Short answer best breakfast spots in New York City
New York City’s breakfast buffet scene goes beyond the typical hotel spread, offering a mix of luxury, style, and variety. Top picks include The Peninsula New York’s Clement, debuting its refined Sunday brunch buffet in March 2025; The Whitby Hotel, known for its boutique charm and elegant continental offerings; and Hotel Riu Plaza Manhattan Times Square, a well-reviewed and affordable Midtown favorite. Each delivers a delicious, high-quality start to the day.
What makes NYC’s breakfast buffet scene special?
New York’s buffet offerings aren’t just about volume; increasingly, they reflect post-pandemic trends toward higher quality, local sourcing, and elevated presentation. One travel piece notes that hotel breakfast buffets worldwide—including in cities like New York—are returning “with a vengeance,” focusing on seasonality and visual appeal rather than on a gluttonous spread alone. In this context, New York buffets can serve as a memorable part of your morning rather than just a convenience.
Top breakfast buffet spots in New York City
Here are three standout buffet options to consider, each offering a distinct vibe and value level.
1. The Peninsula New York – Clement
Located in Midtown Manhattan, The Peninsula New York’s restaurant, Clement, runs a Sunday breakfast and brunch buffet starting in March 2025. The buffet is available from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., with pricing set at around USD 115 for adults and USD 65 for children under 12.
Why go: This buffet offers much more than the typical eggs, pastries, and fruit selection. It delivers a high-end brunch experience that blends luxury, creativity, and freshness—ideal for those looking for a lavish morning meal in an elegant setting. Signature dishes include artisanal baked goods, fresh seafood, and made-to-order omelets prepared with premium ingredients. The sophisticated interior, combined with the hotel’s five-star service, makes it a memorable destination for special occasions or a weekend indulgence.
Considerations: While the buffet is spectacular, it’s available only on Sundays, making it more of a treat than an everyday breakfast option. The pricing aligns with its upscale positioning.
Insider tip: Reservations are highly recommended. Arrive early in the service window for the best experience and select a table near the windows for beautiful city views. Pair your meal with a fresh-pressed juice or the restaurant’s signature mimosa for the perfect finishing touch.
2. The Whitby Hotel
Though not as widely publicized as other hotel buffets, The Whitby Hotel is frequently praised by guests as one of Manhattan’s most elegant breakfast experiences. One traveler described it as “the only luxury breakfast buffet I know of in Manhattan… more continental style, but you can add on cooked dishes at extra cost. The food is outstanding, and the setting is beautifully designed.“
Why go: The Whitby’s breakfast buffet offers an intimate, boutique-style atmosphere that emphasizes quality over quantity. The spread features freshly baked pastries, seasonal fruits, cured meats, artisanal cheeses, and freshly brewed coffee sourced from local roasters. Guests can also order made-to-order hot dishes, such as fluffy pancakes, truffle scrambled eggs, and avocado toast with smoked salmon. The decor—bright, artful, and distinctly New York—adds to the relaxed yet sophisticated vibe.
Considerations: The Whitby’s buffet is more refined and smaller in scale than those at larger hotels, focusing on fresh, premium ingredients rather than an extensive lineup. It’s best suited for those who appreciate a calm, upscale environment rather than a bustling all-you-can-eat setup.
Insider tip: Arrive early to enjoy the calm morning ambiance and full pastry selection. Ask about seasonal menu rotations or chef’s specials, which often include local or limited-time ingredients. If you’re visiting on a weekday, reservations are recommended to secure a table in the charming dining room.
3. Hotel Riu Plaza Manhattan Times Square
For travelers looking for a hearty breakfast without the high-end price tag, Hotel Riu Plaza Manhattan Times Square stands out as a dependable choice. The buffet, available daily, has earned strong reviews from guests for its variety and consistency. One visitor commented, “The breakfast buffet exceeded expectations—yes, there was a queue, but it was well worth it.”
Why go: The hotel’s buffet includes a wide range of options to satisfy both local and international palates, from classic scrambled eggs and crispy bacon to fresh fruits, cereals, and baked goods. Guests particularly appreciate the rotating hot dishes and the diverse pastry section. It’s a great option for families, business travelers, and tourists staying in Midtown who want a filling, convenient breakfast before exploring the city.
Considerations: Due to its popularity and prime location near Times Square, the buffet can become crowded during peak hours. While the food quality is solid, it doesn’t match the sophistication of top-tier luxury hotels.
Insider tip: Plan to arrive as soon as breakfast service begins to avoid long lines and ensure the freshest selections. If you’re staying nearby but not at the hotel, call ahead to confirm walk-in availability. Check if breakfast is included in your room rate—many guests find it’s one of the best-value inclusions in the area.
