Best Breakfast Joints In Manhattan

where to get breakfast in manhattan

New York City is brimming with breakfast spots, from food trucks to cafes and restaurants. Manhattan, in particular, has a lot to offer, with a variety of cuisines and dining experiences to choose from. Whether you're looking for a quick bite on the go or a leisurely brunch, Manhattan has something for everyone. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to decide where to start your day, but this guide will help you find the perfect spot for your morning meal.

Characteristics Values
Restaurant Cafe Chelsea, Shopsins, Kellogg's Diner, Okonomi, Barney Greengrass, S&P, Golden Diner, Thai Diner, Buvette, David's Cafe, Little Collins, La Grande Boucherie, Best Bagel & Coffee, La Parisienne, Clinton Street Baking Company, Mom's Kitchen & Bar, Da Andrea - Greenwich Village, Banter, Junior's Restaurant, Sam Yoo's
Cuisine Japanese, Mexican, American, Korean, Malaysian, Nyonya, Italian, Ukrainian, Jewish, Asian
Notable dishes Masa pancakes, tortilla con huevo, honey butter pancakes, egg sandwich, croissants, omelets, eggs benedict, pain perdu, pork roll egg and cheese, Denver omelet, Lil' Shonda, buttermilk pancakes, steak and eggs, quinoa bowl, McGruffin, Reuben bagel, almond croissant, challah French toast, congee, smoked fish, pierogi, nasi lemak, green tea coffee cake, Thai tea tres leches cake, breakfast burritos, honey-butter pancakes, vegan nachos, hash brown egg sandwich, bagels, lox, huevos rancheros
Location East Village, Hudson Yards, Brooklyn, Grand Central, Ukrainian Village, Williamsburg, Chelsea Hotel, Market 77, East 52nd Street, Park Avenue, Midtown, Rockefeller Center, Astoria, Two Bridges, Lower Manhattan

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Bagels and lox

If you're looking for a classic New York breakfast, bagels and lox are a must-try. While you can find great bagels all over the city, there are a few spots in Manhattan that stand out for this iconic combination.

One popular choice is Murray's Bagels, with locations on 6th Avenue and 8th Avenue. They offer a wide variety of smoked fish, including the classic Nova Scotia salmon, as well as pastrami and sockeye. If you're a traditionalist, this is the place for you. For something a little different, try Black Seed Bagels on Elizabeth Street or 1st Avenue. Their bagels are a unique hybrid of Montreal and New York styles.

For a true old-school New York experience, head to Zabar's. Their lox bagel is a favourite among locals, and they've been serving up this classic combination for decades. If you're willing to venture outside of Manhattan, you can get your lox fix at Frankel's Delicatessen in Brooklyn. While they offer traditional lox, their signature Beet Cured is a must-try.

If you're looking for a more modern take on bagels and lox, Absolute Bagels on the Upper West Side is a great choice. Their bagels are smaller than the typical New York bagel, and they offer a variety of unique toppings. For a real treat, try the caviar cream cheese at Russ & Daughters. While their bagels may not be the best, their lox is top-notch.

Finally, for a scenic weekend experience, head to Winner in the Park in Prospect Park. Here, you can enjoy a Bagel Hole bagel with Acme smoked salmon, red onion, capers, dill, and Ben's cream cheese—a true New York breakfast.

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Malaysian breakfast

Malaysian cuisine is a delightful fusion of Thai, Indian, Chinese, and Indonesian influences, and there are several restaurants in Manhattan serving up delicious Malaysian breakfasts. Here are some spots to check out:

Nyonya

Nyonya is a cosy, lodge-like restaurant with a warm atmosphere and a deceptively large dining area. It's a great spot for groups, with big round tables at the back. The menu features a glorious platter of cold Hainanese chicken, fresh okra and shrimp stir-fry, and tangy asam laksa. Nyonya is a cash-only establishment.

Chinatown Cafe

This casual cafe in downtown Manhattan offers a delightful Malaysian breakfast experience. Their menu includes milo French toast, fish ball soup, anchovy pan mee, and an oyster omelette. It's an affordable option with limited seating, so you may need to bus your own table.

Laut

Located in Union Square, Laut serves Malaysian, Singaporean, and Thai cuisine. The restaurant is usually crowded and loud, with suspended signs and colourful murals creating a vibrant atmosphere reminiscent of Southeast Asia. Their Malaysian dishes include nasi lemak, a rich and crunchy offering. Laut is one of the more expensive options.

West New Malaysia

Tucked away in Chinatown, West New Malaysia is a bustling restaurant with two rooms packed with tables. Their signature dish is crispy fried prawns with salted eggs, a unique and tasty treat.

Malay

Located in Flushing, Malay is a longstanding local favourite known for its homestyle Malaysian cooking. The restaurant can get crowded with families, especially at dinnertime. Their menu includes rich curry laksa, BBQ skate, and crispy lobak platters.

Okonomi

Okonomi offers a Japanese breakfast experience with a Manhattan location. Their menu features a roasted fish or eel set with rice, sides, and miso soup, along with add-ons like ikura and uni. It's a great spot for those seeking a nourishing and eclectic Asian dining experience.

