In a city as expansive as New York, satisfying one's early morning hunger appetites is an exciting prospect, thanks to the endless array of restaurants and diners that cater to your breakfast cravings. Here's the lowdown on the top-rated breakfast delights that the Big Apple has to offer - do try to catch them on a weekday morning to dodge the weekend rush.

In "the Village’s quintessential diner," La Bonbonniere, indulge in omelettes, blueberry pancakes, challah French toast, and excellent coffee served with the neighborhood's characteristic charm. Paying into the vibe with cash is the norm here.

The adorable Russ & Daughters Cafe on the Lower East Side is a gastronomic delight with Jewish classics like potato latkes, matzo ball soup, bagel boards with lox or smoked fish, and tantalizing French toasts prepared with babka for those with a sweet tooth. Be informed though, this spot is always bustling with diners and does not accept reservations.

For pastry and coffee enthusiasts, the Soho branch of the esteemed Danish coffee shop, La Cabra is an absolute gem. However, its quality hand brews and cardamom buns often attract long queues, particularly over the weekend, so early birds stand a better chance.

Brunch enthusiasts in the East Village will enjoy the rich breakfast sandwich offerings from the cool neighborhood café, C&B, complete with soft-scrambled eggs, meaty mushrooms and home-brewed pastries. Stunning views await at the Tompkins Square Park across the street.

Diehard fans of Danny Meyer's Daily Provisions are rewarded with their legendary maple-glazed crullers and BECs. Conveniently located in several parts of the city, this all-day cafe is always within reach for a casual morning meal.

Craving for some classic Hong Kong-style diner food? Kong Sihk Tong in Chinatown offers sumptuous standards like noodle soups topped with satay beef or spam and egg, along with the famous “golden lava French toast.” And yes, you can pay via cash or Venmo.

Embark on a European culinary journey before your 9 am call at F&W Best New Chefs Camari Mick and Mary Attea’s French-Italian restaurant, replete with scrumptious breakfast options and housemade pastries. Breakfast never got this chic at this NoHo hotspot.

At the time-honored Flatiron lunch counter, S&P Lunch, formerly known as Eisenberg's, enjoy stick-to-your-ribs fare in a minimalist setting. Tuna melt or corned beef sandwich for breakfast, anyone?

Whether it's breakfast burritos, homemade milk buns, or guava pancakes, Little Flower Cafe pulls out all the stops. Taste the ethereal firni doughnuts stuffed with cardamom-scented custard but be warned, they disappear quickly.

Find a piece of New Mexico in Brooklyn's Bed-Stuy at Ursula cafe and bakery, serving up incredible breakfast burritos with fluffy scrambled eggs and hash browns.

For an upscale breakfast, head up to Le Crocodile in Brooklyn's Wythe Hotel, where you can try everything from a simple cappuccino to a smoked salmon Benedict.

For a different kind of experience, Okonomi Yuji Ramen serves beautifully curated fixed menu Japanese breakfasts. Perfect for those craving comfort food.

And what’s a New York breakfast story without bagels? The Brooklyn Bagel & Coffee Company's tasty variety of bagels offers a taste of traditional New York breakfast in every bite.

Lastly, grab a quick breakfast from Rex in Hell's Kitchen. Customizable egg sandwiches, breakfast Cubans, burritos and delicious Counter Culture coffee have been a decade-long tradition at this favorite local haunt.