When people think of New York City food, pizza is often what comes to mind first. But, although the pizza here is spectacular, those with a sweet tooth certainly won’t leave the city disappointed either. That is, if you know where to look.
New York is filled with perhaps just as many bakeries as pizza joints. With new ones popping up all the time, it can be difficult to decide which ones are actually worth visiting and piling the calories on.
If you want to know the best bakeries New York City has to offer, keep reading. We’ve gathered the top five bakeries you need to visit for your sweet tooth fix.
1. Arcade Bakery
Tucked away in an unassuming office building in Tribeca, Arcade Bakery can be easy to miss.
Here you can enjoy some of New York City’s finest viennoiserie and baguettes. However, it will probably a bit difficult to decide, as the Danish, quiche, croissants, and babka are equally as amazing. And even better, Arcade Bakery sells a spectacular pizza as well, so you can hit this place up for both dinner and dessert.
2. Bien Cuit
Bien cuit is a French term for a well-done, darkened crust. Bien Cuit was started by a pair of Philadelphia transplants and the bakery quickly became a favorite of the Cobble Hill neighborhood and now it’s loved by all of New York City.
The bakery is famous for its minitarts, morning pastries, open-faced sandwiches, and miche, which is a large rustic sourdough bread. The atmosphere at Bien Cuit will also make you think twice about taking your baked goods to go, as Bien Cuit summons an ambience of a French cafe on a lazy afternoon.
3. Maman
If you’re looking for more of a French fix after visiting Bien Cuit, then you need to head to Maman’s next.
Started by Michelin-starred chef Armand Arnal, this bakery brings a taste of Southern France to the heart of Soho. With its vintage chandeliers, farmer’s tables, and spindle-leg stools, the place also has a unique country charm to it.
But to be honest, the decor is just an added bonus to the delicious baked goods you can find here. Some of the most noteworthy include the quiche lorraine, madeleine cookies, focaccia, and chickpea galettes.
4. Mah-Ze-Dahr Bakery
If Oprah raves about it, then you know it has to be good.
The Wet Village bakery, which originally started as an online-only shop, is famous for its brioche doughnuts and cheesecakes. The fresh tarts and dark chocolate brownies are also long -time favorites.
And for those who love not only eating, but baking, Mah-Ze-Dahr hosts frequent baking-related events as well as baking classes. There’s no doubt that you’ll be feeling stuffed to the gills after enjoying the sweets here. Hopping on some Manhattan group tours might be a great way to give your sweet tooth a quick rest after these destinations.
5. Butter & Scotch
Scotch and baked goods may sound like an odd combination, but somehow Allison Kave and Kealy Buehler, the founders of Butter and Scotch, have made the combo work brilliantly.
Tucked into a pocket of Franklin Avenue and complete with a ‘50s flair, this bakery serves up pastries and coffee in the morning, snacks and sweets spiked with spirits (like the delicious bourbon pecan pie) in the afternoon, and then turns itself into a full-service bar come evening time.
As you can see, getting your sweet tooth fix in New York City is pretty easy if you know where to look. A little baked goods and chocolate doesn’t hurt and it even adds to your happiness. Also, don’t forget to save some room for the pizza you will inevitably eat as well!
