Lafayette Grand Café & Bakery

Pistachio Croissant

Flaky, buttery croissant filled with pistachio cream -- one of the best pastries in downtown Manhattan

Croissant

Deeply laminated with shatteringly crisp exterior layers and a honeyed, airy interior — one of the better examples in Manhattan

Kouign-Amann

Caramelized Breton pastry with crackly sugar crust and buttery, pull-apart layers that border on addictive

Boulangerie Basket

Assortment of house-baked breads and pastries -- the perfect way to sample the bakery's range

Croque Monsieur

Thick-cut ham under a molten béchamel and Gruyère cap, broiled until blistered — a properly executed café staple

Salmon Benedict

Poached eggs over smoked salmon with hollandaise -- a brunch classic done with French finesse

Steak Frites

Hanger steak with proper char, served alongside crisp, well-salted frites — reliable execution at a fair price for the neighborhood

Lemon Pancakes

Fluffy pancakes with bright lemon flavor -- light and refreshing for a brunch dish

Moules Marinières

Mussels steamed in white wine and shallots, well-seasoned with enough broth to justify ordering extra bread

Rotisserie Duck

Whole duck from the live-fire rotisserie -- crispy skin, juicy meat, worth the wait

Tarte au Citron

Bright, properly acidic lemon tart in a crisp shell — the pastry team's precision shows here

Cinna-Cruffin

Croissant-muffin hybrid with cinnamon sugar -- inventive pastry that's become a cult favorite

Crêpes

Thin, lacey crêpes that are a brunch draw but can arrive cold on busy weekend mornings — timing is the variable

Strawberry Eclair

Pan-Seared Fish With Clams