35+ Must-Try Nice Dessert Places in Nyc

New York City is a proverbial sweet tooth's paradise, crammed with delectable dessert spots just waiting for you to discover. As a food enthusiast, you know finding the perfect dessert spot is like finding a needle in a haystack.
But don't worry, we've done the legwork for you. Whether you're craving a classic New York cheesecake, a French macaron, or even a unique dessert-wine combo, the Big Apple has got you covered.
Yet, with over 35 must-try places, where should you start your sugary exploration? We're about to reveal that, offering an insider's guide to the city's most enticing dessert destinations.
Stay with us, as we're about to embark on a delicious journey, and you wouldn't want to miss a single bite, would you?
Magnolia Bakery's Delightful Treats

When you step into Magnolia Bakery, you're instantly greeted by the irresistible aroma of freshly baked goods, promising a delightful journey of sweet indulgence. This renowned bakery, a gem among dessert places in New York, is a paradise for dessert lovers seeking the best dessert in NYC.
Every item on the menu, from the moist cupcakes to the creamy cheesecake, speaks volumes about the bakery's commitment to using high-quality ingredients. You're not just buying a dessert, you're buying an experience. Their cheesecake, in particular, has earned rave reviews for its perfect balance of sweetness and tang.
Magnolia Bakery empowers you to satisfy your sweet tooth while exploring a variety of flavors. It's a testament to the freedom that comes with indulging in top-notch dessert in NYC.
The Cronut Revolution at Dominique Ansel Bakery

While Magnolia Bakery offers an array of classic dessert options, Dominique Ansel Bakery has taken a more innovative route, shaking up the NYC dessert scene with the invention of the Cronut. This unique dessert, a hybrid of a croissant and donut, has become one of the best desserts in NYC. It's a must-try at one of the best dessert places in NYC.
Here's why you should join the Cronut revolution:
- It's a unique combo of flaky croissant layers with the sweet satisfaction of a donut.
- Each month features a different flavor, so there's always something new.
- The bakery opens at 8am, but lines form earlier. Get there early!
- The Cronuts are made fresh daily.
- Each Cronut is a taste of innovation, a testament to the evolving desserts in New York City.
Indulge yourself in the Cronut revolution at Dominique Ansel Bakery!
Junior's Cheesecake: A NYC Staple

Stepping away from the trendy innovations, you can't miss an opportunity to savor a slice of Junior's Cheesecake, a time-honored and beloved NYC dessert staple. This New York cheesecake has been satisfying sweet tooth cravings since 1950 and is considered one of the best desserts in New York.
Junior's Cheesecake isn't just a dessert, it's an experience. The rich, creamy, and melt-in-your-mouth texture combined with the buttery graham cracker crust creates an explosion of flavors that's both comforting and captivating.
Among the numerous dessert places in New York City, Junior's stands out for its authenticity and consistency. Whether you're a local or a visitor, indulging in a cheesecake in NYC is incomplete without dropping by Junior's. It's a must-visit place that encapsulates the essence of New York's culinary scene.
Sweet Revenge: Cupcakes and Wine

If you're seeking a unique, sophisticated twist to the traditional dessert experience, look no further than Sweet Revenge, a charming place where decadent cupcakes meet fine wine. This isn't your typical bakery; it's a wine bar with a dessert menu that's among the best desserts in NYC right now.
Here's what sets Sweet Revenge apart:
- They've mastered the pairing of cupcakes and wine, offering a unique tasting experience.
- Their cupcake flavors are innovative and delicious, earning them the title of 'best cupcake'.
- The wine selection is expansive, catering to all taste buds.
- The ambiance is cozy and inviting, perfect for a relaxed evening.
- Sweet Revenge also offers savory options, just in case you're not in a sweet mood.
This fusion of cupcakes and wine at Sweet Revenge is a must-try for any dessert lover in NYC.
A Taste of France at Ladurée

