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Dessert

From Lucie

By: diva.dines (used with permission)

Must Go

263 E 10th St (Manhattan)

Order: Chocolate Chip Cookie — $$; Walk-in friendly

French

Very Popular

The Best Chocolate Chip Cookies!

Caffè Panna

By: ellalicious1y (used with permission)

Must Go

77 Irving Pl (Manhattan)

Order: Aud’s Dream with Cookies & Panna — $$; Walk-in friendly

Italian

The Best Ice Cream in NYC!

Insanely Popular

Sant Ambroeus

By: @bigapple_appetite (used with permission)

Must Go

259 W 4th St (Manhattan)

Order: Princess Cake — $$$$; Res recommended

Italian

Fine Dining

Sunday Morning

By: @diva.dines (used with permission)

Must Go

29 Avenue B (Manhattan)

Order: Blueberry Cinnamon — $; Walk-in friendly

American

Very Popular

The Best Cinnamon Rolls!

Fan Fan Doughnuts

By: @jamiejars (used with permission)

Must Go

448 Lafayette Ave (Brooklyn)

Order: White Coffee Donut — $; Walk-in friendly

American + Mexican

Classics

Types & Places (Favorites)

The NYC dessert scene really does operate on an entirely different level. If you are tracking down a legendary, perfectly baked cookie, a refreshing scoop, or cake, this is your ultimate cheat sheet.

Top Cookie Spots

From Lucie

By: diva.dines (used with permission)
By: diva.dines (used with permission)

263 E 10th St (Manhattan)

Order: Chocolate Chip Cookie — $$; Walk-in friendly

French

Very Popular

The Best Chocolate Chip Cookies!

Hani’s bakery + café

By: @culinary.cowboy (used with permission)
By: @thelocalfoodjunkie (used with permission)

67 Cooper Sq (Manhattan)

Order: Chocolate Chip Cookie — $; Walk-in friendly

American

Insanely Popular

Best Chocolate Chip Cookies

Funny Face Bakery

By: @culinary.cowboy (used with permission)
By: @vikvoyage (used with permission)

319 Lafayette St (Manhattan)

Order: Chocolate Chip Cookie — $; Walk-in friendly

American

Best Chocolate Chip Cookies

Gluten-Free Options

La Mercerie

By: @yangyun (used with permission)
By: @diva.dines (used with permission)

53 Howard St (Manhattan)

Order: Chocolate Chip Cookie — $$$; Res recommended

French

Best Chocolate Chip Cookies

Fine Dining

Modern

Ladurée

By: @jaznouravi (used with permission)
By: @jennyjenny_kim (used with permission)

398 W Broadway (Manhattan)

Order: Macarons — $$$; Walk-in friendly

French

Parisian

Fancy

Gramercy Tavern

By: @diva.dines (used with permission)
By: @thelocalfoodjunkie (used with permission)

42 E 20th St (Manhattan)

Order: Chocolate Chip Cookie — $$$; Res recommended

American

Popular

Restaurant Dessert

Hoexter's

By: @diva.dines (used with permission)
By: @thelocalfoodjunkie (used with permission)

174 E 82nd St (Manhattan)

Order: Chocolate Chip Cookies with Ice cream — $$$; Res recommended

American

Modern

Buzzy

Restaurant Dessert

Welcome Home

By: @chompedup (used with permission)
By: @jamiejars (used with permission)

1047 Bedford Ave (Brooklyn)

Order: Chocolate Chip Cookie — $$; Walk-in friendly

American + European

Cozy

Librae Bakery

By: @lefoodguide_ (used with permission)
By: @lefoodguide_ (used with permission)

35 Cooper Sq (Manhattan)

Order: Tahini Chocolate Cookie — $; Walk-in friendly

Middle Eastern

Popular

Seven Grams

By: @plant_powered_by_liv (used with permission)
By: @diva.dines (used with permission)

76 Madison Ave (Manhattan)

Order: Chocolate Chip Cookie — $; Walk-in friendly

Italian + American

Popular

Chip City

By: @plant_powered_by_liv (used with permission)
By: @lefoodguide_ (used with permission)

42-15 Crescent St (Queens)

Order: Chocolate Chip Cookie — $; Walk-in friendly

American

Popular

Levain Bakery

By: @culinaryhaus (used with permission)
By: @vikvoyage (used with permission)

