Exploring the Most Delicious Dessert Shops in New York City

New York City’s dynamic dining scene is more often praised for its savory menu rather than its sweets — but in NYC, there’s always space for dessert. If you’re looking for a shop to enjoy freshly baked cookies to a perfectly prepared cappuccino, there’s no shortage of options.

If you are looking to satisfy your insatiable sweet tooth, or if you’re a local who’s looking for new places to explore, you’ve come to the right place. Read on to find out about the greatest dessert shops to visit whilst spending your time well in New York City. 

Best Dessert Shops in New York City

Here are the best dessert shops to visit in NYC:

1. Alimama Tea

Rated a 5 star on TripAdvisor’s website, this shop is the top choice for visiting if you’re looking to satiate your sweet tooth. The cozy environment at Alimama’s allows customers to relax after a hard day of work. The patient staff at this working place demonstrates how much they appreciate their clients. The décor is described as modern, and the dishes are affordable by the general masses.

At Alimama, different sweet dishes are offered, such as good profiteroles, a variety of donut flavors like mocha and sesame donuts, and matcha dough balls. Or, if you’re looking for drinkable desserts, the best options are great royal milk tea, coffee with cream, or taro milk tea. Open from the almost ideal time of 11-8, this place can be visited after a long day of work. Come down to this dessert shop, and enjoy yourself, perhaps with sugary donuts or a to-die-for cup of coffee.

Shop timings: 11 AM–8 PM

Prices: Their prices for stuff are not so high and very pocket friendly. 

Specialties: This place is known for its specialty in flavors which are unique and achieved through a special blend of natural ingredients and high-quality tea leaves. They have antioxidants in their flavors and have many benefits. Their Mochi donuts and cold brew teas are winning the hearts of people. 

Takeaway: Yes, they have a take-out policy. 

2. Vesuvio Bakery

Nestled in the heart of SoHo, the original Vesuvio bakery situated at 160 Prince is home to the 102-year-old renowned green storefront. The re-imagined Italian bakery pays homage to the history of this iconic location. Opened in 1920, Vesuvio quickly became a favorite in the SoHo community.

Vesuvio is best known for its great variety and quality of bread, serving freshly baked Italian pastries, cookies, bread loaves, soft-served gelato, and more. A unique component of this dessert shop is that it usually adds great twists and tweaks to otherwise ubiquitous desserts. It offers a wide range of pastries and treats, starting from simple croissants or filled ones, to different kinds of delicious cookies, soft serve gelato, and affogato, to their exclusive Vesuvio cheesecake. From the barista, different kinds of drinks like coffee, Americano, Espresso, Iced Chai Latte, and cappuccino are offered, making this the perfect place to visit after a tiring day of work. Oh, and let’s not forget the bread, for which it is especially known for. At Vesuvio, they offer 7 different types of bread, from Stirato to Herb Focaccia. 

If you wish to enjoy a good sweet drink or perhaps enjoy their desserts and bread at home, then Vesuvio is the best dessert shop for that purpose. Visit Vesuvio whenever you wish if you already haven’t, as your taste buds are missing out on a unique and flavorful taste that you won’t find anywhere else.

Shop timings: 8 AM – 6 PM

Prices: Their pricing is affordable for most of the items available when compared to the competition. 

Specialties: Vesuvio Bakery is known for its delicious bread, pastries, and other baked items. Their specialties include fresh-baked pieces of bread, croissants, and other sweet treats. They're also known for their pizza, which is made with a thin, crispy crust and topped with fresh, high-quality ingredients. 

Takeaway: Yes, they have a takeaway service available. 

3. Levain Bakery

There’s a good chance that you’ve heard of Levain, unarguably the most famous chocolate chip cookies in New York City, if not the world. Consistently being ranked as among the best dessert shops in New York City; their gooey chocolate chip walnut cookies have amassed an almost cult-like following. Rarely, in a city offering a wide range of food options, does a place stand so far above the rest, but Levain Bakery is an exception. These incredible treats will often reappear as your wildest fantasies.

At Levain, they keep the menu fairly small, with 5 cookies and a few baked goods. This makes ordering a breeze. The line stretches well out the door most hours of the day and can be up to an hour long on weekends. Waiting to receive your order is a test of its own, with one’s willpower depleting the more he stays in line. However, the wait is worth the time, as it is one of, if not the best dessert shops in New York City. 

Shop timings:  8:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Prices: They are known to offer the most competitive prices in the market. 

Specialties: Their cookies are worth it, giving the same flavorful texture for years. Their signature cookie is the chocolate chip walnut cookie, which is made with high-quality ingredients and baked to perfection for a soft and chewy texture.

Takeaway: Yes, they have a takeaway.

4. Dominique Ansel Bakery

Often revered as one of the most innovative bakeries in New York City, Dominique Ansel Bakery is loved by locals and visitors alike. The people who have visited this dessert shop would unanimously agree that everything that Dominique Ansel touches turns to gold. 

This iconic bakery is completely worth the hype. Owned by the French pastry chef Dominique Ansel, the bakery is best known for its infamous and exclusive “Cronuts”, first invented and sold by Dominique Ansel himself. His invention of the Cronut in 2013 became a widely publicized phenomenon, being termed one of Time Magazine’s best inventions of the year. The bakery’s achievements speak for itself, proving that it is indeed worth giving a try.

Shop timings: 8 AM–8 PM

Prices: They are not so pricey and have good quality at affordable prices. 

Specialties: Dominique Ansel Bakery is famous for its unique and creative pastries. Their most famous pastry is the Cronut, which is a cross between a croissant and a doughnut.

Takeaway: They have in-store pickup

Conclusion

After carefully reviewing hundreds of restaurants, I have concluded that these are possibly a few of the best dessert shops in all of New York City. The passion and love put into the products of these places put them in the top spot for dessert shops that must be tried. Don’t just take my word for it though. Go and try them out, and see for yourself. Trust me, they are worth the shot!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a cronut?

The cronut pastry is a unique invention created by Dominique Ansel, who runs the Dominique Ansel Bakery. It is described as a Donut-Croissant hybrid. The cronut brand and product is a registered trademark of Dominique Ansel Bakery. It is also the most virally talked about dessert in history.

Does Levain provide gluten-free cookies?

Levain has a Vegan and gluten-free Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookie available for national delivery as well as for purchase in their bakeries. However, please note that these cookies are not certified gluten-free and may contain other allergens such as walnuts, cashews, almonds, and coconuts.

Are these dessert shops found outside NYC?

Unfortunately, only Levain Bakery can be found outside New York City, in Chicago, Washington D.C, Los Angeles, Boston, and Maryland. Alimama Tea, Vesuvio Bakery, and Dominique Ansel cannot be found outside New York City.