It’s a fact: one of the best things to do in New York City is to eat. The “capital of the world” is home to countless exclusive restaurants and famous chain establishments. It’s also the birthplace of food trends like the “cronut”, which have taken the world by storm.
With so many food options in the Big Apple, you can enjoy practically any type of cuisine. However, today we are focusing on sweets, highlighting seven of the absolute best treats the city has to offer. And to your surprise, Magnolia Bakery’s famous cupcakes didn’t make the list—we’ve gone beyond the obvious choices!
Levain Bakery’s Legendary Cookies
You’ve never had cookies like these before. Not only are they massive (almost muffin-sized), but they are also incredibly delicious without being too sweet.
One cookie could easily satisfy two people, but why stop at just one flavor? Try the milk chocolate walnut and the dark chocolate peanut butter chip varieties. Both are absolutely worth the $6 each. If you’re looking for cookies that redefine indulgence, Levain Bakery, founded in 1995, is definitely the place to go.
Location: Levain Bakery has nine locations in Manhattan. The original bakery is on the Upper West Side at 167 West 74th Street.
Max Brenner’s Chocolate Wonderland
Imagine being invited to a chocolate factory by Willy Wonka himself—this is exactly what Max Brenner feels like.
Chocolate takes center stage here, appearing in every form you can imagine. From fondues to waffles, milkshakes, crepes, and chocolate pizzas, this spot is pure heaven for those with a sweet tooth. But Max Brenner hasn’t forgotten the savory lovers either—they offer a full menu of sandwiches, wraps, burgers, salads, and pasta.
If you’re a chocolate and tea lover, don’t miss the White Chocolate Chai. It’s an absolute must-try!
Locations: Max Brenner has locations in Union Square and Times Square , where you can enjoy food, dessert, hot chocolate, cocktails, chocolate products and gifts, and more.
The Max Brenner location in Times Square is often one of the stops chosen by most of New York’s food tour that take place in the city during the winter. Most tours make a stop to grab a hot chocolate before continuing the route.
World’s Most Fabolous Cheesecake: Junior’s
Would you ever expect a cheesecake without a graham cracker crust to rank among your top culinary experiences? Well, maybe not until you try Junior’s classic cheesecake. The flavor is so rich and the texture so perfect that you won’t even miss the crust.
At $7.95 a slice, it may seem a little expensive, but the quality and generous portions make it worth every penny.
Locations: You can find Junior’s Cheesecake at almost every fine grocer, such as Whole Foods.
Molly’s: Cupcake Heaven
Carrie Bradshaw may have made Magnolia Bakery’s cupcakes famous on a food tour, but we urge you to skip the line and head to Molly’s Cupcake instead.
This Greenwich Village tiny yellow shop offers a huge variety of “chic” cupcakes—small, pricey, but packed with flavor. What sets Molly’s apart is that their cupcakes taste exactly as described.
Don’t miss the “Crème Brulee” or the “Salted Caramel,” both of which have a flawless balance of sweetness and texture. Each cupcake is around $5, with deals available for larger orders. They’re really worth it!
Location: 228 Bleecker Street, Greenwich.
The Exclusive Cronut
The cronut is a dessert with a story of its own. In 2013, pastry chef Dominique Ansel invented this hybrid between a croissant and a donut, sparking a global craze. TIME magazine even named it one of the best inventions of the year.
Only 200 cronuts are made daily, and each month features a new flavor. Customers are limited to two cronuts per person, and if you don’t get there early, they’re often sold out before noon.
Every foodie should try it at least once. Pro tip: You can pre-order cronuts up to 15 days in advance to skip the huge line.
Location: 189 Spring St, SoHo.
Eileen’s Famous Cheesecake
Though not as well-known as Junior’s, Eileen’s Famous Cheesecake offers delightful, bite-sized versions of this classic dessert in a variety of flavors. We tried strawberry, salted caramel, and dulce de leche, and they were the perfect sweet treats to kick off a chilly morning.
Three mini cheesecakes set us back $11.70—a small price for such delicious, high-quality treats.
Doughnut Plant’s Unique Donuts
If you think Dunkin’ Donuts has the best American donuts, think again. Dunkin’ doesn’t even come close to the inventive flavors you’ll find at Doughnut Plant. This bakery is even credited with inventing the square donut, which promises filling in every bite—and it delivers!
Treat yourself with classic flavors like Carrot Cake and Gingerbread, they totally worth the calories!
Location: In Manhattan, you can find Doughnut Plant’s Donuts at Grand Central Station. There’s also a shop a Lower East Side.
No matter how many times you visit the Big Apple, there will never be enough trips to experience everything this incredible city has to offer.
With this selection of sweet delights, you can enjoy a new breakfast every day while dedicating the rest of your time to discovering the city’s attractions. Happy eating!
