Introduction
They say New York is the city that never sleeps, but I’ve realized maybe that’s because everyone is up early, lining up to get the perfect croissant. From the legendary lines of Midtown to the hidden gems of Greenpoint, Brooklyn, New York’s bakery scene is currently in its “Golden Era.” But with a bakery on every corner, how do you separate the tourist traps from the true icons? Here is your definitive guide to the best bakeries in New York City that are worth visiting and waiting in line for in 2026.
Levain Bakery: The Icon
You haven’t truly experienced the New York dessert scene until you’ve held a warm, six-ounce Levain cookie in your hands. What started as a small bread shop on the Upper West Side has become a global phenomenon, famous for cookies that are essentially “cookie mountains”—crispy on the outside with a molten, doughy center that have become the most Instagrammable cookies in NYC. It’s the gold standard for cookie decadence in the city. To see their full menu of cookies, breads, and more, visit their official website.
- Location: Several, Upper West Side, Midtown, Upper East Side, Nolita
- Must-Order: The Original Chocolate Chip Walnut cookie. I also recommend their Two Chip Chocolate Chip cookie.
- Pro-Tip: Skip the crowded 18th Street and the 74th Street lines and head to the 351 Amsterdam Ave location, just a few blocks away from the 74th Street location! Heads up: it is quite small, and you have to walk down steep stairs.
Angelina Bakery: The Fusion
Angelina Bakery is where Italian pastry tradition gets a high-energy New York makeover. Known for its bright, open kitchens where you can watch the magic happen, this spot specializes in “Asian-Italian fusion.” This means you get the lightness of Asian baking techniques paired with rich Italian flavors like Nutella and chantilly cream. It’s the perfect bridge between a classic pasticceria and a modern boutique. To see their full menu of cookies, breads, and more, visit their official website.
- Location: Several (Hell’s Kitchen, Times Square, Herald Square, Grand Central, NoMad, Columbus Circle)
- Must-Order: The Nutella Bombolone, the Pistachio Croissant, and/or the Brisket Croissant.
- Pro-Tip: Their Times Square location (1675 Broadway) is surprisingly spacious if you need a quick seat.
Breads Bakery: The Babka King
While NYC has no shortage of Jewish bakeries, Breads Bakery revolutionized the game by using a buttery, laminated dough (similar to a croissant) for their world-famous babka. Stepping into their Union Square flagship is a sensory overload of yeast and chocolate. It’s the kind of place where “just one slice” inevitably turns into buying three loaves to take home. Visit their official website to see the full menu and locations.
- Location: Several (Rockefeller Center, Union Square, Bryant Park, Upper West Side, Upper East Side)
- Must-Order: The Chocolate Babka.
- Pro-Tip: The staff often hands out generous, warm samples of their babka, letting you taste it before you commit to a loaf. Also, if you’re visiting during the holidays, their seasonal Sufganiyot (jelly-filled donuts) are a must. Right next to the Union Square location is Popup Bagels, which I talk more about in my best bagels in NYC guide. Get a fresh bagel to rip and dip before grabbing some babka!
Bibble and Sip: The Creative/Artisanal
For the traveler looking for more “Instagrammable” treats, Bibble & Sip is another great option. This cute, alpaca-themed spot in Midtown focuses on French confectionery with heavy Japanese and Chinese influences. Their cream puffs are legendary for their crackly tops and inspired fillings like Earl Grey and Matcha. It’s whimsical, artisanal, and incredibly unique. Visit their official website to place online orders.
- Location: Midtown–253 West 51st Street
- Must-Order: The Matcha Jasmine or Earl Grey Cream Puffs.
- Pro-Tip: It’s a great spot to warm up after a walk through Midtown. Conveniently located directly across from the Gershwin Theatre, home of Wicked. It’s the perfect “pre-show” ritual—buy a pastry before heading across the street to see the show! Also located a 10-minute walk west of MoMA, feel free to grab a pastry to fuel up before visiting the museum! Read more about MoMA (including best times to visit) in my NYC best museums guide.
Magnolia Bakery: The Classic
Magnolia Bakery is the ultimate nostalgia trip. While it gained worldwide fame from Sex and the City, it remains a staple because it feels like your grandmother’s kitchen—if your grandmother was a master of buttercream. While the cupcakes are the visual draw, locals know the real star is the banana pudding. It’s creamy, loaded with vanilla wafers, and quite possibly the most comforting thing you’ll eat in NYC. Visit their official website for their full menu, locations, and to place online orders.
- Location:
- Must-Order: The Classic Banana Pudding. They also sell chocolate and strawberry-flavored banana pudding.
- Pro-Tip: Check for their “Monthly Specials”—seasonal pudding flavors like Red Velvet or Salted Caramel are elite.
Honorable Mentions
Radio Bakery: The Trendsetter
If you want to know where the local foodies are heading in 2026, it’s Radio Bakery. This isn’t just another neighborhood shop; it’s a temple of lamination. They’ve perfected the “savory pastry” movement, offering slices of grape-and-olive focaccia sandwiches alongside croissants that shatter perfectly with every bite. The lines are long, but the vibe is pure Brooklyn cool. Their original location is on India Street in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, and they have since opened a new location on Underhill Ave in Prospect Heights, Brooklyn. To see more about Radio Bakery and how they went viral, watch this YouTube video by Eater, a website that covers food and dining culture.
- Must-Order: Earl Grey Morning Bun and/or Apple Brown Butter Croissant.
- Pro-Tip: If you really want to go here, arrive right when they open at 7:30 to see their full selection before they run out for the day!
Dominique Ansel Bakery: The Bucket List
Dominique Ansel is a master pastry chef. While he will forever be known as the man who invented the Cronut, his SoHo bakery continues to innovate with “cookie shots” and frozen s’mores. It belongs on every list of the best bakeries in New York City because it represents the constant evolution and creativity of the city’s food scene.
- Location: 189 Spring Street
- Must-Order: The Dominique Ansel Kouign-amann (a caramelized and flaky pastry from France) or the monthly Cronut.
Schmackary’s: The Late Night Pick
Nestled in the heart of the Theater District, I think of Schmackary’s as the “Official Cookie of Broadway.” With a rotating menu of over 75 quirky flavors, it’s probably the most fun bakery on this list. It’s unique, it’s colorful, and it stays open late—making it the essential final stop after a Broadway show or a late-night stroll through Hell’s Kitchen.
- Location: 362 West 45th Street; another location on 129 4th Ave near Union Square
- Must-Order: The Classic or the Maple Bacon cookie.
Conclusions
Whether you’re a local or just visiting for a weekend, the New York City’s bakery scene offers a sweet treat for everyone. From the nostalgic comfort of Magnolia’s banana pudding to the cutting-edge laminated croissants at Radio Bakery, these seven spots prove that NYC truly is the pastry capital of the US. So, grab a napkin, lace up your walking shoes, and start your own bakery crawl!
