Where to Brunch Now in NYC: 4 Elevated Spots to Savor the Season

With warmer weather settling in and daylight stretching luxuriously longer, brunch in New York feels less like a meal and more like a ritual. This season, the city's top culinary teams are reimagining the weekend table with ingredient-driven menus, artistic plating, and patio-ready atmospheres—all designed to help you slow down and savor.

Below, discover four exceptional brunch destinations across Manhattan and Brooklyn, each offering its own creative rhythm, signature dishes, and seasonal charm.

Tucked inside Arlo Williamsburg, Sungold turns the typical brunch experience into a thoughtfully executed affair. Chef Michael King’s seasonal, produce-forward approach shows up on every plate—from turmeric-puffed House Granola to a Chocolate Babka French Toast dressed in espresso whipped cream.

Pancakes are treated seriously here too: the Old Fashioned Pancakes are topped with bourbon brown butter and maple syrup, while the Smashed Avocado gets an herby upgrade with za’atar and overnight tomatoes. The Second Street Burger offers something savory with crispy onions and house deluxe sauce.

For those who brunch with a celebratory lean, Sungold offers a 90-minute bottomless cocktail option ($28) featuring mimosas, bellinis, and spritzes, available every weekend from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. With an open patio and golden morning light streaming in, it’s one of Brooklyn’s most inviting spring brunch spots.

Just steps from Bryant Park, Harta delivers a well-balanced blend of elegance and approachability—perfect for a refined yet relaxed weekend meal. Served Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., the brunch menu moves from classic to inventive with ease.

Lemon Ricotta Pancakes ($17) offer a zesty touch with yuzu curd and fresh berries, while the Breakfast Sandwich ($21) layers eggs, smoked bacon, and Vermont cheddar onto a buttery brioche bun with crispy Yukon gold potatoes.

Pair with the signature Brunch Punch ($14), a festive fusion of vodka, prosecco, mint, and mixed berries, or opt for a non-alcoholic Yuzu Lime Tonic ($12) for a bright and balanced refresh. Starting Memorial Day weekend, guests can also enjoy brunch al fresco on the streetside patio—a peaceful pocket of calm in the heart of Midtown.

Situated on the iconic Brighton Beach boardwalk just steps from Coney Island, Breva offers a distinctly coastal take on the New York brunch scene. Part brasserie, part beachside escape, the space features panoramic windows and a seasonal patio overlooking the Atlantic.

Breva’s newly launched Jazz Brunch kicks off at 11 a.m. each weekend, accompanied by live music from 12:30 to 4 p.m. The menu leans New American with elevated flair: think Lemon Ricotta Pancakes ($17) with yuzu curd, a Smoked Salmon Benedict ($24), and a decadent Steak Frites ($48).

The cocktail lineup adds to the occasion with brunch exclusives like the Breva Pick Me Up Bloody Mary ($18) or the indulgent Shrimp Mary ($23), complete with a colossal shrimp garnish. It’s a brunch that invites you to linger long after the last bite.

With a fresh menu and a new area executive chef—Michael King, also of Sungold—NoMad Diner is bringing renewed energy and elevated comfort fare to its corner of Manhattan.

The Boozy Brunch offering ($25) includes 90 minutes of bottomless mimosas, Bloody Marys, and select beers with the purchase of any entrée. It runs from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekends, making it one of the city’s most flexible windows for indulgence.

Highlights from the kitchen include Babka French Toast ($17) with chocolate crumble and maple whipped cream, and a clever twist on Eggs Benedict ($20), which replaces the traditional English muffin with a crispy celery root latke—a recipe that earned acclaim from New York Magazine as “Best Latke in Town.”

Between its relaxed setting and playful take on the classics, NoMad Diner is well worth a weekend detour.