The Absolute Best Brunch in Downtown Manhattan [Updated 2024]

I've been to countless restaurants and cafes, sampling their brunch offerings and comparing them all. After trying out 12 different spots, I'm excited to share my top picks for the best brunch in Downtown Manhattan.

From classic eggs benedict to trendy avocado toast, there's something for everyone on this list. So grab a mimosa and get ready to indulge in some delicious brunch fare - according to me, the ultimate expert on all things brunch in Downtown Manhattan!

La Parisienne

Highlights
Authentic taste
Best French toast
Phenomenal service
Fresh coffee
No cash payment

I was immediately greeted with a warm welcome and seated at a cozy table. The first highlight was the authentic taste of the food. I ordered their famous French toast and it was hands down the best I've ever had! It was perfectly crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, topped with fresh fruit and maple syrup.

But what really made my experience stand out was the phenomenal service. The staff were attentive, friendly, and made sure that my coffee cup never ran dry. Speaking of coffee, the third highlight was their freshly brewed coffee, which paired perfectly with my meal.

One thing to note is that they only accept card payments, so make sure to bring your plastic if you plan to dine here. Overall, La Parisienne served up an unforgettable brunch experience that I would highly recommend to anyone looking for a taste of France in Downtown Manhattan.

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The Malt House

Highlights
Amazing food selection
Michelin-starred chef
Great beer and wine selection
Popular for Happy Hour
Cosy ambience

Firstly, let me just say that the food selection is absolutely amazing. From classic brunch staples like eggs benedict to more unique dishes like avocado toast with smoked salmon, every bite was a delight! And it's no wonder why - the chef at The Malt House is Michelin-starred after all.

But brunch isn't complete without a drink in hand, and The Malt House does not disappoint in that department either. Their beer and wine selection is top-notch, making it a perfect spot for Happy Hour as well.

The cosy ambience of The Malt House also adds to its charm. It's one of those places where you feel right at home the moment you step inside. Whether you're catching up with friends or enjoying a lazy Sunday brunch, this spot has got you covered.

Overall, I would highly recommend The Malt House for anyone looking for a delicious and cozy brunch experience in Downtown Manhattan. With its amazing food selection, great drink options, and comfortable atmosphere, it's definitely one of my top picks for the best brunch in the area!

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The Paris Café

Highlights
Oldest bar
Great cocktails
Smash burger
Amazing salmon
Beautiful decor

First off, let me tell you that The Paris Café is not just any brunch spot. It's the oldest bar in New York City and has been around since 1873. As soon as I walked in, I was taken aback by the beautiful decor which includes stunning chandeliers and antique mirrors.

As I perused the menu, I couldn't resist trying one of their great cocktails. The bartender whipped up a mean Bloody Mary that was both spicy and refreshing. For food, I decided to try two of their most popular dishes - the smash burger and the amazing salmon.

The smash burger was perfectly cooked and had just the right amount of cheese melted on top. But it was the amazing salmon that really blew me away. The fish was perfectly grilled and paired with a delicious herb sauce that elevated the dish to another level.

Overall, my experience at The Paris Café was fantastic. They've managed to maintain their historic charm while still providing customers with delicious food and drinks. If you're looking for a brunch spot in Downtown Manhattan that's both unique and tasty, then look no further than The Paris Café!

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Pig & Butter

Highlights
Cozy atmosphere
Spicy, delicious chicken sandwich
Amazing spiked blood orange lemonade
Excellent customer service
Tasty bottomless mimosas/sangria

Firstly, let's talk about the cozy atmosphere that this restaurant offers. It has a quaint and charming vibe that makes you feel right at home. The decor is simple yet stylish, with an emphasis on warm lighting and natural wood finishes.

As for the food, let me tell you about their spicy, delicious chicken sandwich. It was cooked to perfection and packed a punch of flavor in every bite. The spiciness level was just right, not too overwhelming but enough to leave a satisfying heat in your mouth.

To wash down this amazing meal, I had the amazing spiked blood orange lemonade which was simply delightful! The addition of alcohol to this drink made it even more refreshing and perfect for brunch.

But what really sets Pig & Butter apart is their excellent customer service. The staff was attentive, friendly and accommodating throughout my entire visit.

