Manhattan’s mornings are a living postcard. Taxis dart through pale sunlight, street carts hiss with promise, and every corner whispers the question: Where’s the best breakfast? I remember wandering these avenues at dawn, led by the scent of bagels and fresh coffee. My best days began perched at a little Midtown counter, fork poised over challah French toast, while the city’s rhythm filled the air. It’s not about hunting for “the spot”—it’s about joining a daily rite, mug in hand, stomach expectant.
Choosing where to eat breakfast in Manhattan isn’t just a decision—it’s a minor art form. Maybe you want buttery pastries or crave classic eggs; maybe bagels, pillowy and warm, call your name. With so much choice, it helps to have a guide who’s spent morning after morning chasing the city’s tastiest first bites. This list skips the guesswork; each spot here is picked with care and carries its own story. Not a single haram item on the menu—just honest, vibrant food. Get ready. Your new favorite breakfast is just a few blocks away.
Where to find the best breakfast in Manhattan, NY
Here are some of the top spots to find the best breakfast in Manhattan, NY:
- Angelina Bakery NYC
- Zeppola Bakery
- Bagels & Schmear
- Angelina Bakery Times Square
- Jams
- Best Bagel and Coffee
- Liberty Bagels Midtown
- Johny’s Luncheonette
- Little Collins
- Westway Diner
1. Angelina Bakery NYC
If you believe mornings deserve a little delight, Angelina Bakery NYC raises the bar. I wandered in expecting the usual croissant fare, then caught sight of their signature bomboloni—pillowy, cream-filled Italian doughnuts that make any day softer around the edges.
Angelina’s blends Italian technique with bakery classics, all under one roof. You’ll spot regulars hunched over pistachio cornetti, their pastries flecked green and filled with delicate cream. For a truly Manhattan moment, try their classic egg focaccia—airy, packed with flavor, and genuinely satisfying.
Thoughtful touches run deep here. Gluten-free and vegan breakfast options keep everyone in the mix, and the staff adds easy warmth. The only tough part: choosing what to order next.
2. Zeppola Bakery
Zeppola Bakery brings the energy of an Italian morning right into Midtown’s swirl. Early one chilly morning, I ducked in and saw warm trays emerging, each promising a golden bite of comfort. The scent alone convinced me this was no ordinary bakery.
Baked fresh from 2 a.m. to 6 p.m., Zeppola stands out by treating pastries as an all-day affair. Their zeppole—light, sugar-dusted Italian dough bites—are irresistible and perfect with rich espresso. But for breakfast, their spinach and ricotta focaccia is my pick: savory, satisfying, unmistakably Italian.
The bakery’s vegan and vegetarian options mean everyone leaves happy. Zeppola’s style? Pure joy on a plate, simple and unpretentious. You’ll wonder why anyone eats breakfast anywhere else.
3. Bagels & Schmear
Bagels & Schmear feels like a neighborhood secret—one of those spots that busy New Yorkers covet for a reason. The first time I bit into their bagel, it was still warm, dense in all the right ways, and perfectly chewy at the core.
What makes this place special? Each bagel is hand-rolled and kettle-boiled, creating that iconic snap when you bite in. The schmears are velvety, with options from classic scallion to inventive veggie blends. For breakfast, order an everything bagel with their veggie or tofu spread; the flavors shine, and you start your day feeling like a real local.
Vegans and vegetarians can fill up without compromise here. Bagels & Schmear proves that sometimes, simple is unbeatable.
4. Angelina Bakery Times Square
Angelina Bakery Times Square is a rare find amid the flashing lights and foot traffic of Midtown. Strolling in early, I caught glimpses of bakers in action—every pastry crafted behind glass walls, an open invitation to see the artistry up close.
Baker Antonio “Tony” Park infuses each recipe with the flavors of his family’s heritage. You’ll taste true care in their ricotta-and-spinach pastries, and the bakery’s Asian twists on Italian classics keep things interesting without ever feeling fussy.
For breakfast, start with a croissant or their signature bomboloni. Light, not too sweet, and never overwhelming—exactly what you want before plunging into Times Square’s energy. Vegetarian-friendly choices abound, so all kinds of morning people can find their favorite start here.
5. Jams
Jams sits right at the edge of Central Park, but feels totally original—an oasis of reclaimed wood, lush greenery, and the buzz of an open kitchen. The first time I visited, sunlight filtered through the patio as a steady chorus of eggs sizzled behind the counter.
Chef Jonathan Waxman adds his personal stamp to everything here. Breakfast at Jams means seasonal, market-focused dishes, designed to wake both appetite and mood. Their avocado toast, topped with pickled onions and microgreens, is layered and lively. Or go for the berry-topped gluten-free pancakes—light, full of flavor, and a lesson in morning decadence done right.
