There’s something special about SoHo that keeps me coming back. and the brunch restaurants scene is a big part of it. I’ve walked these streets more times than I can count, ducking into every promising spot I find. Here are the ones that made the cut.
I think we can all agree brunch is the best meal of the day. Breakfast is too early, lunch is too rushed and dinner has a tendency to feel too formal. It also doesn’t hurt that drinking before 5pm is socially acceptable as long as we call it “brunch.” On. That note, let’s cover the best brunch in SoHo, one of my favorite neighborhoods in New York City.
Quick Summary. Looking for brunch restaurants in SoHo? Here are my top picks— 12 Chairs Cafe, Sadelle’s, Shuka, and more.
Best Brunch in SoHo
(Click Here for the Table of Contents)
Table of Contents. SoHo Brunch Restaurants
Visiting New York City? If you haven’t decided where to stay (yet) check out my helpful guide on Where to Stay in New York City (10 Best Neighborhoods +3 to Avoid). Don’t have time? Here’s my favorite hotel in NYC, hands down.
12 Chairs Cafe
Website. 12 Chairs Cafe
Brunch. Served all day
Location. 56 MacDougal St, New York, NY
What started as a small cafe two decades ago has turned into one of the most popular brunch restaurants in SoHo. Specializing in Middle Eastern fare, 12 Chairs Cafe relies on local and seasonal ingredients to guide the menu.
The brunch menu is full of tantalizing options like Shakshuka (poached eggs in a spicy Moroccan tomato sauce served in a skillet), Eggs Siniya (sunny side eggs cooked with tahini sauce and served in a skillet) and Borek (fried dough filled with potato puree and runny egg).
If you’re dinning with a picky palate, opt for the tried-and-true lamb burger or Challah bread french toast. Whatever you decide to do, make sure an order of the babaganoush opens the meal.
Sadelle’s
Website. Sadelle’s
Brunch. Served all day
Location. 463 W Broadway, New York
Paying homage to traditional Jewish delis, Sadelle’s upscale twist makes it a popular spot for stylish New Yorkers. Comforting Jewish fare takes center stage, but the restaurant’s pièce de résistance is the signature Sadelle’s Tower.
Presented with a three-tiered stand, buttery slices of smoked salmon take the top tier, while prime fixing and still-hot bagels duke it out below. Sure, there are other things on the menu—like seared veal dumplings and airy omelettes —but they’re all supporting actors.
For those craving an step up SoHo brunch experience, Sadelle’s should fit the bill.
Shuka
Website. Shuka New York
Brunch Hours. Weekends 10:30am-3:30pm
Location. 38 MacDougal St, New York, NY
Shuka is an approachable Eastern Mediterranean restaurant with relaxed vibes and great brunch fare. The modern Mediterranean restaurant plays host to straight-forward classics like tender kebabs (served with pita and dip) and warm chicken shawarma.
Split an order of whipped feta and pistachio dip while tackling the exciting entrees. I’m a big fan of the Mediterranean Plate (hummus, crudite, falafel, tahini, fresno salsa, hard boiled egg, pickles. And pita) while my husband prefers the shakshuka (spicy tomato sauce pouched eggs, feta, charred shishito peppers, shatta and pita).
If sweet brunch is more your speed, the baklava cinnamon rolls or chocolate babka french toast are worth a flirt. If all else fails, a slice of dense olive oil cake with whipped cream and cherries never hurt anybody. Regardless of your preference, Shuka is a welcome addition to Soho’s brunch scene.
This the kind of spot that turns a good trip into a great one.
Citizens of SoHo
Website. Citizens of SoHo
Brunch. Served all day
Location. 201 Lafayette St, New York, NY
Citizens of Chelsea opened in 2016 when co-founders Justin Giuffrida and Andrew Geisel decided to introduce a community-focused restaurant that emphasized clean food and great coffee. Nearly ten years later, the popular Austrian cafe became known for serving some of the most beautiful brunch in SoHo.
Thankfully, everything tastes as great as it looks. I recommend splitting the famous blueberry and maple pancakes with the table before flirting with the entree menu. I’m partial to the Smashing Avocado (multigrain toast, pickled onion, feta, beetroot hummus) and the Chorizo Breakfast Burrito, but everything on the menu is bound to impress.
Balthazar
Website. Balthazar
Brunch Hours. Every weekend from 9am-4pm
Location. 80 Spring St, New York, NY
Warm and inviting, Balthazar exudes cozy vibes ideal for romantic brunch dates in SoHo. From outstanding smoked salmon eggs Benedict to incredible french onion soup, the hardest thing about visiting this popular SoHo brunch restaurant is scoring a reservation.
If brunch is fully booked, pay a visit to the bakery next door for fresh baked goods. The chocolate donuts and chai lattes. If you do manage to get a table, linger for a while and don’t rush the experience. Isn’t that what the weekends are for?
Unpopular opinion. Hot take. if there’s a two-hour wait, the brunch isn’t worth it. These spots prove you don’t have to suffer.
Local tip. Here’s something most visitors don’t know. the best time to visit is right when they open.
Jack’s Wife Freda
Website. Jack’s Wife Freda
Brunch. Served all day
Location. 226 Lafayette St, New York, NY
Jack’s Wife Freda is a popular restaurant that merges South African and Israeli cuisine. Sounds like an unusual combo, until you realize the founders are husband-and-wife duo, Dean and Maya Jankelowitz (from South Africa and Israel respectively).
Named after Dean’s grandparents, Jack and Freda, this chic SoHo brunch restaurant is a love letter to comforting childhood meals. For brunch, I’m partial to the green shakshuka (soft baked eggs, green tomatillo shakshuka, challah toast) and rosewater waffle (lebanese yogurt, mixed berries and honey syrup).
