18 Best Bakeries in NYC in 2025
If you’re a foodie exploring The Big Apple, you may think that finding the best bakeries in NYC would be easy. After all, it’s a city known for its food, so finding a decent bakery should be a doddle, right? Well, yes, but we’re talking about the top bakeries in NYC — the cream of the crop — and with so many options to choose from across five boroughs, it quickly becomes a long (if not delicious) task of narrowing them down to a select few you’d gladly return to.
Whether you’re in search of pastries worthy of your favorite Parisian pâtisserie or simply looking for a decent loaf of bread, we’ve done the hard work for you. It doesn’t matter whether you’re searching for New York’s best pastry shop or the best bakery in Manhattan NYC.
If you don’t want to spend months ruining your bank balance and expanding your waistline, this guide to the best bakeries in NYC will help you skip straight to the good stuff.
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18 Top Bakeries in NYC You Have To Try
1. Smør Bakery
The next spot on our list of the best bakeries in NYC puts a Nordic spin on your favorite baked NYC foods. Founded by two Danes out of a shared desire to see a spot in New York that offered authentic Nordic food, Smør Bakery is perhaps the best bakery in NYC for those who love Scandinavian cuisine.
The Vibe
Cross the threshold and you’ll be met with a cloud of wonderful smells that none of the best bakeries in NYC would be without. In true Scandi spirit, the décor feels elegant yet minimal with plenty of wood tones to warm the space. There’s a bit of seating inside with a few more tables outdoors for when the sun is shining.
What to Order
Like any of NY’s best bakeries, it’s tough to pick just one menu item. Having said that, it’d be remiss of us not to recommend Smør’s cardamom bun.
With one review hailing them as “the best I’ve had in NYC,” expect perfectly baked dough strips, generous lashings of cardamom paste and a deliciously coarse sugar topping. Pair it with your chosen coffee and taste for yourself what makes this one of the best bakeries in NYC.
Alternatively, go for one of many sandwiches served on freshly baked bread like the Salmon and Co., featuring smoked salmon, dill and scallion cream cheese, red onions and capers.
Smør Bakery | 437 E. 12th St., NY 10009 | $$
2. Radio Bakery
Open every day from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Radio Bakery earns its place on the list of best bakeries in NYC thanks to its devotion to fresh food and a simple serving ethos of “when it’s gone, it’s gone.” Everything is made fresh each day and available on a first-come, first-served basis, with a menu including pastries, focaccia and other fresh bread, plus breakfast and lunch dishes.
The Vibe
As one of the best bakeries in NYC, the atmosphere is both trendy and always bustling. Bench seating looks out through the windows for those who want to watch the world go by over a spot of breakfast or lunch. If the sun’s shining, there are even a few outdoor tables at which to soak it up.
What to Order
Anything from the croissant menu will prove why this is one of the best bakeries in NYC. If you’re in the mood for something sweet, either a poached rhubarb and vanilla custard or passionfruit croissant will do the trick.
Or, if you prefer to start your morning on a more savory note, why not grab a cheesy pretzel bear claw? Either way, the croissants are available from 7:30 a.m. until sold out, so if you tend to wake up peckish, be sure to set your alarm.
Radio Bakery | 135 India St., Brooklyn, NY 11222 | $$
3. Someday’s Bakery
If you’re looking for the best bakery NYC has to offer, Someday’s Bakery is a strong contender for that title. With a tagline that simply says “We Love Pastries,” those who share that ethos will feel right at home.
The Vibe
With its minimalist branding on the sign outside, the location on the corner of 30th Avenue would be easy to miss. That would be if it weren’t for the steady stream of morning regulars, all of whom can be seen making a beeline for this popular bakery in NYC. Join the queue, share in the anticipation and fill your nostrils with the delightful smells drifting out into the street. Close your eyes and you could just be in Paris.
What to Order
If you are searching for the best bakeries in NYC that center around perfect pastry, then the twice-baked croissant with almond frangipane is a surefire winner. Topped with sliced almonds, this decadent yet delicate bite pairs perfectly with your morning caffeine, be that a drip coffee or a refreshing cold brew. The plain croissant is also excellent if you want something with a more neutral flavor profile.
Someday’s Bakery | 23-27 30th Ave., Long Island City, NY 11102 | $$
4. Mary O’s Irish Soda Bread Shop
Another of the best bakeries in NYC is Mary O’s Irish Soda Bread Shop — the bricks-and-mortar evolution of a pop-up started by Mary O’Halloran. This business venture would end up supporting her family and save her pub during the Coronavirus pandemic. Today, this NYC bakery is known and loved for producing its famous Irish soda bread scones.
