📍 Added in April: Sailor in Fort Greene nails the balance of sweet and savory at brunch. Yes, the French toast is damn good—and you should absolutely get it—but I consider it more of a breakfast dessert. Start with the Turkish eggs, a perfect harmony of salt, fat, acid, and heat, thanks to creamy yogurt, chili oil, sesame seeds, and warm flatbread. And don’t skip the coffee—it’s fresh, strong, and the ideal way to round out the meal.

📍 Added in April: This gem could be a case study for why New Yorkers willingly stand in line. At the recently opened Prospect Heights location, you can start the day with breakfast sandwiches and expertly crafted pastries—like the matcha-mango morning bun—before rolling into a lineup of delicious sandwiches for the lunch rush. With a rotating, seasonal menu, every visit offers something new. Just be sure to get there early—doors stay open until sold out, and trust me, they will sell out.

📍 Added in April: Red Hook Lobster Pound signals the return of longer days and seafood cravings. As the city shakes off the cooler temperatures, there’s no better way to embrace the season than a trip to Red Hook for a lobster roll. I’m partial to the Connecticut style—warm, poached in butter, and packed with a generous six-ounce serving of lobster. Pair it with a crisp local beer, cozy up at an inside seat, and soak in the first real hints of the season ahead. 

📍 Added in April: There’s nothing like a Caribbean juice bar when you need a quick pick-me-up. Pasa Pasa specializes in the “gingerfication” of fresh smoothies and juices, adding just the right kick to every sip. When hunger strikes, the veggie-forward patties are the move—young jackfruit and chickpea being a personal favorite. Whether you’re after something refreshing or a light bite, this spot always delivers.

📍 Added in April: Tucked behind a red curtain inside a Midtown hotel, Burger Joint is a no-frills, cash-only gem serving one of the best burgers in the city. I discovered it after an SLT workout class when a friend bribed me with the promise of a post-sweat burger—one bite, and I was hooked. The menu keeps it simple: juicy patties, melty cheese, and the perfect squishy bun. Come hungry, bring cash, and embrace the old-school charm of this hidden classic.

I’m a new Crown Heights resident, and Agi’s Counter is my go-to café to kick off a midweek morning. Start your day with their dill-and-cheddar sandwich, a savory masterpiece featuring a perfect fried egg, mayo, and a shave of Alpine cheddar. Don’t miss the bakery counter, where you’ll find spanakopita babka—a marriage of the classic Greek spinach pie and the twisty, sweet layered bread. Agi’s is closed Monday and Tuesday, so plan a visit during the back half of the week.

This all-day Mexican eatery is great for a casual lunch at the bar or catching up with friends for happy hour. The easygoing vibe doesn’t compromise on flavor. Here, I like to order for the table. Begin with the chicken soup, a broth balanced with fresh cilantro and mixed veggies. Tack on the cheese quesadilla and add mushrooms, then wrap up with the pork al pastor gringa, a fun, shareable entrée. What’s a Mexican meal without churros for dessert? You know what to do.

Bridges in Chinatown is a sexy downtown spot, perfect for dinner before a night out or an uninterrupted catch-up with friends. The menu is a playground for rich and unexpected flavors that will have you feeling adventurous rather than overwhelmed. Start with sardines with anchovies and peppers, then move to the comté tart—a savory masterpiece with nutty French cheese, chanterelles, and a buttery crust. Pair it with a glass of wine and soak in the chic, intimate atmosphere.

Pre-theater dining hits a new high at Café Chelsea, breathing fresh life into Midtown West. This bistro, located right next to the iconic Hotel Chelsea, exudes grown-up-in-NYC vibes. Amid French classics, the ravioles du Dauphiné shine: a sheet of ravioli with Comté cheese, cracked pepper, and olive oil. Begin here, add steak frites or the chicken and a crisp glass of wine, and cap it with a chocolate soufflé, then it’s off to Broadway.

This neighborhood spot is everything you could want in a French bistro. Its charm lies in its simplicity: perfectly executed omelets, buttery croissants, and crisp frites that seem to arrive at the table just when you’re thinking about them. It’s the kind of spot where a leisurely breakfast can turn into lunch, especially if you’re indulging in a second café crème. On weekends, snagging a patio seat feels like winning the New York brunch lottery, so aim to arrive early.