Updated April 10, 2025
Here are my 18 tried-and-true spots for the Best Brunch in West Village NYC!
These best brunch spots have seen me through it all: from funsie Sundays with my besties, to butterfly brunches with my S.O.’s.
It’s hard not to be charmed by this Greenwich Village neighborhood, complete with its cobblestone streets and dressed up twenty-somethings.
But what a West Village brunch is not always good for is the wallet.. so, I got you covered with affordable options, too!
Here are my 18 fave spots for the best brunch in West Village NYC!
Best Brunch West Village NYC
Best For Dates & Charming Vibes
1. Shuka: Romantic & Healthy
Romantic vibes and healthier options. Cue, Shuka!
My heart flutters every time I walk past that charming corner with Shuka and a bunch of vibey restaurants… Cherubic memories of hedonistic fun flash under my skin.
The outdoor dining at Shuka is one of those places. Fit for dressy brunch with the girlies, or your main heartthrob.
The indoor seating is just as vibey, too.
The shakshuka ($21) calmed my nerves and the tangy Mediterranean plate ($25) made me feel like a glowy girlie.
I couldn’t resist the za’atar fries ($9).
📍38 MacDougal St, New York, NY 10012
2. Buvette: Charming Parisian Vibes
This is the quintessential West Village brunch experience. Sitting elbow to elbow with other twenty-somethings, screaming over a fresh OJ and a delicious but small plate in a buzzingly charming space.
The interior is thrillingly romantic and exciting, tin ceilings and all.
If you’re searching for a Parisian vibe in the West Village, stop by — but do expect a wait. There’s no reservations; waits can be about 1.5 hours during peak weekend hours.
Good thing is, they open at 8am daily… so if you’re on a date, try to come earlier so it’s not so chaotic!
📍42 Grove St, New York, NY 10014
3. Little Ruby’s: Tasty & Modern Vibes
The vibes are swanky and the food is delicious at the West Village location of this Australian cafe.
This newest Little Ruby has a full bar and new dishes that you won’t find elsewhere.
This is one of my favorite brunch spots because everything on the menu is delicious.
My friend and I got the Sweet Potato Fries ($8) to start. They came with a sour cream and sweet chili sauce that complemented the fries so well.
I had the Blueys ($16), which was a ciabatta sandwich filled with grilled chicken breast, tomato, spinach, swiss, sweet chili, and mayo. It was a simple sandwich, but SO GOOD. The grilled chicken breast had that grilled, charred flavor and was still pretty juicy.
My friend decided that he wanted one of their breakfast foods, so he ordered the Egg Sandwich ($14). It had a sunny side egg, bacon, cherry tomatoes, arugula, spicy relish, hash brown, and sesame bun. He also had nothing but good things to say about his dish.
I learned afterwards that Little Ruby’s West Village has espresso martini shots, so I would’ve ended my meal with one if I had known!
📍225 West 4th Street, New York, NY 10014
4. Little Owl: Corner Gem with Huge Windows
Little Owl calls itself “a West Village corner gem with a big porkchop and an even bigger heart”. I thought that was a funny description, but “corner gem” is very apt! Chef Joey Campanaro is cooking up great Mediterranean food here (it happens to be under the TV show Friends apartment).
I went on a weekend morning and was lucky enough to make a same-day reservation right before! They had friendly service here and were able to get me seated and accommodated quickly.
I got the Smoked Salmon Scramble ($18). The eggs were perfectly scrambled to Gordon Ramsay’s liking and came over a piece of toast. The salmon had the right amount of smokiness to it, which went well with the eggs. My friend ordered the Poached Eggs ($14), which seemed like their take on a classic eggs benedict; two poached eggs were placed on top of breakfast patties and fontina biscuits with greens and hollandaise. My friend liked the breakfast patty a lot more than the typical Canadian ham in eggs benedict.
I would love to come back for dinner to try more of their Mediterranean dishes!
📍90 Bedford St, New York, NY 10014
Best For Boozy Brunch
5. Roey’s: Quintessential Girls’ Brunch in the City
Roey’s is a neighborhood pizzeria with Florentine and Neapolitan influences.
