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Babka and French food

Authentic French-style babka that respects the tradition instead of treating it like a generic sweet bread.

Based on 653 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Michaeli Bakery image 1
Michaeli Bakery image 2
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Small space fills with the fresh scent of baked goods and offers limited seating inside with some benches outside. Energy rises when it gets crowded, creating a cozy but tight atmosphere. Known for traditional Parisian-style almond croissants and varied savory pastries, it draws a steady flow of pastry lovers early in the day.

Chocolate babka stands out with its beautiful braiding and rich, sweet flavor. It looks like a piece of art and matches well with those who enjoy sweeter pastries.

Croissants stand out with their light, crispy texture and a satisfying crackle when bitten. Varieties like almond, chocolate, cherry pistachio, and halva offer rich, distinct flavors that consistently impress.

People are saying

"The almond croissant was simply irresistible and perfectly flaky."

"The dark chocolate babka here is amazing, truly to die for."

"I loved the traditional Parisian-style almond croissants."

Good to know

1

The bakery is open every day except on Saturdays.

2

The bakery's hours are limited, closing at 1 PM.

3

The banana croissant is often sold out before 10AM.

02
La Farine Pâtisserie et Café image 1

Bright, elegant bakery with two levels and large windows fills the space with natural light. Atmosphere feels Parisian and cozy, welcoming for working or relaxing with coffee. Seating includes comfortable booths, upstairs lounge, and outdoor tables perfect for people watching.

Chocolate babka features thick chocolate swirls throughout and looks more appealing than other desserts. It tastes delicious and is a heavenly treat that’s hard to resist.

Croissants stand out with flaky, buttery layers and fillings like almond, black pepper, and blood orange. Pastries include rich cocoa swirls, chocolate babka, and savory feuilletés, all made fresh on-site.

People are saying

"The pastries here are phenomenal and taste so balanced."

"The French pastries and baked goods here are amazing and freshly baked fresh daily."

"The chocolate babka is rich, chocolatey, and one of the best."

Good to know

1

Gloves should be worn when touching food and removed before returning to the register.

2

Expect 8-10 minutes to get your order taken if there's one person ahead.

3

Prices are higher than at Starbucks and other local cafes.

03
Breads Bakery - Upper East Side image 1

Roomy bakery with varied seating options including sofas, high tops, and cushioned chairs creates a cozy atmosphere. Multiple music sources play simultaneously, contributing to a lively but sometimes noisy vibe. Pet-friendly space offers wifi and power outlets, supporting work and relaxation.

Chocolate babka stands out with its rich, decadent flavor and moist texture. Cheesecake babka offers a unique, creamy twist, while chocolate hazelnut babka adds a nutty depth. All babkas here are consistently delicious and well-crafted.

Croissants stand out with their crispy, flaky, pillowy, buttery texture, matching those found in Paris. The black and white cookie blends croissant, pastry, and cookie elements uniquely, while the pain au chocolat offers a warm, rich treat.

People are saying

"I found the pastries here to be fresh, fragrant, and delicious."

"I found the chocolate babka here to be next level."

"You have to try the French Food; the baguette is delicious and crunchy."

Good to know

1

Cash is not accepted at the coffee stand.

2

You need to order while you are in line even if you don’t see what they offer.

3

The prices are on the high side, with croissants costing $5 to $6 each.

04
3x3 Kitchen image 1

Bakery space feels homey and welcoming with a family-friendly vibe and thoughtfully curated design. Gluten-free baked goods stand out for their high quality and variety, including sourdough and forbidden rice bread. The atmosphere reflects a strong sense of community care and passion for craft.

Babka comes in cinnamon and Nutella flavors, with a gluten-free option available. The bread has an earthy quality, made with forbidden rice.

Quiches stand out with options like broccoli and cheddar delivering rich flavors. Breads include rosemary and cheese focaccia and sweet treats like Nutella babka.

People are saying

"I couldn't tell this amazing food was gluten-free."

"You can't even tell this babka is gluten-free; it's so good."

"The gluten-free French food here is delicious and high quality."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is completely gluten free, catering to those with dietary restrictions.

