As fewer and fewer busy execs and other people of influence seem willing to put in the time for a long lunch these days, the networking and deals that once happened over fancy midday meals are now happening at all times of the day, including breakfast.
Keeping that in mind, we turned to our friends at Foursquare City Guide to find the top-rated places to have a power breakfast in New York City. To determine the list, Foursquare took into account a number of factors, including ratings, visits, the overall sentiment of its users’ reviews, and the use of words like “power,” “business,” and “meeting” in reviews.
A number of classic New York power establishments made the list, but there are a few relative newcomers as well. Here’s where to go to get your day started on the right foot – with eggs, coffee, and a side of business talk .
10. Michael’s
A longtime destination for decision-makers in media and finance, Michael’s is famous for its power breakfasts and lunches. You’ll even find a “NY power breakfast” on the menu – it’s a plate of egg whites, spinach, and citrus salad.
9. Norma's
Located to the side of the lobby at Le Parker Meridien hotel, Norma's is perhaps best known for its "Zillion Dollar Lobster Frittata," which comes topped with different amounts of Sevruga caviar. The cheaper version ($100) comes with one ounce of caviar, while the more expensive one ($1,000) comes with 10 ounces.
A note under the super-size frittata reads: "Norma Dares You to Expense This," a tongue-in-cheek nod to the restaurant's corporate crowd. The restaurant also has stellar blueberry pancakes and smoothies.
8. The Breslin
The Breslin has what many consider to be the city's best full English breakfast, served with pork sausage, black pudding, bacon, fried eggs, tomatoes and mushrooms.
There are also some excellent (and smaller) options, including a sourdough pancake served with Dutchess County maple syrup, as well as a chilled grapefruit drink with ginger sugar and mint.
7. Lafayette
Don't miss out on the outstanding pastries at this French café and bakery from Andrew Carmellini. Foursquare users also rave about Lafayette's lemon pancakes, which come topped with fresh berries.
For something lighter, try one of the restaurant's fresh-pressed juices.
6. Mercer Kitchen
Located in a subterranean space in The Mercer Hotel, Mercer Kitchen serves up all of the classic American breakfast items, from omelettes and Benedicts to buttermilk pancakes and Belgian waffles.
The avocado toast - topped with Russ & Daughters smoked salmon - sounds especially enticing.
5. Ai Fiori
Ai Fiori makes its home on the second floor of the Langham Place Hotel and boasts a $32 express breakfast buffet with fresh breads, berries, meats, and cheeses.
It also has a stellar à la carte menu, with items like a lobster Benedict and a plate of eggs and truffles.
4. Locanda Verde
Locanda Verde's Italian-influenced breakfast is widely considered to be one of the best in New York City - and it's not hard to see why.
The sheep's milk ricotta - served with truffle honey and burnt orange toast - is a crowd favorite, as are the various egg-centric dishes.
3. Cafe Cluny
284 West 12th Street, West Village
Cafe Cluny is a charming neighborhood spot in the West Village.
For breakfast, customer favorites include the organic three-egg omelette and the breakfast club sandwich, which comes with a fried egg, bacon, tomato, avocado, and spicy mayonnaise.
2. Maialino
2 Lexington Avenue, Gramercy Park
Power breakfast at this Italian spot in the Gramercy Park Hotel is all about the cacio e pepe eggs, which come topped with pecorino and black pepper.
The contadino - two poached eggs, Brussels sprouts, sunchoke, and parsnip purée - is also popular with Foursquare users. The trendy yet quiet environment makes it ideal for a business meeting.
1. Balthazar
This chic French spot is beloved for its steaks, but during breakfast or brunch, you should go for the omelets or baked goods.
Complete the meal with a bowl of café au lait or hot chocolate.