Iconic NYC Brunch Spots

James Beard Award-winning chef Andrew Carmellini has long made Café Carmellini one of New York's most coveted fine dining reservations, and now the NoMad restaurant is giving the weekend an upgrade. Café Carmellini has officially launched its Champagne Brunch, held every Saturday and Sunday inside its magnificent dining room, designed by Martin Brudnizki with double-height ceilings and two grand sculptural trees. The spread features a live band, a roving champagne cart, and standout dishes like Crêpe Suzette Flambéed French Toast and Lobster Frittata, alongside decadent caviar service and housemade potato blinis. Offered as a $65 per person two-course prix fixe, it is the kind of Saturday afternoon that makes a strong case for never brunch anywhere else.

Set within the soaring architecture of Hudson Yards, Locanda Verde’s newest outpost masterfully marries chef Andrew Carmellini’s beloved Italian classics with an atmosphere of contemporary sophistication. The expansive dining room is adorned with striking paintings by Robert De Niro Sr. and illuminated by grand chandeliers, creating an inviting backdrop for convivial gatherings and refined power lunches alike. Signature dishes like the velvety sheep’s milk ricotta, delicate housemade pastas, and fire-roasted garlic chicken capture both the warmth of an old-world osteria and the vibrancy of modern New York dining. Every detail, from the impeccable service to the artful cocktails and thoughtfully curated wine list, celebrates the enduring allure of Italian hospitality in a setting designed for both locals and visitors to linger and savor.

Stepping into La Mercerie at 53 Howard Street feels like crossing the threshold into a dream of Paris, where refined Provençal fare is served amidst the lush, sparkling interiors of the Roman and Williams Guild. Sunlight glints off sage-green tiles and delicate tableware, while fragrant bouquets and flickering taper candles add a sense of intimacy and celebration to every meal. The menu celebrates French classics—think boeuf bourguignon and profiteroles—crafted with market-fresh ingredients and plated with an eye for artful indulgence. Whether you’re savoring a leisurely breakfast or a decadent dinner, every detail at La Mercerie is designed to make you feel transported and cherished.

Tucked inside the Wythe Hotel, Le Crocodile feels like a grand Parisian brasserie reimagined for Brooklyn, with high ceilings, clustered milk-glass chandeliers, and exposed brick creating an atmosphere that is at once cinematic and inviting. Chefs Jake Leiber and Aidan O’Neal channel a deep love of French tradition into a menu of impeccably executed classics-think silken mushroom pâté with black truffle, textbook-perfect steak tartare, and a now-iconic roast chicken with herb jus and cascading frites that has earned rapturous praise from critics. From breakfast through late-night, the room hums with a cosmopolitan crowd, the clink of martini glasses, and the low thrum of convivial conversation, giving every meal the feel of a special occasion. With refined pastries, brasserie staples, and polished yet relaxed service, it’s the kind of place that effortlessly anchors a Brooklyn weekend or caps a perfect night in the city.

Set within the elegant Wall Street Hotel, La Marchande feels like a discreet downtown jewel-part Parisian café, part contemporary steakhouse-where emerald and gold accents, marble surfaces, and plush banquettes create an atmosphere of understated opulence. Chef John Fraser’s menu reimagines the classic French chophouse with seasonal, ingredient-driven dishes, weaving in lighter touches, raw bar treasures, and his signature vegetable-forward compositions alongside impeccably sourced meats and seafood. A striking bar facing Water Street, with its thoughtful vermouths, Champagne cocktails, and zero-proof creations, turns the space into a destination for both power lunches and late-night rendezvous. Curtain-draped semi-private booths and an intimate upstairs dining room complete the sense of occasion, making La Marchande a sophisticated escape in the Financial District.

Moored in the heart of Fort Greene, Sailor has emerged as one of Brooklyn’s most acclaimed restaurants since opening in 2023 under the guidance of chef April Bloomfield and restaurateur Gabriel Stulman. Known for its refined seafood-forward menu and standout dishes that reflect Bloomfield’s deft touch, Sailor quickly earned praise from critics and diners alike, including inclusion on The New York Times’ best new restaurants list. The warm, inviting space pairs well with thoughtfully crafted plates and an engaging wine list, making it a go-to destination for special dinners and memorable evenings out. With its blend of culinary precision and neighborhood charm, Sailor continues to define Fort Greene’s evolving dining landscape.