For those looking for a great bottomless deal, they offer a Boozy Brunch ($25) with unlimited prosecco, bellini, or mimosa for 60 minutes with the purchase of any entrée. My friends and I all got the Rosemary’s Spritz ($16) and the Margherita Pizza ($18). The drink tasted similar to an aperol spritz, but I believe it had a wine base. The pizza had a thin, chewy crust and was the perfect size—not too big, not too small. The tomato sauce and the basil tasted fresh, making for a truly delicious bite.
Next time, I’m coming for happy hour because their spritz is only $5 and their margherita pizza $7. What a STEAL!
They blew up on TikTok for their happy hour deals (which I have to come back to try because they’re just THAT good). They have a wood-fire oven to cook their pizzas in, giving them that charred flavor.
📍1 Perry St, New York, NY 10014
6. Dante: Tasteful In Every Way
Okay… this is another place I’ve written about before, but it’s just THAT good. To be fair, last time I wrote about dinner—this is now brunch at their other West Village location. They have a few tables for outdoor seating. When the weather is nice, I love sitting outside because it’s a perfect spot to people watch (especially if there’s a drink in hand too!).
That being said, they have a good amount of brunch cocktails; I then have to mention that Dante was voted one of the best bars in the world before. That’s how you know whatever you order will be good. From their Breakfast Martini ($18) to the Cold Pressed Bloody Mary ($19), there’s no shortage of drinks you can order to accompany your food.
I was craving something sweet, so I ended up ordering the House Baked Cinnamon Roll with Yoghurt Icing ($18). It was topped with seasonal grilled peaches and pecans. Peaches are such a summer fruit and it was absolutely delicious paired with the cinnamon and icing; it was almost like a peach cobbler but in roll form!
It’s always such a good time at Dante—whether that’s brunch or dinner. Each time I go, the food and drinks never fail to impress me.
📍551 Hudson St, New York, NY 10014
Best Laid Back Vibes with S.O. & Friends
7. The Grey Dog: A Guaranteed Good Time
This one’s an oldie but a goodie.
For years, their various locations in the city have been my go-to’s for laid-back, wholesome catchups with guaranteed good vibes.
The food, cocktails, and vibes don’t disappoint. The prices are solid (even on the lower side) for the West Village, with entrees under $20, bottomless coffee for $5 and $14 cocktails.
📍49 Carmine St, New York, NY 10014
8. Jack’s Wife Freda: Tasteful & Classy
The first time I visited New York City, my friend took me to Jack’s Wife Freda. They’re a cult favorite for a reason, as I would constantly get “Jack’s Wife Freda” as an answer when I asked my friends for brunch recommendations.
Jack’s Wife Freda is serving up food inspired by the owners’ Israeli and South African backgrounds, as well as New York’s Jewish culture.
Once I saw the brunch menu, I knew exactly what I was getting. The Rosewater Waffles ($18) were calling to me because it was topped with lebanese yogurt, mixed berries, and honey syrup. If you know anything about me, it’s that I LOVE yogurt and floral flavors. The waffles were crispy.
My friend ordered the Green Shakshuka ($16), which was interesting because shakshuka usually consists of a red sauce. She said she loved the freshness of the green tomatillo sauce. I’ve also heard that the Madame Freda ($24) is another popular item; it’s a pressed sandwich with duck prosciutto, cheddar béchamel, gruyère, and a sunny side up egg!
Jack’s Wife Freda is definitely worth checking out if you’re looking for the quintessential NYC brunch experience. They have multiple locations across NYC, so there’s no excuse to not stop by…
📍50 Carmine St, New York, NY 10014
9. La Bonbonniere: Cheap Diner That Hits The Spot
I ran all the way downtown (literally, while marathon training!) to La Bonbonniere with a massive appetite, and I was not disappointed.
For just $12-13, you can get an omelette. I loved the crispy bacon with my pancakes.
It’s not fancy, but it’s the perfect touch-and-go brunch spot with your S.O. or hangover cure with a close friend.
Don’t forget: it’s cash only!
📍28 8th Ave, New York, NY 10014
10. Breakfast by Salt’s Cure: A Foodie Favorite
Breakfast by Salt’s Cure is known for their oatmeal griddle cake. These griddle cakes are so good that there’s always such a long line (since they’re walk-in only). I went on a Saturday morning and waited about an hour and a half. If you don’t want to wait, you might have a better chance coming for weekday brunch or visiting their other location in Carroll Gardens.