The Vibe
Porcelain teacups give an air of nostalgia to the décor while the smell of the store’s eponymous food helps to sharpen the appetite. Just be sure to get there early. Being one of the best bakeries in NYC, the scones that make it famous usually sell out fast.
What to Order
What else but a scone? Moist, packed with raisins and delivering a delicious, slightly sweet crunch, they come slathered in full-cream Irish butter and a generous portion of Mary’s homemade blackberry jam.
Mary O’s Irish Soda Bread Shop | 32 Ave. A, NY 10009 | $
5. Hani’s Bakery
Pronounced “honey’s,” Hani’s Bakery earns itself a place among the top bakeries in NYC thanks to the relentless work of pastry Chef Miro Uskokovic and his wife, Shilpa Uskokovic — senior food editor at Bon Appétit. With such a foodie pedigree between them, it’s fair to say that this is one of New York’s best pastry shops.
The Vibe
The best bakeries in NYC are led by those with a child-like passion for all things baked, and Hani’s is no exception. Miro and Shilpa are also incredibly welcoming, so whether you’re grabbing a coffee, stopping by for breakfast or treating yourself to an afternoon pastry, Hani’s feels as much like home as it does one of the best bakeries in NYC.
What to Order
Anything from the walk-up-and-order pastry counter is sure to satisfy your appetite. If you’re planning a romantic date night in NYC, a slice of the bakery’s famed honey cake, replete with sour cream frosting, is the perfect choice for dessert. The cinnamon rolls are a top pick if you’re looking for something to pair with your morning coffee.
Hani’s Bakery | 67 Cooper Sq., NY 10003 | $$
6. Là Lá Bakeshop
Another contender for the title of NY’s best bakery is Là Lá Bakeshop. This Vietnamese establishment in the East Village is known, and dearly loved, for its specialist desserts.
The Vibe
An innovative menu is served by genuinely friendly staff, providing a tonic to the daily stresses of working life in the city. Inside, a brightly lit glass case reveals why this is one of the best bakeries in NYC: row upon row of signature Vietnamese sweet treats. You’ll need to order your choice to go as there’s not much room to sit.
What to Order
As one of the best bakeries in Manhattan, you can expect an array of mini cakes, roll cakes, buns, croissants and drinks, all made daily in-store. The Vietnamese coffee tiramisu would be our choice, featuring layers of ladyfingers drenched in strong Vietnamese coffee, with mascarpone cheese cream and cocoa powder.
Là Lá Bakeshop | 73 Second Ave., NY 10003 | $$
7. Elbow Bread
If you want to see what happens when renowned baker Zoë Kanan partners with the team behind Court Street Grocers, head to Elbow Bread. While it may only command a small space, it’s huge in the hearts of those who like to visit only the best bakeries in NYC.
The Vibe
Absolutely brimming with personality and a clear love for all that is baked. Since the space is small, it’s left to the goodies behind the counter to do the talking, and it’s fair to say they know how to make themselves heard.
What to Order
What else but one of the team’s signature pretzels? A fan favorite at this bakery in NYC, they come with tiny hands dimpled on them. Be sure to arrive in time to secure one — they usually come out of the oven around 10 a.m. and, since this is one of the best bakeries in NYC, they don't stick around for long. The nori chocolate chip cookie is also a must-try, adding a unique twist to a classic recipe.
Elbow Bread | 1 Ludlow St., NY 10002 | $$
8. Laurel Bakery
One of the best bakeries in NYC for those hankering for pastries in Brooklyn, Laurel Bakery is a locally loved spot for fresh pastries and locally roasted coffee with which to pair them.
The Vibe
If you’re en route to the nearby Brooklyn Bridge Park, you’ll find yourself in good company as you queue up to grab your morning favorites from one of the best bakeries in NYC. Shelves of fresh loaves and artisan coffee beans line the wall behind the counter.
What's more, given the smells of fresh loaves and pastries being lovingly baked, even if you arrive without much of an appetite, you’re almost guaranteed to leave with one.
What to Order
Sandwich lovers, listen up! The best bakeries in NYC aren’t all about croissants, of which the jambon beurre is proof. It features a classic combination of French ham, cultured butter and comte cheese all served on a fresh baguette. For something sweet, a seasonal fruit and mascarpone Danish is bound to take the edge off.
Laurel Bakery | 115 Columbia St., Brooklyn, NY 11231 | $$
9. Dolly’s Coffee Shop
If breakfast followed by breakfast dessert sounds like a fun thing to do with family in NYC, then this has to be one of the best bakeries in NYC for you. Winning the hearts and drawing the patronage of morning diners from around the city, whether you prefer sweet or savory for breakfast (or a little bit of both), head to Dolly’s Coffee Shop.
The Vibe
Plants and warm wood breathe natural life into the space, perfect for morning commuters searching for a space in which to wake up. Of course, the comprehensive coffee menu also helps.
