Bite by Bite: A Gourmet Journey Through North Battery Park City's Brunch Scene

For residents of The Solaire, one of Manhattan's hottest new developments, a world of haute cuisine is just around the corner. But why delay the indulgence for a dinner outing when you can savor some of the city's most iconic brunches today? Here are three of the finest, ideally accompanied by a mimosa, strong coffee, and a leisurely post-meal stroll along the river.

Locanda Verde｜377 Greenwich St

Tucked into the storied Greenwich Hotel, Locanda Verde radiates with the charisma of chef Andrew Carmellini. This Italian gem in Tribeca has carved its niche not just as a neighborhood staple but as a brunch destination par excellence, welcoming both locals and hotel guests alike.

At brunch, Carmellini's menu is a celebration of his American upbringing and Italian roots, offering dishes that are both comforting and refined. The menu features standout items like the Sheep's Milk Ricotta with truffle honey and burnt orange toast, a dish that perfectly encapsulates the chef's knack for blending rustic Italian flavors with a touch of American innovation. For pasta lovers, the Lemon Ricotta Pancakes offer a sweet twist, showcasing Carmellini's ability to transform traditional ingredients into modern classics.

But it's not just the food that draws people in; it's the experience. The Uova Modenese, with cotechino hash, spinach, and tomato hollandaise, is a hearty nod to Italian tradition, while the Buttermilk Pancakes, served with fresh berries and lemon curd, add a light, refreshing option to the mix. Each dish on the brunch menu reflects Carmellini's journey through the culinary world, from his early days at legendary eateries like Le Cirque and Café Boulud to his current status as a celebrated chef.

The Odeon｜145 W Broadway

Beneath the ruby glow of The Odeon’s vintage neon sleeps the nostalgic spirit of old New York. Back when Keith McNally transformed a 1930s cafeteria into his new bistro, Tribeca was an artist’s paradise more akin to today’s Bushwick. He served up French fare and sparkling ambiance, drawing creative icons by the dozen to carouse within its intimate wooden walls.

Warhol, Basquiat, De Niro, Hoffmann and Jay McInerney canonized The Odeon; Belushi and companions fueled occasionally raucous late nights. Decades passed, but hearty classics endured: steak frites sizzling on cast iron, bowls of mussels swimming in broth, crisp salads lyonnaise crowned with runny egg. Neighbors trickled into the morning bakery, lovers linked hands over beet sandwiches at dusk. Lynn Wagenknecht still stands guard, her son now manning the post alongside children of yore. More than a celebrity haunt resting on fabled laurels, The Odeon remains, after forty years, a New York institution.

Liberty Bistro｜225 Liberty St

Liberty Bistro, nestled within the vibrant Brookfield Place and part of the European-inspired Le District, offers a brunch menu that is as breathtaking as its views of the Hudson, Lady Liberty, and Ellis Island. The bistro's ambiance, reminiscent of a chic Parisian brasserie or a sun-drenched Côte d'Azur café, is perfectly complemented by a brunch selection that merges European elegance with New York flair.

As finance professionals and locals mingle at Liberty's marble-topped bar, savoring seasonal spritzes or indulging in the French Toast with mixed berries and mascarpone, Liberty Bistro captures the essence of a leisurely brunch in the city. It's a place where the hustle of New York meets the leisure of European dining, all within the sophisticated setting of Battery Park City, offering a world-class dining experience…no passport required.