisions is a great spot for breakfast or brunch in the city.
There are 4 locations in Manhattan, each one catering to hungry locals. The breakfast menu at Daily Provisions has a strong international feel boasting French, Italian and American influences.
One of their most popular items are the airy gougères filled with cheesy scrambled eggs. This French choux pastry is typically mixed with cheese and then baked. If you prefer something sweet, its French cruller donuts should hit the right spot.
Daily Provisions, 90 Manhattan West Plaza (385 9th Avenue and other locations)
Map: best breakfast spots in NYC
6. Sullivan Street Bakery
By the look of the name, you wouldn’t automatically assume that Sullivan Street Bakery is an Italian bakery.
Breakfast in Italy is something I always look forward to, so I was intrigued to see what they’d on offer.
The counter sells items including croissants and bombolone, as well as focaccia and artisan breads. Admittedly, my first choice of a croissant left me disappointed as many had already sold out.
Instead, I settled for a brioche con uova, an egg-filled sandwich, and a cappuccino. The right size breakfast sandwich for me, I left the bakery feeling satisfied but not overly full.
Arrive earlier than later to avoid missing out on the baked goods. Sullivan Street Bakery has 3 locations in Manhattan: Hell’s Kitchen, Soho and Chelsea.
Sullivan Street Bakery, 533 W 47th Street (Hell’s Kitchen)
7. Harlem Biscuit Company
Take a freshly baked biscuit (similar to an English scone) and stuff it with a variety of different delicious fillings.
If you’re licking your lips to the idea, the Harlem Biscuit Company will quickly satisfy any cravings. As its name suggests, the Harlem-based shop makes freshly baked biscuits featuring a wide choice of toppings.
For breakfast, a good choice is the Bodega. Filled with bacon, egg and cheddar cheese, you probably won’t be hungry until well after lunchtime.
For fried chicken aficionados, the Harlem Biscuit Company also has a few delicious options to try. My personal favorite is the Langston: fried chicken, pickles, onion and chili garlic honey sandwiched between 2 fluffy biscuits.
Harlem Biscuit Company, 2082 Frederick Douglass Boulevard
8. Mei Lei Wah
In the heart of New York City’s Chinatown is a no-frills bakery where you can eat well, and for cheap too.
Standing in line with a few hungry patrons ahead, I waited my turn to enter Mei Lei Wah.
A waft of freshly baked goods permeated the air every time the door opened, causing my stomach to grumble further.
Cheap breakfast NYC places
Like its shop front, service here is quick and fuss free. I chose 2 items: the BBQ pork bun and the ‘famous bun.’ Costing a budget-friendly $3, breakfast at Mei Lah Wah is a little different and very delicious too.
We left the bakery carrying a bag of freshly baked buns and ate them at a local park. Biting into the soft bread roll, my senses tingled as a perfect mix of sweet and savory hit my palate. Extremely satisfying, it’s a great alternative for a budget and quick breakfast in NYC.
Mei Lah Wah, 64 Bayard Street
9. Veselka
When you’re in the mood for a breakfast packed with Ukrainian flavors, it’s time to head to Veselka.
Established in 1954, Veselka has been a firm favorite with locals in the East Village. Open for breakfast, brunch and dinner, the restaurant’s known for its rustic cooking and laidback vibes.
Best eggs in NYC
The breakfast menu has to be one of my favorites in New York City. Along with serving traditional American pancakes and French toast, Veselka also dishes up Ukrainian inspired choices.
Take the weekday breakfast. It comes with 4 potato pierogis, 2 eggs, a choice between bacon, kielbasa or sausage and a beet side salad. It’s also served with coffee or tea.
If this sounds too much for breakfast, try one of the egg options. The omelette dishes are some of the best eggs in NYC and come with a range of Eastern European sides. They include kasha, a grain from Central Europe, potato pancake or tomato and challah bread.
Veselka, 144 2nd Avenue
10. The Donut Pub
Perk up your mornings, and your calories, with a trip to The Donut Pub. While its name suggests that it only sells donuts, it actually has much more on the menu.
Savory breakfast items include bagels with different fillings as well as egg sandwiches. But, we were here to try the stars of the show, the donuts.
At its West Village location, we walked straight inside and sat at the counter. My eyes lit up upon seeing the smorgasbord of heavenly donuts on display.
Given the time of our visit, I chose a seasonal pumpkin spice glazed donut. Sugary, fragrant and filling, it was a perfect accompaniment to a steaming mug of coffee.
