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The Best of New York · Eat · Desserts

The best chocolate cake in New York City

Updated November 2026. 9 places.

I have an embarrassing confession. I’ve eaten chocolate cake at every single bakery on this list more than once, sometimes twice in the same week. When I started tracking down the best chocolate cakes in New York City, I told myself it was research, but honestly it turned into a full-blown obsession. These are the slices that made the cut after years of very dedicated, very delicious fieldwork.

But enough out of me; I know why you’re here. Let’s dive right into the good stuff and let the people eat cake. ; 

Antonina PattizWriter and photographer · how I decide
Best of New York 2026, New York Dearest

Best chocolate cake in New York City, 2026

  1. Magnolia BakeryBakery · West VillageThe chocolate buttercream they use at Magnolia’s is out of this world.
  2. Maison PickleRestaurant · Upper West SideThe cake is exactly what it sounds like, 24 layers of perfectly moist cake that require an entire high school football team to finish.
  3. Veniero’s Pasticceria & CaffeBakery · East VillageUsing fresh ingredients, this East Village bakery is responsible for some of the best chocolate cakes in NYC.
  4. Amy’s BreadBakery · MidtownThe chocolate cake at Amy’s Bread really sets itself apart from the competition.
  5. Ladybird BakeryBakery · Park SlopeOrdering the Brooklyn Blackout (rich chocolate-forward cake) is non-negotiable.
  6. Little Cupcake BakeshopBakery · SoHoIf you’re a lover of all things dark and rich, their take on the Brooklyn blackout is impossible not to love.
  7. Mia’s Brooklyn BakeryBakery · Midtown & Cobble Hill
  8. OvenlyBakery · Greenpoint & Cobble HillOvenly in Greenpoint and Cobble Hill does this intensely dark, almost bittersweet Brooklyn Blackout Cake that absolutely floored me the first time I tried it.
  9. Épices BakeryBakery · Upper West Side

On the map

Where they are

8 neighborhoods, West Village and Upper West Side most of all.

Upper West Side

West Village

East Village

Greenpoint & Cobble Hill

Midtown

Midtown & Cobble Hill

Park Slope

SoHo

Best of New York 2026, New York Dearest

The Best of New York 2026

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The full guide, with the ones that didn't make it and why: 12 Top-Tier Chocolate Cakes in New York City (Ranked).