15 best breakfast places in Upper West Side New York City
When it comes to starting your day off right, nothing beats a delicious breakfast. If you're in the Upper West Side of Manhattan, you're in luck, as there are numerous breakfast places to choose from. From cozy cafes to bustling bistros, these spots offer a range of morning treats, from fluffy pancakes to hearty egg dishes. Whether you're a local or a visitor, be sure to check out these breakfast places in Upper West Side for a fantastic start to your day.
1. Mila Cafe
A popular spot for both locals and tourists to relax and work

This place offers friendly and fast service with a warm and inviting atmosphere, thanks to the helpful staff. The standout menu items include a delicious and unforgettable banana smoothie, a perfectly cooked egg white omelette, and a perfectly balanced yogurt, fruit, and granola bowl.
Located near the park, this establishment excels in creating dishes that are not only delicious but also affordable. Its banana smoothie, egg white omelette, and yogurt, fruit, and granola bowl are the best I have ever had, making this a must-visit spot for any food lover. The small size of the restaurant only adds to its charm and cozy ambiance.
2. Manhattan Diner
Iconic NYC diner experience since 1977

This diner is a must-visit for anyone seeking a wide-ranging menu and generous portion sizes. If you have a smaller appetite, consider sharing a meal and saving room for their exceptional desserts. The fresh and well-cooked food, accompanied by attentive waitstaff and excellent service, make for an enjoyable dining experience.
The owners of this establishment are deserving of recognition for their kindness, and the coffee served is good. The desserts on offer are especially noteworthy and should not be missed. Overall, this diner is an excellent choice for a satisfying and enjoyable meal.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
- Celebrations
3. Cafe Eighty Two
Known for its extensive tea selection and cozy ambiance

The diner was selected primarily due to the availability of gluten free options, which proved to be a great choice. The food was delicious and the gluten-free pancakes and toasted sandwiches were a particular hit with the gluten-intolerant daughter in the group. The staff's exceptional service was another highlight, with their friendly and attentive nature making for an enjoyable dining experience.
This establishment is an excellent spot for breakfast, with delicious food and generous portions. The breakfast sandwiches are a must-try and are highly recommended. The staff's friendliness contributes to the overall positive atmosphere, and the service is swift, ensuring that customers can enjoy their meals without a long wait.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Italian Cuisine
- Gluten-Free
- Mid-Range
4. The Viand
Emphasis on high-quality ingredients and traditional Italian cooking techniques

The Viand is a wonderful location for a morning meal, known for its delicious food and excellent service. Two popular choices are the fluffy pancakes and the savory omelettes. The pancakes are light and airy, while the omelettes are stuffed with various fillings, satisfying any cravings. Additionally, the coffee is always fresh and served promptly.
The service at The Viand stands out, with staff who are not only friendly but also efficient. This combination ensures a pleasant dining experience for customers seeking a quick bite or a leisurely meal. The atmosphere is cozy and inviting, making it an ideal spot for both solo diners and groups. Overall, The Viand offers a top-notch breakfast experience that keeps customers coming back for more.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Vegan Options
- Lunch
5. Daily Provisions - Upper West Side
Known for its commitment to sustainability and locally sourced products

Daily Provisions, a cafe on Upper West Side, is a great spot for a quick meal and one of the top options in the neighborhood. The establishment is clean and appealing, with a wide range of selections that are not overwhelming. I tried their traditional Bacon Egg and Cheese sandwich with a runny yolk, and it was excellent.
Daily Provisions' all-day cafe on Upper West Side is an ideal location for breakfast, lunch, or a quick bite. Their menu offers various choices without being overwhelming. The RUNNY YOLK Bacon Egg and Cheese sandwich, specifically, is a must-try and did not disappoint. The sandwich was delicious, and the runny yolk added an extra touch of flavor that I thoroughly enjoyed.
6. Nice Matin
Authentic French bakery experience in the heart of New York City

Nice Matin is a restaurant that consistently delivers high-quality meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. During this visit, the focus was on breakfast, where the chef excelled in making real omelettes, a delightful change from the typical scrambled eggs served in other establishments. The options included an avocado omelette and a Gruyère omelette, both of which were delicious.
The service at Nice Matin is exceptional, raising the bar higher in the industry. The staff is attentive, friendly, and knowledgeable about the menu, creating a welcoming atmosphere for customers. The quality of service combined with the delicious food makes Nice Matin an ideal spot for a satisfying and enjoyable dining experience, worth returning to again and again.
TOPICS
- Mediterranean Cuisine
- Dinner
- Downtown Spots
7. Viand Cafe
Known for its healthy and delicious plant-based dishes, using locally sourced and organic ingredients.

