Where to Get the Best Pastries Near Central Park
If you’re strolling through Central Park and find yourself craving something sweet, you’re in luck. The area around the park is home to some of New York City’s most renowned bakeries, each offering a unique spin on classic pastries. Whether you’re a fan of flaky croissants, rich tarts, or delicate éclairs, you’ll find plenty of spots to satisfy your cravings. These bakeries bring together the finest ingredients, expert techniques, and a love for all things baked. So, grab your coffee, take a walk, and explore these local gems where the pastries are just as iconic as the park itself.
Must-Try Bakeries and Cafés for Fresh Pastries
From buttery croissants to decadent tarts, these spots near Central Park serve some of the best pastries in the city.
Barachou
Barachou is a French-inspired pastry shop that brings the delicate art of cream puffs to the heart of New York City. With locations in both the Upper West Side and West Village, it offers a wide variety of pastries that are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. Notably, their signature cream puffs are available in an array of flavors, ranging from classic whipped cream to more inventive options like tiramisu and crème brûlée. Additionally, Barachou offers fruit tarts, cookies, cinnamon rolls, and other delightful pastries. Whether you’re stopping by for a quick treat or taking your time to enjoy the cozy ambiance, Barachou provides the perfect setting for indulging in handcrafted desserts.
- Website: barachou.com
- Location: 449 Amsterdam Avenue, New York, NY 10024 (Upper West Side)
- Location: 15 8th Avenue, New York, NY 10014 (West Village)
- Cuisine: French
- Hours: Daily: 9:00 AM–7:00 PM (Upper West Side); 8:30 AM–6:00 PM (West Village)
- Price: $$
- Menu Highlights: Signature cream puffs (flavors include chocolate, raspberry, crème brûlée, lemon meringue, and seasonal specials), fruit tarts, croissants, cinnamon rolls, cookies.
Pâtisserie Vanessa
Pâtisserie Vanessa is a cozy French pastry shop in the heart of the Lower East Side, offering a tempting variety of artisanal pastries made with the finest ingredients. Known for its perfect blend of French techniques and fresh, high-quality flavors, Pâtisserie Vanessa specializes in an array of croissants, tarts, and delicate pastries. Their macarons are particularly popular, with a variety of flavors including lavender, raspberry, and chocolate ganache. This charming patisserie also offers delightful seasonal treats and is the perfect spot for a coffee break or to grab a quick dessert to enjoy on a stroll.
- Website: Pâtisserie Vanessa
- Location: 62 E 1st St, New York, NY 10003
- Cuisine: French
- Hours: Monday to Friday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM; Saturday to Sunday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Price: $$
- Menu Highlights: Macarons (lavender, raspberry, chocolate ganache), croissants (butter, almond, chocolate), fruit tarts, éclairs, seasonal pastries.
Maison Pickle
Maison Pickle is a chic Parisian-inspired bistro offering a selection of delicious pastries. This spot is renowned for its butter-rich croissants, lemon tarts, and decadent chocolate eclairs. Perfect for a casual breakfast or an afternoon snack, the bakery is located just a few blocks from Central Park and is a popular destination for those seeking a mix of French flavors and cozy ambiance.
- Website: maisonpickle.com
- Location: 231 W 79th St, New York, NY 10024
- Cuisine: French
- Hours: Daily: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Price: $$
- Menu Highlights: Croissants (butter, almond), lemon tarts, chocolate éclairs, madeleines.
The Hungarian Pastry Shop
A beloved spot for students and locals, The Hungarian Pastry Shop offers a variety of traditional Hungarian pastries in a cozy setting.
- Website: hungarianpastryshop.com
- Location: 1030 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10025
- Cuisine: Hungarian
- Hours: Monday to Sunday: 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Price: $$
- Menu Highlights: Dobos Torte, Strudel, Linzer Torte, Sacher Torte.
Zaro’s Bakery
A family-owned bakery since 1927, Zaro’s offers a variety of pastries, breads, and cookies.
- Website: Zaro’s Family Bakery | NYC Bakery
- Location: 200 Central Ave, New York, NY 10024
- Cuisine: American
- Hours: Monday to Sunday: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Price: $$
- Menu Highlights: Black & White Cookies, Rugelach, Babka, Challah Bread.
Dominique Ansel Bakery
Home of the original Cronut, Dominique Ansel Bakery offers innovative pastries and desserts.
- Website:dominiqueansel.com
- Location: 189 Spring St, New York, NY 10012
- Cuisine: French
- Hours: Monday to Sunday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Price: $$
- Menu Highlights: Cronut, DKA, Frozen S’more, Cookie Shot.
Mille-Feuille Bakery Café
This French bakery specializes in traditional pastries, with their namesake mille-feuille being a standout. It’s an excellent spot for a light, flaky pastry near Central Park.
- Website: Mille-Feuille Bakery Cafe
- Location: 2175 Broadway, New York, NY 10023
- Cuisine: French
- Hours: Daily, 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Price: $$
- Menu Highlights: Mille-Feuille, Macarons, Fruit Tarts, Eclairs
Délice Macarons
Specializing in traditional French pastries, Délice Macarons offers a variety of macarons and other sweet treats. It’s a delightful spot for those seeking authentic French flavors.
- Website: delicemacarons.com
- Location: 321 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10023
- Cuisine: French
- Hours: Mon-Fri: 7:30 AM – 7:00 PM; Sat-Sun: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Price: $$
- Menu Highlights: Macarons, Croissants, Tarts
More…
- https://www.yelp.com/searchfind_desc=pastries&find_loc=Central+Park%2C+Manhattan%2C+NY&msockid=218dabf6d85a681d3b4abee0d9706923
- https://foursquare.com/top-places/central-park-new-york/best-places-desserts
- https://newyorksimply.com/best-restaurants-near-central-park/
- https://www.overherenewyork.com/category/desserts/