Best Brunch Restaurants in East Harlem (10029)
6 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: December 2025
Our Top Pick
Alison
A wine-focused American bistro where oysters, cocktails, and a strong burger share the spotlight.
Notable Picks
#1
Alison
8.3
Polished East Harlem restaurant with a full bar and a brunch menu that runs from pancakes and waffles to eggs benedict and sandwiches. It’s where locals book for slightly-upscale brunch with proper cocktails, sunlight from big windows, and a mix of neighborhood regulars and destination diners.
Must-Try Dishes:
Alison Burger with Narragansett, Sweet Petite oysters, Shrimp aguachile
What Makes it Special: A wine-focused American bistro where oysters, cocktails, and a strong burger share the spotlight.
8.0
Mexican-focused East Harlem spot that runs brunch into late night, with chilaquiles, tacos, and horchata landing alongside cocktails. Locals lean on it for hearty plates, generous portions, and a dining room that can handle long, social meals.
#3
Love Cafe
8.0
Long-running Pleasant Avenue cafe where Dominican-leaning breakfast platters, waffles, and sandwiches pair with strong coffee from early morning on. East Harlem regulars treat it as a casual, order-at-the-counter brunch staple rather than a once-in-a-while destination.
Worthy Picks
7.9
Since 2014, this Italian spot off 116th has been serving pastas, pizzas, and brunch frittatas with a neighborhood-wine-bar feel. Brunch here leans Italian: think frittata, Margherita pies, and pasta plates paired with prosecco or spritzes.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lasagna Bolognese with homemade lasagna sheets, Gnocchi with braised lamb ragù, Spaghetti and meatballs
What Makes it Special: Handmade pastas and a rich Lasagna Bolognese in a cozy East Harlem townhouse space.
7.9
Tapas wine bar in Spanish Harlem that flips into a lively weekend brunch with eggs, burgers, chilaquiles, and strong cocktails. It’s a go-to for social brunches where the drinks matter as much as the plates and the room stays tight, loud, and upbeat.
Must-Try Dishes:
Goat cheese croquettes, Chorizo with cannellini beans, Malfatis (spinach and ricotta dumplings)
What Makes it Special: Cozy neighborhood tapas and wine bar where cocktails, small plates, and conversation share top billing.
7.7
Latin-owned coffee bar on 116th serving breakfast all day, from egg sandwiches to sweet specialty lattes. It’s more cafe than restaurant, but locals treat it as a casual, laptop-friendly brunch stop with better coffee and friendlier service than most neighborhood chains.
Must-Try Dishes:
Breakfast sandwich, Mazapán iced latte, Dirty horchata iced latte
What Makes it Special: Design-forward coffee shop doubling as an all-day breakfast nook on 116th.