This list of best brunch spots in SoHo was written by Yana Zaytseva, co-founder of New York Simply (an official partner of Apple Maps) and a NYC local.
I think we can all agree brunch is the best meal of the day. Breakfast is too early, lunch is too rushed and dinner is too formal. It also doesn’t hurt that as a society we collectively agreed drinking before 5:00PM is socially acceptable as long as we call it “brunch”.
In this guide we are focusing on the best brunch places in SoHo, a charming neighborhood full of history and cobblestone streets. The neighborhood is known for the shopping and food scene, as well as just being downright adorable!
So without further ado, let’s dive right into the best brunch places in SoHo.
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Layout of SoHo
SoHo is a neighborhood in Lower Manhattan, whose name is an abbreviation for “South of Houston Street”. The consensus borders are Houston Street in the north and Canal Street in the south, but its eastern & western borders are disputed. For our purposes we will stick to the area between 6th Avenue and Mulberry Street to the east and west, respectively.
Best Brunch in SoHo
Table of Contents: Best SoHo Brunch Spots
Table of Contents: Where to Grab Brunch in SoHo
Maman
Website: Maman
Brunch Hours: All day
Location: 239 Centre St, New York, NY 10013
Good to Know: Gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian options available, cute back patio
For more than a decade, Maman has been winning the hearts of New Yorkers with its adorable French decor and a menu filled with delicious baked goods. The cozy cafe combines a warm, rustic aesthetic with a menu that boasts creative and comforting brunch choices.
From their renowned Nutty Chocolate Chip Cookie (which was voted Oprahs favorite) to savory Croque Maman sandwiches, each dish reflects a commitment to quality ingredients and unique flavors. I highly recommend ordering the “papa’s breakfast bowl”, made with roasted potatoes, caramelized onions, bacon, avocado, chipotle aioli & a sunny egg — you’ll thank me later.
Shuka
Website: Shuka New York
Brunch Hours: Every weekend 10:30AM-3:30PM
Location: 38 MacDougal St, New York, NY 10012
Good to Know: Great for large groups, quality ingredients
Shuka is a charming Eastern Mediterranean restaurant that offers a relaxed ambiance reminiscent of a friend’s house. The dedicated staff ensures a positive experience, and Shuka is renowned for perfectly grilled meats, dispelling any worries about dry or overcooked kebabs.
Ideal for large groups, consider the Shuka Feast at $57 per person, providing a variety of shareable bites such as hummus, kebabs, and vegetables. It stands as one of the top brunch spots in SoHo.
The Grey Dog
Website: The Grey Dog
Brunch Hours: All day
Location: 244 Mulberry St, New York, NY 10012
Good to Know: Fair prices, good drink variety
Discovering budget-friendly brunch spots in SoHo, especially for drinks, can be challenging. Fortunately, I have just the place for you – The Grey Dog. This spot offers some of the most affordable cocktails in the neighborhood and serves brunch all day, allowing you to enjoy a laid-back environment without time constraints.
Beyond the basics, The Grey Dog stands out with an impressive drink menu featuring delicious options like a spicy pineapple margarita and Grey Dog Spritz. Cocktails are reasonably priced at $12-$16, a rarity in NYC, and if you stay for the happy hour, you can enjoy beer and wine for $5 and half-off cocktails. It’s not just one of the best brunch places in SoHo; it’s also incredibly budget-friendly.
Flipper’s
Website: Flipper’s
Brunch Hours: All day
Location: 337 W Broadway Unit A, New York, NY 10013
Good to Know: Menu variety, no reservations
Ever tried Japanese soufflé-style pancakes? If not, you’re in for a treat! Flippers, a popular brunch spot in SoHo, introduced these airy, spongy delights to the U.S. after originating in Japan back in 2016. As pioneers of Japanese soufflé pancakes in NYC, Flippers has garnered a devoted fan base.
Offering both sweet and savory options, my favorite is the caramel banana chocolate pancakes which come with caramelized bananas and chocolate ice cream. The bright and inviting two-story restaurant has become a go-to spot for friends to gather in SoHo. Keep in mind they don’t take reservations, so consider visiting early on a weekday for the best experience.
Fanelli’s Cafe
Website: Fanelli’s Cafe
Brunch Hours: All day
Location: 94 Prince St, New York, NY 10012
Good to Know: Historical significance, fair prices
Fanelli’s Cafe not only ranks among the best brunch spots in SoHo but also holds the title of being the second oldest restaurant in New York City. Established in 1847 as a grocer, it transformed into the iconic cafe under the ownership of Michael Fanelli in 1922. A century later, it continues to be a cherished brunch destination with its simple pub-style food and historical ambiance.
