Destinations / New York City / Top Things to Do in New York City for Chocolate Lovers around Central Park
Top Things to Do in New York City for Chocolate Lovers around Central Park
1. Venchi
An elegant Italian chocolatier inside The Shops at Columbus Circle, Venchi pairs glass-walled chocolate fountains with silky gelato, pralines, and thick sippable hot chocolate steps from Central Park’s southwest corner.
✓ Why Go:
For Chocoviar truffles and custom gelato cups drizzled in warm chocolate—perfect after a park stroll with views over Columbus Circle.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late afternoon on weekdays for shorter lines; December–February for rich hot chocolate, summer evenings for gelato.
✓ Insider Tip:
Ask for a taste of the Suprema hazelnut spread and add a stripe to your gelato; take your cone to the Time Warner Center windows for people-watching.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Travelers praise the ultra-smooth textures and balanced sweetness; occasional queues but staff move guests quickly.
2. La Maison du Chocolat
A refined Upper East Side boutique known for feather-light ganaches and Parisian-style chocolat chaud, just a few leafy blocks from the park’s 79th Street Transverse.
✓ Why Go:
For impeccable French craftsmanship—single-origin ganaches and seasonal truffles in sleek gift boxes.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekday mid-mornings for a calm tasting; ideal in winter for hot chocolate before or after museum visits.
✓ Insider Tip:
Order the classic Guayaquil hot chocolate and a small Coffret Maison to sample multiple textures without overcommitting.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors love the polished service and subtle flavors; viewed as a ‘treat-yourself’ stop near the Met and Guggenheim.
3. Levain Bakery
The Upper West Side icon famous for palm-sized, lava-centered cookies—two blocks from the park’s 72nd Street entrances.
✓ Why Go:
For the city’s most talked-about chocolate cookie: crisp edges, melty middle, and shareable heft.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Mornings right after opening or late evening to avoid peak lines; great year-round post-park snack.
✓ Insider Tip:
Split one cookie fresh and save the rest; ask for it warmed for maximum gooeyness.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Devotees call it bucket-list worthy; expect a short wait that most say is ‘absolutely worth it.’
4. Serendipity
A whimsical Upper East Side institution serving the legendary Frrrozen Hot Chocolate in a storybook setting just south of the park.
✓ Why Go:
For over-the-top chocolate indulgence and nostalgic décor that’s perfect for a celebratory stop after a Central Park carriage ride or stroll.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekday afternoons; avoid weekend dinner rush when waits can be long.
✓ Insider Tip:
Reserve ahead or join the waitlist on arrival; one Frrrozen Hot Chocolate easily serves two.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Guests love the playful atmosphere and photo-friendly desserts; service is friendly though waits can occur at peak times.
5. Lady M Cake Boutique
A serene Upper East Side salon famous for ethereal mille crêpes—especially the chocolate and seasonal varieties—near Fifth Avenue’s museum mile.
✓ Why Go:
For refined slices that layer dozens of whisper-thin crêpes with light pastry cream and premium chocolate.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late mornings or early afternoons on weekdays; lovely after a Met visit or a Central Park Conservatory Garden walk.
✓ Insider Tip:
Preorder whole cakes or limited seasonal slices; seating is limited, so consider takeaway for a park picnic.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Reviewers rave about the delicate textures and not-too-sweet profiles; a favorite for elegant, low-key indulgence.
6. Épicerie Boulud
Daniel Boulud’s gourmet café across from Lincoln Center serves glossy chocolate éclairs, flourless cakes, and rich cocoa, minutes from the park’s southwest entrances.
✓ Why Go:
For French pâtisserie technique with casual convenience—ideal for a refined chocolate bite before or after a park wander.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Pre-theater early evenings or breakfast hours for fresh bakes and easier seating.
✓ Insider Tip:
Pair the flourless chocolate cake with an espresso; snag an outdoor table for lively Broadway views.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Praised for consistent quality and sleek presentation; prices are premium but considered fair for the craftsmanship.
7. Bouchon Bakery
Thomas Keller’s bakery in The Shops at Columbus Circle turns out chocolate bouchons, macarons, and hot chocolate with park-adjacent views.
✓ Why Go:
For classic French techniques and a perch overlooking Columbus Circle—great for a chocolate pause mid-itinerary.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekday mornings for window seats and fresh pastries.
✓ Insider Tip:
Order the namesake bouchons (dense, brownie-like) and a macaron duo; ask for a spot by the glass for city vistas.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors highlight polished flavors and reliable service; can get busy around lunch.
8. Läderach
A Swiss chocolate flagship just south of the park featuring breakable FrischSchoggi slabs, pralines, and dark bark blends.
✓ Why Go:
For customizable chocolate by the slab and a wide range of cocoa intensities—perfect to take into the park.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Early evenings on weekdays; holiday season brings festive assortments and window displays.
✓ Insider Tip:
Ask for small tastes to find your favorite; have staff cut a mixed slab for an easy picnic dessert.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Shoppers love the fresh snap and variety; staff are generous with samples and guidance.
9. William Greenberg Desserts
A beloved Upper East Side bakery dating to the 1940s with brownies, chocolate rugelach, and classic black-and-white cookies near the park’s east gates.
✓ Why Go:
For old-New-York charm and time-tested chocolate treats that travel well.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Morning for the widest selection; ideal before a museum day along Fifth Avenue.
✓ Insider Tip:
Pick up a tin of bite-size brownies—they’re perfect for sharing on a park bench.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Regulars praise consistent, nostalgic flavors and friendly counter service.
10. The Palm Court
The Plaza Hotel’s iconic tea room at the park’s southeast corner, featuring chocolate-forward pastries and occasionally seasonal cocoa.
✓ Why Go:
For gilded, old-world ambiance and pastry-cart indulgences that feel quintessentially New York.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekday mid-afternoons; especially magical during the holiday season.
✓ Insider Tip:
Reserve ahead and ask about pastry upgrades; dress smart-casual for the full experience.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Guests love the glam setting and polished service; prices are splurge-worthy but memorable.
