Brunch in New York

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All you really need to know about brunch at Nero d’Avola is that unlimited cocktails are included in their $29.99 prix fixe menu. That’s right – for up to two hours, you and your fellow Pastis rejects can drink yourself into a stupor with your choice of Champagne, Bellini, Mimosa, or Bloody Mary. Unfortunately, said prix fixe only Read the rest of this entry »

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Sarabeth’s is known for its charming comfort food and absurdly long waits for weekend brunch. Originally a pastry shop on the Upper West Side, Sarabeth’s has expanded into something of an empire, but the focus still remains on baked goods.

The country kitchen décor tries its best to make you feel at home – but it can be difficult to settle into a comfort zone after being surrounded by the Upper East Side’s most entitled when they’re hungover and suffering from low blood sugar. But that’s not Sarabeth’s fault. The cutesy childhood-fable theme woven into the brunch menu is. Read the rest of this entry »

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Across from the Museum of Natural History, Ocean is the perfect brunch spot to bring visiting parents (or even grandparents!). But just because it’s safe for grownups doesn’t mean it’s stuffy.  It just means that you might encounter fewer screaming children than you will elsewhere on the Upper West Side on a Sunday afternoon. And you can make a reservation ahead of time, skirting the interminable brunch lines. Read the rest of this entry »

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The name means hugs and kisses in Italian, but Baci & Abbracci is not your grandmother’s home-cooked Italian. On a slightly weathered stretch of hip South Williamsburg, it is mostly a destination for locals, but some Manhattan folks will cross the East River for the award-wining pizza.

Unfortunately, the brunch menu only offers a single pie, the Margherita Festiva ($12): a breakfast “spin” on the traditional fresh mozzarella, basil and tomato pizza; with eggs and your choice of breakfast meat. It is more substantial than it looks – chew slowly, or share. Read the rest of this entry »

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Jane is Soho’s New American staple, and a solid choice for brunch if you plan to spend your Sunday shopping in the neighborhood.

Because of the size of the dining room, there is rarely too long of a wait – and even if there is, you won’t be waiting on the sidewalk. Read the rest of this entry »

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Brunch at Craftbar is a clean, flavorful and portion-controlled antidote to the heaping piles of slop popular on NYC weekend brunch menus.

This is not the place to soothe an epic hangover: You (and your taste buds) will want to be alert enough to enjoy a sophisticated, daylight-friendly cocktail like the Bloody Mary martini or the Craft cocktail (prosecco, muddled strawberries and black pepper). Read the rest of this entry »

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Have you ever been to a truly good restaurant in Times Square ? Every place seems to be a tourist trap with high prices and bad quality. Just a few meters from the Theater District, this stylish Italian eatery tries to reconcile “real” New Yorkers with the area.

The decor is modern with a stainless-steel bar (quite common). The bustling atmosphere is pleasant but the noise can be exhausting Read the rest of this entry »

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A taste of Brazil and Japan on your plate – that’s the concept of this attractive West Village restaurant. The main room is bright and colorful but has begun to show its age. However, its rooftop offers a nice view of bustling Seventh Avenue and a pleasant, relaxed atmsosphere. For that alone, it’s worth it !

Popular with tourists and trendy young folks. Interesting menu, from midpriced to expensive. First option : the $15 prix fixe with a choice of 4 items all served family style Read the rest of this entry »

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On the road to the perfect brunch, we make a stop at this popular Scandinavian address. The prix-fixe menu is $48 per person. Not acceptable ? Let’s see at the end of the adventure…Round one, welcome to somewhere between Stockholm and Copenhagen. The decor mostly consists of dark wood with contrasting white accents. Modern and sophisticated ! Read the rest of this entry »

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If you need a vacation, go to this restaurant located in the heart of Greenwich Village. When it’s busy, the reggae music and the decor – the spacious dining room boasts bamboo floors and a nice bar area – you almost feel like you’re in the Carribbean ! Read the rest of this entry »

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Finding an upscale, friendly place to brunch just behind Port Authority doesn’t seem like an easy thing to do. There aren’t a lot of attractions in this area, but it’s worth the trip to to discover 44 1/2, a bright and modern restaurant where you can also have a seat at the bar or in the nice Japanese garden on a sunny day. Read the rest of this entry »

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Your mission: to land a table on the sidewalk. On a sunny day, perusing the menu under a canopy, soaking in the scenery on this lovely stretch of West Village, you’ll feel like you’re in a Mediterranean country.

Varieties of olive oils from all around the world are the speciality of this restaurant, which offers an amazing brunch. Our favorites dishes are the caramelized bananas with french toast and mascarpone ($11) and the roasted artichoke provencal with poached egg and pancetta ($12). Read the rest of this entry »

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City Bakery’s incredible and extremely rich hot chocolate with marshmallows is so delicious as to be alarming: a masterpiece; one of the best in the city.

Come for the cocoa, and stay for the food and ambience during brunch time. This huge bi-level loft-urban canteen hits every mark: knockout eclectic cold buffet/salad bar, great hot food bar with terrific macaroni & cheese or chicken wings, and last but not least, the dangerous dessert bar : grab yourself a delicious chocolate chip cookie or the caramelized “pain-perdu” while they’re hot…  Read the rest of this entry »