Destinations / New York City / Top Things to Do in New York City for Bakery Fans
Top Things to Do in New York City for Bakery Fans
1. Dominique Ansel Bakery
The SoHo icon that sparked worldwide pastry mania with the Cronut, plus cult favorites like the flaky DKA and whimsical cookie shots served in a leafy backyard.
✓ Why Go:
It’s the birthplace of the Cronut and a laboratory of inventive French techniques—perfect for tasting where modern pastry trends began.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekday mornings at opening time for the best selection and shortest lines; monthly Cronut flavors sell out fast.
✓ Insider Tip:
Grab a Cronut and a DKA to compare textures; check the rotating monthly flavor online before you go.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Travelers call it a bucket-list stop and say the wait is worth it for pastries that feel both playful and precision-made.
2. Levain Bakery
Home of the famously thick, gooey cookies with crisp edges and molten centers, baked in small batches on the Upper West Side.
✓ Why Go:
These cookies are a New York rite of passage and a perfect post–Central Park treat.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Mid-morning on weekdays; fresh trays roll out throughout the day but afternoons can see peak lines.
✓ Insider Tip:
Split a cookie—they’re hefty—and pair it with milk or coffee for the classic experience.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors rave about the chocolate chip walnut and call the texture unmatched anywhere else.
3. Breads Bakery
Israeli-influenced bakery near Union Square known for buttery, chocolate-laced babka, laminated pastries, and excellent coffee.
✓ Why Go:
The chocolate babka is a modern NYC classic—ideal to enjoy warm or to take home as an edible souvenir.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Morning or early afternoon; babka often comes out warm after late-morning bakes.
✓ Insider Tip:
Ask when the next babka batch is coming out for that just-from-the-oven swirl.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Fans describe the babka as deeply chocolatey and perfectly balanced, with friendly, efficient service.
4. Magnolia Bakery
West Village sweetheart famed for classic American bakes and, most of all, ultra-creamy banana pudding in multiple sizes and seasonal flavors.
✓ Why Go:
It’s a snapshot of nostalgic NYC dessert culture—simple, comforting, and iconic.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekdays mid-afternoon to avoid tour-bus crowds; evenings can also be calmer.
✓ Insider Tip:
Order a small banana pudding to sample, then upgrade to a large if you love it; grab a cupcake for the walk.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Guests praise the silky pudding and say this stop turns skeptics into instant fans.
5. Ferrara Bakery & Cafe
Little Italy mainstay since 1892 serving espresso, cannoli filled to order, sfogliatelle, and rainbow cookies in an old-world cafe setting.
✓ Why Go:
It’s a living slice of NYC pastry history and the perfect pairing with a neighborhood stroll.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekday afternoons to dodge dinner rushes in Little Italy.
✓ Insider Tip:
Ask for your cannoli filled fresh for the ideal crisp shell and creamy ricotta contrast.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Travelers love the classic atmosphere and consistent quality, calling it a must on any downtown pastry crawl.
6. Sullivan Street Bakery
Jim Lahey’s celebrated bakery turning out crackly-crusted loaves, pillowy pizza bianca, and sugar-dusted bomboloni.
✓ Why Go:
It’s a masterclass in artisan bread—ideal for carb lovers who appreciate craftsmanship.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Morning for the widest bread selection; midday for warm pizza al taglio.
✓ Insider Tip:
Grab a slab of pizza bianca and a bombolone, then wander west to the Hudson River Park.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Bread enthusiasts call it destination-worthy, with many noting the exceptional crust and chew.
7. Mah-Ze-Dahr Bakery
Elegant West Village spot by a James Beard–recognized pastry chef, known for brioche doughnuts, dark chocolate brownies, and refined tarts.
✓ Why Go:
It blends American nostalgia with European finesse—great for a lingering coffee-and-pastry break.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late morning; popular weekend items can sell out by early afternoon.
✓ Insider Tip:
If you see brioche doughnuts, don’t hesitate; they’re a local favorite and disappear quickly.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Guests praise the balance of flavors and polished presentation without pretense.
8. Peter Pan Donut & Pastry Shop
Greenpoint time capsule where trays of old-school donuts, crullers, and cream-filled classics meet friendly counter service.
✓ Why Go:
It’s a beloved neighborhood institution and a sweet window into vintage NYC bakery culture.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Early morning for the freshest selection and shorter queues; weekends get busy.
✓ Insider Tip:
Order a mixed dozen to sample styles, then stroll to nearby McCarren Park.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Reviewers call it nostalgic, affordable, and consistently delicious—worth the subway ride.
9. Win Son Bakery
Taiwanese-American bakery and cafe pairing inventive breads and pastries with savory breakfast sandwiches and excellent coffee.
✓ Why Go:
For adventurous palates, it’s a fresh perspective on what a NYC bakery can be—playful, bold, and deeply satisfying.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekday mornings; weekend brunch hours can see long lines.
✓ Insider Tip:
Pick up a box of pineapple cakes as gifts—they travel well and showcase the bakery’s style.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Fans love the creative flavors and call it a highlight of a Williamsburg food crawl.
10. Martha's Country Bakery
Crowd-pleasing dessert bakery with glass cases of towering cakes, cheesecakes, and tarts plus a strong coffee program.
✓ Why Go:
Perfect for groups and late-night cravings, with something for every sweet tooth.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late morning on weekdays for relaxed seating; evenings buzz with dessert lovers.
✓ Insider Tip:
Share slices so you can sample multiple flavors—cheesecake, blackout cake, and fruit tarts are standouts.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors praise the generous portions and consistent bakes, calling it a reliable end to a Brooklyn dinner.