Don’t miss the chance to savor the experience and delve into the restaurant’s rich history, which has attracted notable figures like Bob Dylan, Jack Dempsey, and Patti Smith. For an added treat, secure a spot outside for some fun people watching.
La Mercerie
Website: La Mercerie
Brunch Hours: Every weekend from 10:00AM-3:00PM
Location: 53 Howard St, New York, NY 10013
Good to Know: Upscale vibes, great spot for a date
La Mercerie is as equally charming as it is elegant. The interior and architecture alone warrants a visit. The French cafe is located in the heart of the neighborhood and with an exterior adorned with greenery and plants, it could stop anyone in their tracks.
Stepping foot inside the beautiful dining room, you escape the bustle of the city and feel like you’ve been transported to a Parisian cafe. La Mercerie is one of the prettiest brunch places in SoHo, so make sure to make reservations if you have someone you’re trying to impress.
You can expect great service from the staff and high-quality French dishes, like the Crêpe Complète. Its a crepe made from buckwheat with an egg cooked sunny side up along with ham and sour cream.
Citizens of SoHo
Website: Citizens of SoHo
Brunch Hours: All day
Location: 201 Lafayette St, New York, NY 10012
Good to Know: Fair prices, laid-back vibes, friendly staff
For a vibrant, delicious meal check out Citizen’s, an Australian-based cafe opened in 2016. Co-founders Justin Giuffrida and Andrew Geisel aimed to create a community-focused space, emphasizing relationships and familiarity.
The welcoming staff, beautiful setting, and top-notch dishes make Citizens of Soho one of the best brunch spots in SoHo. I recommend ordering the Smashing Avocado—a delightful combination of multigrain toast, pickled onion, feta, and beetroot hummus for a delicious and memorable meal.
Little Prince
Website: Little Prince
Brunch Hours: Friday-Sunday 11:00AM-3:00PM
Location: 199 Prince St, New York, NY 10012
Good to Know: Cozy interior, great spot for a date
Itching to visit Paris, but you’re on a budget? No worries – I got you! Just hop on the subway and head to Little Prince, one of the best brunch places in SoHo. Serving classic French fare, the cafe oozes with Parisian charm. You can expect to find bistro chairs, leather booths and brass accents throughout the entire restaurant.
I highly recommend ordering the Steak Monte Carlo. Although on the pricey side, the wagyu steak is exceptional. And you get to choose the flavor of bone marrow butter that is melted (in front of your eye, might I add) and drizzled all over the steak.
Three of Cups
Website: Three of Cups
Brunch Hours: Saturday-Sunday 9:00AM-4:00PM
Location: 150 Sullivan St, New York, NY 10012
Good to Know: Fair prices, slower service (good for lingering), quality ingredients
Three of Cups seamlessly combines classic breakfast flavors with an emphasis on farm-to-table specialties. The menu, featuring straightforward options such as pancakes, omelets, and toast, prioritizes simplicity to highlight the use of quality ingredients. A clear standout is the strawberry-compote stuffed French toast, that showcases the restaurant’s commitment to delicious and fresh offerings.
12 Chairs Cafe
Website: 12 Chairs Cafe
Brunch Hours: All day
Location: 56 MacDougal St, New York, NY 10012
Good to Know: Friendly staff, rotating menu, locally sourced ingredients
Starting off as a small cafe more than a decade ago, 12 Chairs has become one of the most beloved brunch places in SoHo. It’s not hard to see why either, they source ingredients from local markets and make every dish to order.
12 Chairs intertwines both Middle Eastern and Eastern European flavors and has a constant rotation of specials. Never be afraid to ask the servers for recommendations. This is one of the friendliest brunch places in SoHo, and you might be surprised by a meal you would have never ordered for yourself.
Ruby’s Cafe
Website: Ruby’s Cafe
Brunch Hours: All day
Location: 219 Mulberry St A, New York, NY 10012
Good to Know: Casual vibe, friendly staff, fair prices
Ruby’s serves traditional breakfast fare with Australian culinary influences attributed to its founders being from the land down under. Local favorites include the avo toast and the spicy sausage breakfast sandwich. I do have to let you know though, Ruby’s doesn’t take any reservations and is served on a first come first served basis. If at all possible, arrive early on a weekday to avoid the lines since this is one of the most popular brunch places in SoHo.
