Atly Logo
New Yorkers 1st Choice
Guide to the UES

Unique desserts

Sometimes a sugar craving demands something beyond the standard slice. It is time to find a treat that feels entirely different.

Based on 567 Opinions
+564
User
User
User
Updated May 2026
01
L'Osteria image 1
L'Osteria image 2
L'Osteria image 3
View all
Italian restaurant

Small rectangular room with intimate seating and large windows creates a cozy, upscale vibe. Tables sit close together, but an enclosed outdoor area offers more space. Atmosphere stays quiet and relaxed, fitting for a calm evening.

Desserts feature panna cotta praised by locals and a tiramisu alongside a dainty tart with perfect ratios. A chef-recommended dessert combines cappuccino sauce with an ice cream and mousse mix.

Fresh ingredients and unique preparation create authentic flavors in dishes like the Caesar salad. Specials come beautifully prepared, and the atmosphere adds a distinctive vibe.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious, especially the Caesar salad with extra Parmesan."

"I found the desserts here to be excellent and out of this world."

"The fresh ingredients and authentic flavors made for such a palatable experience."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended as the restaurant is quite small.

2

Customers have the option to pay the bill via a QR code.

3

The restaurant charges 16 dollars for sparkling water.

02
Water & Wheat Upper East image 1
Italian restaurant

Long rectangular room centers on fresh pasta making station with an open kitchen nearby. Cozy, quiet atmosphere feels like a neighborhood dining room with stained wood and cozy lighting. Small space hosts families and individuals enjoying an authentic Italian American vibe.

Tiramisu stands out as a delightful dessert option. Other sweets like canoli also impress with their quality and flavor.

Food comes with unique flavors and generous portions. Every dish is made fresh, highlighting its distinct taste.

People are saying

"The Italian food service here is fantastic, they really took care of us."

"I came here solely for the lasagna; it was perfectly balanced."

"The decor is so unique, with art like rolling pins nailed to the wall."

Good to know

1

Make a reservation before visiting to ensure seating.

2

The restaurant offers gluten-free options for those with dietary restrictions.

3

The price for two people is about $100 without tip.

03
Venchi Chocolate & Gelato UES image 1

Chocolate shop offers an authentic Italian vibe with a beautiful, elegant setting and cozy ambiance. Bright lighting contrasts with friendly, joyful atmosphere and free samples enhance the experience. Indoor and outdoor seating provide comfortable spots to enjoy rich chocolates and gelato.

Creamy, velvety gelato delivers bold, authentic flavors crafted with care. Desserts offer a rich, indulgent finish to any meal.

A wide range of gelato flavors includes both classic pistachio and stracciatella and unique options like Cremino, Gianduja, Parmesan, and olive oil. Sampling reveals a surprisingly delightful mix of traditional and inventive tastes.

People are saying

"The staff's friendly help made choosing chocolate a joy."

"The gelato here is so creamy and packed with bold, authentic flavors."

"The gelato's unique flavors are rich, creamy, and bursting with taste."

Good to know

1

There is no bathroom available in the ice cream parlor.

2

Prices for a cup or cone with a topping are almost $11 for the regular size.

3

Sorbets are placed in the same area as allergens without separation.

04
Brooklyn Dumpling Shop image 1
Dumpling restaurant

Automat-style dumpling restaurant with self-checkout lockers and autonomous delivery system creates a high-tech, casual vibe. Games and music requests add to the fun, welcoming atmosphere suitable for all ages. Seating includes stools and the space features cool murals and modern decor.

Smashed apple pie and pumpkin spice dumplings come with vanilla ice cream. Dessert dumplings like Apple Cinnamon and PB&J offer fun, indulgent flavors with powdered sugar and peanut butter.

Specialty dumplings stand out with their unique flavor combinations and are both delicious and satisfying. An autonomous delivery system adds to the distinct experience.

People are saying

"The dumplings here are bursting with flavor and perfectly cooked."