Costing an affordable $2.75, The Donut Pub has to be one of the cheapest breakfast spots in NYC.
The Donut Pub, 203 W 14th Street
11. Davelle
How does going Japanese for breakfast sound? In the downtown area of the city is Davelle, a Japanese restaurant with a minimalist setting and an impressive menu.
Open Monday to Friday from 8am, breakfast diners come to Davelle to try their range of toasts and Japanese-inspired drinks. Its black sesame kinako latte is popular as is the Kyoto-style cold brew coffee.
To eat, the ham egg or berry and cream cheese toasts are both classic options. For the more adventurous diners, the spicy cod roe or cheese curry on toast could be your cup of tea.
Davelle, 102 Suffolk Street
12. Bubby’s
Bubby’s is the place to go for when you’re craving some traditional comfort food. Established in 1990, the restaurant prides itself on serving fresh, homestyle cooking that reflects America’s diverse ancestry.
With seating inside and out, it’s possible to get a table at Bubby’s without having to book.
Comforting classics
The variety of items on the menu at Bubby’s makes it one of the top breakfast places in New York.
We opted for 2 dishes. The first was a serving of James Beard pancakes (light and fluffy) with caramelized bananas and walnuts. The second was a breakfast platter with 2 eggs, sausage gravy and one of Bubby’s buttermilk biscuits.
Were we full? Yes. Were we satisfied? Absolutely.
Bubby’s isn’t the classic American diner that you see in movies or on the TV, nor are the prices. But, if you’re in the Tribeca area and are craving something comforting, I highly recommend stopping by.
Bubby’s, 120 Hudson Street
13. Clinton St. Baking Company
A traditional ‘mom and pop’ American restaurant, Clinton St. Baking Company has amassed a loyal following.
Almost everything they serve, from the buttermilk biscuits to the corn tortillas are made fresh at the restaurant. It’s no surprise then, that breakfast or brunch reservations aren’t easy to get. You can try your luck at walking in, but a table isn’t guaranteed.
Its most popular breakfast items are the pancakes with warm maple butter, the country breakfast and the brioche French toast.
Come early, and hungry, because the Clinton St. Baking Company is one of the best NYC breakfast spots.
Clinton St. Baking Company, 4 Clinton Street
Which of these breakfast places would you most like to try in New York City? Let me know in the comments below.
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something that I’ve recommended. Thank you for your support.
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Now I’m hungry and miss living in NYC! As a local I never ate breakfast out during the week except for a bagel but brunch on the weekends were huge. NY truly does have the best bagels and an endless number of places for incredible food!
You're so right Vanessa, I think for us visitors NYC is an incredible place to eat. But for locals, I understand the 'grab and go' mentality 🙂
Wow! This is quite the list, and I will be saving your post for reference when I have the opportunity to visit NYC.
Happy to read that Alecia! I hope you enjoy these places as much as I do 😀
I read this just after breakfast and I would still eat one of those banana pancakes. No, the first breakfast in New York would have to be bagels and then I would hurry to the Biscuit Company. Yummy post!
All good choices Anda! You would love it, trust me!
Fabulous list!! I love NYC but the breakfast choices are definitely overwhelming! Pinning this for my next trip!
Thank you Peggy! I had a great time researching all of these places 😀
I love all the international choices you wrote about especially the BBQ pork buns at Mai Lai Wah. It would be tough to decide between those and the banana pancakes. Well, you just made me hungry, so off I go to make some breakfast for lunch!
Thank you Tiffany! It's a reflection of NYC, I seriously love eating in this city 😀
I’m bookmarking this for when we eventually get to New York City. All these breakfast options sound and look delicious. We’re going to be spoilt for choice!
Thanks Wendy! I had a fun time researching everything 😀
Great! Now I'm hungry lol. These are great for tourists if you're in the area but most of us grab a pastry and tea/coffee as we head into work lol. I've had Veselka for lunch though and I was stuffed.
I'm sure Kemi! I did see many locals taking a bagel and leaving right away 😀
That BBQ pork bun has me ready to hop a plane to NYC! Thanks for this post. Definitely saving for later.
My pleasure! It was delicious and so cheap too 😀
I’m all about breakfast and NYC so find this post perfect for me! Now to get back there soon.
So happy to read that Karen!
That Green Eggs and Damn has my full attention! Looks and sounds so good… A great green color too
They were delicious and lighter than it looks!
How haveI missed ALL of them. Even Harlem Biscuit Company although I lived only a couple of blocks away... Each and every one sounds yummy!
