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12 Best Breakfast Spots in Midtown NYC

By Emmie MurphyJul 25 2024
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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 morning off right with a breakfast that makes 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 12 best breakfast spots in Midtown — all located within the Rockefeller Center campus — have you covered.

Explore all of Rockefeller Center's restaurants, cafes, and bars here.

Cup of espresso from % Arabica 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.

Related: % Arabica’s Global Guide to Coffee Beans

Hand holding a plate with breakfast sandwich from Alidoro at Rockefeller Center

For a breakfast sandwich like no other: Alidoro

There’s a reason both visitors and New Yorkers may 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.

Three bagel breakfast sandwiches on a tray from Black Seed Bagels at Rockefeller Center

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. For the purists, enjoy a classic wood-fired bagel with a selection of delicious spreads. If you want to mix it up a little, Black Seed also offers a range of signature bagel sandwiches including PB&J, lox, and more.

Person pouring coffee in mugs at Blue Bottle Coffee at Rockefeller Center

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 day in the Big Apple.

Person holding a stack of five donuts from Dough at Rockefeller Center

For the sweet tooth: Dough

Founded in Bedstuy, Brooklyn, Dough quickly took the city by storm with its inventive, oversized donuts. The Rockefeller Center location is one of several throughout New York, and it serves up delicious doughnuts seven days a week. Kickstart your morning with tried-and-trues like plain glazed and cinnamon or tingle your taste buds with unique flavors including hibiscus, blueberry lemon, toasted coconut, and many more.

Two soft-boiled eggs, lox, bread, and capers on a tray at Lodi at Rockefeller Center

For a leisurely meal: Lodi

The brainchild of Michelin-starred chef Ignacio Mattos, Lodi is a love letter to Italian aperitivo culture. Revel in La Dolce Vita with an unhurried, flavorful breakfast. Choose a seat indoors or outdoors and linger over flavorful eggs, flaky croissants, fresh juices, and more.

Cup of espresso with scattered coffee beans from Cafe Grumpy at Rockefeller Center

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.

Three pastries on a table from The Tipsy Baker at Rockefeller Center

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 lowkey ambiance. Enjoy buttery croissants, mouth-watering banana bread, flavorful scones, and more – all paired with an array of high-quality brews.

Person sprinkling powdered sugar on a stack of pancakes from 5 Acres at Rockefeller Center

For weekend brunch: 5 Acres

5 Acres may be rooted in Midwestern charm, but it serves up delectable meals in the heart of Rockefeller Center. Now open for weekend brunch, diners can choose from a broad menu of savory favorites. Cheddar burgers, pastries, and, of course, the famous artichoke dip – whatever you crave on a weekend morning, 5 Acres has you covered.

A pastry and mug of chai from INDAY at Rockefeller Center

For all-day breakfast: INDAY

INDAY operates at the cross-section of tradition and innovation. Now, thanks to a partnership with the artisanal bakery Peace, Love and Dough, it’s offering four distinct French-style pastries with a unique Indian twist. Available during store hours, these tasty confections include a Gulab Jamun Croissant (baked twice and drizzled with rose-flavored syrup), an Egg Kerjiwal (think spicy danish), and more. Pair these with a cup of tea or chai to complete your anytime meal.

Hand holding a chocolate babka from Breads at Rockefeller Center

For freshly baked goodness: Breads Bakery

While an award-winning chocolate babka may be its ultimate claim to fame, Breads Bakery delivers across 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 – right on Sixth Avenue.

A pastry and three to-go cups of coffee from Ralph's Coffee Truck at Rockefeller Center

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 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.

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