Waking up late on a Sunday, with a hangover and an even larger appetite seems to be almost the norm in the big apple, but a select few will scope out the most expensive brunch in New York City to kick off their day. What do these restaurants offer at sky-high prices that the regular café is missing and how much are the wealthy New Yorkers willing to pay for their culinary weekend delight?
Much like the 10 most popular cocktails in the world, which we featured in a previous article, there are several items that can’t be exempt from any brunch menu: eggs, bread, coffee, fruit, and charcuterie. However, these high-end options offer much more than the regular late breakfast meal, including seafood, champagne, or risotto. So, for the high-rollers in the city, take a look at the most expensive brunch in New York City and be sure to make a reservation, because we all know that high-end in the big apple also means popular.
8. The River Café
Average price: $55
Location: 1 Water St., Brooklyn, NY 11201
What to order: this restaurant is oftentimes dismissed for being too touristic, due to its view overlooking Manhattan. But for those in search of an extravagant brunch, this is a spot you can’t pass up. You can start your meal with duck egg, foie gras, or even a deluxe Wagyu steak tartare before moving on to the main course: pancakes, topped with 24-karat gold-dusted milk chocolate.
7. The Mark
Average price: $60.90
Location: 25 East 77th St., New York, NY 10075
What to order: this Upper East Side restaurant offers an above average brunch menu, featuring dishes like eggs with caviar, veal Milanese, or tuna burgers. However, if you decide to order side dishes as well, the price will jump even further up.
6. Ai Fiori
Average price: $64
Location: 400 Fifth Ave., 2nd fl., New York, NY 10018
What to order: to be honest, the vast array of dishes that this restaurant offers actually somewhat compensates for the price, making it a value option. While juice, tea, and coffee are free of charge, the buffet setup, including smoked fish, cheese, charcuterie, pastries, and homemade granola is quite a site. In addition to this spread, the menu also includes an entrée: try the lobster eggs Benedict for a real treat.
5. Asiate
Average price: $64
Location: 80 Columbus Circle, 35th fl., New York, NY 10019
What to order: for brunch with a view of Manhattan’s skyscrapers, take a seat at the Mandarin Oriental’s restaurant Asiate. The three course menu features some extraordinary choices, like beef carpaccio, bacon-and-eggs risotto, and a barbecue duck tostada. A glamorous way to start a lazy Sunday.
4. The Carlyle
Average price: $65
Location: 35 E. 76th St., New York, NY 10021
What to order: Inside the Rosewood Hotel you’ll find The Carlyle in all its decadence. The swanky restaurant offers a fixed price brunch option with tempting appetizers like lobster bisque and chicken liver mousse, as well as gourmet entrees like smoked-salmon pizza. But save some appetite because the dessert includes a magnificent 20-layer crepe cake and Prosecco.
3. The Garden
Average price: $71.88
Location: 57 E. 57th St., New York, NY 10022
What to order: as would be expected from The Four Seasons’ hotel on Manhattan’s Upper East Side, high-rollers can enjoy their brunch here amongst beautiful décor and real life trees. The menu includes gourmet fusion dishes like pancake-wrapped pigs in a blanket or eggs with lobster hash.
2. Rainbow Room
Average price: $95
Location: 30 Rockefeller Plz., 65th fl., New York, NY 10112
What to order: decadent by nature, having Sunday brunch at the Rainbow Room is more like a culinary fiesta than a hangover cure. Grab your cash and be prepared for the largest starter meal of the day with an abundance of seafood, roasted meats, breads, charcuterie, cheese, and complete entrees like Thai curry or pork buns, served from different chef stations throughout the room. You can also order desserts like apple cider doughnuts if you have a sweet tooth.
1. Peacock Alley
Average Price: $98
Location: 301 Park Ave., New York, NY 10022
What to order: for the most expensive brunch in New York City, put on your finest Sunday clothes and head over to the Waldorf Astoria in order to embrace luxury and decadence at its peak inside Peacock Alley Restaurant. For almost $100 per person, you’ll be getting the deluxe brunch treatment, featuring a raw bar, smoked fish and meat carving stations, a glass of Champagne or mimosa, and several hot entrees. The best part, however, is the emblematic chocolate fountain. Happy brunching indeed!
