Chasing Cherry Blossoms: Al Fresco Brunch at Ladurée Soho
French pastries and pink trees
“Are we even in New York right now?” the woman beside me asks, gesturing toward the canopy of branches overhead.
If you haven’t been, Ladurée Soho is one of the city’s most beautiful spots for outdoor dining. A summer brunch imperative. Spacious yet intimate. Lush and tucked away from the street noise.
It feels like uncovering a secret. You step through the front café—eyes scanning the rainbow of pastries—into a middle room with blue velvet banquettes, then a spacious dining area, and finally, the hush of the garden. Sea foam green chairs with cozy cushions surround cool white marble tabletops, tucked among flowering trees and quiet corners.
I first brought Jason to Ladurée before the weather warmed up. We had the Omelette Ladurée and the Club Salad. There’s a palpable difference when eggs are cooked as nature intended: in butter. I’m not saying it’s a religious experience, but some things are meant to be—like peanut butter and jelly, or eggs and butter. The classic French omelette arrived perfectly buttery and light, folded around a satisfying melt of Emmental Swiss cheese, mushrooms, tomato, and turkey.
We zeroed in on the Club Salad the moment we saw Gem lettuce on the menu—basically code for “we take salads seriously.” This one delivered: buttery Gem leaves, roasted chicken, hard-boiled eggs, and crispy bacon—the brunch equivalent of a love language.
To top it off, we had the Poema sparkling Spanish Cava. If you pour me a perfectly dry sparkling wine, you’re making the kind of impression I’ll remember. I made sure to snap a photo of the label.
And last month, I made it back before the cherry blossoms disappeared. The season is elusive— like spring in New York. But cherry blossom season kicks off the kind of al fresco memories that get you through winter. Sitting in the garden, sakura branches swayed above me. A breeze moved through as I sipped fresh mint tea and tried the new seasonal macarons. The hazelnut was my favorite—milk chocolate with hazelnut cream. A clear standout. Next time, I’ll pair it with coffee.
I love the uncomplicated pleasure of the macaron, a naturally gluten-free dessert. A pastry that’s more accessible than most, allowing gluten-free diners to enjoy it alongside fellow dessert lovers. No notes. Dessert A-list material. That said, quick tip: As I was conducting important dessert research, I discovered some knock-off macarons made with wheat flour. So, if you're buying macarons outside a French bakery, double-check those ingredients to make sure wheat flour hasn’t made a surprise appearance.
Equally important, there’s a difference between a macaron (one “o,” rhymes with “grown”) and macaroon (two “o”s, rhymes with “balloon”). The macaron, pictured here, is a delicate confection made from almond flour, sugar, and egg whites, with a layer of ganache or meringue sandwiched in between. Legend has it that Catherine de' Medici’s pastry chef brought the early version from Italy to France, where it became the sweet icon it is today. (The Italian part of my heritage legally requires I mention this whenever possible).
If you’re looking for outdoor dining this summer, book a table at Ladurée Soho’s outdoor garden. Reservations open 30 days in advance on Resy. I look forward to bringing friends back and watching for any new gluten-free dishes.
And if you spot the pistachio macaron? Get it. It’s my year-round favorite.
As I stepped into the garden that day, my whole body exhaled. Maybe it’s the power of nature, the absence of car horns, or the anticipation of dessert. Either way, it felt like a dose of vacation.
See you at brunch,
Nicole
I definitely need to make a trip to this spot! I've had their macarons but never dined outside there. Looks so fab.
The club salad was epic!