Their menu is pretty limited, but that’s not an issue—just order the Classic ($18). It comes with 2 OG griddle cakes, 2 sausage patties (choice of chicken, pork, or garbanzo), and 2 eggs. I loved the texture of the griddle cakes because the oats added some chewiness and the edges were thin and crispy. The cakes were not as heavy as traditional American pancakes, which was a good thing because I could eat more of it without getting too full. They were topped with cinnamon molasses butter… MMM! The butter provided a touch of sweetness that really tied the whole thing together. I also really appreciated having the patties and eggs on the side for some savory balance.
On my recent trip back to LA, I found out that their original location is in West Hollywood. It made me happy knowing that I could get these pancakes whenever I visit home as well!
📍27 1/2 Morton St, New York, NY 10014
11. Banter NYC: Veggie & Gluten-Free Options
I love brunch, but sometimes the food can be so heavy and filling after. To avoid that feeling, my go-to brunch order is avocado toast (since it’s usually the lightest choice there is). I don’t have that issue with Banter because they’re an all-day cafe with a few healthier brunch options!
I ordered the Banter Bowl ($18) topped with grilled chicken. The bowl also consisted of pickled carrot, cabbage, watermelon radish, cucumber, edamame, avocado, quinoa, and miso ponzu dressing. I’m not a huge fan of salads (I’m looking at you Sweetgreen…), so I loved how this bowl had the perfect balance of grains and vegetables. The quinoa acted as a solid base and the miso ponzu dressing added a nice acidity and flavor to everything.
They also offer a Nutella French Toast ($19) for a sweeter option. The toast is stuffed with Nutella and topped with a nut crumble, seasonal mixed berries, banana, and maple syrup. It’s very sweet, but very worth it. Brunch is one of the few times where it’s acceptable to eat dessert for breakfast, so I would get it if I felt like treating myself to something decadent!
This is yet another Aussie cafe to add to your list! I’m sensing a theme here between Australians and great brunch food…
📍643 Hudson St, New York, NY 10014
12. Mémé Mediterranean: Fresh & Flavorful
Mémé is French Moroccan for “grandma,” a tribute to what the owners’ children call their mother. While their mother lives in Israel, she still continues to shop special spices directly to them to use in their dishes.
Their Mediterranean menus were full of different options; I liked how they offered a few traditional brunch dishes like eggs benedict and french toast, but the majority of their menu was Mediterranean inspired. The weekday brunch menu is more limited, so be sure to come on the weekend for more to choose from.
I got the Mediterranean Brunch ($20) that came with three eggs any style, chopped salad, feta and goat cheese, olive and pita. Mediterranean cuisine is full of really healthy ingredients, so I felt good eating this! The combination of the feta and goat cheese really elevated the salad.
My friend ordered the Steak and Eggs ($24), which seems to be one of their more popular brunch items. It was a grilled NY strip steak, scrambled eggs with cheddar, avocado salad, onion, peppers, and home fries. She said the steak was very flavorful and tender!
It’s a great place for some reprieve from traditional American brunch food!
📍6581 Hudson St New York, NY 10014
Best With Family & Visitors
13. Sadelle’s: Lox Bagel, But Make It Fancy
Sadelle’s is an iconic place when it comes to NYC dining, as they’re known for their bagel tower. It’s nearly impossible to walk-in on a weekend for brunch and reservations go quickly!
People usually order the House Salmon ($27) or Smoked Scottish ($26) fish that are served with a bagel, tomato, cucumber, onion, and capers on a tower. The presentation is immaculate and makes for great Instagram stories! For an even more impressive spread, you can order Sadelle’s Tower ($125). That one comes with three tiers of toppings (fish, tomatoes, onions, and spreads) and unlimited bagels. If you’re able to get a reservation for a large group (5 is their max for online reservations), this would be the dish to order to eat to your heart’s content!
People also rave about the French Toast ($25) and how fluffy and soft it is. It’s dusted with powdered sugar and served with a side of maple syrup. I don’t usually opt for french toast when choosing between pancakes, waffles, and french toast, but I might have to reconsider based on how Sadelle’s toast is being described.