1484 3rd Ave (Manhattan)

Order: Chocolate Chip Cookie — $; Walk-in friendly

American

World Famous

Jean's

By: @diva.dines (used with permission)
By: @diva.dines (used with permission)

415 Lafayette St (Manhattan)

Order: Chocolate Chip Cookie — $; Walk-in friendly

American

Upscale

Clubstaurant

Restaurant Dessert

Salty Lunch Lady

By: @eatingntraveling_ (used with permission)
By: @eatingntraveling_ (used with permission)

5-65 Woodward Ave (Queens)

Order: Sugar Cookie — $; Walk-in friendly

American

Eat Pretty

By: @jessicahaylee (used with permission)
By: @jessicahaylee (used with permission)

501 1/2 E 83rd St (Manhattan)

Order: Red Velvet & Nutella Cookie — $; Walk-in friendly

American

Boutique

Instagrammable

Top Scoop Spots

Caffè Panna

By: @lefoodguide_ (used with permission)
By: ellalicious1y (used with permission)

77 Irving Pl (Manhattan)

Order: Aud’s Dream with Cookies & Panna — $$; Walk-in friendly

Italian

The Best Ice Cream in NYC!

Insanely Popular

Anita La Mamma del Gelato

By: @yangnhungry (used with permission)
By: @lefoodguide_ (used with permission)

1141 Broadway (Manhattan)

Order: Hazelnut Gelato — $; Walk-in friendly

Italian

Boutique

Popular

Best Ice Cream

Mimi's Frozen Yogurt

By: @stephanieinthecity (used with permission)
By: @jessicahaylee (used with permission)

231 Lafayette St (Manhattan)

Order: Signature Frozen Yogurt — $; Walk-in friendly

Australian

Insanely Popular

Best Frozen Yogurt

Davey's Ice Cream

By: @jaznouravi (used with permission)
By: @lefoodguide_ (used with permission)

309 E 9th St (Manhattan)

Order: Nutella Chocolate Chip — $; Walk-in friendly

American

Popular

Lilia

By: @thelocalfoodjunkie (used with permission)
By: @jaznouravi (used with permission)

567 Union Ave (Brooklyn)

Order: Gelato — $$$$; Res recommended

Italian

Restaurant Dessert

Very Popular

Misi

By: @jaznouravi (used with permission)
By: @divia.dines (used with permission)

329 Kent Ave (Brooklyn)

Order: Olive Oil Gelato — $$$$; Res recommended

Italian

Restaurant Dessert

Very Popular

Giulietta

By: @megggiieeeeee (used with permission)
By: @megggiieeeeee (used with permission)

200 Park Ave (Manhattan)

Order: Chocolate Mousse — $$$; Res recommended

Italian

Restaurant Dessert

All Day

Rolo's

By: @jamiejars (used with permission)
By: @jamiejars (used with permission)

8-53 Onderdonk Ave (Queens)

Order: Ice Cream — $$$; Res recommended

Italian

Restaurant Dessert

Balthazar

By: @jessicahaylee (used with permission)
By: @eatingntraveling_ (used with permission)

80 Spring St (Manhattan)

Order: Profiteroles with Vanilla Ice Cream and Warm Chocolate — $$$; Res recommended

French

Restaurant Dessert

Brasserie

Very Popular

Peter Luger Steak House

By: @chompedup (used with permission)
By: @lefoodguide_ (used with permission)

178 Broadway (Brooklyn)

Order: Holy Cow Hot Fudge Sundae — $$$$; Res recommended

German + American

Old-School

Popular

Restaurant Dessert

Culture

By: @notesfromnyc (used with permission)
By: @yummynewyorkk (used with permission)

60 W 8th St (Manhattan)

Order: Frozen Yogurt — $; Walk-in friendly

Greek + American

Very Popular

Butterfield Market

By: @jessicahaylee (used with permission)
By: @diva.dines (used with permission)

1150 Madison Ave (Manhattan)

Order: Plain Frozen Yogurt with Pistachio Syrup — $; Walk-in friendly

American

Grocery Store

Popular

Brooklyn Farmacy

By: @jaznouravi (used with permission)
By: @izzytaggg (used with permission)

513 Henry St (Brooklyn)

Order: Hot Fudge Sundae — $$; Walk-in friendly

American

Nostalgic

Diner

Restaurant Dessert

Softside

By: @jaznouravi (used with permission)
By: @lefoodguide_ (used with permission)

