Le Pain Quotidien: Your Cozy Corner for Organic Fare on the Upper East Side

Le Pain Quotidien Introduce

Le Pain Quotidien, a name that translates to "The Daily Bread," is a staple in the New York City dining scene, and its location on the Upper East Side is a true neighborhood gem. This beloved restaurant, bakery, and coffee shop offers a unique and welcoming experience centered around fresh, organic, and simple food. It’s more than just a place to grab a bite; it’s a retreat from the city's hustle and bustle, with a cozy and inviting atmosphere that encourages you to slow down and enjoy your meal. The concept is built on a European sensibility, emphasizing a communal dining experience, often highlighted by a large central table where guests can share a meal and conversation. The restaurant's philosophy is rooted in providing a comforting and wholesome experience, from its artisanal breads to its thoughtfully prepared dishes.

This particular Le Pain Quotidien has become a go-to spot for New Yorkers seeking a healthy and delicious meal, whether for breakfast, brunch, or lunch. The menu features a variety of options that cater to different tastes and dietary needs, including an impressive selection of vegan, vegetarian, and organic dishes. Signature items like the Avocado Toast and the Sunny Side Breakfast Bowl are popular choices, known for their fresh ingredients and satisfying flavors. While it's a perfect place for a leisurely meal, the restaurant is also praised for its fast service, making it a viable option for a quick bite. With its blend of quality food, a cozy atmosphere, and a commitment to healthy eating, Le Pain Quotidien has firmly established itself as a cherished spot for both locals and tourists exploring the Upper East Side.

Location and Accessibility

Located at 1309 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10128, this Le Pain Quotidien is situated in the charming and highly desirable Carnegie Hill section of the Upper East Side. This central location makes it incredibly accessible for residents and visitors alike. It's just a short walk from Museum Mile and Central Park, making it a perfect spot to refuel before or after a day of exploring. The restaurant is conveniently located near public transportation, with the 4, 5, and 6 subway lines at 86th Street and Lexington Avenue providing easy access from various parts of the city. Numerous bus routes also run along Lexington Avenue, adding to its accessibility.

Le Pain Quotidien is committed to being an inclusive and welcoming space. The establishment features a wheelchair-accessible entrance, restroom, and seating, ensuring that people of all abilities can dine comfortably. For those with pets, dogs are allowed in the outdoor seating area. While street parking can be challenging in this busy residential neighborhood, the option of curbside pickup, delivery, and proximity to public transport makes a visit hassle-free. The restaurant's location on a major avenue, with windows facing both Lexington Avenue and a side street, provides a great view and plenty of natural light, enhancing the overall dining experience.

Services Offered

Dine-in: Enjoy the cozy, communal atmosphere by dining in, whether you sit at a table or at the signature communal table.
Outdoor Seating: On pleasant days, the inviting outdoor patio is a fantastic option for a meal.
Curbside Pickup: For a quick and convenient experience, you can order ahead and pick up your meal right at the curb.
Delivery: The restaurant offers delivery, allowing you to enjoy their healthy and delicious food from the comfort of your own home or office.
Takeout: If you're on the go, takeout is a perfect option to grab your favorite items quickly.
Catering: Le Pain Quotidien also provides catering services for events and gatherings.

Features / Highlights

Great Coffee and Tea: The restaurant is known for its high-quality coffee and a wide selection of teas, making it a perfect spot for a morning or afternoon pick-me-up.
Healthy and Organic Options: Le Pain Quotidien is committed to using fresh, organic ingredients. The menu is rich in healthy options, including vegan and vegetarian dishes, and is a great choice for conscious eaters.
Cozy and Trendy Atmosphere: The restaurant has a unique ambiance that is both cozy and trendy. The rustic decor and the communal table create a welcoming and comfortable setting.
Family-Friendly and Inclusive: The restaurant is a welcoming space for families, with high chairs and a kid's menu. It is also an LGBTQ+ friendly establishment and a transgender safe space.
Extensive Menu: The menu offers a broad range of options, from breakfast and brunch classics like Avocado Toast and waffles to salads, tartines, and a variety of baked goods and pastries.
Wi-Fi: Free Wi-Fi is available, making it a convenient spot for college students or anyone looking to work while they enjoy a coffee.

