DineGuides

Brunch in Lower East Side

10 restaurants in Lower East Side. Part of our New York Brunch guide.

Good Thanks Cafe
#1Brunch

Good Thanks Cafe

AmericanΒ·$$

This Australian-inspired cafe on the Lower East Side is a go-to for vibrant, wholesome brunch dishes. Expect creative takes on classics like kimchi scrambled eggs and banana bread, served in a bright, casual atmosphere perfect for solo diners.

🍽️95Food
✨85Vibe
πŸ‘‹78Service
πŸ”Š55Noise
πŸ’¬

β€œSpotless, bright, airy, full of good energy”

πŸ’¬

β€œShockingly good, super accommodating, fast, nice, helpful”

Ideal for
Weekend brunch enthusiasts willing to waitVegetarians seeking thoughtful optionsInstagram-worthy breakfast moments
Russ & Daughters Cafe
#2Brunch
6 photos

Russ & Daughters Cafe

AmericanΒ·$$

This Lower East Side institution offers a taste of classic New York Jewish deli fare, with a particular focus on expertly prepared smoked fish and bagels. It's a place where tradition meets a lively atmosphere, making it a go-to for both locals and visitors seeking authentic flavors.

🍽️95Food
✨85Vibe
πŸ‘‹88Service
πŸ’°75Value
πŸ’¬

β€œAmbient is cozy with Jazz playing in the background”

πŸ’¬

β€œClean and vibrant, pleasant upscale Jewish eatery”

πŸ’¬

β€œ40 minute wait, 45mins to an hour during peak hours”

Ideal for
Visiting tourists seeking iconic NYC deli experienceWeekend brunch enthusiasts willing to waitSmoked fish and Jewish deli lovers
Clinton St. Baking Company
#3Brunch
6 photos

Clinton St. Baking Company

AmericanΒ·$$

This Lower East Side institution is a pilgrimage site for pancake lovers, serving up fluffy, golden stacks that live up to their renowned status. Beyond the famed blueberry pancakes, the savory breakfast items and baked goods also shine, making it a go-to for a satisfying meal any time of day.

🍽️92Food
✨75Vibe
πŸ‘‹78Service
πŸ›‘οΈ75Safety
πŸ’¬

β€œThe flavoring is the same when you sit down and when you take out”

πŸ’¬

β€œChicken had a piece of hair on it”

Ideal for
Pancake enthusiasts willing to plan aheadWeekday lunch or dinner visitorsInstagram-focused foodies seeking iconic brunch
YongChuan
#4Brunch
6 photos

YongChuan

ChineseΒ·$$$

YongChuan offers an authentic taste of Ningbo cuisine, a regional specialty rarely found in New York City. The restaurant excels in providing a welcoming atmosphere suitable for various occasions, from solo meals to group celebrations, and is particularly noted for its excellent Peking duck and vibrant weekend dim sum brunch.

🍽️92Food
✨88Vibe
πŸ‘‹90Service
πŸ“75Location
πŸ’¬

β€œAuthentic Ningbo cuisine with clean, balanced flavors”

πŸ’¬

β€œGreat value dim sum brunch, food was incredibly freshly made”

πŸ’¬

β€œ3rd time here and looking forward to our next visit”

Ideal for
Adventurous diners seeking authentic regional ChineseDim sum brunch lovers on budgetDate nights and special occasions
Dudleys
#5Brunch

Dudleys

AustralianΒ·$

Dudley's is a lively Australian-style spot that shines as a go-to for brunch and casual meals. It offers a vibrant atmosphere perfect for groups and dates, with a full bar to complement the menu. While known for its popular dishes, be prepared for potential waits, especially on weekends.

🍽️88Food
✨88Vibe
πŸ‘‹75Service
πŸ”Š60Noise
πŸ’¬

β€œLoud static filled music ruined the atmosphere”

πŸ’¬

β€œFavorite in this neighborhood”

πŸ’¬

β€œThe restaurant is clean and service is quick”

Ideal for
Weekend brunch with friends or familyCasual Australian-inspired comfort foodInstagram-worthy dining experience
Davelle
#6Brunch

Davelle

JapaneseΒ·$$$

Davelle is a tiny Japanese kissaten that feels like stepping into a Studio Ghibli film. It's a cozy, intimate spot where the beautifully crafted toasts and comforting curries are as much a feast for the eyes as they are for the palate.

