Alright, sweet tooths and carb connoisseurs, ready your Instagram filters because we’re about to embark on a drool-worthy tour of the best bakeries in New York City.

New York, a city as famed for its pastries as its pizza, is a veritable bread basket brimming with flaky croissants, decadent donuts, beautiful baguettes, and of course, classic New York bagels. From old-school Italian bakeries that have kept the tradition alive to innovative pastry shops breaking the doughy mold, NYC’s bakery scene is as varied as a box of macarons.

Whether you're a fan of sourdough or sweet treats, a lover of rustic loaves or artisanal pastries, there’s a bakery out there in the Big Apple with your name on it. The city’s baking maestros are ready to serve you the crème de la crème of their craft. So, pop the diet on pause, and let's roll (pun intended) into the world of delicious baked goods.

Ready to turn these pastry dreams into delicious realities? Let's break bread on this bakery bonanza!

Dominique Ansel Bakery

First on our floury journey is a stop that's as chic as it is delicious — Dominique Ansel Bakery in Soho. No bakery tour of NYC would be complete without a visit to the birthplace of the Cronut®. Yes, you heard it right; this is where that croissant-doughnut hybrid that caused a worldwide sensation was born!

French pastry chef Dominique Ansel, a culinary wizard who's never afraid to push the boundaries, has turned this bakery into a must-visit hotspot. From the signature Cronut® that sees queues forming at dawn to the delicate Blossoming Hot Chocolate, and the incredible Chocolate Chip Cookie Shot, there's always something here to astound your taste buds.

Stepping into this pastry paradise feels like entering a Willy Wonka factory for sophisticated foodies. The air is thick with the sweet smell of butter and sugar, and your eyes will be drawn to the beautiful pastries lining the counter.

Our pick: While the Cronut® is a must-try (get there early!), don't miss the DKA (Dominique’s Kouign Amann) — a caramelized croissant that's as rich as a billionaire and oh-so-worth the calories. So, put on your fancy pants and step into the world of Dominique Ansel for an unforgettable pastry experience!

Bien Cuit

Prepare to elevate your bread game to new heights as we delve into the world of Bien Cuit, a bakery that brings the art of bread-making to a whole new level. Located in Brooklyn's Boerum Hill, this French-inspired bakery is a haven for bread enthusiasts looking for the next big bakeshop. If that sounds like you, you’ve come to the right place, darling!

The moment you step inside Bien Cuit, the aroma of freshly baked loaves and brioche envelops you, transporting you to a quaint boulangerie in the heart of Paris — just like that getaway with your gal pals last summer. Their commitment to traditional baking techniques and sourcing the finest ingredients is evident in every bite of your delicious brunch.

From crusty baguettes to hearty multigrain loaves and cinnamon raisin bagels, each bread at Bien Cuit is a testament to the bakery's dedication to perfection. The secret lies in their meticulous process of slow fermentation, resulting in bread with complex flavors, chewy interiors, and beautifully caramelized crusts.

Levain Bakery

Next up on our sweet stroll is the legendary Levain Bakery, a quaint little eatery and takeout bakeshop tucked away in the Upper West Side that's been serving up happiness in the form of gargantuan cookies since 1995. In a city that's chock-full of cookie contenders, Levain stands out as the heavyweight champ, and let me tell you, their cookies are not just cookies; they're a life-changing experience!

Walking into Levain Bakery is like being wrapped in a warm, doughy hug. The aroma of fresh-baked goods permeates the air, and the sight of those famous cookies is enough to make any dessert devotee weak at the knees.

Famed for their enormous (we're talking six ounces of gooey goodness), slightly crispy on the outside, perfectly undercooked, and gooey on the inside cookies, this bakery has rightfully earned a cult-like following. It's the kind of place that makes you believe in love at first bite.

Our pick: The Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookie is a classic for a reason, but the Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Chip gives it a run for its money. And don’t worry, gluten-free pals; there’s a Chocolate Chip Walnut cookie just for you! Prepare to fall in cookie-love, my friends! Levain Bakery is waiting with open arms (and ovens)!

