Midtown's Best Brunch Spots
Meet up with friends in Midtown and start taking advantage of some seriously good brunch spots. Here are the five best places to dine right in the middle of the city. By Carly Petrone.
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Step into Nerai and enjoy traditional Greek food with a twist. Their brand new brunch menu will leave you wanting to book a trip to the isles. Order spinach pies and duck baklava for the table or try the decadent Tsoureki French Toast with bananas and seasonal berries. The slow braised short rib hash with kefalograviera (Greek cheese) and the Maine lobster benedict are just a few other examples of what Chef Chris Christou is serving up in the kitchen. The best part? Brunch comes with your choice of Bloody Mary, Persephone (Prosecco, pomegranate, and St. Germain), or a mimosa. Bottoms up!
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You don't have to be a guest at the Le Parker Meridien to dine at their restaurant. Just glancing at the menu at Norma's will make you smile. With dishes like Foie Gras Brioche French Toast, Nutella Packed Jacks (topped with pineapple chunks and raspberries), and Breakfast Dumplings (stuffed with scrambled eggs, shrimp, and mushrooms), it makes it hard to choose just one brunch item to eat. If you really feeling like splurging, may we suggest The Zillion Dollar Lobster Frittata topped with caviar? Savor 1 oz. of caviar for $100 or 10 oz. for $1,000. And if you drank a little too much the night before, the Breakfast Pizza with bacon, eggs, cheese, and caramelized onions will certainly lead you on a road to feeling better. Sure, the prices are a little on the higher side ($15-$33) but it's worth it.
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Lexington Brass is the perfect place to stop into whether you want brunch, lunch, or even a chef's tasting menu. Start with Kumamoto, Montauk Pearl, or Giga Cup oysters from the raw bar or the grapefruit brulee before moving onto your main course. Those who are gluten-free can nosh on the pumpkin spice gluten-free waffles with bruleed bananas. Egg lovers can choose from a baked egg with blue crab and avocado, benedict royale with smoked salmon and caviar, a steak & chorizo burrito and more. Lunch goers can dine on fresh salads and burgers, too. The real foodies can enjoy the chef's tasting menu/champagne brunch which includes a four course sharable selection of sweet and savory dishes - $55 for two/$90 for four.
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Friedman's Lunch is serving up some serious brunch. From a fresh Southern Breakfast (eggs, biscuit, cheddar grits, fried green tomatoes) to Chilaquiles (sunny side eggs, shredded chicken, fried tortillas, tomatillo sauce, avocado, cojita cheese, crema), this place has quite the assortment of comfort foods at affordable prices. There's also a wide variety of salads and sandwiches that can be prepared gluten-free, including the Grilled Pastrami Reuben and Friedman's Cobb Salad. Pair your meal with one of their fresh squeezed juices or Brooklyn Roasting Company coffees and you've got yourself one hearty meal.
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Start your Sunday morning (okay, afternoon) brunch at The Smith with a Bloody Mary or Apple Champagne Cocktail and pair it with their piping Hot Potato Chips with blue cheese fondue, Candied Bacon Scones, or Glazed Donuts. Their Breakfast Pot Pie ($17) is sure to cure any hangover – sunny up eggs, sweet sausage, thick cut bacon, and cheddar biscuit top – while their pancakes, served with whipped ricotta, toasted pecans, and salted caramel sauce are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth you may be having. Splurge on a Lobster Roll ($27) or Maine Lobster Salad ($29) if you're craving seafood and definitely try one of their fun-flavored housemade sodas like celery mint and cucumber ginger ale.
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Carly Petrone is a freelance writer living in New York City.