51 Spring St (Manhattan)

Order: The Riff— $; Walk-in friendly

American

Popular

Dudley's Deli

By: @yasmeinaaa_ (used with permission)
By: @jaznouravi (used with permission)

85 Orchard St (Manhattan)

Order: Vanilla Soft Serve — $; Walk-in friendly

Australian

Counter

Top Cake Spots

Sant Ambroeus

By: @bigapple_appetite (used with permission)
By: @bigapple_appetite (used with permission)

259 W 4th St (Manhattan)

Order: Princess Cake — $$$$; Res recommended

Italian

Fine Dining

Soda Club

By: @plant_powered_by_liv (used with permission)
By: @plant_powered_by_liv (used with permission)

95 Avenue A (Manhattan)

Order: Date Cake — $$$; Res recommended

Italian

Restaurant Dessert

Popular

Vegan

From Lucie

By: @jaznouravi (used with permission)
By: shallwebop (used with permission)

263 E 10th St (Manhattan)

Order: Carrot Cake — $$; Walk-in friendly

French

Very Popular

Prince Tea House Ktown

By: @lefoodguide_ (used with permission)
By: @lefoodguide_ (used with permission)

324 5th Ave (Manhattan)

Order: Boba Mille-Feuille Cake — $$; Walk-in friendly

Asian + French

Fancy

Elbow Bread

By: @jamiejars (used with permission)
By: @eatingntraveling_ (used with permission)

1 Ludlow St (Manhattan)

Order: Carrot Cake — $$; Walk-in friendly

Jewish + American

Modern

Very Popular

Monkey Bar

By: @bigapple_appetite (used with permission)
By: @culinary.cowboy (used with permission)

60 E 54th St (Manhattan)

Order: Carrot Cake — $$$$; Res recommended

American

Cozy

Popular

Restaurant Dessert

4 Charles Prime Rib

By: @jaznouravi (used with permission)
By: @bigapple_appetite (used with permission)

4 Charles St  (Manhattan)

Order: Coconut Cake — $$$$; Res recommended

American

Upscale Dining

Very Popular

Restaurant Dessert

Carbone

By: @michaelbmunchiess (used with permission)
By: @diva.dines (used with permission)

181 Thompson St  (Manhattan)

Order: Chocolate Hazelnut Cake — $$$$; Res recommended

Italian

High-End

Celebrities Spot

Popular

Restaurant Dessert

Hani’s bakery + café

By: @shallwebop (used with permission)
By: @jaznouravi (used with permission)

67 Cooper Sq (Manhattan)

Order: Carrot Cake — $; Walk-in friendly

American

Insanely Popular

Claud

By: @patpreawpun (used with permission)
By: @eatingntraveling_ (used with permission)

90 E 10th St Ground Floor (Manhattan)

Order: Devil’s Food Cake — $$$; Res recommended

French

Popular

Cozy

Restaurant Dessert

Bad Roman

By: @diva.dines (used with permission)
By: @jaznouravi (used with permission)

3rd floor, 10 Columbus Cir (Manhattan)

Order: Tiramisu Ice Cream Cake — $$$; Res recommended

Italian

Popular

Modern

Restaurant Dessert

I Sodi

By: @sammycapo (used with permission)
By: @jaznouravi (used with permission)

314 Bleecker St (Manhattan)

Order: Flourless Chocolate Cake — $$$$; Res recommended

Italian

Tuscany

Cozy

Restaurant Dessert

Peter Luger Steak House

By: @chompedup (used with permission)
By: @chompedup (used with permission)

178 Broadway (Brooklyn)

Order: Cheesecake — $$$$; Res recommended

German + American

Old-School

Popular

Restaurant Dessert

Salty Lunch Lady

By: @eatingntraveling_ (used with permission)
By: @eatingntraveling_ (used with permission)

5-65 Woodward Ave (Queens)

Order: Chocolate Cake with Chocolate Ganache, Marzipan, Chocolate Frosting, and Candied Almonds— $; Walk-in friendly

American

Misi

By: @divia.dines (used with permission)
By: @divia.dines (used with permission)

329 Kent Ave (Brooklyn)

Order: Olive Oil Cake — $$$$; Res recommended

Italian

Restaurant Dessert

Very Popular

Martha's Country Bakery

By: @divia.dines (used with permission)
By: @ellalicious1y (used with permission)