And last but certainly not least - bottomless mimosas/sangria! Yes, you heard me right. You can enjoy unlimited refills of these tasty drinks while indulging in some of the most delicious brunch dishes around!

So if you're looking for a cozy spot with great food and drinks in Downtown Manhattan, I highly recommend giving Pig & Butter a try.

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Russ & Daughters Cafe

Highlights
Fast & Friendly service
Delicious fresh bagels
Amazing fish and caviar selection
Cozy and ambient atmosphere
Must-try Halvah ice cream

As soon as I walked in, I was greeted with fast and friendly service. The atmosphere was cozy and ambient, perfect for a Sunday brunch with friends or family. But let's get to the good stuff: the food.

Russ & Daughters Cafe is known for their fresh bagels and amazing fish and caviar selection. And let me tell you, they did not disappoint. Each bagel was perfectly toasted with a generous amount of cream cheese spread on top. The fish tasted like it was just caught that day.

But the real star of the show was the Halvah ice cream. Oh my goodness, this dessert was an absolute must-try! It had the perfect balance of sweet and nutty flavors that left me wanting more.

Overall, Russ & Daughters Cafe is definitely one of the best brunch spots in Downtown Manhattan. Their delicious fresh bagels and amazing fish selection make it worth the visit alone, but add in their cozy atmosphere and must-try Halvah ice cream, and you've got yourself a winner!

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La Mercerie

Highlights
Best quiche
Delectable chocolate
Lovely ambiance
Attentive service

Upon entering, I was immediately charmed by the restaurant's lovely ambiance. The décor gave off a chic and cozy vibe, with plenty of natural light coming in from the large windows.

As I perused the menu, one item stood out to me - the quiche. And let me tell you, it did not disappoint. It was hands-down the best quiche I've had in Manhattan. The crust was flaky and buttery while the filling was perfectly seasoned and creamy.

After finishing my savory dish, I decided to indulge in some dessert. I ordered the chocolate mousse and it was absolutely delectable. The chocolate was rich but not too sweet, making for a perfect end to my meal.

Throughout my time at La Mercerie, the service was top-notch. Our waiter was very attentive, refilling our water and checking on us frequently without being intrusive.

Overall, if you're looking for a brunch spot with great food, wonderful ambiance and attentive service, La Mercerie is definitely worth a visit.

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Malibu Farm New York

Highlights
Friendly staff
Fresh ingredients
Vegan and GF options
Great view of Brooklyn Bridge
Relaxing atmosphere

Let me start by saying, the staff at Malibu Farm New York are some of the friendliest people I have ever met! From the moment I walked in, they made me feel right at home. But let's talk about the real reason I was there - the brunch!

The ingredients used in their dishes were so fresh and flavorful that it felt like they just picked them from their backyard. As someone who loves vegan and gluten-free options, I was thrilled to see a variety of dishes that catered to my dietary needs. Even my non-vegan friends couldn't resist trying some of the plant-based options.

The view of Brooklyn Bridge was absolutely stunning! If you're looking for a place with a great atmosphere to relax and enjoy your meal, this is definitely it. The relaxing atmosphere combined with the delicious food left me feeling satisfied and refreshed.

Overall, Malibu Farm New York exceeded my expectations for a brunch spot in Downtown Manhattan. With all that said, don't take my word for it. Go check it out yourself! You won't regret it.

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Hole In The Wall

Highlights
Friendly staff
Delicious mimosa pitcher
Pulled pork Benedict is delicious
Healthy and delicious avocado smash
Variety of non-dairy milk options

First of all, the staff at Hole In The Wall is incredibly friendly. From the moment I walked in, I felt welcomed and taken care of. And let's be honest, good service can make or break a brunch experience.

Now onto the important stuff - the food and drinks. I ordered a mimosa pitcher to start (because who doesn't love a good brunch cocktail?) and it did not disappoint. It was both delicious and strong, which is exactly what you want in a mimosa pitcher.

For my main dish, I opted for the pulled pork Benedict - a unique take on a classic brunch dish. The pulled pork was tender and flavorful, and paired perfectly with the hollandaise sauce.

But don't worry if you're looking for something on the healthier side - Hole In The Wall also offers an amazing avocado smash that is both healthy and delicious. Plus, they have a variety of non-dairy milk options for those who are lactose intolerant or just prefer plant-based milks.

