The idea of an old school power breakfast may be done and
gone, but if any place in the world still has the lingering concept of mixing
money, business and the first meal of the day it's New York City. From midtown
hotspots to fancy (yes, really) bagels downtown, here, our picks for where to
have the iconic power breakfast in the city.
1) Sadelle's: Consider it the new, contemporary spot for a power breakfast. Located in the heart of SoHo, Sadelle's has truly made bagels (a New York City morning staple) chic. During the weekend, it may be full of tourists snapping Instagrams, but during the week, don your most impressive power pumps and order a selection of smoked fish (which comes on a three-tiered serving platter) with tomatoes, capers, onions and bagels. The atmosphere is elegant and the space is decked out in flowers. Also worth trying: the sticky buns, which can sell out as early as 9 AM.
2) The Four Seasons Restaurant: It's certainly a New York institution with a vast and interesting history. Centrally located in Midtown, this is where the big players of business, finance and advertising come to wheel and deal on weekdays. Unfortunately, it will be closing on July 31st and now only offers lunch and dinner. If you can make it in before the historic closing for a late power brunch, we suggest the poolside lunch, which offers courses ranging from gravlax to wild nettle risotto.
3) Lafayette: On the corner of Lafayette Street downtown, this French style bakery and restaurant offers one of the chicest spots for a morning meeting with a meal. The neighborhood means it's great for people watching too. Keep it light with a cappuccino, fresh fruit salad, and one of the restaurant's famed pastries, such as the coconut, banana and chocolate croissant.
4) Norma's at Le Parker Meridien: This high-end dining spot, inside the Parker Meridien hotel, specializes in breakfast and brunch—in fact, they're only open until 3PM. Think of it as another New York classic. It's a great place for a power breakfast for picky eaters: the menu is extensive and has seven different types of eggs benedict alone, and the atmosphere is professional and calm.
5) Nougatine At Jean-Georges: This casual sister restaurant attached to Jean-Georges attracts a fair amount of business clients to its breakfast, which offers all the standard picks ranging from bagels to pastries, oatmeal and various types of eggs, but all are beautifully plated. If you can get a seat on the terrace, the views of Central Park make a morning business meeting much more pleasant.
6) Balthazar: You may think of New York's most famous brasserie as a late-night dinner kind of place only, but Balthazar opens at 7:30 during weekdays, making it the perfect power breakfast spot with a spot of French flair. Try the roasted pepper and caramelized onion quiche for something savory, or a fresh baked apple galette from the restaurant's bakery for your sweet tooth. The European décor and classic Balthazar atmosphere may make you feel transported.
