Where to Find the Best Cheesecake in NYC (2025)
Let’s be real for a second. You can’t come to New York City and not have a slice of cheesecake. It’s basically a law. But with a million places claiming to have the “best,” the question is, where is the best place to get cheesecake in New York City? Forget the tourist traps and mediocre desserts; we’re on a mission to find the real deal. This is your ultimate guide to the city’s most legendary, creamiest, and most delicious slices, from iconic institutions to neighborhood gems.
Note: It’s a good idea to check the official websites or social media pages for the most current hours and menu availability before you head out on your cheesecake quest.
Where to Find the Best Cheesecake in NYC (2025 Foodie Guide)
The Great Debate: The Two Most Famous Cheesecakes
If you ask a New Yorker for a recommendation, you’re going to hear these two names. The battle for the best is real.
Junior’s Restaurant & Cheesecake
This is probably what is the name of the famous cheesecake in New York that comes to mind first. Junior’s is an institution. It’s a classic, no-frills, Brooklyn-style diner that just happens to serve what many consider to be the quintessential New York cheesecake—dense, creamy, and served on a thin sponge cake base.
- Price: $$
- Cuisine: American
- Location: 386 Flatbush Ave Ext, Brooklyn, NY (and other locations)
- Contact: www.juniorscheesecake.com | 1 718-852-5257 | info@juniorscheesecake.com
- Pro Tip: This is the undisputed king of the best cheesecake in Times Square. The line can be crazy long, but you can skip it by heading to their separate bakery counter right next door to grab a slice (or a whole cake) to go.
Eileen’s Special Cheesecake
On the other side of the debate is Eileen’s. If Junior’s is dense and rich, Eileen’s is its light and airy cousin. Her cheesecakes are smaller, have a classic graham cracker crust, and are almost mousse-like in texture. It’s a totally different experience, but equally legendary.
- Price: $ – $$
- Location: 17 Cleveland Pl, New York, NY
- Contact: www.eileenscheesecake.com | 1 212-966-5585 | info@eileenscheesecake.com
- Pro Tip: Because they’re smaller, you can totally justify trying more than one flavor. Their individual-sized cheesecakes are perfect for sampling. The cherry and salted caramel are fan favorites.
The Verdict on “Is Junior’s the best cheesecake in NYC?”: Honestly, it depends on what you like! Go for Junior’s if you want a classic, dense, rich slice. Go for Eileen’s if you want something lighter and tangier. The only real solution is to try both.
The Old-School Italian Legends
Veniero’s Pasticceria & Caffe
Step back in time at this iconic East Village bakery that’s been serving Italian pastries since 1894. While their New York cheesecake is fantastic, their Italian Ricotta Cheesecake is the real star—a lighter, grainier, and less sweet version that is absolutely divine.
- Price: $$
- Location: 342 E 11th St, New York, NY
- Contact: https://venieros.com | 1 212-674-7070
- Pro Tip: It’s an old-school cash-only spot, so hit the ATM before you go. The line moves fast, but be ready with your order.
Ferrara Bakery & Cafe
Another Little Italy legend, Ferrara, has been around since 1892. It’s a bustling, classic Italian cafe. Like Veniero’s, their claim to fame is the incredible Ricotta Cheesecake, often made with whole milk ricotta and citrus zest.
- Price: $$
- Location: 195 Grand St, New York, NY
- Contact: www.ferraranyc.com | 1 212-226-6150
- Pro Tip: This is a great place to sit down and enjoy the atmosphere. Grab a cappuccino with your slice and do some prime people-watching in Little Italy.
Pasticceria Rocco
Step into this West Village institution and you’re immediately hit with the smell of butter and sugar. Rocco’s has been serving classic Italian pastries forever, and their ricotta cheesecake is the real deal—less dense than NY style, with a lovely hint of lemon.
- Price: $$
- Location: 243 Bleecker St #4438, New York
- Contact: roccos.nyc | 1 212-242-6031
- Pro Tip: Their cannolis are also top-tier. Get a mini cheesecake and a cannoli for the ultimate Italian pastry experience.
Neighborhood Icons & Bakery Favorites
Two Little Red Hens
After a heartbreaking closure and a much-anticipated move, this Upper East Side legend is back. Their cheesecake is the platonic ideal of a New York slice: tall, creamy, perfectly balanced between sweet and tangy, with a killer crust.
- Price: $$
- Cuisine: Classic American Bakery
- Location: 1652 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10028
- Contact: twolittleredhens.com
- Pro Tip: Their Brooklyn Blackout cake is also a religious experience. Go with a friend and get a slice of each to share. You won’t regret it.
S&S Cheesecake
Ask any die-hard foodie ” where to find the best cheesecake in NYC Reddit,” and they’ll mention this Bronx legend. S&S has been making incredible, classic cheesecakes since 1960. They supply many of NYC’s fanciest restaurants, but you can also buy one directly from their no-frills bakery.
- Price: $$ (for a whole cake)
- Cuisine: Classic New York Cheesecake
- Location: 222 W 238th St, The Bronx, NY 10463
- Contact: sscheesecake.com | (718) 549-3888
- Pro Tip: This is a wholesale bakery, not a cafe. You’re buying a whole cake to-go, but it freezes beautifully. It’s the ultimate dinner party power move.