"The dumplings here are so unique and bursting with flavor."

"You have to try the dessert dumplings, especially the apple pie ones."

Good to know

1

Customers must pay by credit card or on their phone; cash is not accepted.

2

Expect a long wait time, especially during peak hours.

3

The kitchen closes 20 minutes before the official closing time.

05
Nightly's image 1
American restaurant

Restaurant combines downtown chic decor with a 60's cocktail lounge vibe and sexy dim lighting. Atmosphere is loud and lively, perfect for dates or gatherings with friends. Outdoor seating adds a relaxed option to the energetic indoor space.

Sticky toffee pudding stands out as a favorite dessert here. Staff often offer their famous dessert as a celebratory gesture, and dessert platters come thoughtfully plated.

Cocktail menu features a variety of fun, unique cocktails with standout options like the Misfit Martini made with shishito vodka.

People are saying

"The food at these dinner spots is delicious and memorable."

"Joel's kindness and service made our dessert experience perfect."

"The cocktail menu is unique and delicious."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended because it gets packed.

2

The bar operates on a first come, first serve basis.

3

The restaurant charges $11 for mashed potatoes.

06
Sushi Noz image 1
Sushi restaurant

Minimalistic space with eight-seat counter creates an intimate dining experience. Atmosphere feels formal and serene, with warm lighting and staff in kimonos enhancing authenticity. Sushi preparation unfolds like performance art, emphasizing freshness and elegance.

Corn ice cream tastes like iced corn chowder and Hokkaido Yubari melon is very sweet and easy to eat. Desserts come after a full meal.

Atmosphere feels formal with guests on their best behavior. Meals include 5 otsumami courses and a sushi segment featuring expertly crafted nigiri with unique flavors.

People are saying

"I experienced an elegant omakase that was well worth the Michelin stars."

"The intimate, quiet atmosphere here is truly unique."

"I need the recipe for that pumpkin ice cream dessert."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required to secure a spot at this restaurant.

2

The Omakase experience costs about $600 per person.

3

Customers must pay in full before arriving at the restaurant.

07
Levain Bakery image 1

Strong warm, buttery aroma hits upon entry, creating an inviting atmosphere. Small space with limited seating, including stools and a wall counter, complemented by some outdoor benches. Energy feels positive and cozy, with views into the kitchen and a focus on enjoying freshly baked cookies.

Cookies stay crispy and delicious even cold the next day. They are less sweet than typical American desserts but still slightly sweet by Chinese standards. Other desserts and drinks are available and generally good.

Cookies stand out with their giant size and soft texture. Quality remains consistently high, making the experience truly unique.

People are saying

"I thought their cookies were the best I ever had."

"The cookies here are unique, delicious, and satisfying."

"These cookies are baked to perfection, crispy outside, gooey inside."

Good to know

1

Levain Bakery closes at 8:10 pm on Tuesdays.

2

The cookies cost $5 each, but they are large.

3

There is very limited seating at Levain Bakery.

08
Rothschild TLV image 1
Kosher restaurant

Small kosher restaurant offers air-conditioned outdoor seating with lively atmosphere and great music. The space feels beautiful and stylish with dividers between tables enhancing privacy. Unique flavors and high-quality kosher meat dishes create a distinct dining experience.

Desserts feature balanced flavors and a variety of options like the Peanut Butter Dessert with its unstructured look and the berry dessert praised for quality in kosher cuisine.

Dishes feature unique combinations and creative presentations. The black risotto appetizer stands out with its distinctive flavor.

People are saying

"The food here is fresh, delicious, and always looks good."

"The service at these dinner spots is so patient and kind."

"The cuisine here is so unique and delicious."

Good to know

1

Reservations can be made online and seating is almost immediate upon arrival.

2

The total cost for four people with three meals, two appetizers, one dessert, and a tip was $400.

3

Expect high prices for portion sizes; a small piece of beef costs $68.