Viand, a diner of great value, offers amazing service that is friendly, efficient, professional, and timely, although some reviewers have noted it can be unreliable or absent. The menu features a variety of dishes, including a delicious surprise of three thick and juicy lamb cutlets when ordering lamb chops. While the food is generally considered good, fresh, and reasonably priced, some reviewers have criticized it for being dry or not cooked properly.
The coffee served at Viand is excellent and comes in unlimited refills, which is a pleasant touch. Although Viand may not provide a gourmet dining experience, it more than makes up for it with its honest, delicious fare and exceptional service that rivals even the top NYC restaurants. Some reviewers mention that the food may not meet expectations, but overall, Viand offers a satisfying dining experience.
8. Crepes On Columbus
Unique crepe creations and cozy atmosphere

Crepes on Columbus is known for serving great food and providing fantastic service. The steak and eggs with potatoes is a must-try, as the grass-fed beef is incredibly tender and well-cooked. For those with a sweet tooth, the Nutella and strawberry crepes are a delicious option. The crepes are highly recommended by customers who have dined there.
The breakfast dishes at Crepes on Columbus are not only delicious but also very filling. The owner and staff are welcoming, greeting customers with a smile and making them feel at home. Coffee is regularly served with orders, and all dishes are generous in portion. The restaurant is known for providing excellent and plentiful meals, making it a great spot for breakfast.
9. Friedman’s
Located in the heart of Manhattan's Upper West Side

The service at this establishment is highly efficient, with knowledgeable employees who provide individualized attention to each customer. Their friendly and quick approach makes for a positive atmosphere.
The food offerings have received much praise, known for being hot, fresh, and delicious. They offer gluten-free options, providing choices for those with dietary restrictions.
TOPICS
- Vegetarian Options
- American Cuisine
- Social Gatherings
- Mid-Range
10. Barney Greengrass
A New York institution since 1908

Barney Greengrass, a New York City establishment, offers a unique and enjoyable dining experience, slightly off the beaten path but worth the detour. The deli is known for its specialty fish dishes, and I had the pleasure of trying the pastrami salmon with scrambled eggs and a salmon and cream cheese bagel.
This 100-year-old deli is a classic example of the city's rich culinary tradition, with a menu featuring sturgeon scrambled eggs and a H&H bagel with lox, cream cheese, and tomato. Whether you're a New Yorker or a visitor, Barney Greengrass is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the best of the city's deli scene.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- American Cuisine
11. Cafe Luxembourg
Located in the heart of the Upper West Side, popular spot for locals and tourists alike

Cafe Luxembourg, a classic French bistro, offers a fantastic breakfast experience. I recently dined there for breakfast and had the eggs Benedict, which I thoroughly enjoyed. The restaurant was able to accommodate my gluten-free diet, and the potatoes were also gluten-free. The server was knowledgeable about gluten-free options, and the pricing was reasonable for New York. I would highly recommend Cafe Luxembourg and would definitely return.
Cafe Luxembourg, located on the Upper West Side, is a classic French bistro from the same team as The Odeon in Tribeca. The dishes may not be unforgettable, but the overall experience is memorable. The bistro has a classic decor and ambiance, and you may even spot Fran Lebowitz taking a meeting in a corner booth with two extremely tall people. The restaurant offers classic French bistro dishes, and it's worth a visit for the experience and potential for celebrity sightings.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- High-End
- Vegetarian Options
12. Effy's Cafe
Offers a plant-based menu and supports local artists

13. City Diner
Iconic NYC diner with a rich history and classic atmosphere

Matzo ball soup is a standout dish, even surpassing the renowned Barney's Greengrass. The combination of fresh and savory flavors makes it a clear favorite over alternatives like the Manhattan Diner. Even the potatoes are noticeably better, contributing to an overall delicious meal. The plan is to definitely return for more.
For dinner, there's an extensive selection of dishes to choose from, including breakfast standards. Generous servings of pasta are a guarantee, ensuring a satisfying meal. Diners can also enjoy their meal in an outdoor setting, providing a pleasant atmosphere to complement the delicious food.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Downtown Spots
14. Sarabeth's
Known for their homemade jams and delicious pancakes.

The location of the establishment is a major highlight, situated on the upper Westside and directly across from Central Park. The food offerings are generally tasty, although patrons may find the prices to be on the steep side.
Moving on to the dining experience, the breakfast menu boasts farm fresh ingredients and exceptional service. One noteworthy dish is the scrambled eggs with lox and cream cheese, which was particularly delicious. Thankfully, the prices for the breakfast items were more reasonable compared to some other menu offerings.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Breakfast
- Vegetarian Options
- Vegan Options
15. Good Enough To Eat
Known for their comfort food and desserts

Good Enough to Eat is a well-established restaurant in NYC, serving traditional American food since 1981. They are known for their comfort food and home-cooking, offering lunch, dinner, all-day breakfast, and brunch. The restaurant has a reputation for serving delicious and satisfying meals that bring a taste of home-style cooking to its customers.
As a solid brunch spot, Good Enough to Eat provides standard service and delicious food. The restaurant offers a variety of brunch options, including classic breakfast dishes, sandwiches, salads, and more. The comfortable and welcoming atmosphere makes it an ideal spot for customers looking to enjoy a relaxing and satisfying brunch experience. With its commitment to serving high-quality traditional American food, Good Enough to Eat continues to be a popular choice among NYC residents and visitors alike.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Lunch
- Dinner