Contact Information

Address: 1309 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10128, USA

Phone: (212) 203-0802

What is worth choosing

Le Pain Quotidien is a truly worthwhile choice for New Yorkers, offering a perfect blend of high-quality food, a welcoming atmosphere, and convenient services. What makes it stand out is its commitment to healthy, organic ingredients, which is a significant draw for a city that values both well-being and convenience. The menu is a highlight, with fan-favorite items like the Avocado Toast and the Sunny Side Breakfast Bowl consistently receiving praise. The variety is also a key selling point; whether you're in the mood for a light salad, a hearty hot dish, or a simple pastry with coffee, you'll find something delicious to satisfy your craving.

The communal and cozy atmosphere is another reason to choose Le Pain Quotidien. It provides a sense of community that is rare in a fast-paced city. It's a place where you can relax, read a book, or have a quiet conversation. The excellent coffee and tea selection, coupled with the availability of Wi-Fi, makes it an ideal spot for a quick bite or a long, leisurely brunch. The restaurant's dedication to inclusivity and accessibility further cements its status as a valuable neighborhood asset. For a meal that feels both wholesome and comforting, Le Pain Quotidien on the Upper East Side is a reliable and delightful choice.

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
Curbside pickup
Delivery
Onsite services
Takeout
Dine-in

Highlights
Fast service
Great coffee
Great tea selection

Popular for
Breakfast
Lunch
Solo dining

Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible restroom
Wheelchair accessible seating
Wheelchair accessible parking lot

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

Dining options
Breakfast
Brunch
Lunch
Dinner
Catering
Dessert
Seating
Table service

Amenities
Restroom
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi

Atmosphere
Casual
Cozy
Trendy

Crowd
College students
Family-friendly
Groups
LGBTQ+ friendly
Tourists
Transgender safespace

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 Lexington Avenue

1309 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10128, USA

Le Pain Quotidien Reviews

An average rating of ★4.1 from 515 user reviews.

coffeepastriesatmosphereserversoupbowlavocado toastcappuccinoorganic foodbrunch

★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

I would have given the food a 5* as this has always been my go-to spot when I'm in the area. The only minor complaint I have is that the hot food could be hotter but otherwise it's perfect. I would also recommend only asking for the sourdough. The other bread was too dense for my liking. The soup is one of the best I've ever tasted
April 28 · Nikiwe Mwale
Served a burnt quiche Lorraine twice. I was told that brown cottage cheese like custard is how they make it now. A separated stringy brown mess not a quiche at all. I could not eat it. The gespacho soup was gritty and overpiced. The coffee was watery. The bread was OK.
August 01 · Sherry Felix
Disappointed with Breakfast at Le Pain QuotidienI came in for breakfast at 7:40am expecting a nice start to my day, but unfortunately, it was anything but that. I asked for boiled eggs, only to be told they weren’t ready yet, even though the place opens at 6:30am. I ended up ordering the Belgian waffle instead, and it was a huge letdown. The waffle was so sugary it was hard to eat, with large, unmelted sugar crystals throughout (see attached photo). It didn’t feel fresh at all – more like something pre-made and store-bought, which was surprising from a place that looks like a bakery.The coffee was the only thing I enjoyed; it’s hard to go wrong with coffee. But beyond that, my server wasn’t very friendly, which added to the overall unpleasant experience. Unfortunately, I don’t plan to return. Also, food is too expensive.
October 30 · Elli Cherry
SCAM ALERT!!! We came for a quick branch and order inside, at the counter no body said we can't sit inside, so the waiter just came and told us we must move to the big table or to the bar stools that was uncomfortable. The two toast was expansive but the waiter promised it going to a good portion.
October 17 · Bar
Over the years to me it’s become more ‘chain’-like…. the place feels like a formula - though a good one. Food was great as was the coffee. Service friendly and professional.
August 10 · Mark van Heusden