Destinations / New York City / Top Things to Do in New York City for Chocolate Lovers on the Upper East Side
Top Things to Do in New York City for Chocolate Lovers on the Upper East Side
1. La Maison du Chocolat Madison
A Paris-born temple to ganache, pralines, and glossy entremets, this elegant Madison Avenue boutique doubles as a petite tea room where you can linger over chocolate pastries and silky chocolat chaud.
✓ Why Go:
For refined, gift-worthy chocolates and impeccably balanced dark chocolate mendiants that set the standard for cocoa craftsmanship on the UES.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekday late mornings for a calm counter experience; November–February if you’re craving a warming hot chocolate break between museum visits.
✓ Insider Tip:
Build a custom box of signature ganaches and add a sachet of dark chocolate mendiants; ask about limited-run seasonal cakes that sell out early.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Devotees praise the feather-light textures and elegant packaging—pricey, yes, but consistently described as a worthy splurge.
2. Ladurée Madison
Known for its macarons, Ladurée’s Madison outpost also caters to chocoholics with glossy éclairs, cocoa-dipped biscuits, and rich chocolate confections to go.
✓ Why Go:
To sample Parisian-style chocolate pastries without leaving the neighborhood—and pick up sleek gift boxes for later.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Arrive near opening on weekdays to avoid lines; mornings in spring and fall are especially pleasant for a quick sweet stop.
✓ Insider Tip:
Don’t miss the Eugénie—a chocolate-coated shortbread with a praline core—and ask for any limited-edition chocolate flavors before they’re gone.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors love the consistency and finesse; some note wait times, but most agree the classics deliver.
3. Lady M Cake Boutique
A serene, gallery-like boutique renowned for mille crêpes—try the chocolate version, where layers of crêpes and cocoa pastry cream create a cloud-light slice.
✓ Why Go:
For one of NYC’s most delicate chocolate cakes—refined, not cloying—and a civilized pause between Madison Avenue shops.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late morning or early afternoon on weekdays for minimal waits; avoid peak weekend mid-afternoons.
✓ Insider Tip:
Order the chocolate mille crêpes or the chocolate Checkers cake; seating is limited, so consider taking a slice to nearby Central Park.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Fans rave about the melt-in-your-mouth texture and balanced sweetness; portions are shareable for a light treat.
4. Sant Ambroeus Madison
This Milanese pasticceria-caffè is a neighborhood ritual, with polished service and classic chocolate-forward pastries alongside espresso done right.
✓ Why Go:
For the Gianduia—hazelnut-chocolate mousse layered with crisp wafer and dacquoise—a must for lovers of Italian chocolate desserts.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Afternoons between 2–5 pm for a dolci-and-espresso break; mornings are buzzy with breakfast regulars.
✓ Insider Tip:
Pair the Gianduia with a macchiato; if you spot Sacher torte or chocolate biscotti in the case, grab them—they often sell out.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Locals laud the timeless vibe and polished pastries; it’s a refined (and delicious) UES standby.
5. Serendipity
A whimsical UES institution since 1954, famous for the over-the-top Frrrozen Hot Chocolate—an indulgent, shareable chocolate slush crowned with whipped cream.
✓ Why Go:
Because every chocolate lover should try the city’s most iconic chocolate drink at least once.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Reserve for early evening on weekdays to dodge long waits; late-night dessert runs are lively and fun.
✓ Insider Tip:
Split a classic Frrrozen Hot Chocolate and add chocolate blackout cake for the table; ask about seasonal spins like peanut butter or mint.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Guests come for nostalgia and leave with sweet memories—crowds can be heavy, but the signature treat lives up to the hype.
6. Levain Bakery Upper East Side
Home of the thick, gooey cookie that became a NYC legend—chocoholics beeline for the deeply fudgy dark chocolate varieties.
✓ Why Go:
For warm, generously sized chocolate cookies with caramelized edges and soft centers—ideal park snacks.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Right at opening or late evenings to shorten the line; midweek is quickest.
✓ Insider Tip:
Ask for the cookies slightly warm and consider splitting one—pair with milk or coffee for the full effect.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors call them addictive and worth the wait; many return just for the double-chocolate flavors.
7. Modern Bread & Bagel Upper East Side
A 100% gluten-free bakery-café crafting excellent sweets—don’t miss the chocolate babka and rich double-chocolate cookies.
✓ Why Go:
For inclusive, gluten-free treats that never taste like a compromise—especially the cocoa-swirled babka.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Morning for the best pastry selection; chocolate babka loaves often go early on weekends.
✓ Insider Tip:
Preorder babka if you can, and add a chocolate dessert for later—everything travels well for a museum-day snack.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Gluten-free and gluten-loving visitors alike praise the texture and flavor; a surprise favorite for chocolate cravings.
8. Orwashers Bakery Upper East Side
A neighborhood bakery dating to 1916, beloved for old-world loaves and classic sweets—think chocolate babka and chocolate rugelach.
✓ Why Go:
For heritage bakes with serious chocolate cred, perfect to enjoy on a bench along nearby tree-lined streets.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Early morning for the freshest babka and pastries; afternoons for a quieter coffee-and-cookie stop.
✓ Insider Tip:
Ask for a babka end slice if available—the caramelized chocolate-sugar edge is prized by regulars.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Residents call it a comforting staple with consistently fresh bakes and friendly counter service.
9. Pâtisserie Vanessa
A charming Carnegie Hill pâtisserie set in a townhouse, specializing in French mini pastries—look for chocolate financiers, tarts, and occasional éclairs.
✓ Why Go:
For bite-size chocolate treats that travel well—ideal to tuck into a bag for Museum Mile strolls.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekday mornings for a relaxed visit; weekends see quick sellouts of chocolate items.
✓ Insider Tip:
Order an assorted box heavy on chocolate financiers, and ask if a chocolate tart or eclair is on that day’s menu.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Guests love the warm welcome and refined flavors; many call it a hidden-gem stop off Lexington.
10. Aux Merveilleux de Fred Lexington
This French pâtisserie spotlights the merveilleux—light meringue layered with whipped cream and rolled in chocolate shavings—for an ethereal, cocoa-kissed dessert.
✓ Why Go:
To try the classic chocolate merveilleux and other airy confections that feel indulgent yet feather-light.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late morning for the best selection; mini merveilleux are perfect for an on-the-go sweet between stops.
✓ Insider Tip:
Order Le Merveilleux (chocolate) and a mini assortment to compare flavors; they’re delicate, so carry them upright.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Fans marvel at the texture and elegant presentation; many say it’s a standout among the UES’s new French bakeries.