No way?! So you have an excuse now to return Carina 😀
Lovely list of recommendations. I have heard of Harlem Biscuit factory and would love to try that one out if I can. I like the Donut factory too in your list. AS they say, good breakfast gives a great start to your day
Thank you! It's my favourite meal of the day for a reason 😀
I'm a fan of all things French, and I'd like to try New York's take on a few French pastries, so I'd like to check out DAILY PROVISIONS. Sullivan Street Bakery also seems good, and I heard about it from a friend who lives in New York.
There are a few branches of Sullivan Street and it's definitely worth trying!
I don't visit New York City often as it's really not my speed. But, I must admit that the food scene there is top-level...certainly in my Top 10 worldwide. It makes my rare trips salvageable. Ironically, I've never had breakfast in the city...a proper one, at least. At most, I've always grabbed an apple or a bagel from the hotel breakfast bar and kept it moving. Maybe the next time I'm there, I'll check out a couple of your recommendations.
I do understand your point Juan. We only visit the US once a year (max) so it's nice for us to visit NYC. I hope you do try some 🙂
Looks delicious and like some good resurants. I'll share this with my Aunt who loves NYC.
Happy to read that Michelle!
These look so good! My favorite is Erin McKenna's bakery, which specializes in vegan and allergy-friendly products. It's the best!
Thank you for the tip! I will remember it for next time 😀
I love the food recommendations. Where to eat is always my biggest dilemma when traveling. I like your list of where to eat in NYC because you have a wide variety of breakfasts to suit all budgets and tastes. For sure, I would like the delicious Green Eggs & Damn at Little Collins, Sullivan Street Bakery, and Mei Lai Wah with BBQ pork bun.
All excellent choices Agnes, and I'm so glad you enjoyed the choices. NYC can be so expensive!
Oh my goodness…. Everything looks delicious. Love that rainbow bagel and would love to try!
It was so delicious!
All these places have such fantastic and mouth-watering meals! I can’t wait to visit NYC again and hit up some of the spots you mentioned, including Liberty Bagel!
I hope you do soon, Liberty Bagels is so good, I would return tomorrow!
The kolaches look really good. I'm sure my son will like it. I wonder if Mei Lei Wah has a bun with this Chinese filled that I like. But I'm not sure with the look of The Green Eggs and Damn! though. lol.
You have to visit and find out! The green eggs aren't for everyone but I assure you they were delicious 😀
Wow, it's indeed the city that never sleeps because even the breakfast places are vibrant! These breakfast choices are a buzz and fit the lifestyle of the crowd in there. I, particularly, fancy the Brookyln Kolache.
That's a great choice! There are so many varieties and reasonable in price too.
Wow amazing places to go and visit! The Green Eggs and Damn! Looks like something really spectacular.
They were as delicious as they look!
Breakfast is my favorite meal so this post is right up my alley. I have only been to NY a handful of times, but never have had the opportunity to find a really good breakfast spot there! I love the wide variety of food these restaurants have to offer. Thanks for sharing!
I hope I've given you plenty of inspiration for your next visit!
These all look really nice. But my first choice would be the donut pub!
Great choice! The donuts are superb 😀
I was wanting to see if the places I've been to made it on your list, but they didn't. I would check out Haarlem Biscuits next time I'm there.
Good choice, they're delicious!
Luckily I just had breakfast, because otherwise your post would have left me really hungry. We are planning a trip to New York next year and we love going out for breakfast. Your list comes just right!
What perfect timing! I hope you enjoy your trip next year 😀
These places really leave you spoilt for choice. I like the fact that there are so many international cuisines on offer for breakfast. The basil and spinach omelette looks delish, and the Ukranian dish also sounds filling.
The green eggs and damn were so good and lighter than it looks!
It would be so hard to choose from all these great places! I'd have to eat at them all!
They're all great!
No matter how much I love living in the south right now, there is a part of me that will always miss NYC.
I understand, it's an incredible city!
These all look like amazing places to eat. I love bagels, and those Liberty bagels look fantastic! Love the mountains of cream cheese! NYC is such a great place to eat a lot of great food.
It really is! I love eating in NYC, the choice is varied and delicious
Woah! This post definitely made me hungry. I love New York too and yes, I agree with you that it's a great place to have breakfast. Now, I am craving some freshly baked biscuits from Harlem.
Anyway, bookmarking this post for future reference. Thank you for sharing.
