Le Pain Quotidien: A Cozy Escape for NYC Locals & Visitors

Le Pain Quotidien Introduce

In the civic core of Lower Manhattan, just a stone's throw from City Hall Park, the NYC Municipal Building, and major subway lines, sits a true urban refuge: Le Pain Quotidien. This beloved Belgian bakery and restaurant chain, with its location at 81 West Broadway, provides a warm and inviting escape from the city's relentless pace. The name, which means "the daily bread," perfectly captures its essence as a place focused on simple, wholesome, and delicious food that feels both classic and comforting.

Le Pain Quotidien is more than just a place to grab a bite; it’s a destination that balances utility and comfort. Upon entering, you are greeted by the irresistible scent of freshly baked croissants, tarts, and rich espresso. The interior, with its warm wood tones and natural lighting, creates a cozy and casual atmosphere that is both trendy and welcoming. This unique ambiance, which feels like a "public refuge and a civic lounge," is what makes it a favorite haunt for local officials, neighborhood regulars, and visitors alike.

The menu at Le Pain Quotidien is a testament to fresh, organic ingredients and simple, nourishing food. It is well-regarded for its fantastic coffee and tea selection, as well as its impressive desserts. One reviewer praised the "unmatched" espresso and "textbook-perfect" pastries, highlighting the quality and care that goes into each item. The menu is diverse, catering to various dietary preferences with a focus on healthy, organic, vegan, and vegetarian options. Whether you're in the mood for a light meal or something more substantial, there is an array of choices to satisfy your cravings.

Among the most popular items are the **Avocado Toast**, a perfect example of their simple yet flavorful approach, and the **Sunny Side Breakfast Bowl**, a wholesome start to the day. The menu also features a variety of other delights, from the classic **Pain au Chocolat** and **French Cream Doughnut** to savory items like the **Quiche Lorraine** and the **Smoked Salmon Tartine**. The "tartines" – Belgian open-faced sandwiches served on their signature organic bread – are a core offering and a must-try for any first-time visitor.

Le Pain Quotidien is a versatile spot, popular for breakfast, brunch, and lunch, and suitable for solo dining or gathering with groups. The communal table, a staple of the brand, fosters a sense of community where new friendships can be forged over good food and conversation. The staff, like the "Spanish waiter and her daughter," are often described as friendly and welcoming, contributing to the overall positive and personal experience.

While the atmosphere and food are consistently praised, some customer experiences can be mixed, particularly concerning service. A review from a "loyal local customer" expressed disappointment about a rude interaction with a manager, noting a lack of "basic courtesy" when asking a simple question. This highlights that while the overall atmosphere is friendly, individual experiences can vary. However, the numerous glowing reviews from other locals and repeat customers, including those who visit with their dogs (as the restaurant is pet-friendly in its outdoor seating area), speak volumes about its general appeal and quality.

The restaurant also prides itself on its accessibility and inclusivity. It is an LGBTQ+ friendly and transgender safe space, and its facilities, including a **wheelchair-accessible entrance, seating, and toilet**, ensure that it is a welcoming place for all. The availability of a kids' menu and high chairs also makes it an excellent choice for a family outing.

In a city full of dining options, Le Pain Quotidien offers a unique blend of casual comfort, refined quality, and a welcoming atmosphere. It serves as a peaceful retreat where you can enjoy a delicious, healthy meal and a moment of calm.

Location and Accessibility

Le Pain Quotidien is conveniently located in the Financial District, just one block from City Hall Park.

Address: 81 W Broadway, New York, NY 10007, USA

The location is steps away from major subway lines, including the 1, 2, 3, A, C, E, R, and W trains. It is fully accessible, with a **wheelchair-accessible entrance, seating, and toilet**.

Services Offered

Dine-in: Enjoy a meal in the casual and cozy atmosphere with table or counter service.
Takeaway: Grab your food and coffee to go for a quick meal on the move.
Delivery & Kerbside Pickup: Order online and have your meal brought to you or to your car.
Catering: Le Pain Quotidien offers catering services for events and meetings.
Outdoor Seating: Enjoy your meal al fresco, with dogs welcome in the outdoor area.

Features / Highlights

Great Coffee & Tea Selection: A favorite for its high-quality espresso and diverse tea offerings.
Great Dessert: Known for its delicious pastries, including the **French Cream Doughnut** and **Pain au Chocolat**.
Healthy & Organic Dishes: A menu rich in wholesome, organic, vegan, and vegetarian options.
Fast Service: Ideal for a quick bite or a focused work session.
Amenities: Offers a clean toilet and Wi-Fi for customer convenience.
Inclusive Environment: A welcoming space that is family-friendly, LGBTQ+ friendly, and a transgender safe space.

