Destinations / New York City / Top Things to Do in New York City for Chocolate Lovers in Astoria
Top Things to Do in New York City for Chocolate Lovers in Astoria
1. La Guli Pastry Shop
A neighborhood institution since 1937, La Guli is where Astoria’s sweet tooth goes for old-school Italian classics. Chocolate lovers zero in on cannoli with chocolate-lined shells, chocolate-dipped cookies, and rich mousse and fudge cakes made on-site.
✓ Why Go:
It’s quintessential Astoria—heritage recipes, generous portions, and chocolate-forward pastries that taste like tradition.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Morning or late afternoon for the fullest selection; weekends get busy after dinner.
✓ Insider Tip:
Ask for mini cannoli with chocolate-dipped shells and a box of assorted chocolate butter cookies for the road.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Beloved, nostalgic, and consistently fresh; many locals call it their go-to for celebratory chocolate cakes.
2. Martha's Country Bakery
Glass cases brim with towering slices—think Brooklyn blackout, chocolate mousse, and Nutella cheesecake—plus hot chocolates and mochas to match. Late hours make it an easy dessert stop after Ditmars dinners.
✓ Why Go:
A massive chocolate selection under one roof with café comforts and plenty of seating.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weeknights after 8 pm to skip lines; weekends see peak crowds late evening.
✓ Insider Tip:
Share a slice (they’re huge) and pair with a classic hot chocolate or iced mocha for the full cocoa hit.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Buzzing and photogenic; visitors rave about flavor variety and reliable quality.
3. Chip City
Astoria is the flagship of NYC’s cult cookie shop. Expect rotating chocolate-heavy flavors—triple chocolate, chocolate peanut butter, and melty chocolate chip—pulled fresh from the oven throughout the day.
✓ Why Go:
For warm, gooey cookies with serious chocolate pockets from the place where the brand began.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Early evening when fresh batches often hit the trays; weekdays for shorter waits.
✓ Insider Tip:
Check the daily flavor lineup online and snag a 4-pack—some flavors sell out fast.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Lines form but move quickly; most say the warm, gooey center is worth the wait.
4. Gian Piero Bakery
Classic Italian bakery where chocolate mousse cake, hazelnut-chocolate tortes, éclairs, and chocolate-dipped biscotti headline the pastry case. Espresso pulls tie it all together.
✓ Why Go:
Time-honored European chocolate desserts in a relaxed, neighborhood setting.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Morning for the freshest bakes; early evening for dessert-and-espresso hour.
✓ Insider Tip:
Grab a slice of chocolate mousse cake and a macchiato; limited counter seating favors quick bites.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Friendly service, fair prices, and reliably rich chocolate pastries keep regulars returning.
5. Omonia Cafe
This Greek patisserie-café is an Astoria icon known for late-night sweets. Chocolate fans flock to Nutella crepes, Belgian chocolate cake, and chocolate-drizzled cheesecakes—best with Greek coffee.
✓ Why Go:
A lively, European-style spot for chocolate desserts well past midnight.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late night on weekends for people-watching; midafternoon for a quieter treat.
✓ Insider Tip:
Order a Nutella-strawberry crepe and pair it with a strong Greek frappe for a balanced sweet-and-bitter combo.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Lively ambiance and big portions; visitors appreciate the long hours and variety.
6. Ample Hills Creamery
Whimsical, house-made ice creams star chunky chocolate mix-ins and swirls. From chocolate milk & cookies to brownie-studded scoops and hot-fudge sundaes, it’s a playground for cocoa cravings.
✓ Why Go:
Creative chocolate flavors with generous mix-ins, crafted in small batches.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Evenings in warm months; cooler days mean shorter lines and easy seating.
✓ Insider Tip:
Order a flight to sample multiple chocolate flavors, or get a chocolate-dipped waffle cone.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Playful flavors and nostalgic vibes; families and date-nighters both approve.
7. Van Leeuwen Ice Cream
French-style, ultra-creamy scoops with rich chocolate options—dark chocolate, brownie sundaes, and excellent vegan chocolate varieties—anchor this Ditmars outpost.
✓ Why Go:
For intensely chocolatey scoops and vegan choices in a sleek, modern shop.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late night for a post-dinner cone; weekday afternoons are quietest.
✓ Insider Tip:
Turn your chocolate scoop into an affogato with a shot of espresso for extra depth.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Consistently praised for texture and bold flavor; a stylish stop on Ditmars.
8. Güllüoğlu Baklava & Cafe
Specialists in Turkish sweets offer chocolate-forward treats like cocoa baklava and chocolate-drizzled kadayif alongside Turkish coffee and tea.
✓ Why Go:
A delicious detour into chocolate-meets-Middle Eastern pastry traditions.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Afternoon tea hour or early evening for fresh trays.
✓ Insider Tip:
Pair chocolate baklava with a strong Turkish coffee; boxed assortments travel well as gifts.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Praised for authenticity and freshness; many call it a hidden gem for sweets.
9. Il Fornaio Bakery Cafe
A cozy neighborhood bakery turning out chocolate croissants, tiramisu, fudge cakes, and espresso drinks. It’s a low-key stop when a simple chocolate pastry will do.
✓ Why Go:
Dependable chocolate pastries without the crowds, plus friendly service.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Mornings for warm croissants; arrive early on weekends to avoid sellouts.
✓ Insider Tip:
Grab a Nutella croissant and an iced latte; custom chocolate cakes are available with advance notice.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Locals appreciate the value and freshness; a reliable everyday favorite.
10. Titan Foods
Astoria’s landmark Greek market stocks European chocolates (think ION and Lacta), cocoa-streaked halva, and chocolate-covered nuts—perfect edible souvenirs for chocoholics.
✓ Why Go:
Load up on unique Greek chocolate brands and cocoa-halva you won’t easily find elsewhere.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekday afternoons for easy browsing; weekends can be bustling.
✓ Insider Tip:
Ask staff for seasonal chocolate imports and grab a slab of cocoa halva to slice at home.
✓ What Visitors Say:
A destination market with devoted regulars; selection and authenticity win repeat visits.
