Savor Spring: Best Brunch & Dining Spots
As the trees blossom and the city comes alive with warmer days, there’s no better way to savor spring in New York than by enjoying brunch on the Upper West Side. This charming neighborhood is a haven for food lovers, brimming with cozy cafés, iconic delis, inventive restaurants, and sweet spots for a cool treat.
If you're soaking up the sun on a park bench or meeting friends for a long, lazy brunch, the Upper West Side offers some of the most delightful dining experiences in the city. We've rounded up a list of restaurants offering the best brunch on the Upper West Side, all just a short distance from The Wallace Hotel.
Good Enough to Eat
Start your spring morning right with a visit to Good Enough to Eat, a beloved neighborhood staple since 1981 and just a 15-minute walk from The Wallace Hotel. This cozy spot is known for its classic American brunch menu, featuring everything from fluffy pancakes and omelets to hearty corned beef hash and applewood-smoked bacon.
The strawberry butter served with their warm biscuits is legendary, and the friendly, relaxed vibe makes it a perfect place to linger over coffee. With seasonal specials and outdoor seating available, it's a must for those craving comfort food and sunshine.
Zabar’s
No culinary journey through the Upper West Side is complete without a stop at Zabar’s. This renowned market and gourmet deli has been serving New Yorkers since 1934 and continues to be a go-to for incredible smoked fish, fresh-baked bagels, rugelach, and all things delicious.
Pick up a picnic spread for nearby Riverside Park or grab their famous lox sandwich and an iced coffee for a quick, satisfying bite. Zabar’s is ideal for foodies who want to brunch on the go or bring the experience back to their hotel room. It’s a short 5-minute walk from The Wallace Hotel.
Daily Provisions
Bright, cozy, and filled with the scent of fresh-baked pastries, Daily Provisions is a modern neighborhood café perfect for a relaxed brunch or afternoon treat. Their spring menu features standout items like bacon, egg & cheese sandwiches on house-made rolls, avocado toast, and an impressive selection of donuts and seasonal pastries.
With friendly service and a welcoming vibe, it’s an ideal place to linger over a cold brew or chai latte on a sunny Upper West Side morning. For guests of The Wallace Hotel, it’s just a short, 5-minute walk away.
The Mermaid Inn
If you're in the mood for seafood, The Mermaid Inn delivers a vibrant, coastal-inspired menu perfect for a breezy spring afternoon. Their brunch offerings include Maine lobster rolls, Angus burger, and crispy fish tacos, all served in a laid-back yet polished atmosphere.
Pair your meal with a signature cocktail or a glass of rosé, and you’ve got yourself a little seaside getaway right in the middle of the city. At just a 7-minute walk from The Wallace Hotel, guests can easily take advantage of this weekend brunch spot.
RedFarm
For something a bit different, RedFarm is a trendy, creative take on traditional dim sum and Chinese cuisine that’s just a 2-minute walk from The Wallace Hotel. Known for its whimsical dishes like Pac-Man dumplings and Katz’s pastrami egg rolls, it’s an exciting choice for adventurous brunch-goers. The airy space and farm-to-table ingredients make it feel both fresh and indulgent—perfect for a lively, social meal on a sunny weekend.
Van Leeuwen Ice Cream
For a decadent yet refreshing dessert, head to Van Leeuwen Ice Cream, a beloved NYC favorite known for its rich, French-style ice cream made with simple ingredients. With classic and vegan options in flavors like honeycomb, Earl Grey tea, and cookies and cream, it’s the perfect way to cool down on a warm spring day. Their seasonal specials are always worth trying, and the creamy texture is next-level. Guests at The Wallace Hotel are just a 10-minute walk away from their creamy coolness!
Westville
For a brunch that’s equal parts fresh, flavorful, and feel-good, Westville's Upper West Side location is a standout neighborhood favorite. Just a 10-minute walk from The Wallace Hotel, this casual eatery offers seasonal dishes and brings simple preparations to life in a bright, welcoming space, with outdoor seating that's perfect for a sunny spring brunch. Highlights include the vegan smoked gouda burger, market veggie plate, and buttermilk fried chicken sandwich. With a breezy vibe and crowd-pleasing menu, it’s an easy pick for a relaxed meal.
Plan Your Stay
With so many outstanding places to enjoy brunch on the Upper West Side, it's easy to see why this neighborhood is a favorite among locals and visitors alike. If you're in the mood for something traditional, trendy, or sweet, the best brunch on the Upper West Side is just a few minutes from The Wallace Hotel.
When you're ready to rest and recharge, book your stay at The Wallace Hotel; it offers the perfect blend of comfort, style, and proximity to all the neighborhood's culinary delights.