263 Bedford Ave (Brooklyn)

Order: Berry Napoleon Cake — $$; Walk-in friendly

Greek + American

Traditional

Little Cupcake Bakeshop

By: @jaznouravi (used with permission)
By: @lefoodguide_ (used with permission)

30 Prince St (Manhattan)

Order: Brooklyn Blackout Cake — $; Walk-in friendly

American

Traditional

Popular

Cecchi's

By: @divia.dines (used with permission)
By: @divia.dines (used with permission)

105 W 13th St (Manhattan)

Order: Chocolate Cake — $$$; Res recommended

American

Modern

Torrisi

By: @michaelbmunchiess (used with permission)
By: @eatingntraveling (used with permission)

275 Mulberry St (Manhattan)

Order: Almond Cheesecake — $$$$; Res recommended

Italian

Upscale

Very Popular

Michelin-Starred

Types & Places (Secondaries)

Here are additional dessert ideas focusing on gooey cinnamon rolls and iconic, crave-worthy sweets. These bakeries and restaurants offer the perfect excuse to treat yourself to the city’s absolute top must-go dessert destinations.

Top Cinnamon Roll Spots

Sunday Morning

By: @diva.dines (used with permission)

29 Avenue B (Manhattan)

Order: Blueberry Cinnamon — $; Walk-in friendly

American

Very Popular

The Best Cinnamon Rolls!

Spirals

By: @diva.dines (used with permission)

137 1st Ave (Manhattan)

Order: Original Cinnamon Roll— $; Walk-in friendly

American

Popular

Best Cinnamon Rolls

Benji's Buns

By: @culinary.cowboy (used with permission)

122 Christopher St (Manhattan)

Order: Original Glazed Cinnamon Roll — $; Walk-in friendly

American + British

Best Cinnamon Rolls

Popular

L'Appartement 4F

By: @sammycapo (used with permission)

119 W 10th St (Manhattan)

Order: Glazed Cinnamon Roll — $$; Walk-in friendly

French

Popular

Michelin-Starred

Tall Poppy

By: @jaznouravi (used with permission)

156 W 20th St (Manhattan)

Order: Apple Crumble Cinnamon Bun — $$; Walk-in friendly

Australian

Very Popular

KYU NYC

By: @diva.dines (used with permission)

324 Lafayette St (Manhattan)

Order: Cinnamon Roll — $$$; Res recommended

Asian

Upscale

Popular

Restaurant Dessert

noa, a café

By: @diva.dines (used with permission)

34 E 32nd St  (Manhattan)

Order: Pb&j Cinnamon Roll — $$; Walk-in friendly

American + European

Very Popular

Woman Owned

Ceremonia

By: @izzytaggg (used with permission)

743 Driggs Ave (Brooklyn)

Order: Cinnamon Roll — $; Walk-in friendly

Vietnamese + Dominican

Family-Owned

Bub's Bakery

By: @diva.dines (used with permission)

325 Lafayette St (Manhattan)

Order: Cinnamon Roll — $; Walk-in friendly

Asian

Gluten-Free

Petit Chou

By: @diva.dines (used with permission)

229 1st Ave (Manhattan)

Order: Cinnamon Roll — $$; Walk-in friendly

French

Boutique

Loser's Eating House

By: @diva.dines (used with permission)

30 Vandam St (Manhattan)

Order: Cinnamon Roll — $; Walk-in friendly

American

Trendy

Top Must Go Spots

Fan Fan Doughnuts

By: @jamiejars (used with permission)

448 Lafayette Ave (Brooklyn)

Order: White Coffee Donut — $; Walk-in friendly

American + Mexican

Classics

Montesacro

By: @penggustudios (used with permission)

432 Union Ave (Brooklyn)

Order: Tiramisu — $$; Res recommended

Italian

Restaurant Dessert

Roman

Win Son Bakery

By: @glutenfreejennyy (used with permission)

164 Graham Ave (Brooklyn)

Order: Donut — $$; Walk-in friendly

Taiwanese

Very Popular

Maison Pickle

By: @queenlizzzzzzzz (used with permission)

2315 Broadway (Manhattan)

Order: Chocolate Cake — $$; Res recommended

American

Upscale

Lively

Restaurant Dessert

Casa Cruz

By: @diva.dines (used with permission)