What to Order
To go with your chosen form of caffeine, it really depends on how hungry you are. If you have a big day to fuel for, go for the Everything Sando: a Parker House roll filled with scallion cream cheese, pickled onion and dill, plus hash browns and scrambled egg with the option to add smoked salmon. If you prefer something sweet, grab an XL Choco Chip Cookie or indulgent sticky toffee banana bread.
Dolly’s Coffee Shop | 53 Rockaway Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11233 | $$
10. ACQ Bread Co.
While our next entry to the list of best bakeries in NYC is only open on Fridays and Saturdays from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., trust us, it’s worth blocking those times out in your diary. Baking bread that some describe as “the best in the borough,” ACQ Bread Co. is one of those places where if you know, you know.
The Vibe
Book your collection slot on the above days and times and expect to be wowed. Not, perhaps, by a bustling dine-in atmosphere and exemplary table service, since that’s not what ACQ is about. What makes it one of the best bakeries in NYC is a short but significant menu, each item on which is baked to absolute perfection.
What to Order
The menu at this popular bakery in NYC changes frequently, but at the time of publishing, there are just eight items on the menu: five types of bread, two types of butter (including a must-try seaweed butter) and a single decadent fermented rye chocolate chip cookie.
Of those, reviews online are unanimous in recommending the ACQ milk bread — airy and moist, with a delightfully crunchy crust and just the right level of sourness.
ACQ Bread Co. | 543 Clinton St., Brooklyn, NY 11231 | $$
11. Otway Bakery
If the name has you thinking about the Bloody Marys and fried chicken at your favorite Clinton Hill restaurant, you’re not far off. In fact, the Otway Bakery is the sister to the restaurant of the same name and lies just four storefronts away. But it’s not just its association with restaurateur Samantha Safer that makes this one of the best bakeries in NYC.
The Vibe
Bustling, with a palpable air of anticipation for what one of the best bakeries in NYC has in the cabinet. Lift the morning fog with your choice from the coffee menu then cast your over the display case, brimming with pastry perfection. Since there’s nowhere to sit, you’ll need to take your order to go.
What to Order
The sticky cardamom bun comes with rave reviews. Alternatively, if you’re scouring the best bakeries in NYC for deliciously unadorned croissants, then Otway’s plain version is precisely as it should be.
Otway Bakery | 920a Fulton St., Brooklyn, NY 11238 | $
12. Artion Bakery
For lovers of baked Greek treats, Artion Bakery has to be one of the best bakeries in NYC. Imagine pastry-perfect renditions of Greek classics like galaktoboureko, karithopita and, of course, baklava. With an ethos of “striving to enrich your every moment,” you won’t be disappointed if you carve out some time in your diary to stop by.
The Vibe
Bright and shiny with the kind of hospitality you’d expect at your favorite Greek bakery. You’ll find a few intimate tables inside, making this the perfect place for a catch-up with friends if you’re lucky enough to snag a seat.
What to Order
If you’re going to the trouble of visiting one of the best bakeries in NYC for Greek classics, then it has to be something from the traditional Greek menu. You won’t regret opting for a flaky slab of baklava, especially when you add a refreshing iced coffee to your order.
Artion Bakery | 23-18 31st St., Astoria, NY 11105 | $$
13. Librae Bakery
Known and loved for its inventive pastries that combine flavors of the Middle East with contemporary techniques, Librae Bakery is one of the best bakeries in NYC for classic pastries paired with unique flavors.
The Vibe
A bustling vibe from the pastry chefs busying themselves behind the counter, with a long glass display unit showcasing the fruits of their labor. Limited seating at this top bakery in NYC means you’ll want to arrive early in order to secure a table.
What to Order
The pistachio rose croissants have helped cement Librae’s reputation on social media as one of the best bakeries in NYC, so who could blame you for wanting to try one? If you prefer something more savory, the roasted beet sandwich, featuring honey orange roasted beets, avocado, arugula on focaccia, or the feta dill scone are delightful options.
Librae Bakery | 35 Cooper Sq., NY 10003 | $$
14. La Cabra
One of the best bakeries in NYC to boast multiple locations, La Cabra is a modern coffee company first established in Denmark in 2012. While it still retains its roastery headquarters in Copenhagen, today its popularity has grown to the point that it’s been able to expand into several other international locations, including Oman, Bangkok and, fortunately for you, New York.
The Vibe
Whatever the weather, you can expect to find a line running out the door at La Cabra. After all, it’s one of the best bakeries in NYC. Once you’re inside, you’ll find that each location is designed to reflect its surroundings and context, with signature features inspired both by the team’s Nordic heritage and their time spent traveling the world.
