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Fluffy eggs, decadent drips, flaky pastries, and fresh-baked goodness — the most important meal of the day doesn’t have to disappoint. Start your New York City morning off right with breakfast options that make your wake-up worth it. For the caffeine connoisseurs and the bread buffs, the ones craving sweet or savory, and anyone who needs a meal on the go or wants to sit and linger, the 13 best breakfast spots in Midtown Manhattan NYC, all located within the Rockefeller Center campus, have you covered.
Explore the full roster of restaurants, cafés, and bars at Rockefeller Center.
For an elevated espresso: % Arabica
With its home base in Kyoto, Japan, % Arabica brings a worldly flavor to your morning Joe. The brews are special for a reason – with beans grown on the company’s coffee farm in Hawaii from varietals sourced across the globe. The brand tagline, “See the World Through Coffee,” captures its ethos perfectly. With a sleek, minimalist style and a rich roast, % Arabica makes for a luxe, serene start to any morning.
For a breakfast sandwich like no other: Alidoro
There’s a reason both visitors and New Yorkers make their way to Alidoro, and it isn’t just hype. While its Italian-inspired subs have people queuing at lunchtime, the breakfast sandwiches are just as enticing. From a classic BEC to those with a twist (think fresh mozzarella and truffle cream), there’s no better option to sink your teeth into.
For a menu with broad appeal: Daily Provisions
For the sweet tooth or traditionalist, coffee snob, or matcha drinker, Daily Provisions will satisfy any craving. The selection of breakfast items runs the gamut from your classic sandwich fare – bacon and eggs or cream cheese and lox – to yogurt and granola, muffins, croissants, and their standout crullers – known as some of the best donuts in Manhattan.
For a classic New York morning: Black Seed Bagels
Is there anything more New York than a bagel and schmear? Embrace the urban attitude with a stop at Black Seed Bagels, a favorite breakfast spot that has locations throughout Manhattan and Brooklyn. For the purists, enjoy a classic wood-fired bagel with a selection of delicious spreads. If you want to mix up your breakfast options a little, Black Seed also offers a range of signature sandwiches, including PB&J, lox, and more.
For coffee and conversation: Blue Bottle Coffee
Blue Bottle Coffee may have started as a local cafe in Oakland, California, but its footprint is now global. The Rockefeller Center space, located on Rink Level, has its signature top-notch brews and bites as well as a seating section for patrons. Grab a pour-over blend, sweet latte, or cold brew, and take a moment to pause before a busy weekday.
For an Italian escape: Eataly Caffè
Since opening its first location in Flatiron in 2010, Eataly has become a major all-day foodie destination. After expanding to SoHo, the Financial District, and Hudson Yards, the group’s latest incarnation is the Eataly Caffè at Rockefeller Center. With a commitment to Italy’s street food culture, the cafe feels like a slice of Europe right in Midtown. Guests can savor Italian delights like Saccottino alla mela, a sweet take on the apple turnover, or Code di aragosta, a crisp, layered pastry filled with cream. These pair perfectly with prosciutto-stuffed breakfast sandwiches and expertly brewed coffee, Italian-style.
For a jolt of good vibes: Cafe Grumpy
Turn that frown upside down at Cafe Grumpy. With the objective of having anyone who comes in “grumpy” leave happy, this independently-owned small business roasts its brews in-house for the best beverage experience. Pick up smiles and a cuppa at the Rink Level location.
For some serious pastries: The Tipsy Baker
If you want a Michelin-level pastry, look no further than The Tipsy Baker. The latest offshoot of Pain d’Avignon, the famous artisanal bakery known for supplying bread to many of the city’s best restaurants, The Tipsy Baker combines delicious food with a low-key ambiance. Enjoy buttery croissants, mouth-watering banana bread, flavorful scones, and more, all paired with an array of high-quality brews.
For a butcher’s breakfast done right: Lobel’s Original
A New York institution, Lobel’s original outpost on the Upper East Side is a sixth-generation family-owned butcher shop. Now, its new restaurant at Rockefeller Center is serving up its high-quality beef on a range of sandwiches, breakfast items included. Delight in a thick and juicy B.E.C. with a double cut of Lobel’s smoked bacon or go meatless with their P.E.C., which swaps bacon for roasted peppers. All prepared with a delicious brioche bun.
For a bold start to the day: Madras Dosa Co.
Madras Dosa Co. is focused on the rich dishes of South Indian cuisine, the dosa, in particular. A thin, savory crepe crafted from a batter of fermented rice and lentils, the dosa is a versatile treat that can be filled with an array of ingredients. Load up your dosa with eggs, cheese, spicy potatoes, and a host of other fillings for a savory breakfast that doesn’t skimp on bold flavor – available only at the Rockefeller Center location.
For freshly baked goodness: Breads Bakery
While an award-winning chocolate babka may be its ultimate claim to fame, Breads Bakery delivers across multiple categories. The handmade breads and pastries, baked fresh throughout the day and deemed “exceptional” by New York Magazine, don’t disappoint. Eat in or take out any of the awesome items, which you’ll find right on Sixth Avenue.
For coffee on the go: Ralph’s Coffee Truck
Parked in Atlas Court, Ralph’s Coffee Truck – from the brand Ralph Lauren – is breakfast on wheels. The truck coffee shop serves a selection of drinks as well as muffins and cookies for those on the move. Be sure to try one of the famous specialty blends, made from organic beans roasted and packaged by La Colombe, that have everyone lined up down the block.
For a celebratory breakfast: The Weather Room
A special breakfast at The Weather Room is the best way to kick-start a big day or ring in a celebration. Here, the most important meal of the day is curated from some of the top Rockefeller Center restaurants, like The Tipsy Baker and Black Seed Bagels. It’s also complemented by an iconic view from the rooftop, a variety of programming (free activities for kids, for example), and the occasional celebrity sighting.
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