10 Brunch Spots On The Upper East Side

Between morning visits to the Met and lazy afternoons in Central Park, locals and tourists flock to the city’s upper east side to sample the best of the island’s brunches. Here’s our guide to the best Upper East Side brunch spots.

Sarabeth’s

A New York institution, Sarabeth’s serves lemon-ricotta pancakes, pork and apricot sausage, and crab cake sandwiches in a bright and inviting atmosphere. With its generous portions, creative dishes, and renowned specialty cocktails, Sarabeth’s is sure to please patrons for many years to come.

Sarabeth’s, 1295 Madison Avenue, New York, NY, USA +1 212 410 7335

The Meatball Shop

Restaurant, American, Vegetarian, Gluten-free

Meatballs for breakfast seems a natural choice at The Meatball Shop, where the signature dish is served alongside the more traditional biscuits, bacon, and eggs. Offered in both meat and vegetarian varieties, the balls are delightfully unrecognizable in sophisticated dishes like ‘Balls Benedict’ (served with poached eggs and hollandaise on sweet brioche toast) and ‘Balls, Biscuits & Gravy’ (meat-stuffed biscuits smothered in light mushroom gravy).

The Penrose

Bar, Restaurant, Pub Grub

Part bar, part brunch spot, The Penrose specializes in delivering unexpected twists on the familiar. With menu items like the bacon, egg, and fried oyster brioche sandwich, and a cocktail list featuring drinks such as the Bacon Bourbon Bloody Mary, The Penrose is full of welcome surprises.

Sojourn

Sojourn adopts a global approach to local fare. Foreign influences meet classic American food at this worldly restaurant, yielding exciting menu options like lobster brie omelets, truffle polenta, and lingon berry yogurt parfaits. From the culturally diverse menu to its warm, spacious interior, Sojourn invites you to join its culinary expedition.

Sojourn, 244 East 79th Street, New York, NY, USA +1 212 537 7745

Boqueria

Market, Restaurant, Spanish

Inspired by the famed Barcelona market of the same name, Boqueria uses fresh, seasonal ingredients to deliver authentic Spanish tapas. In an effort to ‘transport you to Barcelona,’ the restaurant’s menu features regionally beloved dishes such as patatas bravas, churros con chocolate,and loaded seafood paella. Authenticity comes first at this Spanish eatery, ensuring patrons both a quality meal and a memorable dining experience.

The Writing Room

The Writing Room serves classic American cuisine. Delivering maximum flavor with minimal frills, the menu features traditional dishes, including honey-glazed corn bread, salmon Benedict, and buttermilk waffles. In addition to its solid food options, this unique spot boasts an elegant, retro atmosphere, complete with towering bookshelves and visual references to the venue’s glamorous past.

The Writing Room, 1703 2nd Avenue, New York, NY, USA +1 212 335 0075

Café D’Alsace

Cafe, Restaurant, French

Café D’Alsace is a quintessentially French spot in Manhattan’s Yorkville neighborhood, serving traditional fare in a sleek, bustling environment. Adopting a simple, effortless approach à la française, menu items include classic pear and chestnut crêpes, croque monsieurs, and fresh, flaky croissants. For diners seeking French flavor on this side of the Atlantic, celebrated chef Philippe Roussel more than delivers at Café D’Alsace.

Jones Wood Foundry

Restaurant, Gastropub, British

Proving authentic English cuisine can be found on this side of the Atlantic, Jones Wood Foundry carves a space for British tradition and spirit on Manhattan’s east side. Sticking to time-honored staples, the menu features classic dishes like Yorkshire pudding, beans on toast, and fish and chips. Locals craving hearty meat pies or afternoon tea flock to the restaurant’s communal table, warm dining room, and private garden, all designed in the true English spirit to make each patron feel at home.

Infirmary

At Infirmary, brunch entails alligator-pork sliders, cheesy baked oysters, and eggs Benedict po’ boys. The unique and flavorful menu is complimented by the restaurant’s eccentric cocktail list and extensive stock of Louisiana-based Abita beers. With its friendly staff, lively atmosphere, and exciting menu options, Infirmary is an excellent choice for a nontraditional brunch.

Infirmary, 1720 2nd Avenue, New York, NY, USA +1 917 388 2512

V-Note

Vegan bistro V-Note offers dishes so filling and flavorful, you won’t even miss the meat. The accommodating menu includes brunch classics like french toast and blueberry pancakes, as well as tasty and inventive vegan dishes such as seitan schnitzel, tempeh bacon, and tofu scramble. With an extensive menu and an impressive stock of organic wines and beers, V-Note demonstrates that healthy eating and happy eating are one and the same.

V-Note, 1522 1st Avenue, New York, NY, USA +1 212 249 5009

About the author

Julia Goicochea

Splitting her time between Miami and New York, Julia is a writer currently based in Brooklyn. She enjoys foreign films, 70s cookbooks, and bad detective novels.