Breakfast at The Plaza NYC: How to Book in 2025
Breakfast at The Plaza NYC is one of the most iconic dining experiences in New York. Served inside the Palm Court, it combines elegance, history, and a touch of movie magic. During the Christmas season, the hotel’s lobby and Palm Court glow with festive decorations, making breakfast here even more special. From seasonal menus to sparkling holiday displays, it is a must-do for visitors looking to combine fine dining with the magic of Christmas in New York.
The Plaza Hotel sits right by Central Park, making it the perfect stop after a morning walk or ice skating at Wollman Rink. For many, it is not only about food but also about stepping into a place where films like Home Alone 2 and stars like Audrey Hepburn left their mark. Families also love the whimsical Eloise corner, which adds charm to the tradition. If you are interested in exploring more New York movie locations, our New York Movie Tour with a Christmas Twist is the perfect experience.
If you are planning a Christmas trip to New York, breakfast at The Plaza fits perfectly with the city’s holiday spirit. For a full guide to seasonal highlights, see our article on the Best Things to Do at Christmas in NYC. You can also discover the full story of the hotel’s festive traditions in our dedicated Plaza Hotel Christmas Experience article. For live updates from the city during the season, follow us on Instagram at @MyChristmasinNewYorkCity.
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Christmas Breakfast at The Plaza NYC
Breakfast at The Plaza NYC during Christmas is a tradition many visitors dream about. The Palm Court, with its glass ceiling and holiday decorations, becomes one of the most festive dining rooms in New York. Seasonal flowers, garlands, and twinkling lights transform the space into a Christmas postcard, making every meal feel magical.
The Breakfast at The Plaza NYC menu often includes festive touches like gingerbread flavors, seasonal pastries, and warm drinks to match the atmosphere. While the Palm Court is famous for afternoon tea, breakfast here is equally memorable. Guests can enjoy a mix of à la carte dishes and classic favorites such as eggs, pancakes, and fresh pastries.
For families, the Christmas period is also when the Eloise corner is especially charming, with themed décor and gifts that delight children. Many visitors combine breakfast at The Plaza NYC with a photo stop in front of The Plaza’s decorated entrance and the nearby Fifth Avenue holiday windows. This makes it a perfect holiday outing before continuing your walk to Central Park or Rockefeller Center.
Whether you are celebrating a special occasion or simply looking to enjoy one of the best Christmas breakfasts in New York, The Plaza offers a setting unlike any other. Its blend of history, luxury, and festive décor creates an experience you will remember long after your trip.
The Palm Court Experience: Breakfast at The Plaza NYC Menu, Prices, and Reviews
The Palm Court is the signature restaurant inside The Plaza Hotel, and it is where breakfast at The Plaza NYC is served daily. Known for its stained-glass ceiling, palm trees, and elegant décor, it is one of the most photographed dining rooms in New York. During the holiday season, it becomes even more magical with garlands, wreaths, and lights that add to the Christmas atmosphere.
The breakfast at The Plaza NYC menu offers both continental and à la carte options. Guests can expect fresh pastries, fruit, eggs, pancakes, and specialty items like smoked salmon platters or brioche French toast. Prices are high compared to other restaurants near Central Park, but the experience is unique. A typical breakfast starts around $30 per person, while full selections or champagne pairings can cost significantly more.
Reviews of breakfast at The Plaza NYC often highlight the service, the beauty of the room, and the chance to dine where history and Hollywood meet. Visitors frequently mention that while it is a splurge, it feels like an essential New York experience, especially during Christmas. Many also enjoy combining breakfast with a later afternoon tea booking, which is one of the most popular dining traditions at The Plaza.
For those searching “breakfast at The Plaza NYC reviews” or “The Plaza breakfast menu,” the consensus is clear: it is less about the food itself and more about enjoying one of the most iconic dining settings in the city.
How to Book Breakfast at The Plaza NYC
Booking breakfast at The Plaza NYC requires some planning, especially during Christmas. The Palm Court serves breakfast daily from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., but confirmed breakfast reservations are generally reserved for hotel guests. For non-guests, availability is extremely limited in December, and most visitors instead choose Afternoon Tea, which is open to the public and one of the hotel’s most famous traditions.