🍽️82Food
✨92Vibe
πŸ‘‹78Service
πŸ’°65Value
πŸ’¬

β€œI can’t believe I spent $30 on 3 slices of toasted bread that I easily could have made at home.”

πŸ’¬

β€œIt’s a cute, hole-in-the-wall kinda place, rustic with minimal to no decor.”

πŸ’¬

β€œI ordered the ground pork curry, and it was a total disappointment.”

Ideal for
Date nightWeekend brunchCoffee and toast
Ainslie Bowery
#7Brunch

Ainslie Bowery

ItalianΒ·$

This lively Bowery spot pulses with energy, offering a vibrant atmosphere perfect for both intimate dates and large celebrations. While the ambiance is a major draw, the food can be hit or miss, with some dishes shining while others fall flat.

🍽️82Food
✨95Vibe
πŸ‘‹70Service
πŸ”Š65Noise
πŸ’¬

β€œThe pasta was great(cacio e Pepe and penne alla vodka) , the margarita pizza was also great as was the arancini, which was the best thing on the menu.”

πŸ’¬

β€œHad to wait an hour to be seated. They blamed a hiccup in their reservation system.”

πŸ’¬

β€œRefused to seat us even though all tables were empty, we made a reservation in front of them in order to be seated.”

Ideal for
Date nightGroup celebrationsWeekend brunch
Tre
#8Brunch

Tre

ItalianΒ·$$

Tre feels like home, a cozy Italian trattoria in the East Village where the staff treats you like family. It's a place that shines with its intimate atmosphere and consistently delicious food, making it a go-to for both casual weeknight dinners and special occasions.

🍽️88Food
✨95Vibe
πŸ‘‹75Service
⏰70Wait
πŸ’¬

β€œThe food is amazing, PHENOMENAL”

πŸ’¬

β€œLow lighting and background Jazz right volume for conversation”

πŸ’¬

β€œBest $40 you can spend in NYC”

Ideal for
Date nights and romantic dinnersBrunch with unlimited wine/champagneSmall groups seeking intimate Italian
Les Enfants de Bohème
#9Brunch

Les Enfants de Bohème

FrenchΒ·$

This cozy French bistro on the Lower East Side feels like a Parisian escape, offering classic dishes and a lively atmosphere. It's a versatile spot, perfect for intimate dates, lively group dinners, or even a solo meal at the bar. The live music on Sundays adds an extra layer of charm to the already inviting ambiance.

🍽️88Food
✨95Vibe
πŸ‘‹75Service
πŸ›‘οΈ65Safety
πŸ’¬

β€œEasy to miss but the food is simply amazing”

πŸ’¬

β€œOutdoor seating had an overall casual and maybe a little dingy feel”

πŸ’¬

β€œEverything from the food to the charisma”

Ideal for
Intimate date nightsSmall groups seeking cozy French escapeBrunch with cocktails
Zafis Luncheonette
#10Brunch

Zafis Luncheonette

AmericanΒ·$$

This classic Lower East Side luncheonette feels like a step back in time, serving up familiar diner standards with a warm, unpretentious atmosphere. It's a neighborhood staple where longtime staff treat regulars like family, offering a cozy and welcoming spot for breakfast or lunch.

🍽️85Food
✨88Vibe
πŸ‘‹65Service
🎯60Consistency
πŸ’¬

β€œPerfectly fried egg, crispy but not dry bacon”

πŸ’¬

β€œSpoiled rice pudding. Prepackaged, spoiled, rancid”

πŸ’¬

β€œRight across the street from my public school”

Ideal for
Breakfast/brunch enthusiasts seeking classic diner fareNeighborhood regulars and localsBudget-conscious diners valuing portion size

Brunch in other New York neighborhoods