36 E 61st St (Manhattan)

Order: Tiramisu — $$$$; Res recommended

South American + Mediterranean

Glamorous

Restaurant Dessert

Sartiano's

By: @diva.dines (used with permission)

99 Prince St (Manhattan)

Order: Tiramisu — $$$; Res recommended

Italian + American

Upscale

Modern

Restaurant Dessert

Laser Wolf

By: @glutenfreejennyy (used with permission)

97 Wythe Ave (Brooklyn)

Order: Fries — $$$; Res recommended

Israeli

Very Popular

Rooftop

Restaurant Dessert

Banh by Lauren

By: @lefoodguide_ (used with permission)

42 Market St (Manhattan)

Order: Chocolate Chip Cookie — $; Walk-in friendly

Vietnamese + American

Dawn's Til Dusk

By: @ehhimbored (used with permission)

33 Main St (Brooklyn)

Order: Cupcakes — $; Walk-in friendly

American

Cozy

Penny

By: @patpreawpun (used with permission)

90 E 10th St, 1st Floor (Manhattan)

Order: Chocolate Mousse — $$$; Walk-ins accepted at the counter

American

Bar Dessert

Red Gate Bakery

By: @culinary.cowboy (used with permission)

68 E 1st St (Manhattan)

Order: Choco-Toffee Cookie — $; Walk-in friendly

American

Best Chocolate Chip Cookies

Cafe 2BY2

By: @lefoodguide_ (used with permission)

84 E 10th St, Floor 2 (Manhattan)

Order: Oreo Tiramisu — $$; Walk-in friendly

Chinese

Emilio's Ballato

By: @diva.dines (used with permission)

55 E Houston St (Manhattan)

Order: Tiramisu — $$$; Walk-in friendly

Italian + American

Authentic

Romantic

Restaurant Dessert

Fiaschetteria Pistoia

By: @diva.dines (used with permission)

647 E 11th St (Manhattan)

Order: Tiramisu — $$; Res recommended

Italian

Intimate

Cozy

Restaurant Dessert

Tatiana by Kwame Onwuachi

By: @bigapple_appetite (used with permission)

10 Lincoln Center Plaza (Manhattan)

Order: Honeybun — $$$; Res recommended

Afro-Caribbean

Electric

Restaurant Dessert

Superiority Burger

By: @eatingntraveling_ (used with permission)

119 Avenue A (Manhattan)

Order: Orange Flower Funnel Cake — $$; Walk-in friendly

American

Vegetarian

Classic

Restaurant Dessert

Butterdose

By: @lefoodguide_ (used with permission)

236 E 13th St (Manhattan)

Order: Goma — $$; Walk-in friendly

French + Japanese

Glute-Free Options

il laboratorio del gelato

By: @lefoodguide_ (used with permission)

188 Ludlow St (Manhattan)

Order: Stracciatella Gelato — $$; Walk-in friendly

Italian

Premier

Librae Bakery

By: @lefoodguide_ (used with permission)

35 Cooper Sq (Manhattan)

Order: Choco Marzipan — $$; Walk-in friendly

Middle Eastern

Popular

Soothr

By: @maciasmimi1 (used with permission)

204 E 13th St (Manhattan)

Order: Chicken Khao Soi — $$; Res recommended

Thai

Michelin-Starred

Very Popular

Regional

Restaurant Dessert

Thursday Kitchen

By: @she.8.that (used with permission)

424 E 9th St (Manhattan)

Order: Popcorn Chicken — $$; Walk-in friendly

Korean

Very Popular

Restaurant Dessert

The Original Chinatown Ice Cream

By: @yangnhungry (used with permission)

65 Bayard St (Manhattan)

Order: Ice Cream — $; Walk-in friendly

Chinese

Very Popular

Areas

Let’s be honest, no city day is complete without a solid game plan for dessert while in the neighborhoods. If you find yourself dodging the hustle in Midtown, wandering the cozy streets of the Village, or exploring Chelsea, Flatiron, and Nomad these places deliver on desserts and sweets.

Midtown / Central / East / West

I'm donut ?

