23 Best Bakeries In Upper East Side New York City

3 min read 31-12-2024

23 Best Bakeries In Upper East Side New York City

The Upper East Side, renowned for its elegance and sophistication, boasts a surprisingly diverse and delicious bakery scene. From classic French patisseries to innovative modern creations, there's a sweet treat to satisfy every craving. This list highlights 23 of the best bakeries the area offers, catering to various tastes and budgets. Finding your new favorite spot is just a croissant away!

Classic & Elegant

Magnolia Bakery: A New York City institution, Magnolia Bakery’s Upper East Side location delivers on its promise of creamy banana pudding and perfectly frosted cupcakes. Expect lines, but the wait is often worth it.
Levain Bakery: Known for its outrageously large, gooey cookies, Levain Bakery is a must-visit for cookie connoisseurs. The chocolate chip walnut is a perennial favorite.
Payard Patisserie & Bistro: This sophisticated establishment offers an array of elegant pastries, macarons, and cakes, perfect for a special occasion or an afternoon indulgence.
Ceci Cela: This charming bakery offers a delightful selection of French pastries, cakes, and breads, baked with traditional methods and high-quality ingredients.

Modern & Innovative

Dominique Ansel Bakery: While famous for the Cronut, this bakery offers a constantly rotating selection of inventive pastries and breads that push the boundaries of traditional baking.
Maman: This trendy bakery serves up rustic French pastries, alongside comforting brunch options, in a charming and stylish setting.
Buttercup Bake Shop: This local favorite offers a unique selection of cupcakes, cookies, and other treats, with a focus on seasonal ingredients and creative flavors.
Amy's Bread: While not solely a bakery, Amy's Bread offers an exceptional selection of artisan breads, perfect for sandwiches or enjoying on their own.

Hidden Gems & Local Favorites

Orwashers Bakery: A longstanding neighborhood favorite, Orwashers offers classic New York-style bagels and other baked goods.
Bread Alone: This bakery offers a wide selection of artisanal breads, pastries, and sweets made with organic and locally sourced ingredients.
Four & Twenty Blackbirds: Known for their stunning pies and tarts, Four & Twenty Blackbirds offers unique and flavorful creations, perfect for sharing.
Sarabeth's: While more of a restaurant, Sarabeth's offers a delightful selection of baked goods to accompany their renowned brunch menu.

International Flavors

Ladurée: Experience the iconic macarons of this Parisian institution, alongside other elegant pastries and cakes.
Mille-feuille Bakery: This bakery specializes in the classic French pastry, the mille-feuille, but offers other delightful French treats as well.

Cake Specialists

Eileen's Special Cheesecake: As the name suggests, this bakery specializes in creating delicious and creative cheesecakes.
Sylvia's: While known for its soul food, Sylvia's also offers a selection of delicious cakes and desserts.

Coffee & Pastry Pairings

Ess-a-Bagel: Although primarily a bagel shop, Ess-a-Bagel also serves coffee and a small selection of pastries.

Gluten-Free & Health-Conscious Options

Erin McKenna's Bakery NYC (formerly BabyCakes NYC): This bakery caters specifically to those with dietary restrictions, offering a wide variety of gluten-free and vegan baked goods.

Beyond the Sweet Treats

Zabar's: While famous for its gourmet food offerings, Zabar's also has a great bakery section with a wide array of breads and pastries.
Agata & Valentina: This Italian market offers a selection of fresh baked goods, including focaccia and other Italian breads.

A Few More to Explore

The Smith: This restaurant features a delightful selection of baked goods to complement its popular menu.
J.G. Melon: Known primarily for its burgers, J.G. Melon also offers a small but satisfying selection of baked goods.
Van Leeuwen Artisan Ice Cream: While technically not a bakery, their ice cream pairs wonderfully with many of the Upper East Side's baked goods. Grab some ice cream and a pastry for a perfect treat!

This list offers a starting point for your Upper East Side bakery adventure. Each bakery presents its unique charm and offerings. Happy exploring!