Visiting NYC and a bakery lover? Delve into our guide showcasing the city's top bakeries. From iconic classics to hidden gems, indulge in a variety of delectable treats that capture the essence of the city's sweeter side.
April 23, 2024
Planning a trip to New York City and got a big sweet tooth? Let us help you discover the best bakeries in town, so you can spend less time deciding where to go and more time enjoying delicious treats. From 130-year-old standbys to hidden gems, get ready to dive into the flavors of NYC as we take you on a digital culinary tour of its most iconic bakeries.
If this is your first time reading our travel blog, here’s our introduction. We connect NYC-based trip planners to NYC travelers so they can save time planning things to do and enjoy more time doing things they love with the people they love. Space is limited. Reserve time with our team early.
Ok … On to the list
For nearly three decades, Magnolia Bakery has been delighting patrons with its classic American baked goods. Featured on the iconic '90s sitcom Sex and the City, this institution is a must-visit for any sweet-toothed connoisseur. While famous for its ‘Carrie’ cupcakes, don't overlook the heavenly banana pudding, a comforting blend of creaminess and nostalgia.
A staple in NYC's bread-baking scene since 1992, Amy's Bread offers artisanal bread made with unbleached and unbromated (aka wholesome) flour. From crispy baguettes and tangy sourdough loaves to fresh focaccia and baked donuts, Amy's boasts a variety of options to satisfy every palate.
Known for its quality baked goods, Balthazar Bakery is a favorite among locals and tourists. You'll find everything from traditional baguettes to delicate pastries here. Be sure to grab a flaky croissant to go with your morning coffee.
Located next to Union Square Café, Daily Provisions is perfect for grabbing a quick bite. They have freshly baked bread and delicious pastries for breakfast or lunch. Treat yourself to one of their famous crullers (cinnamon sugar, maple or original glazed) —they're worth every calorie.
If you're a cookie lover, Levain Bakery is a must-visit. Their cookies are huge and incredibly soft in the middle. Try their double-chocolate or classic chocolate chip cookies. Just be prepared to wait in line if you visit one of their more popular locations, but trust us, it's worth it.
Dating back to 1946, William Greenberg Desserts is famous for its black and white cookies, a local icon in NYC’s dessert scene. They also offer a variety of other traditional treats like crumb cakes, challah, rugelach, and strudel. Make sure to grab a few goodies during visits to the Upper East or West Sides, since both locations are conveniently close to both the American Museum of Natural History and The Met. There's no excuse to miss this famous NYC cookie (though it's more cake than cookie!)
Dominique Ansel, former executive pastry chef at Daniel, brings his expertise to this American and French patisserie. Indulge in caramelized croissants, miniature pastel meringues, and madeleines, alongside the famous Cronut. The café also offers savory options like roasted butternut squash soup and a pork club sandwich with pickled eggs, tomatoes, and spicy mayo on sourdough.
A New York institution with over 130 years of history, Veniero's offers classic Italian pastries and cakes. Don't miss their renowned cannoli, available in plain or chocolate-covered vanilla, or their creamy cheesecake, both best enjoyed in their seating area surrounded by Neapolitan glass ceilings and Italian renaissance art.
Established in 1916, Orwasher’s Bakery continues to impress with its traditional Jewish and European breads. Any visit uptown isn’t complete without sampling their rugelach, pumpernickel bread, and renowned black-and-white cookies. For more adventurous foodies, be sure to try their sticky-bun babka and rustic “artisan wine” bread made with natural yeasts from Long Island’s Channing Daughters Winery.
Lloyd's Carrot Cake has been a beloved family-owned bakery in East Harlem since 1986, famous for its namesake treat as well as a variety of other desserts. Visit for their delicious pies, muffins, and cakes. The bakery's small but bustling storefront is a testament to its legacy, with lines known to wrap around the block.
Known for its innovative pastries, Supermoon Bakehouse offers unique creations like the NYC Croissant (seasoned like an everything bagel with a cream cheese, capers and lox filling) and torched-meringue Cruffin. Indulge in their perfect laminated pastries and doughnuts, complemented by flavorful fillings and toppings. The bakery's hype-driven marketing strategy ensures consistently long lines, especially on weekends.
Tai Pan Bakery offers a delightful array of classic Cantonese baked goods, from egg tarts to bean buns and mooncakes. With bustling locations in both Flushing and Chinatown, this bakery is a haven for those seeking traditional Chinese pastries and affordable Western treats alike. Their commitment to freshness is evident, as they bake their goods continuously throughout the day, ensuring that customers always enjoy their treats at their absolute best.
Librae Bakery blends Middle Eastern flavors with modern techniques, crafting inventive pastries like the pistachio rose croissant and loomi babka (babka stuffed with lemon curd and black lime). With a rotating selection of 23 items on display at any given point, including Jerusalem bagels, espresso pain au chocolat and tahini chocolate chip cookies, there's always something new to discover. Their commitment to freshness is unparalleled, with goods baked up to eight times a day using freshly milled flour, ensuring each treat is bursting with flavor and quality.
Home to what some locals consider New York's best chocolate babka, Breads Bakery offers an array of sweet and savory treats. Try their Nutella-filled, laminated dough babka or pick up one of their fresh loaves for a taste of artisanal baking at its finest. With locations all over Manhattan, this bakery is a must-visit for any visitor.
La Bicyclette, an authentic French bakery located in Williamsburg, is known for its perfect breads and laminated pastries. Despite its limited hours of operation from 8 am to 1 pm Tuesday through Sunday, the bakery is immensely popular, often with lines wrapping around the block, especially on Saturdays. Founded by French owner Flo, who pursued his passion for baking since childhood, La Bicyclette offers a wide variety of breads, from baguettes to croissants, along with popular sandwiches that sell out quickly.
No NYC bakery list is complete without somewhere to get pan dulce! Don Paco Lopez Panadería, with locations in East Harlem and Sunset Park, is a beloved Mexican bakery known for its incredible array of sweets and savory treats. Run by a family of siblings, this bakery has been serving traditional Mexican bread, baked goods, tamales, and more for nearly 25 years. From flaky orejas to conchas and savory delights like tamales and pambazos, there's something for everyone. Don't miss their delicious pastries filled with fruits like guava and pineapple, or their chicken tamales, perfect for a comforting snack.
If you're craving tried and true Italian American bakery classics like rainbow cookies, cannoli, pignoli, zeppoli, and marzipan fruit, Brooklyn is truly the place to be. Brooklyn’s Italian bakeries are an experience in themselves, with endless options to explore. Among the most renowned and beloved of these bakeries is Villabate Alba in Bensonhurst, where you can find it all. This Brooklyn staple is famous for its cannoli made with imported ricotta from Sicily, freshly made sfogliatelle in the morning, authentic gelato, and a charming, slightly tacky storefront that's perfect for snapping a picture with your box of sweets.
Our team of trip consultants builds tailored plans for travelers from around the world visiting NYC. We’ve built a wide range of plans for family trips, anniversaries, birthdays, and other special occasions, even for solo travelers treating themselves. Each plan is built with a 3-step process:
Click here to have our team tailor your New York trip itinerary today or check out a few of our sample plans here.
© 2023, Khonsu Inc. All rights reserved
