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!
There are plenty of great brunch places in SoHo, but not all of them are created equally. Having lived in the city for over eight years, I’ve had plenty of time to weed out mediocre spots. As well as compile a list of the best brunch spots in SoHo, that are worth the (inevitable) wait.
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 Places in SoHo
#15. Sant Ambroeus
Brunch Hours: Everyday from 11:00AM-4:30PM
If brunch was fashion, Sant Ambroeus would be business casual — laid back enough to not be pretentious and nice enough to meet the in-laws.
The reason I consider Sant Ambroeus one of the best brunch places in SoHo is because the atmosphere is charming and the food is equally as good. The cafe is always consistent and never fails to satisfy.
The menu is full of divine French fare and heavenly baked-goods, you’ll be dreaming about for weeks to come. Whatever you do, don’t leave without ordering dessert and coffee!
This is one of my favorite brunch places in SoHo to unwind with something sweet and sip on a cappuccino while people-watching the busy (and fashionable) streets of SoHo.
Address: 265 Lafayette St, New York, NY 10012
#14. Shuka
Brunch Hours: Every weekend 10:30AM-3:30PM
Shuka is a charming Eastern Mediterranean restaurant, that happens to be one of the best brunch places in SoHo. Thanks to the inviting environment, folks passing by can’t help but feel a gravitational pull to check out this SoHo gem.
The joint feels more casual, as if you were at a friends house. The staff goes above and beyond to make sure you leave with a good experience. The biggest difference between my friends house and Shuka is that Shuka actually knows their way around the kitchen. 😉
You’ll be hard-pressed to find meat that isn’t grilled to perfection at Shuka. Toss any concern you may have about dry or overcooked kebab’s out the window.
Shuka is one of the best brunch places in SoHo for large groups. If you come with a group of friends consider the Shuka Feast. For $57 a person (the whole table must participate) you get a plethora of shareable dishes like hummus, kebab and vegetables.
Address: 38 MacDougal St, New York, NY 10012
#13. The Grey Dog
Brunch Hours: All day
It’s hard to find brunch places in SoHo that won’t break the bank when it comes to drinks. Lucky for you, I know just the spot that has some of the most affordable cocktails in the neighborhood.
Serving brunch all day, you can enjoy the laid-back environment without having to set an alarm clock. Expect to find all the basics that are simple, quick and always satisfying at this SoHo brunch place.
Where The Grey Dog really shines is with the impressive drink menu. With delicious drinks like a spicy pineapple margarita and Grey Dog Spritz, not only is this one of the best brunch places in SoHo — it’s one of the most affordable too.
Cocktails will cost you $12-$16, which is almost unheard of in a pricey city like NYC!If you linger long enough, The Grey Dog also offers an insane happy hour deal. I’m talking beer and wine for $5 and half-off priced cocktails.
Address: 244 Mulberry St, New York, NY 10012
#12. Flipper’s
Brunch Hours: All day
Have you ever heard of Japanese-souffle style pancakes? If not, let me fill you in one of the best things you’ll ever try! They’re pancakes that are airy and spongy, and each bite is like biting into a heavenly cloud.
Flippers, one of the best brunch places in SoHo, opened in Japan in 2016 before making the jump to the U.S. in 2019. As one of the original purveyors of the Japenese souffle pancakes in NYC, they’ve grown quite a loyal fan-base.
There are both sweet and savory options, but my go-to is the caramel banana chocolate pancakes. They come with caramelized banana and chocolate ice cream, so what’s not to love?
Since the two-story restaurant is so bright and inviting, it’s become one of the premier brunch places in SoHo for friends to gather.
They don’t offer any reservations, so my suggestion is visiting early on a weekday, if at all possible.
Address: 337 W Broadway Unit A, New York, NY 10013
#11. Fanelli’s Cafe
Brunch Hours: All day
Not only is Fanelli’s Cafe one of the best brunch places in SoHo, it also happens to be the second oldest restaurant in New York City.
The building has been around since 1847 and started out as a grocer. In 1922 Michael Fanelli purchased the spot and created the cafe that 100 years later still serves as one of the best brunch places in SoHo.
The simple pub-style food and atmosphere creates a memorable experience. Make sure to soak up the history of this iconic NYC restaurant and don’t even think about leaving without ordering the burger!
Fanelli’s Cafe has been a favorite spot to the likes of Bob Dylan, Jack Dempsey and Patti Smith to name a few. The restaurant is rich in history and if you can snag a spot outside, it’s great for people watching.
Bonus: While in the area check out the Museum of Ice cream just a few blocks over. It’s an interactive museum based solely around the frozen treat.
Address: 94 Prince St, New York, NY 10012
#10. La Mercerie
Brunch Hours: Every weekend from 10:00AM-3:00PM
One of my personal favorite brunch places in SoHo is La Mercerie. The restaurant 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.
One piece of advice I hope you follow, you must finish your meal with the Vanilla Choux pastry served with hot chocolate. It’s best described as a mix of cream puff and ice cream sandwich — so good!
Address: 53 Howard St, New York, NY 10013
#9. Citizen’s of SoHo
Brunch Hours: All day
If you’re looking for the most aesthetically pleasing brunch places in SoHo stop by Citizens. Opened in 2016, this Australian-based cafe prides itself on community and building a safe space to enjoy a delicious cup of coffee.