4. The Langham, New York – Ai Fiori
Located along Fifth Avenue, The Langham’s Ai Fiori serves an elegant breakfast buffet with a European flair.
Why go: Known for its refined Italian-French cuisine, Ai Fiori elevates breakfast with premium pastries, charcuterie, gourmet cheeses, and custom egg dishes. It’s perfect for those who want a sophisticated yet relaxed morning meal.
Considerations: The buffet leans toward upscale dining, so pricing is on the higher end.
Insider tip: Ask for a seat near the windows overlooking Fifth Avenue for a serene start to your morning.
5. The Regency Bar & Grill – Loews Regency New York Hotel
A classic Upper East Side destination, The Regency Bar & Grill is known for its “Power Breakfast” tradition that attracts NYC’s elite.
Why go: This breakfast buffet combines a traditional spread with Ă la carte options, featuring smoked salmon platters, made-to-order omelets, and high-quality baked goods. The atmosphere is both lively and refined.
Considerations: Expect higher prices and a bustling morning crowd.
Insider tip: Visit on weekdays for the authentic “Power Breakfast” vibe—perfect for people-watching and networking.
Where to go next
If you’re in New York City and want a breakfast buffet that truly feels worth it, it’s important to consider your priorities—location, budget, ambiance, menu variety, and whether made-to-order stations enhance your experience. For a luxurious morning affair, The Peninsula’s buffet at Clement delivers sophistication and indulgence with its refined setting and gourmet offerings. If boutique elegance and exceptional quality are what you seek, The Whitby provides a stylish, intimate atmosphere perfect for a relaxed yet elevated start to the day.
For travelers who value convenience and affordability without compromising on variety, Hotel Riu Plaza Times Square stands out as a reliable and satisfying choice in the heart of Midtown. Wherever you decide to go, arrive early, take your time, and savor every bite—because breakfast in New York City isn’t just the first meal of the day, it’s an experience that sets the tone for your entire adventure in the city that never sleeps.
Bonus picks & alternatives
While the above three are among the more identified buffet experiences, if you’re open to variations (not strictly buffets, but substantial breakfast spreads), you might consider:
- High-end brunch buffets that include breakfast items.
- Classic hotel breakfasts that offer buffet + made-to-order stations, even if labeled “Ă la carte”.
- Also, keep in mind that some food-safety and quality caveats apply with buffet formats (see “Safety & savvy buffet-tips” below).
Safety & savvy buffet tips
When attending breakfast buffets in New York City (or anywhere), here are a few good practices:
- Early arrival improves food quality and selection. Buffets are replenished early in the morning, and as service progresses, items may become tired.
- Hot-station items (e.g., omelets made to order) tend to be fresher than trays of eggs and bacon held for long durations.
- Watch for signage about allergens or dietary-friendly options if you have restrictions.
- Many sources caution about high-risk buffet items. For example, pre-cut melon, under-temperature meats, and reused batter may be problematic.
- If you can choose between a simpler buffet and one with freshly cooked components and fresh, locally sourced ingredients, the latter will likely make the experience.
Why these buffets stand out in 2025
The breakfast buffet norm has evolved. Instead of just being a convenience perk, these buffets are now part of the hospitality experience, especially in cities like New York. According to global commentary, “quantity is no longer the goal; emphasis now is on quality, seasonality, local ingredients, zero waste – and Instagrammability.” In practical terms, for New York, that means:
- Buffets in some hotels now highlight artisanal pastries, regional produce, omelet or waffle stations, and curated presentation.
- Some may integrate local coffee roasters, juices, and baked goods from NYC-based bakeries.
- Buffets are not just for hotel guests – many roll out offerings for non-guests too (with a charge).
- This shift makes breakfast buffets worth seeking out, rather than skipping in favor of a simple coffee and pastry.
Conclusion
If you’re in New York City and want a breakfast buffet that truly feels worth it, it’s important to consider your priorities—location, budget, ambiance, menu variety, and whether made-to-order stations enhance your experience. For a luxurious morning affair, The Peninsula’s buffet at Clement delivers sophistication and indulgence with its refined setting and high-end selection. If boutique elegance and exceptional quality are what you seek, The Whitby provides a stylish, intimate atmosphere perfect for a relaxed yet elevated start to the day.
For travelers who value convenience and affordability without compromising on variety, Hotel Riu Plaza Times Square stands out as a reliable and satisfying choice in the heart of Midtown. No matter where you go, it’s best to arrive early, take your time, and savor every bite—after all, breakfast in New York City isn’t just the first meal of the day, it’s an experience that sets the tone for your entire adventure in the city that never sleeps.