By: @plant_powered_by_liv (used with permission)

154 W 45th St (Manhattan)

Order: Strawberry Donut — $$; Walk-in friendly

Japanese

Very Popular

Unique

Culture Espresso

By: @lefoodguide_ (used with permission)

72 W 38th St (Manhattan)

Order: Chocolate Chip Cookie — $; Walk-in friendly

American

Premier

Serafina

By: @notesfromnyc (used with permission)

210 W 55th St (Manhattan)

Order: Tiramisu — $$; Res recommended

Northern Italian

Lively

TONCHIN

By: @izzytaggg (used with permission)

13 W 36th St (Manhattan)

Order: Banana Bread Pudding — $$; Res recommended

Japanese

Restaurant Dessert

La Pecora Bianca

By: @diva.dines (used with permission)

20 W 40th St (Manhattan)

Order: Tiramisu — $$$; Res recommended

Italian

Lively

Restaurant Dessert

Monkey Bar

By: @lefoodguide_ (used with permission)

60 E 54th St (Manhattan)

Order: Lemon Meringue Pie — $$$$; Res strongly recommended

American

Very Popular

Cozy

Romantic

Restaurant Dessert

Locanda Verde

By: @jaznouravi (used with permission)

50 Hudson Yards (Manhattan)

Order: Hazelnut Tart — $$$$; Res recommended

Italian

Rustic

Upscale

Restaurant Dessert

Krispy Kreme

By: @foodies_dusud (used with permission)

1601 Broadway (Manhattan)

Order: Classic Donut — $; Walk-in friendly

American

Very Popular

Classic

Greenwich Village / West Village

Madison Fare

By: @diva.dines (used with permission)

1 W 8th St (Manhattan)

Order: Greek Frozen Yogurt With Pistachio Cream — $$; Walk-in friendly

Greek + Mediterranean

Popular

Shmoné

By: @melaynalexa (used with permission)

61 W 8th St (Manhattan)

Order: Tres Leches — $$$$; Res recommended

Israeli + Middle Eastern

Michelin-Starred

Modern

Buzzy

Vännest Swedish Candy

By: @yummynewyorkk (used with permission)

253 Bleecker St (Manhattan)

Order: Candy — $; Walk-in friendly (expect a line!)

Scandinavian

Trendy

Boutique

Don Angie

By: @lefoodguide_ (used with permission)

103 Greenwich Ave (Manhattan)

Order: Tiramisu — $$$$; Res recommended

Italian + American

Popular

Upscale

Restaurant Dessert

Gelateria Gentile

By: @lefoodguide_ (used with permission)

43 8th Ave (Manhattan)

Order: Vanilla & Chocolate Ice Cream — $$; Walk-in friendly

Italian

Authentic

Sullaluna

By: @kuthelights (used with permission)

41 Carmine St (Manhattan)

Order: Sorbettos — $$; Walk-in friendly

Italian

Restaurant Dessert

Book Store

Figo il Gelato Italiano

By: @lefoodguide_ (used with permission)

189 Bleecker St  (Manhattan)

Order: Chocolate Ice Cream — $$; Walk-in friendly

Italian

The Eighty Six

By: @bigapple_appetite (used with permission)

86 Bedford St (Manhattan)

Order: Malted Milk Chocolate Flying Saucers — $$$; Res recommended

American

High-End

Classic

Restaurant Dessert

Chelsea + Flatiron + Nomad

Tall Poppy

By: @fava.studios (used with permission)

156 W 20th St (Manhattan)

Order: Cacio E Pepe Cruffin — $; Walk-in friendly

Australian

Very Popular

La Tazza D'Oro NYC

By: @manishainmanhattan (used with permission)

220 Park Ave S (Manhattan)

Order: Girella — $$; Walk-in friendly

Italian

Tuscan Vibe

Pasticceria

OddFellows

By: @lefoodguide_ (used with permission)

141 8th Ave (Manhattan)

Order: Cookies and Cream Ice Cream — $; Walk-in friendly

American

Chef-Driven

Global Flavors

Prince Tea House

By: @lefoodguide_ (used with permission)

324 5th Ave (Manhattan)

Order: Tiramisu — $$; Walk-in friendly

Chinese + French

Danny’s

By: @barefacedfemme (used with permission)

46 W 22nd St (Manhattan)

Order: Cookie Skillet — $$$; Res recommended

American

Upscale

Popular

Restaurant Dessert

La Tête d'Or by Daniel

By: @patpreawoun (used with permission)

318 Park Ave St (Manhattan)

Order: Pecan Joconde — $$$$; Res recommended

French

Fine Dining

Restaurant Dessert

Take 31

By: @lefoodguide_ (used with permission)