Co-founders Justin Giuffrida and Andrew Geisel bonded over their Australian upbringing while working at a cafe together prior to opening Citizens Coffee. They quickly realized how important relationships were and wanted to create a space where people would remember each others names and find comfort in familiar faces.
And they did exactly that. Whenever I swing by Citizens coffee I am always greeted by an eager staff member who goes above and beyond. Thanks to the kind staff, beautiful setting and some of the best brunch in NYC, I consider it one of the best brunch places in SoHo.
I highly recommend the Smashing Avocado (avocado toast). Served on multigrain toast, Citizens Coffee adds pickled onion, feta and a beetroot hummus creating not only a delicious meal but a memorable one.
Address: 201 Lafayette St, New York, NY 10012
#8. Little Prince
Brunch Hours: Friday-Sunday 11:00AM-3:00PM
Do you want 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.
Address: 199 Prince St, New York, NY 10012
#7. NoMo Kitchen
Brunch Hours: Friday-Sunday 8:00AM-4:00PM
Located inside the NoMo Hotel is the NoMo Kitchen, I know — who would have guessed? The entrance to this SoHo brunch spot is down an archway covered in live plants and string-up lights.
The restaurant is reminiscent of a greenhouse, only this greenhouse has a few elegant chandeliers hanging from the ceiling. It’s the perfect rustic setting, with enough upscale touches to make it feel sophisticated and classy.
NoMo Kitchen is one of the most unique brunch places in SoHo. Everything I’ve tried has been amazing, especially the lemon-ricotta pancakes (I’d sell a kidney for those, not even kidding!).
But fair-warning, during the weekends brunch can get really busy, so book reservations in advance.
Address: 9 Crosby St, New York, NY 10013
#6. 12 Chairs Cafe
Brunch Hours: All day
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. Regardless of when you visit, your meal will always be exceptional and fresh — thus keep you coming back!
12 Chairs intertwines both Middle Eastern and Eastern European flavors and has a constant rotation of specials. Currently, the SoHo restaurant is offering a Yemeni pastry called a Jachnun, which consists of dough cooked overnight, a hardboiled egg and tomatoes.
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.
Address: 56 MacDougal St, New York, NY 10012
#5. Ruby’s Cafe
Brunch Hours: All day
If there was ever such thing as a quintessential brunch spot, it’d be Little Ruby’s Cafe. The place is one of the best brunch places in SoHo since opening in 2002. With a continuously growing cult-following, I don’t suspect it’ll be going anywhere anytime soon, which is great news for us.
Ruby’s serves traditional breakfast fare with Australian culinary influences attributed to it’s 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, come on early on a weekday to avoid the lines since this is one of the most popular brunch places in SoHo.
Address: 219 Mulberry St A, New York, NY 10012
#4. Balthazar’s
Brunch Hours: Every weekend from 9:00AM-4:00PM
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.
Address: 80 Spring St, New York, NY 10012
#3. The Dutch
Brunch Hours: Every weekend from 10:00AM-3:00PM
Any Bloody Mary fans in the house? If so, The Dutch has perfected the breakfast cocktail and after one sip you’ll realize why this is one of the best brunch places in SoHo.
This SoHo brunch spot is a modern, lively, all-American restaurant that serves some of the best breakfast food in the neighborhood. It’s a bold statement, I know, but I stand behind it.
The famous fried chicken and breakfast sandwich (with thick cut bacon, might I add) can make any strong person 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 places in SoHo.
Address: 131 Sullivan St, New York, NY 10012
#2. Sadelle’s
Brunch Hours: All day
Plenty of locals argue Sadelle’s is one of the most popular brunch places in SoHo, and I can’t say they’re wrong. It’s not uncommon for a line to form as soon as the doors open.
The reason people are willing to wait over an hour just to eat at this SoHo brunch spot is simple, the food really is worth it! Do yourself a favor and order for the smoked salmon bagel tower. The tower comes out in three plates of deliciousness.
The first plate is covered in thinly sliced, fresh smoked salmon (some of the best in the city). The second plate is loaded with all the fixings (cucumber, capers, dill & tomatoes). And lastly the hand-rolled bagels that are always fresh and served warm.
This SoHo brunch spot is ideal for anyone who wants NYC bagel, but also want the sit-down experience. I’m convinced if I could only eat brunch at one place in SoHo for the rest of my life — Saddle’s would be it.
Address: 463 W Broadway, New York, NY 10012
#1. Jack’s Wife Freda
Brunch Hours: All day
You might recognize Jack’s Wife Freda from Instagram. Since it’s one of the most photographed brunch places in SoHo. All credit is largely due to the vibrant floral arrangement that that adorns the entrance.
Paired with a forest green paint job and a neon sign it’s hard for folks to walk by without stopping out of curiosity.
When a place sticks out as much as this one, you can only hope the food lives up to the presentation. Well I’m excited to report that the hype behind Jack’s Wife Freda is in fact valid and it’s one of the best brunch places in SoHo.
The food is delicious and the staff is kind. Our server made for pleasant small talk and regularly checked in on us throughout our dine.
At the end of our meal he told us we can’t leave Jack’s Wife Freda without having Naom’s Malva Pudding, which is a small African sponge cake doused in a sweet caramel pudding with a side of whipped cream. It was incredible. The recommendation alone vaults their service to the top of my list.
Address: 226 Lafayette St, New York, NY 10012
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
- Sant Ambroeus
Map of the Best Brunch SoHo
And there it is my friends! The 15 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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