2

You can buy pre-frozen goodies to bake at home, perfect for later enjoyment.

3

The bakery offers completely vegetarian options alongside gluten-free treats.

05
Breads Bakery - Union Square image 1

Bakery offers fresh bread aroma and a lively morning atmosphere with many locals. Seating includes covered outdoor dining and a compact industrial interior near the kitchen. Pastries like almond croissants and babka stand out as exceptional.

Chocolate babka stands out for its rich, decadent flavor and addictive quality. Loaves are breathtaking and consistently meet high expectations despite a higher price point.

Croissants stand out with their flaky texture and rich almond filling. Baguettes also earn recognition for their authentic quality.

People are saying

"I found the bread and pastries here to be delicious and fresh."

"The chocolate Babka is rich, gooey, and incredibly chocolatey."

"The French food, especially the baguette and croissant, is amazing."

Good to know

1

Breads Bakery offers sandwiches, salads, bakery items, and coffee.

2

The caraway rye bread is only available on weekends.

3

They sometimes have items on the menu only for that particular month, like the cheesecake babka in May.

06
Breads Bakery - Upper West Side image 1

Modern bakery with extensive covered outdoor seating and a warm, inviting atmosphere filled with the smell of fresh bread. Space feels busy and cozy, with a coffee shop vibe and friendly service. Outdoor area includes heaters and plugs, making it comfortable for longer stays.

Chocolate babka stands out for being moist, not too sweet, and addictive. Apple and black sesame coconut babkas offer unique, delicious variations. The babka is often considered world class and worth buying by the loaf.

Croissants here are crispy, flavorful, and light inside, matching Paris-quality standards rarely found in America. The almond croissant and chocolate babka stand out as especially fresh and delicious.

People are saying

"The bakery's almond croissants are buttery, flaky, and so delicious."

"I found the French food, especially the croissants, to be perfection."

"I loved the babka here; it's the best in the city."

Good to know

1

The bakery doesn't have seating options inside and has few tables outside.

2

If you go at the last hour, the cheesecakes are $5.

3

The price for two cups of tea is $10 plus tax.

07
Lysée image 1
Dessert shop

Pastry boutique and café blends Korean and French aesthetics with a museum-like dessert gallery showcasing edible art. The space feels minimalist and intimate, with small tables and curved alcoves creating a private atmosphere. Desserts offer subtle, savory flavors and are presented with striking visual detail.

Crunchy exterior and soft interior define the chocolate babka, packed with a good amount of chocolate. The traditional Lysée babka offers a buttery, classic taste.

Madeleines stand out with a unique yuja flavor that is not just jam. The Vanilla-Caramel Brioche balances sweet and savory well. Pain au chocolat and kouign amann offer classic French pastry options, with the pain au chocolat available only on weekends and notably large.

People are saying

"The cakes here are beautifully crafted and delicately balanced."

"The French food here is like edible art, so beautiful and meticulously crafted."

"The babka here is buttery and delicious."

Good to know

1

Reservations are highly recommended due to limited seating and high demand.

2

Expect to wait 2-3 hours for a table if you don't reserve.

3

The prices of desserts are high, with some items costing up to $17.

08
Thea image 1
Bakery

Small bakery with modern elegant decor and cozy atmosphere. Space fills quickly, creating a popular, lively vibe. Plenty of comfortable seating with outlets supports a relaxed visit despite the crowd.

Chocolate babka stands out with a soft, sweet texture that melts in your mouth while keeping its shape. The chocolate chili babka adds a slight kick that highlights the chocolate, and the babka ice cream sandwich offers a unique, rich treat.

Croissants stand out with the Kataifi croissant offering a unique, delicious filling and the twice baked croissant being a favorite. The egg salad sandwich also pairs well with these excellent pastries.

People are saying

"The sandwiches here are delicious and creative."

"The chocolate babka was sticky and tasty."

"I've had my fair share of French Food kouign ammans, and this one was very good."

Good to know

1

Get here early for baked goods, prior to 9am on weekends.

2

There is no bathroom for patrons.

3

If you go anytime past noon, everything is sold out.