Happy to read that Clarice, happy eating!
Wow all these places looks really great I would love to visit New York sometime
I really hope you do!
Wow, there are so many options to choose from here. The best of the best, I need to try all of these out!
There are and all delicious too!
OMHG, there is a kolache place in NYC. I was raised in a Czech family and dying for a kolache. I really want to fly to NYC and get some kolaches.
Wonderful! Now you know where to get one when in NYC 😀
You had me from that rainbow bagel of Liberty Bagels...all the way up to the Japanese style toast, ham, and egg!!!
Happy to read that Carol!
I would love to visit NYC and have heard they do some amazing food there, these breakfast places look so fabulous!
It's an amazing though expensive city, and the food options are incredible!
ok, now I want to visit NYC again. I love this place, it's so energetic and vibrant in my eyes.. been there twice, want more
I understand why! It has a great energy and the food options are insane
Thanks for sharing with us these awesome places to grab some breakfast in NYC. It is great that there are so many options available. I love breakfast!
Me too, and NYC has some incredible places 🙂
These are some great breakfast spots suggestions. When I worked as a Public Health Inspector, I inspected the Liberty Bagel shop and found their bagels very interesting. Unfortunately, the owner had to discard most of their delicious cream cheeses due to the high temperature.
Oh that's a shame! But what an interesting job that must have been 😀
Oh wow, green eggs. I've never heard of those before. I think that Little Collins is somewhere I'd like to go no matter the cost.
It was really worth it, and the eggs were light so heavy as the photo seems 🙂
Oh wow some incredible suggestions and unique ideas here. Thanks so much for putting together this list. I am visiting next year and I’ve been looking for this!
Glad to read that Fay! I'm sure you'll have a wonderful time 🙂
Se manifique moments captured. Great views and vibes.
aaaaaahhhhh omg this looks so dastardly delectable yum.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Thank you for sharing, the next time we are in the Big Apple, I will try one of these places. All the food looks sooooo good.
It's my pleasure Malaika, I'm glad you enjoyed it!
I must admit that I really do love to have breakfasts out. Often when we travel we get breakfasts included with our elite hotel membership. But that doesn’t mean we don’t head out for a second late breakfast or even breakfast for dinner. Love this selection of options in NYC. And who would ever pass on a good NYC bagel? I will keep this post for sure.
Thank you Linda, NYC has incredible breakfast choices
When it comes to food, discovering and finding are my musts and you gave me a nice list!
Thank you Cristina, I'm glad you enjoyed it
I am not a big breakfast eater, but I always have a soft spot for a salt bagel with lox and tomato. The green eggs and damn looks like a must experience brekfast as well. Definitely not your run of the mill scrambled eggs.
The bagel was delicious and a NYC classic. My green eggs were equally good 😀
I love NYC and breakfast foods are my favorite! Can't wait to check these out the next time we visit the city.
I love NYC and breakfast is my favorite meal! Can’t wait to try some of these out next time I am able to visit!
You will love all of these places!
Thank you for listing these breakfast places in NYC. I will add these to my bucket list.
I'm happy to read that!
Wierd that i just had a donut today and the cafe looks really exciting! Thanks for introducing this!
My pleasure!
These are some amazing breakfast places to visit. I know I for sure would want to eat at Bubby's, Clinton St. Baking Company, and Pershing Square.
Great choices, just make sure to book ahead for Clinton Street 🙂
I love New York and the fact that there are so many great places you can enjoy breakfast. The options are quite varied too.
It's crazy just how many places there are to eat!
As an NY native I have to say I approve this list! I am so glad you went to chinatown as well, they have some amazing and CHEAP eats that I always recommend to people who visit. P.S I'm partial to rainbow bagels, even if some say they don't 'taste' different! They are so cute.
I totally agree with you Alice! Chinatown is a cheap alternative and it was so delicious too 😀 I LOVE the rainbow bagels, so pretty and it was delicious
That rainbow bagel is so cool looking, there are a lot of delicious looking restaurants here.
It was so delicious too!
Oh it is all so delicious yum! You have to know that breakfast is my favorite time of the day ahahah - Paolo
It is my favourite meal too!
Posts like this make me miss NYC. We found a breakfast spot near Madison Square Gardens that we really liked. I can't remember the name of it. It was across the street from the Manhattan Mall.
There are so many great places, I don't blame you for not remembering! Hopefully it'll still be there if you return one day 🙂
So many great spots! NYC has an amazing food scene.
I agree, the choice is insane!