In summary, Hole In The Wall is definitely one of the top contenders for best brunch spot in Downtown Manhattan with their friendly staff, delicious mimosa pitcher, pulled pork Benedict, healthy avocado smash, and non-dairy milk options.

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Pearl Diner

Highlights
Friendly staff
Breakfast all day
Excellent food
Cozy ambiance
Classic menu

First of all, the staff was incredibly friendly, they made me feel right at home. As someone who loves breakfast food any time of day, I was thrilled to see that they serve it all day long! And let me tell you, the food was excellent. From the fluffy pancakes to the perfectly cooked eggs, every bite was a delight.

But it wasn't just the food that made my experience so enjoyable - the cozy ambiance really added to the overall vibe of Pearl Diner. It's a great spot to grab a delicious brunch with friends or even by yourself if you're feeling like treating yourself.

One thing I appreciated about Pearl Diner is their classic menu. Sometimes it's overwhelming when restaurants try to get too creative with their dishes, but not here! The menu sticks to what they do best and they execute it perfectly.

Overall, if you're looking for a brunch spot in Downtown Manhattan with friendly service, delicious food, and a cozy atmosphere - look no further than Pearl Diner!

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Two Hands

Highlights
Unique flavors
Attentive server
Great coffee
Friendly staff

Firstly, I was impressed by the unique flavors that Two Hands offers. They have a variety of options that are not only delicious but also healthy. The server was incredibly attentive, making sure our glasses were never empty and checking in to see if we needed anything else.

I must say, I am a coffee enthusiast and their coffee definitely lives up to the hype - it's one of the best in Downtown Manhattan! The great coffee paired perfectly with my meal, which made for a great start to my day.

The staff at Two Hands were exceptionally friendly, which created a warm and welcoming atmosphere. It felt like brunching with friends rather than dining at a restaurant.

Overall, I highly recommend Two Hands for brunch in Downtown Manhattan. With unique flavors, attentive service, great coffee and friendly staff, it's definitely one of the top contenders for the best brunch spot in town.

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Egg Shop

Highlights
Truffle hash browns
BLT Benedict
Sausage Egg & Cheese
Fried chicken bites

The interior of the restaurant is cozy and inviting, with a minimalist aesthetic that makes you feel like you're in a high-end diner. The menu features a variety of egg dishes, sandwiches, and sides that are sure to satisfy any brunch lover.

I started off with their truffle hash browns, which were divine. Crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, they were perfectly seasoned with just the right amount of truffle oil. For my main dish, I went with their BLT Benedict - because let's be honest, you can never go wrong with bacon. The poached eggs were cooked to perfection and the hollandaise sauce was rich without being too heavy. The addition of fresh tomatoes and arugula gave it a nice refreshing kick.

Feeling adventurous, I also ordered the sausage egg & cheese sandwich which was a great twist on a classic breakfast sandwich. The sausage patty was juicy and flavorful, and paired perfectly with the gooey melted cheese.

But here's where Egg Shop really shines - their fried chicken bites. These bite-sized pieces of heaven were out-of-this-world delicious! Perfectly crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside with just enough spice to give it some kick - this dish alone is worth coming back for.

Overall, Egg Shop is definitely one of my top picks for best brunch in Downtown Manhattan. With its cozy atmosphere and mouth-watering dishes that cater to all tastes, it's no surprise why this place is always packed on weekends. Just make sure to come early or be prepared for a bit of wait time as this spot is very popular!

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Bubby's

Highlights
Fluffy pancakes
Berry compote topping
Friendly staff
Lovely atmosphere

The moment I walked into Bubby's, I was greeted with a warm smile from the staff. The lovely atmosphere of the place was perfect for a lazy Sunday brunch. As soon as I sat down, I ordered their famous pancakes which were anything but ordinary. These fluffy pancakes were topped with a delicious berry compote that added an extra layer of sweetness to every bite.

The staff at Bubby's were not only friendly but also knowledgeable about the menu and gave me great recommendations. They even offered to adjust my meal to fit any dietary restrictions or preferences, which is always a plus in my book.

Overall, Bubby's has definitely earned its spot on my list of top brunch spots in Downtown Manhattan. With their delicious food and excellent service, it's no wonder why this place is always packed! If you're looking for a tasty brunch with a welcoming atmosphere, be sure to check out Bubby's - you won't regret it!

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