After indulging in the unique combo of cupcakes and wine at Sweet Revenge, why not whisk your taste buds away to Paris with a visit to Ladurée, a renowned patisserie known for its iconic macarons? This is one of the nice dessert places in NYC where you can savor French desserts.
The pastry selection is impressive, but it's the macarons that truly steal the show. These petite, colorful, almond meringue cookies are filled with ganache, jam, or cream, and are considered by many to be the best dessert in the city. It's a bite-sized taste of France in the heart of New York.
Ladurée is a must-visit for those looking for authentic desserts in New York, offering a unique blend of tradition and culinary innovation.
Frozen Delights at Grom Gelato

For a taste of Italy's finest, you shouldn't miss Grom Gelato, a standout among NYC's many dessert spots, renowned for its authentic, high-quality Italian gelato.
More than just a typical ice cream shop, Grom Gelato offers you a variety of delectable frozen delights that you can't resist.
- Their soft serve ice cream is refreshingly creamy, a perfect blend of milk ice cream that's smooth on your palate.
- The ice cream flavors are diverse, ranging from classic vanilla to exotic fruits.
- Grom Gelato's sorbets are made from natural fruits, offering a healthier option.
- You'd love their granita, a semi-frozen dessert made from sugar, water, and various flavorings.
- Don't miss their affogato, a scoop of gelato 'drowned' in a shot of hot espresso, a treat that's both hot and cold.
At Grom Gelato, every spoonful is a journey to Italy.
Levain Bakery's World Famous Cookies

When you're craving something sweet and hearty, there's no better choice than the world-famous cookies from Levain Bakery. Tucked away in various Manhattan locations, Levain Bakery has become one of the best places to satiate your sweet tooth.
Their chocolate chip walnut cookie is a must-try. It's a perfect blend of crunchy and chewy, with a generous amount of chocolate chips and walnuts. Each bite will give you an explosion of flavor that will leave you wanting for more.
Indeed, one of the best things about Levain Bakery is their consistency in delivering top-quality cookies that are worth every calorie.
A Slice of Italy at Veniero's Pasticceria

Stepping into Veniero's Pasticceria, you'll find yourself transported to Italy, as this dessert place in NYC offers an authentic Italian pastry experience that's hard to beat. Nestled in the heart of the East Village, it's recognized as one of the best restaurants for dessert.
The distinguished pastry chef crafts mouthwatering cannoli that's become a popular NYC delight. Here are a few notable aspects of Veniero's you should know:
- It's one of the oldest dessert shops in NYC, with a history dating back to 1894.
- Their cannoli is filled with velvety, sweet ricotta.
- They offer an extensive range of pastries aside from cannoli.
- It's a must-try for Italian pastry lovers.
- The ambiance evokes an old-world charm, making your visit more enjoyable.
The authenticity and quality at Veniero's Pasticceria are truly a slice of Italy in NYC.
Decadent Desserts at Spot Dessert Bar

From the old-world charm of Veniero's Pasticceria, let's whisk you away to Spot Dessert Bar, where modern, innovative confections take center stage. This dessert bar in NYC isn't just a place to satisfy your sweet tooth, it's a culinary adventure.
If you're looking for decadent desserts, Spot Dessert Bar is your destination. The creative minds here combine traditional Asian ingredients with classic European pastry techniques, producing some of the most incredible desserts in the city. Their Matcha Lava, a dark chocolate cake filled with green tea ganache, is arguably the best chocolate dessert you can find.
The presentation each dish boasts is as visually stunning as the flavors are tantalizing. At Spot Dessert Bar, every dessert isn't just a meal finisher, it's a showstopper.
Doughnut Love at Doughnut Plant

If you're a doughnut lover, you can't miss Doughnut Plant, a haven of handcrafted, gourmet doughnuts that has firmly rooted itself in the NYC dessert scene. This spot, one of the city's best, offers a variety of flavors like no other.
Here's what makes Doughnut Plant a must-try:
- The doughnuts are made from scratch daily, ensuring freshness and quality.
- They offer flavors like rosewater, matcha green tea, and black sesame that are hard to find elsewhere.
- Their unique doughseed mini doughnuts are a must-try.
- They've been hailed as one of the best dessert spots in NYC.
- They've multiple locations, making it easy for you to satisfy your doughnut cravings.
Visit Doughnut Plant, and let the city's best doughnut spot give you a dessert experience like no other.
ChikaLicious Dessert Bar's Innovative Creations

