The Top 10 Brunch Spots In The Gramercy Neighborhood Manhattan

Gramercy, the neighborhood bordering Stuyvesant, Flatiron and Union Square and home to the private garden, is also home to some delicious restaurants perfect for a leisurely brunch. This classic New York neighborhood has quality brunch spots for every budget, here’s our favorites.

1. Fifth

Bar, American

Although 230 Fifth is a popular rooftop bar most nights, it transforms into a beautiful, upscale brunch spot on the weekends. This yummy, family friendly brunch buffet has all the classics from eggs Benedict and waffles to Cuban sandwiches and fried chicken. On warm summer days, they open up the grill, so diners can enjoy burgers along with a view of the New York skyline. The diverse menu and uninterrupted view of the Empire State Building make this place a must for a lavish New York brunch.

2. Almond

Cafe, Restaurant, American, French

It’s hard to say no to a casual brunch spot that serves complimentary biscuits and jam. Almond is a rustic, photograph-worthy bistro in the heart of Gramercy with an impressive and diverse menu. The omelettes and other egg dishes, like the Almond hash with duck confit, roasted onions, potatoes, duck cracklins and a poached egg, are both unique and delicious. Almond is optimal for brunch with a group of friends; they can accommodate large parties, and they even have a billiards room in the back.

3. Maialino

Restaurant, Italian, Romanian

Located inside the Gramercy Park Hotel, the foodie friendly Maialino sits across the street from the coveted Gramercy Park. This rustic restaurant is inspired by the distinct neighborhoods of Rome, and the light, relaxing atmosphere feels both upscale and comfortable. With perfect pastries like the toffee-glazed brioche bun or pistachio croissants, it’s easy to overlook the simple and delicious cacio e pepe scrambled eggs. If you aren’t in the mood for breakfast fare, there are many lunch options as well, including the fettuccine alla carbonara or the porchetta sandwich. Maialino is committed to local farmers and their neighborhoods. Throughout the month of September, one dollar for every triple scoop of gelato or sorbetti will be donated to Citymeals-on-Wheels.

4. Friend of a Farmer

Cafe, Restaurant, American

Friend of a Farmer is a cozy café that takes you out of the city to the countryside with two fireplaces and outdoor seating. The location on Irving Place is just remote enough to remove you from the city buzz. This classic brunch menu has a small town feel with dishes like ‘Carrie Dee’s buttermilk apple pancakes’ and ‘Taylor’s tasty toast.’ Although the homely aesthetic is comforting, the food is fresh and well prepared. The wait staff is very accommodating as well. Yummy French toast | © Martin Cathrae/Flickr

5. Bluebell Café

Cafe, American

This comfort food café is a brunch staple in Gramercy. Bluebell Café is affordable and original with good service, and the mismatched coffee cups and table settings along with the big portions make the place seem more like Grandma’s house than a brunch spot in the city. The brioche French toast is as big as a slice of birthday cake. The café opens at 8am, making it the perfect spot for early risers or ambitious brunch-goers who want to hit more than one spot in a day.

6. Ponty Bistro

Bistro, French

Ponty Bistro is a sophisticated and well priced brunch spot that is known for their French-Senegalese cuisine with Mediterranean influence. They offer a prix-fixe brunch with an entrée, coffee or tea plus a cocktail or orange juice. The menu is fairly standard, but entrées like crêpes and the duck confit omelet have a French flair. This place has the best bang for your buck in Gramercy. It also offers a worldly experience in a comfortable environment, but if you want the culinary experience without leaving the comfort of your home, Ponty Bistro also delivers all day. The House | Courtesy of The House

7. The House

Restaurant, American

This historic three level Gramercy townhouse has a quaint and beautiful ambience. Opened in 1854, The House has multiple personas: the warm parlor, the intimate second story dining room flooded with natural light, and the sidewalk tables surrounded by greenery. The House surrounds you with a perfect mix of casual and high end décor. This is a great place for a brunch date in Gramercy. The menu is full of gourmet twists on classic brunch fare like the French toast, which is soaked in vanilla and rum and served with cinnamon sugar and maple syrup. Although there is a business casual dress code, the prices are not exorbitant.

8. L'Express

Bistro, Cafe, Charcuterie, French

This 24/7 French bistro is consistently delicious and certified ‘Green’ by the Green Business Bureau. L’Express is a traditional Lyonnaise bouchon that feels like an escape to the French countryside. Although the menu is standard for Lyonnaise cuisine, all the dishes are cooked to perfection. The eggs are light and fluffy, and the pain au chocolat is served warm with a melty chocolate center and buttery folds of pastry. They also have daily selections of sausage, charcuterie and cheese. L’Express is a neighborhood favorite with a varied crowd. They serve breakfast during the week if you’re not into a big Sunday brunch.

9. Piccolo Café

Cafe, Restaurant, Italian

This small café has amazing Italian-roasted coffee and great egg sandwiches and pastries. Piccolo Café has a comforting interior, with reclaimed wood floors from a Venetian villa and stools and tables made with reclaimed barnyard wood. Their egg dishes venture beyond normal brunch fare, with options like a truffle egg sandwich and a mozzarella di bufala and prosciutto omelette. Egg dishes are served all day with a complimentary 12-ounce coffee. Their salads, panini, and pasta are all just as good. Piccolo Café is a special brunch find for those on a budget.

10. Petite Abeille

Restaurant, Belgian

This Belgian café serves homey, grandmother-style dishes for the Belgian in all of us. Petite Abeille has a diverse menu with pastries, eggs, and, of course, waffles. Their croque madame is irresistible, with thick country bread, ham, and melted cheese served with a runny egg on top and perfectly salted fries. The ambiance is comfortable with outdoor seating, and they open up the cozy back room in the winter.

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