Beyond inspired meals, the welcoming atmosphere and great vibes earn Jack’s Wife Fredaspot on our list of the best brunch in SoHo.
Local’s Recommendation.Don’t leave without trying Naom’s Malva Pudding, an African sponge cake soaked in sweet caramel pudding with a side of whipped cream, it’s a very memorable cap to the meal.
Flipper’s
Website. Flipper’s
Brunch. Served all day
Location. 337 W Broadway, New York
Ever tried Japanese soufflé-style pancakes? If not, you’re in for a treat. Flippers is a popular SoHo brunch restaurant that introduced these spongy delights to the neighborhood in 2019. Offering sweet and savory variations, my favorite is the caramel banana chocolate pancakes made with caramelized bananas and chocolate ice cream.
Keep in mind that Flipper’s doesn’t take reservations, so consider visiting early on a weekday for the best experience.
You can tell they put thought. I usually order the house special and have never been let down.
Ruby’s Cafe
Website. Ruby’s Cafe
Brunch. Served all day
Location. 219 Mulberry St A, New York, NY
Established in 2002, Ruby’s Cafe is a neighborhood staple that blends traditional breakfast offerings with an Australian touch. Standout menu items include the popular avocado toast and spicy sausage breakfast sandwich. You can’t go wrong with either.
Good to know — Ruby’s doesn’t take accept reservations and runs on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive early to avoid a long wait at this popular brunch restaurant in SoHo.
The space itself is beautifully designed without feeling overly precious. If it’s your first time, I’d recommend starting with their signature dish. it’s what they’re known for and it won’t disappoint.
The Dutch
Website. The Dutch
Brunch Hours. Weekends 10am-3pm
Location. 131 Sullivan St, New York, NY
Helmed by Andrew Carmellini, a seasoned restaurateur with 15 accomplished NYC restaurants under his belt, The Dutch is an upscale tavern that opened in 2011. All the rage a decade ago, the restaurant has since earned a reputation as a reliable haunt for excellent brunch in SoHo.
Start with an order of the crab-stuffed deviled eggs before diving into the entree options. The cornmeal pancakes are a personal. Oh, don’t sleep on the Bloody Mary either, it’s one of my favorites in the city.
La Mercerie
Website. La Mercerie
Brunch Hours. Weekends 10am-3pm
Location. 53 Howard St, New York, NY
La Mercerie is an opulent French cafe with an air of sophistication. Step foot inside and you’ll instantly see why this considered one of the prettiest brunch restaurants in SoHo. Chic as can be, the menu is unequivocally sophisticated with indulgent French fare.
The buckwheat Crêpe Complète comes highly recommended, served with a sunny side egg and ham, it’s a nice change of pace from the typical brunch offerings. As is the smoked salmon toast, made with house-smoked salmon, crème fraîche, espelette peppers and petite sorrel.
If you’re looking for fancy brunch options in SoHo for a first date you’re keen to impress, La Mercerie is worth considering. Just know that luxury comes at a cost, and the ambiance and vibes are half the draw.
The Grey Dog
Website. The Grey Dog
Brunch. Weekdays until 3pm, weekends until 4pm
Location. 244 Mulberry St, New York, NY
A popular neighborhood haunt serving some of the most affordable brunch in Soho, The Grey Dog is a staple for college students and savvy foodies.
In terms of food, the variety spans the gamut! From fried chicken and cornmeal pancakes to chorizo hash and hearty burgers. If you’d like some guidance, the Grey Dog’s Breakfast is an easy choice, served with eggs. French toast or pancakes, home fries, & bacon, sausage, or avocado, you won’t leave hungry by any stretch of the imagination.
Beyond food, the cocktail menu is worth a gander. Featuring creative concoctions like spicy pineapple margaritas and Grey Dog Spritz, at $14 a pop you can easily enjoy a few rounds at this cherished SoHo brunch spot.
Fanelli’s Cafe
Website. Fanelli’s Cafe
Brunch. Served all day
Location. 94 Prince St, New York, NY
Fanelli’s Cafe dates back to 1847 when it was established as a grocery store. It wasn’t until 1922 that the establishment was transformed into a cafe, where a century later, it turned into a popular SoHo brunch restaurant where stylish people go to be seen.
The restaurant is best billed as comfortable and homey, it isn’t pretentious by any stretch of the imagination. The food is passable (affordable even, for the neighborhood), but it’s the old-school vibes and prime people-watching that keeps this place on constant rotation with locals.
SoHo Brunch Spots (Post Summary)
- Jack’s Wife Freda
- Sadelle’s
- The Dutch
- Balthazar’s
- Ruby’s Cafe
- 12 Chairs Cafe
- NoMo Kitchen
- Citizens of SoHo
- La Mercerie
- Fanelli’s Cafe
- Flipper’s
- The Grey Dog
- Shuka
SoHo Neighborhood Guides
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)
New York City Guides
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
Based on our extensive local experience, we cover the top picks for brunch restaurants in SoHo in this guide. Each spot has been personally visited and reviewed.
Every recommendation in this guide comes from personal visits as a local New Yorker. We prioritize quality, atmosphere, and value when selecting my top picks.
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. ;
While you’re here, you might enjoy my 17 Satisfying SoHo Coffee Shops (Local’s Guide). one of my personal favorites to write.
I want to hear from you. What’s the most underrated brunch spot I missed? Tell me and I’ll check it out.
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Final Thoughts
My personal go-tos from this list are 12 Chairs Cafe and Sadelle’s, but each spot here brings something unique to the table. SoHo really is one of the best areas in the city for this. Let me know your favorites in the comments. I’m always updating this list based on reader tips.
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