It's on 3 of my lists. Each entry below is what I wrote about it there, with my verdict on that list, the fullest first.
- Address152 2nd Ave, New York, NY
- From my guide, updated September 2026.
Established in 2013, La Cabra offers exceptional pastries and coffee roasted in-house. Originally started in Denmark, the East Village cafe is their first US outpost, a prelude of sorts (they have since opened a location in SoHo as well). Best known for incredible cardamom buns, don’t sleep on the coffee.
La Cabra made a name for itself by specializing in the Nordic approach to coffee, think clean and bright roasts. Fitting, considering the cafe’s motto is “Brighter is Better.” Coffee aside, the Scandinavian decor couldn’t be cozier, lingering is an enjoyable affair (which it why scoring a table is no easy feat).
Unpopular opinion. Controversial take. Ninth Street Espresso makes a better latte than 90% of the Instagram-famous cafes in the city.
La Cabra makes the best cardamom buns in New York City. These airy, delicate spiced knots have earned a reputation an international stage (La Cabra hails from Denmark). Between the quality baked goods and top-notch coffee, the bakery swells with locals and tourists every day of the week. Excellence is the name of the game, and La Cabra delivers.
Good to knowLa Cabra graces our list of the best bakeries in New York City.
La Cabra makes the best cardamom buns in New York City. These airy, delicate spiced knots have earned a reputation an international stage (La Cabra hails from Denmark). Between the quality baked goods and top-notch coffee, the bakery swells with locals and tourists every day of the week. Excellence is the name of the game, and La Cabra delivers.
Behind every great NYC neighborhood is a bakery that makes the whole block smell like heaven.