What to Order
The team’s specialty here is the bakery’s famed cardamom buns — light, sticky and subtly spiced knots of perfectly baked dough. The pastry case is always worth perusal too, and if you like proper bread, you’ll struggle to go back to store-bought once you’ve tried the dark and dense homemade loaves from La Cabra. Being a coffee brand, be sure to pair your baked goods with one of many caffeinated beverages.
La Cabra | Multiple Locations | $$
15. Supermoon Bakehouse
If you’re a foodie looking for things to do in NYC around the Lower East Side, look no further than visiting this next spot. Supermoon Bakehouse earns its place on this list of the best bakeries in NYC with a reputation for flawless bakes. In other words, if you like pastry, you’ll love this place!
The Vibe
Given that everything made here is hand-rolled, hand-crafted and made with painstaking care, it’s unsurprising that those who visit usually find themselves joining a queue. It’s a grab-and-go kind of bakehouse with no seating, so you’ll have to take your order to go.
What to Order
As one of the best bakeries in NYC for pastries, a highlight here is the rotating menu of croissants, cruffins, doughnuts, eclairs and even a number of savory items. Grab a lox and scallion cream cheese bagel Danish to curb your hunger, then round your meal off with a honey and lavender doughnut.
Supermoon Bakehouse | 120 Rivington St., NY 10002
16. Alf Bakery
Boasting a loyal following thanks to its renowned laminated baguettes, Alf Bakery is more than deserving of a place among the best bakeries in NYC. With a resume including stints as a pastry chef and chocolatier at some of the city’s most respected and innovative kitchens, owner and Chef Amadou uses the skills he’s perfected to share his unique culinary vision and creations with NYC’s most discerning foodies.
The Vibe
Being on the lower level of Chelsea Market, those in search of some of the best bakes in the city can enjoy them away from the hubbub of the main crowd. All that separates the service area from the kitchen is a glass screen, so those with an interest in the baked arts can watch the masters at work.
What to Order
Trying the laminated baguettes is a must. Simple fillings like ham and cheese, Tunisian tuna and roasted red pepper, mozzarella and arugula allow you to enjoy the fulsome flavor of the bread.
Alf Bakery | Chelsea Market (Lower Level), 435 W. 15th St., NY 10011 | $$
17. Villabate Alba
Offering a taste of Italy in the heart of Brooklyn, so dedicated is Villabate Alba to preserving the traditions of Sicilian pastry making that the store actually displays a letter from the island itself. It’s one of the best bakeries in NYC for those who value authenticity in their food.
The Vibe
Authentic Sicilian vibes extend well beyond the display cabinets, with welcoming and friendly staff who also speak Italian. You’ll certainly wish you were able to sit and soak up the atmosphere over your choice of coffee and bake. Unfortunately, there’s no seating, so you’ll need to take your order to go.
What to Order
The pistachio cookies come highly recommended — vibrant green and seem to exude the very essence of pistachio. If you’re more of a pastry person, it’s tough to recommend just one since the choice here is so good! However, the pistachio cream lobster tails are a top pick when available.
Villabette Alba | 7001 18th Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11204 | $$
18. Lady Wong
With two locations in the city, Lady Wong is one of the best bakeries in NYC for those who revere the sweeter things in life. Sharing a passion for crafting desserts that both innovate and honor tradition, husband and wife team Seleste Tan and Mogan Anthony bring decades of culinary experience to The Big Apple, working in some of the world’s finest, Michelin-starred kitchens.
The Vibe
The feeling inside Lady Wong is as akin to a fine jeweler as it is one of the best bakeries in NYC, with multi-colored patisserie treats delicately displayed reverently in glass cases. Fortunately, you won’t need that sort of budget to enjoy the wares here, although you may find yourself spending more than anticipated when faced with the incredible choice.
What to Order
Whatever’s available in the cabinet. Seriously, being one of the very best bakeries in NYC, each and every dessert here is made fresh each day, and it’s tough to recommend just one, especially since there’s no regular menu.
Lady Wong | Multiple Locations | $$$
Learn To Bake in NYC
If exploring the best bakeries in NYC has inspired you to sharpen your own culinary skills, why not learn to make your own favorite treats with baking classes in NYC? Guided by a renowned local chef, you’ll learn exciting new baked recipes along with the skills required to make them.
Take a bread making class in NYC and finally ditch those preservative-laden store-bought loaves. Or, if you’re tired of having to walk to the bakery every day just to grab your morning croissant, learn to make your own with pastry making classes in NYC.
There you have it — a guide to the very best bakeries in NYC. Whether you’re in search of the perfect Parisian croissant to pair with your morning coffee or an authentic taste of the baking traditions of Italy, you can find it in The Big Apple. Now that you know where to look, all that’s left to do is decide which you’ll visit first.
For even more ways to explore NYC and beyond, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.
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