New York Dearest
The guide, $35

The Best of New York · Eat · Desserts

The best desserts in New York City

Updated September 2026. 12 places.

I’ve been known to plan entire afternoons around a single dessert. A crosstown subway ride for a cronut? Done it. A 45-minute wait for banana pudding? Multiple times. These iconic New York City desserts have earned their reputations for a reason, and I’ve personally verified every single one. Stretchy pants recommended.

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

Best desserts in New York City, 2026

  1. Bibble & SipBakeryBibble & Sip has garnered a reputation for making the most heavenly cream puffs in New York City.
  2. Dominique Ansel BakeryBakery · SoHoThe best way to describe this popular New York City bakery would be.Michelin-star quality at a fraction of the price.
  3. Keki Modern CakesBakeryKeki’s Bouncy Cheesecake (light and silky) is like nothing you’ve ever had before.
  4. Levain BakeryBakery · Upper West SideConsistently ranking among the best desserts in New York City, their gooey chocolate chip walnut cookies have amassed a cult-like following.
  5. Magnolia BakeryBakery · West VillageLayered with vanilla wafers, fresh bananas, and sweet whipped cream, this banana pudding is rich and creamy, making it a great treat year-round.
  6. Supermoon BakehouseBakery · Lower East SideIntricate layers of airy doughy goodness entangled with a soft and creamy nutella center.
  7. Breads BakeryBakery · Upper West SideDark chocolate ribbons of Nutella delicately folded into layers of airy dough, Bread’s babka was named the best in New York City.
  8. Doughnut PlantBakery · Lower East Side
  9. Maison PickleRestaurant · Upper West SideThe mile-high cake is massive, which means you should plan to have leftovers for a few days.
  10. Petee's Pie CompanyBakery · Lower East SideSo if you’re exploring the Lower East Side, swing by for some of the best desserts New York City has to offer.
  11. Pinklady Cheese TartBakery · ChinatownPerfectly salty and sweet, the cheese tarts are made with a blend of three types of rich cheeses and creams.
  12. Van Leeuwen Ice CreamCafe · DUMBOCharacterized by rich flavors, this artisanal ice cream is all about creativity.

On the map

Where they are

6 neighborhoods, Upper West Side and Lower East Side most of all.

Lower East Side

Upper West Side

Chinatown

DUMBO

SoHo

West Village

Best of New York 2026, New York Dearest

The Best of New York 2026

The seal

If you're on this list, this is yours.

Every place on this list is welcome to display the Best of New York 2026 seal. It's the same seal for every place on every Best list, it's free, and it can't be bought.

Sharing it is optional. There's no need to post about it, link back or tag anyone. If you do link, the code below points to the guide this list comes from, so readers see the recommendation in context.

The code. Paste it where the seal should sit.

<a href="https://newyorkdearest.com/nyc-best-desserts/">
  <img src="https://newyorkdearest.com/assets/recognition/2026/best-of-new-york-2026.svg"
       alt="Best of New York 2026, New York Dearest"
       width="1800" height="1800" style="width:320px;max-width:100%;height:auto">
</a>

The files

Download PNGDownload SVGDownload the larger PNG

PNG: 1800 by 1800 pixels with transparent corners, for email and social. The larger PNG: 3600 by 3600 pixels. SVG: the vector, sharp at any size.

Is one of these yours? Get the seal for your place Request a window decal

The full guide, with the ones that didn't make it and why: 14 Iconic New York City Desserts (Worth the Wait).