15 E 31st St (Manhattan)

Order: Misagaru Dalgona — $$; Res recommended

Korean

Modern

Gastropub

Restaurant Dessert

Shukette

By: @jaznouravi (used with permission)

230 9th Ave (Manhattan)

Order: Halva Tahini Soft Serve with Pomegranate — $$$; Res recommended

Middle Eastern

Lively

Popular

Restaurant Dessert

Occasions

Deciding exactly where to grab dessert in the city is all about matching it with an specific occasion. From lively group celebrations and effortlessly romantic dates to those moments when you just need a deeply comforting sugar fix and more, these handpicked destinations deliver the absolute perfect atmosphere.

Social

Best Overall

Le Bar Penelope

14 E 60th St (Manhattan)

Le Bar Penelope is the absolute best overall dessert social spot, having a glamorous, Victorian-inspired lounge that transports you straight to old-world Europe. It is the ultimate social destination for any type of celebration where you can sink into velvet sofas, sip cocktails, and indulge in their incredible candy bar.

By: @diva.dines (used with permission)
By: @diva.dines (used with permission)
By: @diva.dines (used with permission)

Women Day/Night Out

Men Day/Night Out

Birthday With Friends

Post Club

Women Day/Night Out

Little Ruby's Cafe

By: @julieta.torrem (used with permission)

225 W 4th St (Manhattan)

Eat Pretty

By: @jessicahaylee (used with permission)

501 1/2 E 83rd St (Manhattan)

Men Day/Night Out

Ha's Snack Bar

By: @eatingntraveling_ (used with permission)

297 Broome St (Manhattan)

Go Greek Yogurt

By: @diva.dines (used with permission)

683 Broadway (Manhattan)

Birthday With Friends

Cafe Commerce

By: @diva.dines (used with permission)

964 Lexington Ave (Manhattan)

La Tête d'Or by Daniel

By: @patpreawpun (used with permission)

318 Park Ave S (Manhattan)

Post Club

Van Leeuwen

By: @hollyleisee (used with permission)

152 W 10th St (Manhattan)

Le Bar Penelope

By: @diva.dines (used with permission)

14 E 60th St (Manhattan)

Dates

Best Overall

Giulietta

200 Park Ave (Manhattan)

Giulietta takes the crown as the absolute best overall spot for a dessert date, blending an effortlessly romantic atmosphere with an irresistible menu of sweet treats.

By: @megggiieeeeee (used with permission)
By: @megggiieeeeee (used with permission)
By: @megggiieeeeee (used with permission)

Dates

First Date

Dates

Monkey Bar

By: @culinary.cowboy (used with permission)

60 E 54th St (Manhattan)

Gelateria Gentile

By: @lefoodguide_ (used with permission)

43 8th Ave (Manhattan)

First Date

Laser Wolf

By: @glutenfreejennyy (used with permission)

97 Wythe Ave (Brooklyn)

La Grande Boucherie

By: @lefoodguide_ (used with permission)

145 W 53rd St (Manhattan)

Mood

Best Overall

Hani's Bakery

67 Cooper Sq (Manhattan)

Hani’s Bakery claims the top spot because it flawlessly captures every single dessert vibe, starting with a deeply comforting interior. You can grab a seat outside while you do a street-level people watch and also leave with the dessert for on the go.

By: @culinary.cowboy (used with permission)
By: @shallwebop (used with permission)
By: @jaznouravi (used with permission)

Cozy Comfort

People Watching

On the Go

Cozy Comfort

Il Buco

By: @izzytaggg (used with permission)

47 Bond St (Manhattan)

From Lucie

By: @jaznouravi (used with permission)

263 E 10th St (Manhattan)

People Watching

Dawn's Til Dusk

By: @ehhimbored (used with permission)

33 Main St (Brooklyn)

Dudley's Deli

By: @jaznouravi (used with permission)

85 Orchard St (Manhattan)

On the Go

Caffe Panna

By: @ellalicious1y (used with permission)

77 Irving Pl (Manhattan)

Butterfield Market

By: @jessicahaylee (used with permission)

1150 Madison Ave (Manhattan)

Highlights

A perfect New York City day simply requires a legendary sugar fix. These absolute essential spots are mandatory additions to your journey when tracking down the finest sweets in town.

