Balthazar - NY 10012

Breakfast at Balthazar is one of those New York experiences that somehow still lives up to the well-deserved reputation. We visited on a chilly mid-December morning, and stepping into that buzzing, brass-and-mirror brasserie felt like instant warmth—equal parts Parisian café and classic NYC energy. Even at 10AM, the room hums in the best way: servers moving with purpose, espresso machines hissing, and tables filled with locals and visitors alike. The food was exactly what you hope for and then some. My wife loved the Asparagus, Leek, and Sweet Pea Quiche, which arrived perfectly set, rich without being heavy, and balanced beautifully by a fresh pile of mixed greens. My pancakes with fresh strawberries, banana, lime zest, and banana coulis were outstanding—light, fluffy, and indulgent without tipping into overly sweet. The lime zest was a subtle but smart touch that kept everything bright. We added a side of applewood smoked bacon, crisp and deeply flavorful, plus two generous caffè latte bowls that felt very on-brand for Balthazar: strong, comforting, and ideal for lingering. The Balthazar Green Juice—packed with kale, collards, apple, citrus, herbs, and cucumber—was vibrant and surprisingly refreshing, a nice counterpoint to the richer dishes. Service was polished and efficient without ever feeling rushed, which made the whole experience feel relaxed despite the restaurant’s constant buzz. What makes Balthazar feel truly special — beyond the excellent food and attentive service — is the vision behind it. Keith McNally, the restaurateur who opened this iconic SoHo brasserie and helped define New York’s downtown dining scene, brings a distinct personality to every room he touches. He’s been called “the restaurateur who invented downtown,” and his knack for creating spaces that feel both effortless and electric shines through at Balthazar. If you loved "I Regret Almost Everything", McNally’s popular and candid 2025 autobiography (which I absolutely did), this connection adds an extra layer of enjoyment to the meal. Breakfast at Balthazar isn’t just about the food (though it’s excellent); it’s about soaking up the atmosphere of a place that feels timeless. Whether you’re a longtime New Yorker or visiting for the first time, it’s a breakfast worth lingering over.

We had a lovely early dinner here during our city trip. The staff were super friendly, and the vibe was warm and lively. The food was delicious—especially the truffle fries and onion soup! The short rib could’ve been a bit more tender, but overall everything was great. Tables are a little close, but that’s part of the charm. Definitely worth a visit!

One of the classiest spots in New York. I never skip it when I’m in town. The food is top-notch and the service is just perfect. But last time, something funny was going on with the music. The volume kept jumping up and down like it was DJing itself! At one point, it got so loud we could barely hear each other. And the playlist? Wild. Lady Gaga one minute, classical music the next. Maybe Gaga was visiting that night, who knows! Not taking off any stars for that, but hopefully next time the music chills a little.

I went to Balthazar on a Monday night and had such a great experience! I was seated right away and my server, Madeline, was super kind and attentive. She offered me a complimentary mocktail as soon as I sat down — it was originally a champagne, but since I don’t drink, she happily swapped it for a ginger mocktail, which was really good. This was my first time at Balthazar, and everything I ordered was amazing — the French onion soup, steak frites, profiteroles, and coffee. The soup was rich and flavorful, my steak was cooked perfectly (medium well, just right), and dessert was the perfect finish. Service was excellent — Madeline checked on me at just the right times, and I never had to look around for her. Everything was delicious, and I left super happy with my experience. I’ll definitely be back to try more of the menu!

We had a nice early dinner here on our trip to the city. The service was outstanding and the atmosphere is everything you’d expect. The food was great but did not quite live up to the expectations. We ordered the steak frites, gougeres, onion soup, ravioli, and short rib. Of the meal we would recommend the steak frites—the fries were amazing! The onion soup is also a must-order. The short rib was a bit dry. One thing to be mindful of when dining here is the proximity to neighbors, they really pack everyone they can get in here. Overall, would recommend going to cross it off the list.

Our plane back to NY was delayed so we cancelled our reservation and ended up at Balthazar at 11p on a Wednesday. The dining was lively and mostly full when we arrived. We were seated I a 2 top, corner booth that was perfect, and very comfortable. I ordered a gin martini that was served ice cold. My wife and I split the endive salad (I love the pickled pears), a cheeseburger with fries delicious), haricot vert (perfectly cooked and so fresh) and a caramelized and bruleed banana tart (gorgeous and excellent). When we left, well after midnight, the bar was still crowded with patrons enjoying themselves and bartenders who weren’t trying to rush them. What a nice and fun night! Thanks Keith. Also, I really enjoyed your book.

Absolutely loved it here! We’ve wanted to try this spot for awhile; I’m so glad we were able to come for dinner. We didn’t have reservations, showed up at 4:40 and they told us to come back at 5:00 pm, because that’s when they begin seating for dinner. I ordered an iced tea, steak frites, mashed potatoes and creamed spinach. Everything was delicious and very fresh. There was plenty to share and the sides we ordered were for the table. I’ll definitely be back again soon to order the steak again. It was the best steak I’ve gotten in the city; it was juicy and hot. I loved it. We want to come back for brunch too; their breakfast options looked great too. There is also a pastry shop next door where you can order drinks and snacks. There was plenty of indoor and outdoor seating. I’ll definitely be back again soon.

Balthazar is truly an icon of New York dining, and it fully lives up to its legendary reputation. From the moment you step inside, the classic Parisian brasserie atmosphere feels timeless, vibrant, and unmistakably authentic. It’s the kind of place that defines a neighborhood and remains relevant decade after decade. The quality is consistently outstanding. The food is impeccably executed, with generous portions, excellent ingredients, and flavors that respect tradition without feeling dated. Whether for breakfast, brunch, or dinner, everything arrives at the table with precision and confidence. Service is professional, efficient, and well-paced, even during busy hours. Balthazar is not just a restaurant — it’s a New York institution. A rare example of a place that became iconic for a reason and continues to justify that status through unwavering quality, atmosphere, and character.