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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Top picks in CPW Historic District

Cake and pastry spots

A display of cake and pastry is the only thing that satisfies a craving for something sweet and layered.

Based on 801 Opinions
+798
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Updated May 2026
01
Délice Macarons image 1
Délice Macarons image 2
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Traditional French patisserie with meticulously kept displays and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Indoor and outdoor seating accommodate a relaxed pace, often attracting those seeking authentic macarons and croissants. The space feels like a slice of Paris, blending charm with quality.

Cakes here are gorgeous and made with great care, often impressing large groups. The Le Delice Cake and other sweets like the Hazelnut Cream Bar stand out for their fresh, delicious flavors.

Top quality pastries here remind of Paris with delicious and beautiful viennoiserie. The pistachio roll stands out as an exceptional specialty, priced reasonably compared to other French spots.

People are saying

"These macarons are delicious with potent, satisfying flavor."

"The pastry here is delicious and not too sweet."

"I found the cakes and pastries to be the most delicious I ever had."

Good to know

1

You should go early to Délice Macarons because they sell out fast.

2

There is a line out the door every weekend morning.

3

The baguettes are only available on the weekend.

02
ARTISAN CAFE image 1
Coffee shop

Small coffee shop with comfortable seating and adorable decor offers a chill Latin vibe and great Spanish music. Bright and cozy atmosphere suits both work and casual conversations. Dog-friendly space fosters a welcoming community feel.

Lemon glaze cake pairs well with mocha or flat white. Carrot cake offers a nice flavor alongside chai latte.

Fresh pastries pair well with smooth cappuccinos and espresso. The selection offers great pastries and excellent coffee for a delightful treat.

People are saying

"The coffee here is smooth and perfectly flavored."

"I enjoyed the fresh pastries and coffee here."

"You have to try their lemon glaze cake."

Good to know

1

The coffee shop does not have a bathroom available for customers.

2

Seating is limited, so arrive early to secure a spot.

3

You can buy a bag of coffee beans to take home.

03
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.

Lemon cake stands out with its perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors, feeling like pure sunshine in every bite. The babka chocolate cake also impresses with rich, delicious taste.

Melty, golden shallots burst with flavor in the Shallot Pastry Cup, making it a unique choice. Pastries come highly recommended by staff and consistently deliver delicious taste.

People are saying

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

"It's a cute, cozy spot perfect for a quiet coffee break."

"I found the lemon cake to be the perfect balance of sweet and tart."

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.

04
Sote Coffee Roasters image 1

Small coffee shop with cozy, welcoming atmosphere and stylish, plant-filled design feels like a rural European home. Warm energy fills the space, complemented by high-quality roasted beans and excellent pastries. Music varies but generally adds to the inviting vibe.

Banana Bread and Carrot Cake come out solid, with the Banana Bread standing out. The Blueberry Scone also offers a nice twist among the baked goods.

Pastries stand out with an almond croissant and a figs energy bar that deliver excellent flavor. This spot offers a classic New York City coffee shop vibe with a solid pastry selection.

People are saying

"I had the best coffee I've ever tasted."

"The pastries here feel like a cozy, welcoming spot."

"I found the best pecan cake here."

Good to know

1

The entrance is stroller and walker friendly with no stairs.

2

The café is super busy on Sunday mornings; arrive early.

3

Expect a wait during peak hours, especially on weekends.

05
Peacefood - Upper West Side image 1

Open layout with close tables creates a loud, bustling atmosphere marked by constant kitchen noise. Hipster vibe recalls Northern California, blending relaxed, cozy elements with energetic service. Outdoor seating adds a pleasant option amid the lively indoor scene.

Carrot cake stands out as a signature dessert, often described as to die for and consistently impressing at parties. Vegan options like the vanilla cake also deliver rich, satisfying flavors.

Offers an extensive menu of vegan and Jain-friendly pastries with both classic and innovative options. Pastries stand out as very good and enjoyable, making it a solid spot for dessert lovers.

People are saying

"This dairy-free place has truly delightful, creative vegan food."

"Their carrot cake was out of this world yummy."

"The pastries here are amazing and mouth-watering."

Good to know

1

Expect at least an hour and a half wait if ordering online.

2

The bakery only sells slices of cake and does not sell whole cakes.

3

The restaurant has a policy that prohibits customers from eating outside food.

06
Levain Bakery image 1

Small, modern bakery with limited seating and a quaint interior that suits social media photos. Warm, sweet aroma fills the air, creating a down-to-earth yet elegant vibe. Known for incredible cookies that many consider the best in the city.

Coffee cake stands out with a rich, memorable flavor. Other options include lemon cake and chocolate chip brioche, both tasty and well-liked.

Cookies and pastries come out incredibly fresh and delicious with lovingly made quality. Staff offer choices, and the pastries look delicious though they are not cheap but worth the price.

People are saying

"I found the cookies here to be large and perfectly soft."

"I found the cake here to be unique and delicious."

"You have to try these delicious cookies; they're some of the best."

