New York Dearest
The guide, $35
A place · Bakery · Upper East Side · on 1 of my list

William Greenberg Desserts.

Worth it, says Antonina. Their iconic black-and-white cookies consistently grace the top of award lists every year, so ordering one is non-negotiable.

Antonina Pattiz
Antonina PattizI went myself · from my Best bakeries on the Upper East Side
Where William Greenberg Desserts appears on New York Dearest

It's on 1 of my list. Each entry below is what I wrote about it there, with my verdict on that list, the fullest first.

Worth it
  • Address1100 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10028
  • From my guide, updated September 2026.

Serving New Yorkers since 1946, William Greenberg Desserts is one of the best bakeries on the Upper East Side. Their iconic black-and-white cookies consistently grace the top of award lists every year, so ordering one is non-negotiable.

What sets this Upper East Side bakery apart is their commitment to traditional baking techniques and high-quality ingredients, resulting in delicious and nostalgic treats. Their assortment of cookies, cakes, pastries, and holiday-specific treats keep locals coming back for more.

Unpopular opinion. Hot take. You don’t need to go to Paris for world-class pastries, just visit these NYC bakeries.

Worth it, says Antonina. Been? Say if you agree.
William Greenberg Desserts
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William Greenberg Desserts

Upper East Side