Contact Information

Address: 81 W Broadway, New York, NY 10007, USA

Phone: (646) 652-8186

What is worth choosing

Le Pain Quotidien is an exceptional choice for anyone in New York seeking a peaceful and high-quality dining experience, especially for breakfast or lunch. What sets it apart is the harmonious blend of a cozy atmosphere with a menu that is both delicious and health-conscious. The communal table and friendly service create a sense of community that is rare to find in a city as big as New York. While there may be occasional service lapses, the overall quality of the food—from the simple perfection of a croissant to the rich flavor of the **Avocado Toast**—makes it a reliable and enjoyable spot. It’s a place where you can relax with a great cup of coffee, work on your laptop, or catch up with friends, all while knowing you are enjoying a meal made with care and quality ingredients. For locals and visitors alike, it is a perfect "refined retreat" in the heart of the city.

Le Pain Quotidien Menu

Popular
Sunny Side Breakfast Bowl
Warm farro tossed with roasted Brussels sprouts and sweet potato, topped with caramelized onions, Tuscan kale, and pistachio dukkah. Crowned with a sunny-side egg* and citrus-cumin salt. Served with a slice of our artisanal sourdough bread.
Avocado Toast
A toasted slice of our signature sourdough bread, topped with fresh avocado mash, citrus cumin salt, and chia seeds with a side of marinated kale and a lemon wedge.
French Cream Doughnut
Golden-brown brioche doughnut shell hand-filled with French cream, finished with a flourish of powdered sugar.
Two Soft-Boiled Eggs
Delicate soft-boiled eggs with tender, golden yolks paired with an assortment of our signature breads for dipping, sandwiching, and spreading.

Breakfast
Avocado & Tomato Omelette
A fluffy omelette filled with fresh tomatoes and tomato-pepper jam, topped with creamy avocado. Served with a petite green salad.
Belgian Waffle
Warm Belgian waffle topped with fresh whipped cream and a fresh berry medley.
Dutch Mini-Pancakes
Fluffy, golden mini pancakes served with sliced banana, whipped maple butter, and a dusting of powdered sugar. Add a fresh medley of berries for a burst of flavor!
Smoked Salmon Omelette
A fluffy scallion omelette crowned with delicate smoked salmon, served with a side of creamy Greek yogurt and flourished with fresh dill. Served with a petite green salad.
Sunny Side Breakfast Bowl
Warm farro tossed with roasted Brussels sprouts and sweet potato, topped with caramelized onions, Tuscan kale, and pistachio dukkah. Crowned with a sunny-side egg* and citrus-cumin salt. Served with a slice of our artisanal sourdough bread.
Two Soft-Boiled Eggs
Delicate soft-boiled eggs with tender, golden yolks paired with an assortment of our signature breads for dipping, sandwiching, and spreading.

Viennoiseries
Pain au Chocolat
Buttery, flaky croissant layers enveloping rich, melted Belgian chocolate in every bite.
Mixed Berry Tart
A buttery shell hand-filled with our smooth white chocolate and housemade pastry cream, topped with a medley of fresh berries, apricot glaze, and shaved almonds.
Cheese Danish
A golden-crisp, layered pastry with a rich, melted cheese center that delivers a perfectly sweet and tangy bite.
Croissant
A buttery, golden, flaky pastry made from delicately rolled and folded dough.

Tartines
Chicken Mozzarella Melt
A toasted slice of our signature sourdough, layered with fresh mozzarella, tender chicken, housemade tomato-pepper jam, and a drizzle of basil oil.
Avocado Toast
A toasted slice of our signature sourdough bread, topped with fresh avocado mash, citrus cumin salt, and chia seeds with a side of marinated kale and a lemon wedge.
Smoked Salmon
A toasted, buttered slice of our signature sourdough bread, topped with thinly sliced smoked salmon, scallions and dill. Served with a side of herb aioli.

Hot dishes
Quiche Lorraine
A golden, buttery crust encasing a velvety blend of savory ham, Gruyère, and fragrant leeks. Accompanied by a refreshing seasonal green salad.

Salads
Black Lentil Bowl
A vibrant medley of black lentils, balsamic-roasted beets, creamy hummus, grape tomatoes, and mixed greens. Finished with pistachio dukkah, house vinaigrette, and a drizzle of spicy tahini. Served with a slice of artisanal bread. Add smoked salmon for a savory touch!
Quinoa & Avocado Salad
Organic quinoa tossed with fresh herbs, chickpeas, cucumber-tomato salad, and crisp radishes. Topped with avocado and finished with our house basil vinaigrette. Served with a slice of artisanal bread.