Good to know

1

Eating inside Levain Bakery is not allowed; it is a take-out only location.

2

There is usually a very long line outside Levain.

3

If you want a hot cookie, you need to mention it while ordering, not after.

07
By the Way Bakery image 1

Small bakery offers gluten-free and dairy-free treats with flavorful desserts that often surprise with their richness. The space feels cute and well maintained, decorated with a festive and beautiful style. It attracts those seeking safe, tasty options without cross contamination.

Cakes here include gluten-free and dairy-free options that taste great. Custom cakes like strawberry shortcake and coconut cloud are ready quickly and come in many flavors like lemon poppy and red velvet.

Exclusively gluten-free pastries include brownies, almond cookies, pumpkin muffins, and cream puffs. Pastries are delicious but sometimes unevenly baked with a decent selection size.

People are saying

"I loved their gluten-free cakes; they were so moist and flavorful."

"This gluten-free cake is so moist and flavorful, you wouldn't know it's not regular."

"I found so many gluten-free pastries and sweets here."

Good to know

1

The bakery is gluten free and dairy free.

2

You can find many gluten-free pastries, cakes, and sweets at this bakery.

3

There is no place to sit in the bakery.

08
Modern Bread and Bagel image 1

Gluten-free bakery with best gluten-free bagels and artisanal bread offers mostly outdoor seating with heated patio and benches. Atmosphere feels modern and inviting but indoor space lacks tables and is limited. Energy is slow with some inefficiencies in layout and service.

Gluten-free carrot cake stands out for its rich flavor and high quality. Blueberry coffee cake and carrot cake cupcakes also offer delicious crumb textures and consistent quality.

Gluten-free pastries and bagels have a remarkable texture and taste. This spot offers well made and consistently amazing gluten-free options.

People are saying

"I found the gluten-free bagels to be the best I've ever had."

"I found the gluten-free pastries and bagels unbelievable."

"The chocolate cake here just melts in your mouth."

Good to know

1

Everything at this place is gluten free.

2

The entire restaurant is dedicated gluten-free, making it a must-visit for any Celiac or gluten-sensitive people.

3

You should order ahead and pick it up to avoid waiting in the long line.

09
Barachou Upper West Side image 1

Tiny bakery with cozy seating and aesthetic decor offers a charming atmosphere filled with the scent of fresh baked goods. Known for exceptional cream puffs and delicious pastries, it attracts those seeking quality and a cute spot to enjoy treats.

Flourless chocolate cake offers a rich and dense texture but is described as light and airy by staff. The flan cake is a solid choice with repeat appeal. Portions, especially for large cakes, tend to be small.

Pastries feature delicious croissants, tartlettes, and cream puffs with fresh, tangy flavors like passionfruit. The shop offers authentic French pastry with quality and creative sweets.

People are saying

"These croissants are the best I've had, even better than in France."

"I found the passion fruit cream puff pastry to be life-changing."

"The flourless chocolate cake is rich and dense."

Good to know

1

Currently, there is only room for one party to sit down.

2

You need to visit at an off-time if you want to sit down.

3

Prices for cream puffs start at $3+, and tarts are $6-7.

10
Gelateria Gentile image 1
Ice cream shop

Spacious gelato shop with Italian tiles and decor creates a warm, inviting atmosphere filled with Italian music and the scent of fresh pastries. Outdoor seating offers a sunny terrace perfect for people watching and relaxing. The place buzzes with joy and features freshly made waffle cones that attract families.

Chocolate cake stands out with rich flavor. Sponge cake comes with mascarpone and espresso crème for extra taste. Ice cakes and a variety of pastries also appear regularly.

Freshly baked pastries fill the air with a tempting aroma. A tasty assortment pairs well with excellent coffee and delicious cappuccinos.

People are saying

"This gelato is the best I've ever had, truly tasty and fresh."

"I found the pastries and gelato to be delicious."

"I loved the Torta Nera cake; it was the secret star."

Good to know

1

The Coppa Piccola (small cup) costs $7.50.

2

Expect long wait times due to high demand, especially since it's new.

3

Gelateria Gentile offers a variety of gelato flavors and dietary options.

11
maman image 1
Coffee shop

Cozy space with exposed brick and floral decor creates a European cafe feel. Atmosphere stays low-key and chill, with quiet conversations and soft music. Offers specialty baked goods and a family-oriented vibe distinct from busier downtown spots.

Pistachio and lemon cake offers a delightful balance of flavors. The babka chocolate cake tastes heavenly, while the lemon poppy cake is more ordinary compared to others.

Fresh, crispy pastries stand out with a mix of classic and elevated options. The selection pairs well with excellent coffee and tea, making it a great spot for a pastry treat.

People are saying

"I thought the coffee was good, especially the salted tahini latte."

"The pastries here are delicious and always fresh."

"The tea cakes here are among the best I've ever tasted."

Good to know

1

The café stops food service at 4 PM and only serves pastries afterward.

2

Expect long lines, especially on weekends.

3

The café is a no-laptop zone, so plan accordingly.

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Central Park West Historic District, New York

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