The Best of New York · Eat · Bakeries
The best bakeries on the Upper East Side.
Every one from my own visits, updated September 2026. 8 places.
As a long-time local, I’ve had the pleasure of exploring some of the best bakeries on the Upper East Side. Excelling at most things, this upscale neighborhood brims with elegant brownstones, chic boutiques, fine dining, and great cafes. It’s no surprise that the area would be home to irresistible bakeries too.
Ever noticed that bold, colored letter in the window of restaurants? That’s the establishment’s official letter grade issued by New York City’s Health Department that correlates with their sanitary inspection. When a restaurant is inspected they are given points for each violation that adds up to their overall inspection score.
Best bakeries on the Upper East Side, 2026
- Breads BakeryBakery · Upper East Side
- By the Way BakeryBakery · Upper East SideThe entire selection of toothsome baked goods is gluten-free, dairy free, certified kosher and so dang delicious.
- LaduréeBakery · Upper East SideThe decor at Ladurée is perfectly Parisian, which makes it a great pit stop for any Francophile.
- LevainBakery · Upper East SideTheir gooey chocolate chip walnut cookies have amassed a cult-like following that only sounds surprising until you try them for yourself.
- OrwashersBakery · Upper East SideOriginally founded in 1916, Orwashers is one of the oldest bakeries on the Upper East Side.
- William Greenberg DessertsBakery · Upper East SideTheir iconic black-and-white cookies consistently grace the top of award lists every year, so ordering one is non-negotiable.
- NogluBakery · Upper East SideThis the perfect spot to get a mid-day pick me up.
- Padoca BakeryBakery · Upper East Side
On the map
Where they are.
All in Upper East Side.
By the Way Bakery
Bakery · Upper East Side · 1236 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10028
The entire selection of toothsome baked goods is gluten-free, dairy free, certified kosher and so dang delicious.
Ladurée
Bakery · Upper East Side · 864 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10021
The decor at Ladurée is perfectly Parisian, which makes it a great pit stop for any Francophile.
Levain
Bakery · Upper East Side · 1484 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10028
Their gooey chocolate chip walnut cookies have amassed a cult-like following that only sounds surprising until you try them for yourself.
Orwashers
Bakery · Upper East Side · 308 E 78th St, New York, NY 10075
Originally founded in 1916, Orwashers is one of the oldest bakeries on the Upper East Side.
William Greenberg Desserts
Bakery · Upper East Side · 1100 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10028
Their iconic black-and-white cookies consistently grace the top of award lists every year, so ordering one is non-negotiable.
Noglu
Bakery · Upper East Side · 1260 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10128
This the perfect spot to get a mid-day pick me up.
Best bakeries on the Upper East Side, 2026
The seal
If you're on this list, this is yours.
I went, and I said in my own words that it's worth your time. Nobody paid for that and nobody can. The seal says so, and it links back here, so anyone who sees it reads the whole list and how I decide.
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The full guide, with the ones that didn't make it and why: 11 Delicious Upper East Side Bakeries (Local’s Guide).