Breads Bakery

Hold on to your baguettes because our next stop is Breads Bakery, a carb haven that has been serving up some of the best bread and pastries in the city since 2013. With multiple locations around Manhattan, this NYC favorite is best known for their phenomenal chocolate babka, a treat so good it’ll make you forget all about your low-carb diet.

The brainchild of master baker Uri Scheft, Breads Bakery brings a taste of Israel and Europe to NYC. Each location has an open kitchen, so you can watch the magic unfold as doughy delights are transformed into golden, crispy perfection.

From their heavenly almond croissants to the rustic sourdough loaves, and let's not forget the mouthwatering rugelach, Breads Bakery offers a wide array of treats to please any palate. But let's be real; it's all about that babka, a yeasty, flaky, chocolate-laden masterpiece that's become an NYC legend.

Our pick: The Chocolate Babka is non-negotiable! You're also going to want to try the Cereal Baguette, a quirky blend of French tradition and American nostalgia. So, carb-lovers, assemble! It’s time to knead your need for the best bread in town!

Supermoon Bakehouse

Brace yourselves, trendsetters and pastry connoisseurs, because our next destination is taking us on a delicious voyage to the stratosphere. Welcome to Supermoon Bakehouse, the Lower East Side bakery that's blasting traditional pastries into another galaxy!

Helmed by Ry Stephen, the co-founder of San Francisco’s famous Mr. Holmes Bakehouse, Supermoon Bakehouse has gained insta-fame with its eclectic selection of aesthetically pleasing and equally delicious croissants, donuts, and cruffins (croissant-muffin hybrids, in case you were wondering). This is not your grandma's bakery — think more of a futuristic pastry playground!

From shiny, twisted, almost neon-colored croissants, to donuts filled with unique flavor combinations like Yuzu and Hibiscus, each pastry here is a piece of edible art. Oh, and did we mention each goodie comes in a stylish, iridescent box that's as Instagram-worthy as the pastries themselves?

Our pick: The Twice-Baked Pistachio Blackberry Croissant is a crowd-pleaser, but the adventurous should opt for the ever-changing Cruffin. Fasten your seatbelts, foodies; Supermoon Bakehouse is ready to launch your taste buds into orbit!

Magnolia Bakery

Our sweet journey concludes with a visit to an iconic gem that needs no introduction — Magnolia Bakery. Famous for its classic American baked goods, vintage decor, and, of course, that unforgettable feature on "Sex and the City," Magnolia Bakery has been delighting New Yorkers since 1996.

Nestled in the heart of the West Village, this charming spot is like a step back in time. As soon as you enter, you'll be greeted by the irresistible scent of vanilla and butter, the sight of pastel-colored cakes, and the feeling of pure, sugary bliss.

Known for its legendary cupcakes, Magnolia Bakery is a paradise for anyone who appreciates the simpler, sweeter things in life. Their rotating menu of cupcakes ensures there's always something new to savor, but let’s not forget about their equally famous Banana Pudding, a treat so good you’ll want to dive right into the bowl.

Our pick: The Red Velvet Cupcake is an absolute must, but if you don't try the Banana Pudding, have you really even been to Magnolia Bakery? So grab your girls, channel your inner Carrie Bradshaw, and step into the sugar-coated world of Magnolia Bakery. Your sweet tooth will thank you!

Wrapping Up

And there you have it, sugar enthusiasts and pastry devotees — our delectable journey through the best bakeries in New York City comes to a sweet conclusion. From the Cronut® pioneer Dominique Ansel Bakery to the carb-centric wonders of Levain Bakery, and the artistic delights of Supermoon Bakehouse, these bakeries have captivated our taste buds and taken us on a flavor-filled adventure.

Whether you crave classic treats, innovative creations, or a touch of nostalgia, NYC's bakery scene has it all. Each bakery on our list has its own unique charm, signature specialties, and a commitment to crafting baked goods that are as visually stunning as they are delicious.

So, fellow dessert lovers, grab your sweet tooth and embark on your own bakery adventure through the city. Indulge in flaky croissants, buttery cookies, and heavenly cakes. Let the aroma of freshly baked bread and the sight of mouthwatering pastries transport you to a world of pure bliss.

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