Vegans, vegetarians, and gluten-avoiders will all find something satisfying. Jams proves breakfast can feel both laid-back and a little bit glamorous.
6. Best Bagel and Coffee
Best Bagel and Coffee doesn’t bother with pretense—they let the bagels do the talking. I once ducked out of Penn Station on a cold morning, following a line that led straight to their front door. It was worth every second of waiting.
Bagels here are hand-rolled and baked fresh on-site, crowding the shelves with their glossy finish and irresistible aroma. Classic combinations shine brightest: an everything bagel piled high with veggie cream cheese, or a hot egg-and-cheese sandwich for that perfect city start.
Vegetarians have plenty of choices, and there are vegan and gluten-free options that don’t feel like afterthoughts. Whether you like your breakfast simple or fully loaded, Best Bagel and Coffee lives up to its name.
7. Liberty Bagels Midtown
Liberty Bagels Midtown gives you the archetypal New York bagel shop experience, right in the heart of Midtown. I still remember the first rainbow bagel I tried here—warm, impossibly fluffy, and paired with a tangy cream cheese that lingered in memory all day.
Bagels are hand-rolled, kettle-boiled, and baked on site, turning out crusty exteriors with soft, satisfying centers. Their menu covers all tastes, from classic plain to whole wheat or cinnamon raisin, each begging for a unique cream cheese flavor.
For breakfast, a toasted everything bagel with their scallion or tofu spread is a surefire pick. Vegan and gluten-free diners won’t feel left out—the kitchen takes those options seriously. At Liberty Bagels Midtown, tradition and invention go hand in hand.
8. Johny’s Luncheonette
Johny’s Luncheonette is the real deal—a tight, friendly counter spot where chefs call out orders by name and regulars swap stories over endless coffee. My first visit, I slid into a seat with locals and watched as pancakes flipped, home fries sizzled, and platters landed hot and hearty.
This is breakfast with attitude and heart, the kind you can only get in a true NYC luncheonette. Try their fluffy veggie omelet packed with peppers and mushrooms, or order up a golden stack of pancakes with maple syrup on the side. The portions promise you won’t leave hungry.
Vegetarians have no trouble finding satisfying options. For comfort, character, and classic morning fare, Johny’s Luncheonette gets it right from sunrise on.
9. Little Collins
Little Collins is where Melbourne’s coffee scene collides with Manhattan’s morning rush, producing an atmosphere that buzzes but never overwhelms. The first flat white I had here transported me—and the crunchy toast, topped with bright smashed avocado, tasted unmistakably fresh.
This café is all about inventive, unfussy breakfast. The “Brassicas” plate with roasted broccoli, a soft-boiled egg, and a scatter of seeds is a must-try for something nourishing and full of texture. They treat every ingredient with respect, from the espresso beans to the thick sourdough slices.
With vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options, Little Collins covers every appetite. The result? You leave feeling both well-fed and just a bit inspired. This is breakfast in Manhattan with an Australian wink.
10. Westway Diner
Westway Diner breathes classic Manhattan, from its comforting booths to the life-on-the-walls mural that greets every diner. There’s something grounding about sliding into a seat here, whether it’s sunrise or midnight, and hearing the gentle clatter of plates behind the counter. I’ve dropped by for late-night waffles and early-morning omelets, never once disappointed.
The menu reads like a love letter to American breakfast, with pancakes spilling over, golden hash browns, and piles of fresh fruit. Go for the veggie omelet or a thick stack of blueberry pancakes—each delivers a generous helping of comfort, no frills needed.
Vegetarians, vegans, and gluten-free folks have plenty to choose from. For breakfast at any hour, Westway Diner is always the right answer.
More Things to Try in Manhattan, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best neighborhoods for breakfast in Manhattan?
Try Midtown for classic diners and bagel shops, SoHo for trendy cafes, and the Lower East Side for historic breakfast spots with global flair.
Are there vegetarian and vegan breakfast options in Manhattan?
Absolutely. Most cafes and diners offer strong vegetarian and vegan choices—some even have whole menus dedicated to plant-based eats.
Can I find gluten-free breakfast in Manhattan?
Yes, plenty of bakeries and restaurants serve gluten-free bagels, breads, and pancakes. Just check the menu or ask your server for details.
Is breakfast expensive in Manhattan?
You’ll find everything from affordable bagel counters to fancier sit-down spots. Pricing varies, but you can easily enjoy a tasty breakfast without breaking your budget.
What should I try for a classic New York breakfast?
Order a fresh bagel with cream cheese, lox (optional for those who eat fish), or go for classic egg sandwiches or pancakes. These dishes define breakfast in Manhattan.