09
ZOI MEDITERRANEAN UES image 1
Mediterranean restaurant

Mediterranean restaurant offers a sexy, classy atmosphere with live jazz music that energizes the space. Outdoor sidewalk seating feels cozy and private, enhanced by stylish interior decor featuring marble lighting and onyx accents. Signature cocktails crafted with care add to the refined vibe.

Katifi dessert stands out with its unique flavor. The Milk Baklava is a highlight, often recommended alongside wine for a complete experience.

Beautiful and calming atmosphere with unique lighting and columns sets the mood. The menu offers unique dips like honey roasted eggplant and an extensive list of unique cocktails. Service stands out as attentive and distinct.

People are saying

"The Mediterranean dinner spots here have fresh, well-balanced flavors."

"The Mediterranean dishes here are so flavorful and unique."

"You have to try the baklava dessert; I'd come back just for it."

Good to know

1

Live music is available on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights.

2

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on weekdays with great deals.

3

Brunch is served until 4 PM on weekends.

10
Butterfield Market image 1
Gourmet grocery store

Bright, clean space with beautifully arranged displays and a cozy, elegant atmosphere creates a neighborhood feel. Outdoor seating with benches invites relaxation while enjoying the lively surroundings. Classical music adds a refined touch to the shopping experience.

Bright, clean space offers a variety of fresh desserts alongside lunch and dinner options. Desserts stand out as a yummy choice in the selection.

Many unique coffee and dessert options stand out here. Some items overlap with Whole Foods, but the plain frozen yogurt has a distinct taste despite lacking customization.

People are saying

"This market has a spectacular selection of fresh, delicious prepared foods."

"The frozen yogurt here is great, especially the pumpkin spice."

"The hot chocolate's unique Swiss milk flavor stayed piping hot."

Good to know

1

Be prepared for a premium price tag that may not match the perceived value.

2

Most items are not marked with prices, so ask for details.

3

Butterfield Market offers a unique experience with high-quality food.

11
Café Sabarsky image 1
Austrian restaurant

Wood-paneled dining room with a marble fireplace creates an authentic Austrian atmosphere. Live piano music with jazzy improvisations adds a refined musical ambiance. Small, cozy space fills with guests who appreciate classic Viennese café vibes and elegant design.

Warm, sweet Apfelstrudel offers a comforting finish. The Adele dessert balances rich passion fruit and light coconut mousse flavors. Desserts pair well with tea in a Vienna-inspired setting with live piano.

Live music and a welcoming atmosphere create a truly unique character here. The cake offers a style rarely found in the US, adding to the distinct experience.

People are saying

"The desserts here are a must-try, with substantial menu options."

"It's a classy, refined spot with wood-paneled walls and park views."

"The atmosphere here has a truly unique character."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially on Friday evenings.

2

If you do not make reservations in advance, you will encounter wait time.

3

Dining at Café Sabarsky after 5pm allows for no wait and similar costs compared to breakfast.

12
Lexington Candy Shop image 1

Small diner with retro American atmosphere and handmade soda fountain service creates a nostalgic vibe. Crowded space filled with classic 1920s Americana details and an authentic luncheonette feel. Regulars enjoy old-fashioned cokes and traditional breakfast dishes in a compact, lively setting.

Coke float stands out as a classic dessert with ice cream and soda. The spot offers an old school sweet shop vibe that pairs well with its desserts.

Vintage decor and a soda fountain counter create a cozy atmosphere that feels like stepping back in time. Hand mixed sodas and a Coca-Cola with ice cream offer unique flavors not found elsewhere.

People are saying

"You have to try the diner's Coke, mixed the old-fashioned way."

"It's a unique step back in time with that classic Coca-Cola taste."

"You have to try their coke float dessert with creamy ice cream."

Good to know

1

Breakfast time is recommended to avoid queues at lunchtime.

2

On the weekends, there’s a line that stretches around the block.

3

Be prepared for a wait; it’s all part of the experience.

Discover more

Upper East Side, New York

Area guide
Loading Map...