Outside of the holiday season, however, breakfast at The Plaza NYC is much easier to enjoy. The restaurant is often not busy in the mornings, and many guests note that arriving close to opening time gives the best chance for a relaxed experience. This makes it an excellent option if you are visiting New York in spring or summer, when demand is lower.
Reservations for Afternoon Tea and evening dining are managed through OpenTable, by phone, or by email. Afternoon Tea is served in three daily seatings between 11:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Because it is one of the most sought-after dining experiences in New York, bookings should be made several weeks in advance, especially in December.
Keep in mind that The Palm Court enforces a strict cancellation policy. Any cancellation within 72 hours of your booking or a no-show will result in a $75 per person charge to the card on file.
Dress Code and Dining Etiquette for Breakfast at The Plaza NYC and Beyond
The Palm Court at The Plaza is elegant but not intimidating. While breakfast at The Plaza NYC is the most relaxed meal of the day, guests are still expected to follow a basic dress code. The main rules are simple: avoid beachwear, ripped denim, sleeveless shirts for men, athletic clothing, men’s open-toed shoes, and casual hats. These guidelines keep the atmosphere refined without being overly strict.
Most visitors dress in smart casual style. Think neat trousers, dresses, blouses, or collared shirts. You do not need formal evening wear, but polished and well-presented outfits always fit the setting. During the holiday season, many guests choose festive looks, which makes the Palm Court feel even more magical among the garlands and lights.
Part of the appeal of dining here is the opportunity to take photos in such a beautiful space. Dressing neatly adds to the memory and ensures you feel comfortable in one of New York’s most iconic hotels. By following the simple rules, you will blend in perfectly while enjoying a relaxed and elegant breakfast at The Plaza.
Afternoon Tea at The Plaza: A New York Tradition
Afternoon Tea at The Plaza is one of the most famous dining experiences in New York City. Served in the Palm Court since 1907, it has become a timeless tradition for both locals and visitors. The ritual includes tiered trays filled with finger sandwiches, warm scones, and delicate pastries, all paired with fine teas.
During the Christmas season, the experience becomes even more festive. The Palm Court is decorated with garlands, wreaths, and sparkling lights, making the setting feel like a holiday postcard. Seasonal treats often appear on the menu, and the atmosphere is especially popular for families, couples, and groups celebrating the season.
Reservations for Afternoon Tea are essential, particularly in November and December when demand is highest. Seating is offered in three time slots between 11:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., and tables can book out weeks in advance. Planning early ensures you secure your preferred date and time.
For many, Afternoon Tea is the highlight of a holiday trip to New York. It combines fine dining, history, and a chance to enjoy one of the most beautiful rooms in the city. Whether you are traveling with children who love Eloise or simply want to enjoy a classic New York indulgence, Afternoon Tea at The Plaza is a tradition worth experiencing at least once.
The Champagne Bar at The Plaza
The Champagne Bar is another elegant dining option inside The Plaza Hotel, open daily from early morning to late evening. Guests can enjoy breakfast from 6:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., followed by lite fare until 10 p.m. and cocktails until 11 p.m. Like the Palm Court, it welcomes both hotel and non-hotel guests, making it a flexible choice if reservations at the Palm Court are full.
Overlooking Fifth Avenue and the Pulitzer Fountain, the bar offers one of the most beautiful settings in Manhattan. In the mornings, it is a relaxed spot for coffee, freshly baked pastries, and light gourmet dishes. By evening, it transforms into a glamorous venue featuring champagne, caviar, and fine wines, perfect for celebrating a special night in New York.
The Champagne Bar has a long history at The Plaza. It began in 1907 as the Champagne Porch, a seasonal outdoor restaurant that attracted notable figures including Diamond Jim Brady and the Prince of Wales. The current bar, renovated in 2014, preserves that sense of glamour while offering modern comfort.
During Christmas, the location becomes even more enchanting, as the view of Fifth Avenue includes the holiday lights, decorated storefronts, and the famous Pulitzer Fountain in front of the hotel. Many guests stop here for a festive cocktail after shopping on Fifth Avenue or before heading to see the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree.