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Japanese breakfast

If you're looking for a Japanese breakfast in Manhattan, Okonomi is the place to go. Okonomi has two locations, one in Brooklyn and one in Manhattan, and offers a traditional Japanese breakfast. The yakizakana set comes with three vegetable sides and gosai, along with a small bowl of miso soup and natto-topped rice. The day's kobashi includes carrot and radish pickles, burdock, a small omelet, soy-cured eggplant, and a potato salad. You can choose from three types of fish: salt-roasted salmon, kombu-marinated tilefish, or miso-marinated swordfish.

Okonomi's Manhattan location has a larger space than its Brooklyn counterpart, with 50 seats. The atmosphere is relaxed, with light jazz playing softly in the background. In addition to breakfast, Okonomi also serves ramen all day.

Another option for Japanese breakfast in Manhattan is Bessou, located at Pier 57 in lower Manhattan. Bessou offers a modern take on Japanese comfort food, inspired by family recipes and the diverse flavors of New York. The restaurant is committed to responsible sourcing and minimal waste.

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Mexican breakfast

If you're looking for a Mexican breakfast in Manhattan, there are several options to choose from. One popular spot is Ánimo!, a corner cafe located in Midtown East on 2nd Avenue and 53rd Street. The owner, Roberto Levinson, grew up in Monterrey, Mexico, and wanted to bring the magic of an authentic Mexican breakfast to New York City. The cafe features colourful folk art and hand-painted murals, and serves a variety of traditional Mexican breakfast dishes such as chilaquiles, enchiladas verdes, molletes, and breakfast tacos with eggs, vegan chorizo, or beef barbacoa. They also have a full espresso bar with signature drinks like the Café de Olla and the Mexican Vanilla Latte.

Another option for Mexican breakfast in Manhattan is Trocitos De Mexico in Inwood, which serves up delicious and authentic Mexican cuisine, including breakfast burritos, pancakes, and chilaquiles. El Kallejon in East Harlem is also worth considering, with a unique menu that blends Japanese, French, and other international influences with traditional Mexican cuisine. For a more casual option, Atla in Noho is an all-day cafe serving hearty and straightforward Mexican dishes like huevos rancheros. Finally, if you're looking for something on the go, Taqueria Ramirez in the East Village is a popular taqueria that takes nose-to-tail dining seriously, with a variety of refined tacos served on elegant dishware.

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Breakfast in swanky surroundings

If you're looking for a swanky spot to enjoy breakfast in Manhattan, there are several options to choose from. Here are some popular choices:

Cafe Chelsea

Located in the historic Chelsea Hotel, Cafe Chelsea offers a satisfying breakfast in elegant surroundings. The restaurant is known for its chill daytime ambiance, attracting a crowd without the hustle and bustle of the typical New York morning rush. Indulge in a variety of breakfast options, from croissants and kouign-amann to omelets, eggs Benedict, and the bruléed pain perdu.

S&P

Owned by Eric Finkelstein and Matt Ross, S&P is a restaurant nestled in the former home of Eisenberg's, one of Manhattan's old-school lunch counters that closed during the pandemic. The breakfast menu features classic options like pork roll egg and cheese, matzo brei, a Denver omelet, and the Lil' Shonda—a scrumptious combination of scrambled eggs, pastrami, muenster, and pickled tomato on rye.

Barney Greengrass

For a chaotic yet charming breakfast experience, head to Barney Greengrass. This appetizing store is known for its array of smoked fish platters and dishes, including sturgeon scrambled with eggs and onions. The conservatory-like rooms, filled with green plants and warm globe lamps, create a unique atmosphere.

Okonomi

Okonomi offers a delightful Japanese breakfast experience. Choose from roasted fish or eel sets, accompanied by rice, sides, and miso soup. You can also add ikura and uni for a more indulgent meal.

Conwell Coffee Hall

Conwell Coffee Hall boasts one of the most beautiful dining rooms in lower Manhattan. While the article doesn't specify their breakfast menu, it's worth considering for its aesthetic appeal.

These spots offer a range of breakfast options, from classic New York deli-style dishes to international fare, ensuring you start your day in style and in swanky surroundings.

Frequently asked questions

Sam Yoo’s all-day diner in Two Bridges serves a breakfast burrito alongside other eclectic Asian dishes.

Breads Bakery is known for its legendary Babka and almond croissant, and you can get a good bagel and latte from here too.

The breakfast truck on Park Avenue and 52nd Street serves terrific breakfast tacos and burritos, alongside a plethora of egg sandwiches.

This Ukrainian restaurant in Brooklyn's Market 77 is a third-generation family-owned spot where you can get a weekday special of four pierogi topped with two eggs, with a choice of bacon, sausage, kielbasa or avocado, plus a side of beet and horseradish salad and coffee or tea for $18.

Conwell Coffee Hall is said to be one of the most beautiful spots for breakfast in lower Manhattan.

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