It might be hard to get a seat at Sadelle’s, but considering its popularity and reputation, it’s worth a try!
📍463 W Broadway, New York, NY 10012
14. Boucherie: Elevated French Lofted Restaurant
Look no further for a classy brunch spot with food that delivers and a classic, elevated vibe.
The portions are hefty and the experience is worth the (higher) New York prices.
This two-story lofted restaurant is in a former theatre. Elements of that grandeur resonate in the arched windows, exposed wooden ceiling beams, and tiling.
The second floor is great for larger groups. Perfect for bringing parents and visiting family!
📍99 7th Ave S, New York, NY 10014
15. 12 Chairs Cafe: Delicious Food in a Cozy Setting
All the dishes I’ve tried at 12 Chairs hit the spot!
The vibes are good, and they’re in a trendy part of town. But the focus is more on the food, less so on visual extravagance.
This is a lovely place with friends and your S.O., but there’s also a lot of families with kids.
I gobbled down the shakshuka ($18) with merguez (add $4). The schnitzel salad is a vibe ($19).
📍56 MacDougal St, New York, NY 10012
Best Cafes & Quick Bites
16. THE ELK: Charming Cafe with Delicious Drinks
This small but charming cafe has got peak West Village vibes. The coffee and drinks are fantastic.
The breakfast burrito is small but mighty. At $17, it’s a bit overpriced… but the cute vibes indoors and in their outdoor seating are worth it (if that’s what you’re looking for).
It’s the perfect catchup spot with a close friend, or a morning-after refresh with your date.
📍128 Charles St, New York, NY 10014
17. Daily Provisions: Great Coffee & BEC
All the drinks and bites are tasty and tastefully presented at Daily Provisions. This particular location is nestled in a trendy, but slightly quieter part of the West Village, not far from Washington Square Park.
There’s not much seating. But grab a bacon, egg & cheese sandwich on a fluffy roll + a yummy coffee and head on over to the park!
📍29 Bedford St, New York, NY 10014
18. Popup Bagels: Yummy Even Without A Spread
Popup Bagels is a great reminder that sometimes all you need in life are the simple things. All they have are bagels and cream cheese spreads (not even breakfast sandwiches!); and yet, their bagels are so good that they’ve made a name for themselves as some of the best bagels in NYC.
There’s a minimum order of 3 bagels, so keep that in mind if you just wanted a single one. They hand you the bagels while they’re still hot and fresh, so you can see the steam escaping when you rip them open. The inside is soft and chewy, while the outside has a nice hard exterior—everything a great bagel should be. I’m partial to the Everything Bagel, but their Salt and Sesame Bagels are also great contenders. Their schmears change every few weeks (I believe) and they occasionally do collaborations for limited edition flavors!
Washington Square Park is super close by, so I would suggest taking your bagels to sit down and eat there. They’re also opening a new brick and mortar location on the Upper East Side, which I am SO excited for… I no longer have to make the trek to West Village.
For a quick but yummy brunch, stop by Popup Bagels!
📍177 Thompson St, New York, NY 10012
Best Brunch West Village NYC
Don’t miss out on these 10 spots offering the Best Brunch in West Village NYC!
- Shuka: Romantic & Healthy
- Buvette: Charming Parisian Vibes
- Little Ruby’s: Tasty & Modern Vibes
- Little Owl: Corner Gem with Huge Windows
- Roey’s: Quintessential Girls’ Brunch in the City
- Dante: Tasteful In Every Way
- The Grey Dog: A Guaranteed Good Time
- Jack’s Wife Freda: Tasteful & Classy
- La Bonbonniere: Cheap Diner That Hits The Spot
- Breakfast by Salt’s Cure: A Foodie Favorite
- Banter NYC: Veggie & Gluten Free Options
- Mémé Mediterranean: Fresh & Flavorful
- Sadelle’s: Lox Bagel, But Make It Fancy
- Boucherie: Elevated French Lofted Restaurant
- 12 Chairs Cafe: Delicious Food in a Cozy Setting
- THE ELK: Charming Cafe with Delicious Drinks
- Daily Provisions: Great Coffee & BEC
- Popup Bagels: Yummy Even Without A Spread
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