Blue Box Cafe: Have Breakfast at Tiffany's in New York City

Yes, there is Breakfast at Tiffany’s. It’s at Blue Box Cafe.

One of the most famous movie scenes of all time depicts Holly Golightly arriving in yellow cab at Tiffany & Co. on deserted Fifth Avenue during the early morning hours. Shrouded in a slim black Givenchy gown, sleek black gloves, strands of chunky pearls and Oliver Goldsmith sunnies, she pulls a croissant (or is it a danish?) and coffee out of a white paper bag, then munches and sips as she gazes at the beautiful jewelry in the window. “Moon River” croons in the background of the opening scene in what would eventually become an American (and New York) film classic.

I’m referring to the 1961 award-winning movie Breakfast at Tiffany’s, starring Audrey Hepburn. Before Blue Box Café opened in late 2017, it was merely a film title. But now you really can have breakfast (or lunch or even tea) at Tiffany’s.

One could say that Tiffany & Co. was Holly Golightly’s happy place, a place removed from life’s disappointments and her reality. One could say the same about Blue Box Café. Adorned with Tiffany blue boxes, elegant decor, and chic tabletop items, the enchanting café provides an escape from the strains and challenges of everyday life.

The fourth-floor restaurant is an excellent spot to celebrate a special occasion or just make believe for an afternoon. My friends and I have been talking about going to the café since it opened, and at last, I went with Heather, Scott, and Greg (in celebration of his birthday). And I’m so glad we did.

At Blue Box Cafe, you can have breakfast at Tiffany’s

Guests have the option of eating breakfast or lunch or having afternoon tea. The menus are prix-fixe, so there are no a la carte options.

Breakfast comes with fresh fruit and a mini croissant (of course) alongside Nutella, honey butter, and fruit preserves. Then you have a choice of entrees like avocado toast or a buttermilk waffle. ($32)

Lunch features two courses: a starter like a vegan parsnip soup, or for seafood lovers, a crudo. Second courses like the Fifty-Seventh Street flatbread and the Fifth Avenue salad with Maine lobster are modest in portion size, but delicious. ($42)

The Tiffany Tea includes finger sandwiches such as cucumber goat cheese and herbed chicken salad as well as teas by Bellocq and an assortment of sweets. We didn’t partake in the tea portion, but several tables around us did and it looked lovely! ($52)

Dessert and cocktails are additional.

I went with the prix-fixe lunch option and I wasn’t disappointed. I’ve read mixed reviews about the food, but the parsnip soup and Fifth Avenue salad were both very good. Heather had the flatbread and I had a taste or two, it was fantastic. And Greg’s was the only breakfast order – he had the waffle and really enjoyed it. He also sipped the Blue Box Champagne Martini and loved it. Scott, Heather, and I went with a glass of rosé. Champagne was chilling and ready to be poured, too.

The highlight was dining in that sophisticated space – the ultimate ambiance for breakfast at Tiffany’s. You can’t help but be in a good mood (and feel pretty) while sitting in Blue Box Café.

The service started a bit slow but we were gabbing for at least 20 minutes, catching up, so our server gave us plenty of time. And we weren’t rushed at all. In fact, we had a leisurely lunch that lasted well over two hours. The gracious staff allowed us to take pictures and they took photos of us too. They were genuinely concerned with our experience, welcoming us when we arrived and asking how everything was when we left. (Be sure to allow time to take in the fun and creative displays just outside the restaurant.)

For an afternoon that feels miles away from reality, as if you’ve sashayed into 1961 sans an evening gown and pearls (I did notice a fascinator or two), head to the fourth floor at Tiffany & Co. Blue Box Café offers a fairytale setting where the world outside that robin’s egg blue room doesn’t seem to matter.