6 NYC Restaurants For A Bridal Shower Brunch

A bridal shower brunch at a restaurant is a winning alternative to planning a big affair at a venue hall or home for many reasons. It gives all the girls a chance to go out, celebrate the bride-to-be, and bond over delicious food and drinks. Let’s be honest, not everyone is into wearing crowns, on-theme menus, and games. And that’s perfectly OK!

 

 

When it comes to having a shower at a restaurant, location is key. Lucky for you, New York City has an amazing brunch culture. With so many incredible places, choosing where to go can be difficult. We rounded up 6 restaurants perfect for a bridal shower brunch, whether you want the celebrations to be classy and sophisticated or lead to booze-fueled dancing.

 

Ladurée New York Soho (398 West Broadway)

 

Exuding the charm and beauty of a Parisian café, Ladurée is the perfect spot to toast the bride who loves all things French. With roots in Paris, the pastry house is renowned for baked delicacies, especially its world-famous macaroon. The Soho outpost is exquisitely decorated, boasting a tearoom, an elegant dining room, and an outdoor courtyard. We wouldn’t judge if you just ordered chocolate-orange cake and tartes with a side of macaroons, but Ladurée’s brunch menu is worth consideration. Offerings include a variety of omelettes, vichyssoise soup with caviar, and duck foie gras.

 

Aurora (70 Grand St., Williamsburg)

 

A quaint Italian restaurant located off the beaten path in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, Aurora is ideal for the bride who likes to keep things small and intimate. Marked by dark wood and exposed brick, the interior evokes the feel of rustic Tuscany. But the outdoor garden, with its sprawling ivy, distinguishes Aurora from other eateries claiming Old World origins. You can reserve a large table for up to 25, or book a private event, depending on the size of your party. The brunch menu is full of surprises. We suggest the apple compote French toast and parmigiano white grits.

 

Beauty & Essex (146 Essex St.)

 

Located on the Lower East Side, Beauty & Essex strikes a fine balance between glamour and sophistication. You enter through a cool pawn shop on the way to the restaurant proper where you are greeted with a comfortable, spacious interior and warm lighting. This is the place if you’re a group that likes to dance – there’s a lounge and club as well. For a more relaxed gathering, make a reservation for the weekend brunch and dine on dishes such as the braised short rib ‘huevos rancheros’ or ‘everything bagel & lox’ pizzetta. But if you’re ready to party, hit Beauty & Essex’s popular Champagne Brunch, which takes place every Sunday beginning at 1 pm.

 

Lady Mendl’s Tea Salon (56 Irving Place)

 

Is your bride a vintage enthusiast who longs for the elegance and style of the past? Then plan her shower at Lady Mendl’s Tea Salon. Housed in a Gregorian brownstone in Gramercy Park, this posh salon serves tea with an air of refinement that reminds of Downton Abbey. Don’t worry, you can leave your white gloves at home. Look forward to delicate fare such as finger sandwiches, scones with jam and clotted cream, cake, and tea of course! Champagne cocktails are optional, but highly recommended. Parties larger than 8 must be booked as a private event.

 

Jack’s Wife Freda (224 Lafayette St. and 50 Carmine St.)

 

For a seriously low-key bridal shower, Jack’s Wife Freda has everything you need. The atmosphere here is so warm and relaxed, it will feel more like a weekend brunch that all your girlfriends could finally make it to. Husband and wife owners Dean and Maya draw from their Israeli and South African backgrounds, serving up inventive Mediterranean style dishes. Brunch menu highlights include rosewater waffles topped with Lebanese yogurt, mixed berries, and honey syrup and baked eggs in a green tomatillo shakshuka with challah toast. The restaurant has two locations and accepts reservations for parties of 6 or more.

 

The Palm Court at The Plaza (768 5^th Ave.)

 

Make it a shower your bride will never forget by celebrating her upcoming nuptials at the Palm Court at The Plaza. For the past 100 years, the iconic restaurant has symbolized the grand elegance of modern New York City. Soaring ceilings, tall palm trees, a stunning glass ceiling, and exquisite architectural details cast an ambiance of timeless luxury. Popular for its afternoon tea, the Palm Court also serves classic drinks with inspired names such as the Gatsby Mint Julep, Hemingway Daiquiri, and Orson Wells Negroni. Dessert is a must here and we recommend the New York “Cheesecake” made with graham cracker brown butter crust, Meyer lemon curd, huckleberry compote and crème fraiche, and the brown butter apple ice cream.

Everyone loves going to brunch in NYC. So when tasked with planning the next bridal shower, head to a favorite restaurant and honor your bride over eggs and mimosas.