Hani’s bakery + café

Hani’s Bakery is undeniably the absolute best place for dessert in all of New York City. This stunning spot delivers the ultimate sugar fix that every local and visitor needs to experience.

By: @shallwebop (used with permission)

67 Cooper Sq (Manhattan)

American

Best Chocolate Chip Cookies

Very Popular

Their thick triple chocolate chunk cookie is easily among the top-tier best in the entire city. While the crown for absolute number one might still belong to From Lucie, the massive, gooey pools of melted chocolate make this an irresistible must-order!

By: @thelocalfoodjunkie (used with permission)
By: @diva.dines (used with permission)

This incredible strawberry passionfruit croissant tart is a true masterpiece with its perfectly flaky and buttery layers thats so beautiful and tasty. A must order.

By: @shallwebop (used with permission)

Monkey Bar

Getting a table at this legendary, buzzing Midtown hotspot is notoriously difficult, but saving room for their over-the-top restaurant desserts makes the effort entirely worth it. The glamorous, old-school dining room is the perfect backdrop for having some of the most decadent sweets in the city.

By: @bigapple_appetite (used with permission)

60 E 54th St (Manhattan)

American

Popular

Cozy

Restaurant Dessert

You absolutely cannot go wrong with their incredibly moist slice of classic carrot cake or the rich, velvety chocolate cream pie. Both of these desserts arrive beautifully plated and something you won’t forget.

By: @bigapple_appetite (used with permission)
By: @queenlizzzzzzzz (used with permission)

If you want a true showstopper, their gorgeous lemon meringue pie features an high, perfectly toasted peak that looks absolutely stunning. It’s the perfect balance between a bright, tart citrus filling and sweet, fluffy meringue.

By: @lefoodguide_ (used with permission)

Tall Poppy

Tall Poppy is unequivocally the single best bakery in all of New York City, period. While it functions primarily as an exceptional morning pastry shop, these masterfully crafted creations easily rival and double as the absolute greatest desserts in town.

By: @diva.dines (used with permission)

156 W 20th St (Manhattan)

Australian

Very Popular

Beyond the sweet, flaky sugar cookie croissant, the undisputed star of the menu is their wildly popular and high-demand cacio e pepe cruffin. You absolutely must arrive right at 8 AM to secure this before they sell out for the day!

By: @bigapple_appetite (used with permission)
By: @fava.studios (used with permission)

Take a moment to admire the wall completely covered in colorful, candid snapshots left behind by devoted fans and daily regulars. This heavily decorated space perfectly captures the warm, welcoming community spirit that fuels this tiny neighborhood pastry shop.

By: @diva.dines (used with permission)

Must Knows

Must-know basics so you’re not guessing on tipping, menu lingo, or how to book.

Reservations

Before you fall in love with the menu, make sure you’ve got the res

Decoding the menu

Pasticceria / Pastry Case — the glass display sweets; pick-and-go slices, tarts, cookies, cannoli.

Dolci / Desserts — the dessert section; plated sweets after a meal (often classics like tiramisù, panna cotta).

Gelato / Sorbetto — Italian ice cream / fruit sorbet; ordered by cup or cone.

Granita — semi-frozen fruit/coffee ice; light, spoonable (more icy than gelato).

Biscotti / Cookies — crunchy twice-baked cookies; also includes soft cookies/rainbow cookies depending on the shop.

Torta / Cake — whole cakes or slices; can include olive oil cake, chocolate cake, ricotta cake.

Babka / Rugelach — Eastern European/Jewish bakery staples; swirled loaf (babka) and filled crescent cookies (rugelach).

Buns / Rolls — sweet buns (cinnamon rolls, milk bread buns, pineapple buns); bakery-counter items.

Soft Serve — machine-spun ice cream; can be classic vanilla/chocolate or matcha/fruit flavors.

Seasonal / Specials — rotating items; limited-time flavors, chef features, holiday desserts.

Tips

Standard tip for sit-down restaurants
  • In NYC, 18–22% of the pre-tax bill is considered normal for good service. 15% is low; 25%+ is very generous.

Why tipping matters
  • Servers and bartenders are paid a lower base wage because tips are expected here, so the tip is a big part of their income.

Check for built-in gratuity
  • Some places (especially for large groups or trendy spots) add “gratuity” or “service charge” automatically. If you see that on the bill, you don’t need to add an additional tip unless you want to.