Little Pie Company
Known for its incredible pies (obviously), this Theatre District spot also makes a ridiculously good cheesecake. It’s rich, creamy, and has a wonderful graham cracker and brown sugar crust. A perfect pre- or post-show treat.
- Price: $$
- Cuisine: American Bakery
- Location: 424 W 43rd St, New York, NY 10036
- Contact: https://www.littlepiecompany.com | (212) 736-4780
- Pro Tip: This is one of the top choices for the best cheesecake in Midtown Manhattan. Their sour cream apple pie is also world-famous if you want to mix it up.
Orwashers Bakery
A true Upper West Side classic, Orwashers has been around since 1916 and is best known for its breads and pastries. But don’t sleep on their cheesecake—it’s rich, creamy, and perfectly balanced with just the right amount of sweetness. The vibe here is more bakery counter than sit-down café, but that just means you can grab a slice (or a whole cake) to-go and enjoy it at nearby Central Park.
- Price: $$
- Cuisine: American Bakery
- Location: 440 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10024 (Upper West Side)
- Contact: orwashers.com | (212) 289-6566
- Pro Tip: Pair your cheesecake with one of their legendary loaves of bread or donuts. It’s the kind of place where you’ll walk out with more than you planned.
Martha’s Country Bakery
If you want options, Martha’s is your heaven. This Queens-born bakery has a dessert case the size of a small car, and it’s always packed. Their cheesecake is a solid, classic choice that never disappoints, and they have tons of flavors.
- Price: $$
- Cuisine: American Bakery
- Location: Branches in Astoria, Forest Hills, Williamsburg & more
- Contact: marthascountrybakery.com | +1 718-225-5200
- Pro Tip: The portions are huge. A single slice can easily be shared… or not. No judgment here.
Magnolia Bakery
Yes, they’re famous for banana pudding, but don’t sleep on their cheesecake! It’s a classic, straightforward, and delicious slice. With locations everywhere, it’s one of the most reliable and accessible options for a quick fix.
- Price: $$
- Cuisine: American Bakery
- Location: Various locations including Grand Central & Rockefeller Center
- Contact: magnoliabakery.com
- Pro Tip: Grab a slice and a cup of their coffee and head to a nearby park (like Bryant Park from their 6th Ave location) for a perfect little NYC moment.
Mia’s Bakery
A true Brooklyn favorite. Mia’s is a cozy spot that feels like your cool neighborhood bakery, but with a massive selection. They have a ton of cheesecake flavors, from classic New York to Oreo and Red Velvet.
- Price: $$
- Cuisine: American Bakery
- Location: 139 Smith St, Brooklyn, NY 11201
- Contact: miasbrooklyn.com | (347) 987-3194
- Pro Tip: This is a great place to order a full cake for a birthday or special occasion. Their flavor variety is amazing.
Modern & International Twists
Mah-Ze-Dahr Bakery
A stylish, modern bakery in the West Village that serves up some of the most delicious pastries in the city. Their cheesecake is a showstopper—impossibly smooth and creamy with a perfectly buttery crust.
- Price: $$
- Cuisine: Modern American Bakery
- Location: 28 Greenwich Ave, New York, NY 10011
- Contact: mahzedahrbakery.com | (212) 498-9810
- Pro Tip: Their award-winning Devil’s Food Donut is also a must-try. Why not get both?
Keki Modern Cakes
For something completely different, try Keki’s famous “Bouncy” Japanese cheesecake. It’s light, fluffy, and jiggly—less sweet and much more delicate than its American cousin.
- Price: $$
- Cuisine: Japanese Cheesecake
- Location: 79 Mott St, New York, NY 10013 (Chinatown)
- Contact: https://www.kekimoderncakes.com | (212) 285-8800
- Pro Tip: They’re best fresh from the oven. Try to time your visit to get one that’s still warm.
Uncle Tetsu Japanese Cheesecake
Another star of the jiggly cheesecake world! Uncle Tetsu’s version is famously fluffy and souffle-like, with a subtle sweetness and a hint of eggy flavor. They stamp each fresh cake with their cute logo.
- Price: $$
- Cuisine: Japanese Cheesecake
- Location: 135 W 41st St, New York, NY 10036
- Contact: uncletetsu-us.comÂ
- Pro Tip: Expect a line, as they often bake them in small, fresh batches throughout the day.
Lady M Cake Boutique
For a cheesecake experience that’s a little more… elegant. Lady M’s Gâteau Nuage is basically the supermodel of cheesecakes. It’s incredibly light, almost cloud-like, with a delicate graham cracker crust. Pure sophistication.
- Price: $$$
- Cuisine: Luxury Cakes / Patisserie
- Location: Various locations including The Plaza Food Hall & Bryant Park
- Contact: ladym.com | 212-452-2222Â
- Pro Tip: This is a perfect choice for someone who finds traditional NY cheesecake too heavy. It’s pricey, but it’s a beautiful and delicate treat.
Just a little history lesson: Wondering where is the original New York cheesecake from? While dairy-based cakes have existed for centuries, the New York-style cheesecake, with its signature cream cheese base, is widely credited to Arnold Reuben of Reuben’s Restaurant back in the 1920s.
So there you have it! The ultimate list to find the best cheesecake in Manhattan and beyond.
Craving Even More Sweets?
Once you’ve had your fill of cheesecake (just kidding, that’s not possible), you might be looking for your next sugar rush. Check out our guide to 10+ Best Dessert Spots In New York For A Sweet Treat.
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