The Smith balances classic comfort food with buzzy brunch energy in Midtown, Lincoln Square, NoMad, and East Village. Skillet-roasted mac and cheese arrives bubbling with a golden crust, while vanilla bean French toast is decadent with caramelized bananas and candied orange mascarpone. The signature freshly squeezed mimosa keeps the mood lively. All locations deliver an upbeat, bustling vibe, but Midtown’s high ceilings and brass accents feel especially grand for a celebratory brunch.

Little Ruby’s brings an Australian cafe feel to the West Village, East Village, SoHo, Murray Hill, and Williamsburg, where airy interiors and outdoor patios set the stage for afternoons of standout coffee and vibrant plates. Ricotta hotcakes with banana and breakfast burritos highlight the cafe’s fresh simplicity, and the signature flat white draws the coffee crowd. The Williamsburg location is the newest and, along with West Village, has a full bar for more particular brunch cocktail orders.

RH Rooftop Restaurant at RH New York in the West Village pairs American brunch with skyline views in a glass-enclosed dining room dripping in chandeliers. Brunch favorites range from the classic New York lox and everything bagel to ultra-thin Swedish pancakes and Italian Benedict with parmesan hollandaise. The long bottle list focuses on chic wines from California, Italy, and France, while formal service, plush seating, and a shimmering interior come together for one of the most refined meals.

The Odeon in TriBeCa is a NYC brunch classic. It has been serving French standards since the 1980s in a sleek Art Deco space. The croque monsieur layers Berkshire ham with prosciutto and Gruyère, while the NY smoked salmon platter is served with a simple sesame bagel. To step up your brunch cocktail game, you can substitute a French 75 for the common mimosa. The spacious sidewalk seating is ideal for people-watching while indulging in one of the city’s most enduring brunch traditions.

Zaytinya puts a Mediterranean spin on brunch in NoMad, courtesy of celebrated chef José Andrés. The shakshouka delivers a comforting blend of spiced tomato and egg, while a dozen spreads and breads bring Levantine flair. The Turkish coffee is prepared thick and strong for a true afternoon pick-me-up after a cocktail or two. The airy dining room with neutral tones and blue accents mirrors the menu’s flavors, making this a vibrant choice for a NYC brunch with international flavor.

Gjelina brings its Venice, California roots to NYC with wood-fired plates and market-driven produce. The lemon buckwheat ricotta pancakes are topped with blueberry compote, while the chorizo and fontina pizza with fennel and tomato is a more savory option. The extensive natural wine list matches the restaurant’s eco-forward eating ethos. Simple tabletops, un-fussed walls, and an open kitchen help Gjelina’s brunch turn casual NYC mornings into afternoons of effortless California cool.

Sarabeth’s is a NYC brunch institution where famous preserves and baked goods set the tone for American brunch. It has locations in Midtown West, Gramercy Park, the Upper West Side, and Greenwich Village. The fat and fluffy French toast lives up to its name, while the Goldie lox scramble with smoked salmon keeps things classic. The signature four flowers juice, blending orange, pineapple, banana, and pomegranate, is a refreshing must.

The Grey Dog keeps brunch casual across Union Square, NoLita, Chelsea, West Village, and Flatiron, where all-day breakfast dominates the menu. The egg and cheese croissant can be stuffed with bacon, sausage, and avocado, while salted caramel pancakes come topped with crushed pistachios. Most drinks arrive in oversized mason jars, and the cozy interiors of controlled chaos and warm lighting make each location feel like a neighborhood staple.

MICHELIN Bib Gourmand recipient Win Son turns out Taiwanese American brunch in Williamsburg, where bold flavors and wok hei define the menu. The fan tuan wraps sticky rice around a core of pork floss, while the scallion pancake sandwich stuffs egg, cheese, and sausage in a much-hyped package. Cocktails like the Taiwan beer Amer and Buddha Bless highlight Taiwanese ingredients in an industrial chic space where dishes are filling but never predictable. This is where NYC brunch gets seriously fun.