Top 3 Best Affordable Sunday Brunch Restaurants in New York City + Outfit Ideas!

Lazy Sundays in NYC are my absolute favorite, because it's a time for me to finally take a break from my stressful week and just relax. But it's also the perfect time for me to get together with friends and enjoy an indulgent Sunday brunch with rich Eggs Benedict and warm, sweet french toast with fresh, tangy fruit, away from the stress of school and work and life. Now I know eating out in NYC isn't cheap, and eating Sunday Brunch can really take it out of your wallet. That's why I'm sharing some of my personal favorite under-the-radar brunch restaurants in New York City that are ALSO super affordable and won't force you to starve on cup ramen for the rest of the month. On top of that, I'll be sharing some outfit ideas/inspiration, because eating out in NYC is an experience, and part of that experience includes putting on your crispest outfit and pulling yourself together. After all, New York City is your stage, so make sure you dress the part!



#1) The Grey Dog: 90 University Place

Located near Union Square, the Grey Dog is a cozy, warm little establishment with absolutely amazing all-American brunch/breakfast style food. It gets a little crowded in here, especially on Sunday mornings, but it's definitely worth the wait. I highly recommend the Grey Dog breakfast special, which you can order with either pancakes or french toast. Obviously, I am biased towards the french toast, especially since it comes with a side of fresh, juicy strawberries, bananas, and blueberries. It also comes with scrambled eggs, sausage, potatoes, maple syrup, and butter on the side! I'm literally salivating as I'm writing this post. Trust me, this hearty, wholesome brunch will fill you up for hours, without breaking the bank.


#2) Rintintin 14th Spring Street


This bright, eclectic Mediterranean bistro/bar has a calm, airy, tropical feel to it. It's brunch menu boasts many delicious options, but my personal favorite is the Eggs Benedict. You get two, creamy, rich eggs on smokey, grilled ham with warm, toasty English muffin on the bottom. The dish comes with a side of fried potatoes and healthy arugula salad, and if I am being honest the fried potatoes were the best part of this dish. Don't get me wrong - the Eggs Benedict were absolutely heavenly - but these WERE THE BEST FRIED POTATOES I'VE EVER HAD. I don't know what magical spice/flavoring they use on it BUT IT IS PERFECTION. It is just the right amount of crispy/chewy/savory, but it's not greasy or burnt.


#3) Rosemary's 18 Greenwich Ave


Rosemary's is a lovely, bubbly Italian restaurant that is well known for its seasonal pastas, affordable wines, and breathtaking rooftop garden. It's definitely a date-worthy location, and is especially perfect for dinner. If you do come here for dinner, I highly recommend you try their selection of creamy, savory, handmade pastas with rich cheese and herb flavoring. Seriously, if you love that rich, buttery, Italian black truffle flavor with sharp cheese and fresh veggies, you'll die when you taste their pasta orechiette.


However, it's Sunday Brunch is just as top-notch, and of course I just had to get the Eggs Benedict, because I just can't resist. The Eggs Benedict come with a side of fried potatoes (not as savory as the one's from Rintintin, but still delicious and probably healthier too), plus oyster mushrooms and mixed greens. The eggs are cooked to perfection - the yolk is just the right amount of gooey on the inside, and chewy on the outside. This dish definitely has a bit of an Italian flair to it, and I'm certainly not complaining.


Oh, and that rooftop garden view - not a bad place to take anniversary pictures!


So there you have it - three of my favorite affordable Sunday brunch restaurants in NYC. If you happen to be in NYC next time or if you currently live there, definitely give these places a whirl the next time you're craving eggs Benedict, french toast, pancakes, hash, or sausages!


Sunday Brunch is a fun experience, and dressing up and going for a stroll through the city adds to that experience, especially if you are going out with friends or a significant other! Of course, you can choose to dress up or down as much as you'd like, but I find that dressing up just makes me feel so much more pulled together and makes my day even more enjoyable! For these outfits, I drew inspiration from pastel pink and purple wedding bouquets/floral arrangements, so they are perfect for spring and summer. Follow the custom How-to-Style Guides for the ultimate ladies-for-brunch outfit!



For a lady-like chic summer/spring brunch outfit, pair a white, floral romper with patent pink, studded heels. Accessorize with black, sleek Baroque sunglasses (these Prada ones remind me of something I'd see on Anna Wintour or on the front row seats of a haute couture show), a sterling silver pearl toggle bracelet, and a delicate rose gold ring. I purchased this romper a while ago and I love it because of its versatility: I can wear it with my dainty Michael Kors flip flops for a more casual look when I'm hanging out with friends or running errands, or pair it with patent heels for a more polished, sophisticated style. The romper shows off quite a bit of skin, so if you're not super comfortable with that I suggest wearing a camisole underneath! Finish the look with a pretty pale pinky-nude lipstick and a spritz of floral perfume!

Romper: Lulus Peonies Please Romper in White
Shoes: Valentino
Purse: Dior
Ring: Dior
Sunglasses: Prada
Bracelet: Tiffany's
Perfume: Miss Dior Blooming Bouquet
Lipstick: Charlotte Tilbury Hot Lips in Kim K.W.