09
Zabar's image 1
Gourmet grocery store

Gourmet grocery store with old-world charm and an edgy omni-deli ambiance filled with the aroma of specialty cheeses and coffee. Crowded with serious shoppers, the atmosphere can feel tense but remains a local institution known for its unique bakery and extensive gourmet cookwear upstairs.

Chocolate and cinnamon babka come freshly made in house with a rich, soft texture. The babka pairs well with espresso grind coffee and stands out as a heavenly treat among other baked goods.

French croissants stand out, especially the chocolate croissants which are both cheap and tasty. Hard-to-find items like Foie gras mousse and rich liver pate add to the French food selection.

People are saying

"I thought the bagels here were the greatest ever."

"The grocery store has a huge variety of specialty items and fresh food."

"Their French Food croissants are flaky and buttery."

Good to know

1

Parking is abysmal, so plan accordingly.

2

There is no restroom available for customers.

3

The #1 subway stop is right next to Zabar's for easy access.

10
Breads Bakery - Rockefeller Center image 1

French bakery offers freshly baked goods with a spacious, cozy atmosphere featuring natural lighting and table seating. The space fills up quickly, creating a lively but sometimes congested environment. Pastries like babka and croissants stand out for their quality and taste.

Chocolate babka stands out with its moist texture, chocolate-y flavor, and a golden-brown flaky top. Black Sesame Babka features a generous filling of black sesame paste, offering a unique twist on the classic.

Croissants here have thin layers, a buttery flavor, and a crispy, fluffy texture. Almond and chocolate croissants stand out as rich and flaky treats, rivaling those found in France.

People are saying

"The croissant here is beautifully laminated with a delicate crunch."

"I found the chocolate babka to be the best I ever had."

"This French food has the best, buttery, crispy croissants."

Good to know

1

The almond croissant costs over $6.

2

The chocolate rugalach costs $14 for 6 pieces.

3

The bakery is located in midtown Manhattan along 6th Avenue, near the subway.

11
Librae Bakery image 1

Open kitchen with glass viewing showcases bakers at work, creating a modern, natural decor atmosphere. Space includes indoor and outdoor seating but often feels crowded and competitive for seats. Aromatic scents of za'atar and pistachio fill the air, adding to the sensory experience.

Loomi babka stands out with its fluffy texture and strong lemon flavors that avoid dryness. Lime babka delivers a vibrant citrus punch that leaves a lasting impression.

Pistachio rose croissant stands out as a unique and intense dessert not found elsewhere. Other croissants like the Halva Chocolate and white-black sesame offer distinct flavors that elevate the French pastry selection.

People are saying

"I found the pistachio croissant crispy, creamy, and delicious."

"The loomi babka is soft inside with a crispy outside."

"Their French Food croissants are the best I've ever tasted."

Good to know

1

Seating is quite limited if it’s busy, especially during the day.

2

Get here early because the place gets packed.

3

You should avoid the lines by visiting during the week.

12
Breads Bakery – Bryant Park image 1

Small kiosk with an outdoor bar faces a park setting, creating a casual spot for coffee and pastries. Atmosphere feels simple and unremarkable, with pigeons nearby and limited seating. Known for chocolate babka by the slice and Israeli bites, it draws people looking for fresh pastries and a quick park-side snack.

Chocolate babka features a moist, flaky texture with a rich chocolatey flavor that melts in your mouth. It stays fresh and delicious even after a day, making it a standout choice for babka lovers.

Croissants stand out with their buttery, crispy, and flaky texture, including varieties like almond, chocolate, and plain. The almond croissant offers a pure marzipan flavor without chocolate, while the pain au chocolat and chocolate babka add rich, sweet options.

People are saying

"The chocolate babka here is moist, rich, and melts in your mouth."

"The chocolate babka is rich, moist, and melts in your mouth."

"The French Food croissants were buttery, crispy, and flaky."

Good to know

1

The bakery kiosk is located at the Northwest corner of Bryant Park.

2

Go in the morning to get the freshest chocolate babka.

3

The bakery can get busy during the morning rush hour.

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