Brunch, Elevated

Images from Café Carmellini

Forget the standard weekend ritual of soggy eggs and a lukewarm latte. There is a new way to do mornings in Manhattan, and it involves gilded trees, sapphire velvet, and enough bubbles to make a Gatsby party look like a quiet tea. Café Carmellini has officially launched its Champagne Brunch, and it is every bit as maximalist and magnificent as the room itself.

Walking into the dining room feels less like entering a restaurant and more like stepping into a cinematic dream of Old New York.

Designed by Martin Brudnizki, the space features double-height ceilings and two massive sculptural trees that anchor the room, creating an atmosphere that is "fine dining" in pedigree but remarkably buzzy and unstuffy in spirit.

The menu is a love letter to Chef Andrew Carmellini’s Italian-French heritage, filtered through a sophisticated, modern lens. To start, one might skip the basic toast and go straight for the Avocado Tartlet. Forget the cliché; this version arrives in a seeded puff pastry with piperade and soft scrambled eggs, looking more like a piece of jewelry than a breakfast dish. For those leaning into true decadence, the Smoked Salmon Benedict comes perched on a house-made English muffin and is crowned with shimmering trout caviar. If you have a sweet tooth, the Brioche French Toast—with its hazelnut frangipane and vanilla anglaise—makes typical maple syrup feel like an afterthought.

Of course, the "Champagne" in Champagne Brunch is no mere suggestion. Curated by Master Sommelier Josh Nadel, the list is a deep dive into the best of France and Italy. Whether you’re looking for a crisp, laser-focused Blanc de Blancs or a rich, vintage-driven bottle to pair with a Lobster Frittata, the service is expert without being intimidating. For those seeking something botanical, the Sicilian Spritz offers a bright, citrusy wake-up call that pairs perfectly with the afternoon light streaming through the windows.

Ultimately, brunch at Café Carmellini isn’t just a meal; it’s an event. It’s for the Saturdays when you want to celebrate a birthday, a promotion, or simply the fact that you live in a city where breakfast can involve Osetra caviar and 1,800-bottle wine lists. It’s elevated, it’s vibrant, and it’s easily the most stylish way to toast to the weekend. Just remember: when the room is this beautiful, the only thing that should sparkle more than the chandeliers is your glass.