Balthazar’s
Website: Balthazar’s
Brunch Hours: Every weekend from 9:00AM-4:00PM
Location: 80 Spring St, New York, NY 10012
Good to Know: Reservations encouraged, extensive wine list, delicious baked goods
Chances are if you’re searching for the best brunch places in SoHo, Balthazar’s will show up on every list out there. And for good reason! New York restaurateur Keith McNally opened Balthazar in 1997 and it didn’t take long for it to become one of the most iconic restaurants in SoHo. Specializing in French-fare, the interior is charmingly Parisian.
Not to mention, during the holiday season the restaurant is decked out in Christmas lights and garlands. It’s one of the most beautiful brunch places to visit in SoHo during the winter months. If you can’t get in for brunch, I learned a trick – visit the bakery next door! They make the BEST chocolate donuts I’ve ever had – perfectly dense and chocolatey. Oh, and the chai latte from this joint can’t be missed.
The Dutch
Website: The Dutch
Brunch Hours: Every weekend from 10:00AM-3:00PM
Location: 131 Sullivan St, New York, NY 10012
Good to Know: Menu variety, casual atmosphere
Calling all Bloody Mary enthusiasts! Look no further than The Dutch for the perfected breakfast cocktail. This modern, vibrant, all-American restaurant in SoHo takes brunch to new heights, serving some of the best breakfast in the neighborhood.
The famous fried chicken and breakfast sandwich (with thick cut bacon, might I add) can make even the strong go weak in the knees. Knocking both savory and sweet options out of the park, it’s no secret The Dutch is a go-to spot for locals and one of the busiest brunch spots in SoHo.
Sadelle’s
Website: Sadelle’s
Brunch Hours: All day
Location: 463 W Broadway, New York, NY 10012
Good to Know: Long wait times, historical significance
Sadelle’s is undeniably one of the most popular brunch spots in SoHo, often drawing a line as soon as it opens. The wait, which can extend over an hour, is justified by the exceptional food. Locals and visitors alike vouch for Sadelle’s commitment to delivering some of the city’s finest smoked salmon— which is no small thing.
A must-try is the smoked salmon bagel tower, presented in three plates of deliciousness—thinly sliced fresh smoked salmon, loaded fixings, and warm, hand-rolled bagels. For those craving the quintessential NYC bagel with a sit-down experience, Sadelle’s is the ideal choice.
Jack’s Wife Freda
Website: Jack’s Wife Freda
Brunch Hours: All day
Location: 226 Lafayette St, New York, NY 10012
Good to Know: Diverse menu, kind staff, laid-back vibes
Jack’s Wife Freda in SoHo is a must-visit brunch destination renowned for both its Instagram-worthy aesthetic and delectable offerings. The vibrant floral arrangement adorning the entrance, along with a distinctive forest green exterior and neon sign, captures the attention of passersby.
Beyond its visually appealing facade, Jack’s Wife Freda lives up to its reputation as one of the best brunch places in SoHo. Don’t leave without trying Naom’s Malva Pudding—a small African sponge cake soaked in sweet caramel pudding with a side of whipped cream—an exceptional treat that adds to the restaurant’s allure.
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SoHo Brunch Spots (Post Summary)
- Jack’s Wife Freda
- Sadelle’s
- The Dutch
- Balthazar’s
- Ruby’s Cafe
- 12 Chairs Cafe
- NoMo Kitchen
- Little Prince
- Citizens of SoHo
- La Mercerie
- Fanelli’s Cafe
- Flipper’s
- The Grey Dog
- Shuka
- Maman
Further Reading for SoHo
Things to Do in SoHo: 15 Fun Things to Do in SoHo
Top Cafes in SoHo: 15 Satisfying SoHo Coffee Shops
Best Happy Hour in SoHo: 12 Satisfying Happy Hour Spots in SoHo
Great Restaurants in SoHo: 20 Remarkable Restaurants in SoHo (Both Hotspots & Hidden Gems)
Exploring New York City
Unique Things to Do: 25 Unique (Non-Touristy) Things to Do in New York City
Free Things to Do: 20 Unique Free Things to Do in New York City to Keep Your Wallet Happy!
Best Things to Do in NYC: 30 Best Things to Do in New York City
Map of the Best Brunch in SoHo NYC
And there it is, the best brunch spots in SoHo according to yours truly. Let me know if there’s any you recommend I try – if it’s good enough I’ll add it to the list. 😉
Cheers!
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