Desserts
French Cream Doughnut
Golden-brown brioche doughnut shell hand-filled with French cream, finished with a flourish of powdered sugar.
Dark & White Chocolate Mousse Cake
A silky pairing of layered dark and white chocolate mousse finished with a smooth dark chocolate glaze and adorned with hazelnuts.

Le Pain Quotidien Details

Service options
Outdoor seating
Kerbside pickup
Delivery
On-site services
Takeaway
Dine-in

Highlights
Fast service
Great coffee
Great dessert
Great tea selection

Popular for
Breakfast
Lunch
Solo dining

Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Wheelchair-accessible seating
Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Wheelchair-accessible car park

Offerings
Alcohol
Coffee
Comfort food
Healthy options
Organic dishes
Quick bite
Small plates
Vegan options
Vegetarian options
Wine

Dining options
Breakfast
Brunch
Lunch
Dinner
Catering
Counter service
Dessert
Seating
Table service

Amenities
Toilet
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi

Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Trendy

Crowd
Family friendly
Groups
LGBTQ+ friendly
Tourists
Transgender safe space

Planning
Accepts reservations

Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards

Children
Good for kids
High chairs
Kids' menu

Pets
Dogs allowed outside

Le Pain Quotidien Photos

Le Pain Quotidien Location

Le Pain Quotidien

New York New York County New York West Broadway

81 W Broadway, New York, NY 10007, USA

Le Pain Quotidien Reviews

An average rating of ★4.1 from 797 user reviews.

cafecroissantavocado toasthealthy foodbrunchquichebowlorganic foodbrowniespancakes

★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

Disappointed as a Loyal Local CustomerWe’ve been regular customers at this cafe, especially for their bread, but our recent visit was very disappointing. I politely asked the manager a simple question about the bread — specifically why it expired just two days after purchase, when most bread lasts at least five.Instead of explaining, she responded rudely and said she “doesn’t care,” acting as if she was above addressing concerns — almost like a CEO too busy for customers.As locals who support this business, we expected basic courtesy and a respectful response. Very disappointing experience.and says you can review on it.
August 14 · Roshan Rai
friendly service the Spanish waiter and her daughter made my day ❤️.Le Pain Quotidien at the intersection of West Broadway and Warren Street stands out as a refined retreat in the civic core of Lower Manhattan. Just one block from City Hall Park, the NYC Municipal Building, and the New York City Council chambers, it sits at the nexus of government, commerce, and community life. The café is steps away from major subway lines, including the 1, 2, 3, A, C, E, R, and W trains, making it one of the most conveniently located spots for downtown meetings, coffee breaks, or focused work sessions.The space offers more than proximity—it delivers atmosphere. The scent of freshly baked croissants, tarts, and espresso greets you before you reach the door. Inside, warm wood tones and natural lighting soften the city’s intensity, creating a setting that balances utility and comfort. It’s a known haunt of local officials and city staff, many of whom stop in for a quick espresso or a quiet moment between sessions.During a recent visit with my service dog Brooklyn Meeko, I was welcomed by Juana and the team with their usual grace and precision. Juana’s espresso remains unmatched—deeply aromatic, technically clean, and served with care. The pastries are textbook-perfect: croissants with a crisp shell and tender interior, tarts layered with balanced acidity and sweetness.This café functions as both a public refuge and a civic lounge—where elected officials, neighborhood regulars, and visitors coexist over expertly crafted food and drink.10:54 PM hanging out with my friend Meeko the Bernadoodle he is a 2 year old male, who loves to say hello to pretty girls. I’m getting an espresso maybe avo toast for brunch. Then we will pick up woody the Catahoula Male 7 year old. From there we will probably be going to the dog pool at SiriusBack with Woody Juana is not here 🥺
June 25 · Hoiping Ngo
The staff were incredibly friendly and efficient, making me feel welcome right away. I ordered a matcha latte with almond milk and an avocado toast. The avocado was wonderfully fresh, though the bread was a bit on the stiff side. On the other hand, the croissants were fresh, flaky, and absolutely delicious. Overall, it was a great experience.
March 16 · Golnaz J N
Easy go to place for brunch. Food is always good. I’m not into the big bowls for coffee though. Love the Dutch pancakes!
August 08 · A V
Other day I came here to purchase a 2 French cream donut .I use to love this place after got home late that day we try the French cream but they taste sour not sure is because they were sitting in the bakery for too long or the ingredients was use it incorrectly. Kinda disappointed.
August 25 · DJ NauTicz