Christmas Decorations at The Plaza Hotel
The Plaza Hotel is one of New York’s most elegant Christmas destinations, and every December it transforms into a holiday dream. The centerpiece of the décor is the towering Christmas tree inside the lobby, beautifully adorned with ornaments, ribbons, and sparkling lights. Garlands, wreaths, and festive floral displays fill the hallways, creating an atmosphere that feels straight out of a Christmas movie. It is no surprise that The Plaza is one of the most photographed holiday spots in the city, with visitors eager to capture the magic.
Because the hotel limits lobby access to guests, having a reservation at the Palm Court or Champagne Bar is the best way to experience the decorations up close. A confirmed dining booking allows you to walk through the lobby freely, admire the tree, and enjoy the seasonal atmosphere without worry. Outside, the entrance is also beautifully decorated, and the Pulitzer Fountain has traditionally been one of the highlights with illuminated displays. The fountain is currently under renovation, but works are expected to be completed before Christmas 2025 so that the decorations can return for the season. Together, the interior and exterior displays make The Plaza one of the most iconic Christmas stops in New York.
After Breakfast at The Plaza NYC Visit The Shops at The Plaza Hotel
Beyond its dining and décor, The Plaza offers boutique shopping that feels especially magical at Christmas. The Eloise shop is a favorite for families, bringing the storybook character to life with themed clothing, dolls, and holiday gifts. During December, the shop adds festive touches, making it an enchanting stop for children. Adults often head to The Plaza Boutique, which sells elegant souvenirs, jewelry, holiday ornaments, and luxury accessories. A highlight for many visitors are the Home Alone 2: Lost in New York, inspired items, including ornaments and keepsakes that celebrate the movie filmed inside the hotel. These are perfect for anyone who wants to take home a piece of Christmas movie history.
Visiting the shops is a natural extension of your dining experience. Many guests enjoy breakfast at The Plaza NYC or Afternoon Tea before browsing the boutiques for unique gifts and souvenirs. Since The Plaza sits at the entrance to Fifth Avenue, it also makes the perfect starting point for a holiday shopping day. After picking up Plaza-inspired presents, you can continue down Fifth Avenue to admire the famous Christmas windows and luxury stores, turning your stop at The Plaza into a full festive outing.
The Plaza in Movies, Pop Culture, and Family Traditions
The Plaza Hotel is not just a place to stay or dine, it is also one of the most famous filming locations in New York. From Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s to classic holiday moments in Home Alone 2: Lost in New York, the hotel has been immortalized on screen. Many visitors choose breakfast or afternoon tea here to step into the same setting they have seen in films and TV.
The hotel is also home to Eloise, the beloved children’s book character who “lives at The Plaza.” Families traveling with kids can enjoy Eloise-themed menus, gifts, and even a suite designed in her honor. During Christmas, this corner of the hotel becomes even more festive, making it a favorite stop for younger guests.
These cultural connections are part of what makes dining at The Plaza so unique. It feels less like a meal and more like stepping into New York’s history. If you want to explore more famous movie locations across the city, our New York Movie Tour with a Christmas Twist is the perfect experience to add to your trip.
Final Tips for Breakfast at The Plaza NYC in 2025
Visiting The Plaza Hotel for breakfast, Afternoon Tea, or cocktails is more than a dining experience, it is stepping into a New York landmark. To make the most of your visit in 2025, keep a few tips in mind.
Book early if you plan to go during the holiday season, as December is the busiest time of year. Reservations for Afternoon Tea can fill up weeks in advance, and while breakfast at The Plaza NYC is easier outside the holidays, arriving early in the morning gives you the best chance of securing a table. Dress neatly, as the Palm Court and Champagne Bar encourage smart casual attire, especially during Christmas when the décor creates a festive backdrop for photos.
Combine your visit with nearby attractions to make the most of your day. Central Park, Fifth Avenue holiday windows, and Rockefeller Center are all within walking distance. Many guests enjoy breakfast at The Plaza before continuing on to Christmas shopping or sightseeing in Midtown.
If you want the full holiday experience, read our dedicated Plaza Hotel Christmas Experience guide. You can also explore more festive stops across the city with one of our Christmas tours, such as the My Christmas Morning in Manhattan Tour with Papillon Christmas Restaurant or the Holiday Spirit in Manhattan Tour with 230 Fifth Rooftop Bar. Whether you come for the food, the history, or the holiday spirit, The Plaza is a timeless stop on any New York itinerary.
Author: Written by Dora Formica on behalf of My Christmas in New York