For a unique twist on traditional sweets, ChikaLicious Dessert Bar is your go-to spot. It is phenomenal for its innovative, high-concept desserts that push the boundaries of sweet culinary art.
Among the must-try nice dessert places in NYC, it's a standout with its artisanal approach. The room for dessert here is vast, with creations that taste like a dream. From the sublime to the unexpected, you're in for a delightful surprise.
With multiple locations spread across the city, it's easy to fit a visit into your trip to New York City. Every dessert is a conversation starter, pushing the envelope of what's possible in a dessert dish.
Whether you're a local or a visitor, ChikaLicious Dessert Bar's innovative creations are a freedom-loving foodie's paradise.
Two Little Red Hens: Cupcakes and More

Next on your dessert journey should be Two Little Red Hens, a charming bakery well-known for its irresistible cupcakes and an array of other delightful baked goods. When it comes to the best dessert, this spot always finds its way to the list of best dessert places in NYC.
- Try the chocolate cupcake, a rich, moist delight topped with a cloud of creamy icing.
- Their Red Velvet cupcake brings a vibrant hue and tangy flavor that's best shared.
- Don't miss out on the Brooklyn Blackout, a chocolate lover's dream.
- The Pumpkin cupcake, a seasonal favorite, offers a bite of autumn anytime.
- Their variety of mini cupcakes allows you to sample a bit of everything.
Japanese Delights at Minamoto Kitchoan

Switching gears from traditional American sweets, let's dive into the exquisite world of Japanese confections at Minamoto Kitchoan, a place where you'll find an array of delicate, beautifully crafted desserts. This place is a stark contrast to the bustling dessert places in NYC, offering you tranquility and a taste of authentic Japanese delights at Minamoto Kitchoan.
As you step in, you're introduced to a selection of matcha-infused treats, a powder made from finely ground green tea leaves. Revel in the Instagrammable aesthetics and the subtle balance of sweetness and bitterness, a far cry from the New American style.
Now, whether you're a fan of green tea or not, these treats are a must-try. They're not just desserts, they're a cultural experience, a unique taste of Japan in the heart of NYC.
The OddFellows Ice Cream Co

Ever thought about trying ice cream with a twist? The OddFellows Ice Cream Co. is your go-to spot, known for its eclectic and inventive flavors that push the boundaries of what you'd expect from a traditional ice cream parlor. This isn't your run-of-the-mill soft serve; it's an experience that engages your senses and encourages you to think outside the box.
Here's what you can look forward to:
- A rotating selection of unique flavors
- Deliciously creamy milkshakes
- A nod to the famed Momofuku Milk Bar with a cereal milk soft serve
- Friendly service in a laid-back atmosphere
- A chance to taste something new and unexpected.
The Iconic Serendipity 3

Dive into a world of sweet nostalgia at the iconic Serendipity 3, a dessert destination that's steeped in New York City history and famous for its whimsical, over-the-top treats.
You'll be tantalized by the array of dessert options, each more decadent than the last. The banana pudding is a textural delight, creamy yet punctuated by soft, ripe banana chunks.
The cake truffles, with their crumbly interior and chocolate shell, are a bite-sized pleasure. Don't forget to sample the carrot cake, a moist, spiced delicacy with a dreamy cream cheese frosting.
For chocolate lovers, the chocolate cake is a must-try, dense with a rich cocoa flavor. Lastly, for those special occasions, their birthday cake is a festive, multi-layered treat that encapsulates the joy of celebration.
Conclusion
In conclusion, NYC's dessert scene is an absolute must-try. From Magnolia Bakery's delightful treats to the iconic Cronut at Dominique Ansel Bakery, there's a sweet fix for everyone.
Whether you're craving Junior's legendary cheesecake, a French macaron from Ladurée, or a unique scoop from OddFellows Ice Cream Co, the city has it all.
Don't forget to experience the charm of Serendipity 3 and taste Japanese delicacies at Minamoto Kitchoan.
It's a sweet journey you won't want to miss.