Floating above the neon rush of Midtown, The Terrace and Outdoor Gardens channels the romance of a modern European brasserie wrapped in greenery, with soaring spaces, sculptural lighting, and a garden-framed terrace that feels like a secret city aerie. Inside, foliage, warm woods, and soft upholstery create an atmosphere that is at once cosmopolitan and serenely transportive, mirroring the EDITION hotel’s sleek, gallery-like aesthetic. It is the rare Midtown dining room that doubles as a destination for celebrations and intimate evenings alike, offering a quietly glamorous vantage point over the city’s most famous crossroads.

Step inside The Four Horsemen and discover an effortlessly stylish, cedar-clad haven where candlelight, conviviality, and a curated vinyl soundtrack set the tone for evenings of refined indulgence. Revered for its pioneering embrace of natural wines and a Michelin-starred kitchen, this restaurant seamlessly blends a globe-spanning small plates menu with a design-forward, welcoming atmosphere that feels both relaxed and quietly sophisticated. The open kitchen and engaging bar invite guests to become part of the experience, while the knowledgeable staff guide you through a wine list that has become legendary among oenophiles. Here, every detail—from the artfully plated dishes to the perfectly balanced pours—reflects a deep passion for hospitality and contemporary Brooklyn culture.

Buvette enchants with its intimate, vintage-filled space—evoking the spirit of a well-loved Parisian café right in the heart of New York’s West Village. The menu, a celebration of classic French fare, is thoughtfully composed of petite plates and beloved breakfast staples, each prepared with finesse and an eye for detail. Whether for an early morning croque madame or the famed steamed eggs, every visit feels like a luminous escape to Montmartre, complete with warmly attentive service and the hum of convivial conversation. The charm of Buvette lies in its ability to make even a simple brunch feel like a special occasion, inviting guests to linger over expertly crafted pastries and rich espresso amidst beautifully curated vintage décor.

Tucked above Houston Street in Nolita, Estela radiates effortless sophistication, its intimate, warmly lit dining room buzzing with the energy of in-the-know locals and culinary pilgrims alike. Chef Ignacio Mattos’s Michelin-starred menu is a masterclass in modern American cooking, blending global influences into shareable plates that surprise and delight—the iconic endive salad and stunning raw preparations are beloved signatures. Each dish is as artfully plated as it is flavorful, harmonizing seasonal ingredients with bold, imaginative flourishes that invite discovery and conversation. Whether for a convivial gathering or a memorable date, Estela’s spirited ambiance and consistently remarkable cuisine make it an essential New York experience.

Stepping into Sunday in Brooklyn feels like entering an urban sanctuary, where exposed beams, a wood-burning oven, and thoughtfully designed interiors create a cozy yet sophisticated ambiance. The menu celebrates elevated comfort food, from their famed brunch pancakes to creative cocktails with unexpected flavor pairings, all crafted with a fresh, seasonal sensibility. Whether you’re gathering for an intimate date night or a lively meal with friends, the welcoming staff and moody lighting invite you to linger and savor the experience. This beloved neighborhood spot captures the essence of Brooklyn’s creative energy, making every visit feel like a festive occasion.

Step into Russ & Daughters and experience a luminous slice of New York history, where gleaming counters, Art Deco touches, and a convivial hum evoke the timeless elegance of a classic appetizing shop. Fourth-generation family stewardship ensures that every detail—from the hand-sliced smoked salmon to the irresistible babka—honors over a century of culinary craftsmanship and cultural heritage. The atmosphere is at once vibrant and nostalgic, inviting guests to savor both meticulously prepared delicacies and the enduring spirit of the Lower East Side. Russ & Daughters is not simply a place to dine, but a treasured institution where New York’s immigrant stories and gastronomic excellence come brilliantly alive.

Nestled in the heart of SoHo, Jack’s Wife Freda invites guests into a lively, sunlit space where convivial energy and understated elegance set the scene for memorable meals. The all-day menu celebrates bright, fresh flavors with Mediterranean and American influences, from signature green shakshuka to decadent orange blossom pancakes, each dish thoughtfully presented and bursting with color. The communal table and chic, closely set interiors foster a sense of community, making every visit feel like a joyous neighborhood affair. Warm hospitality and a cosmopolitan crowd complete the experience, ensuring Jack’s Wife Freda remains a cherished destination for brunch, lunch, and dinner in New York City.