As a long-time local of NYC, I’ve had the pleasure of exploring some of the best bakeries on the Upper East Side. Excelling at most things, this upscale neighborhood brims with elegant brownstones, chic boutiques, fine dining and great cafes. It’s no surprise that the area would be home to irresistible bakeries too. With that said, let’s dive in!
You might enjoy: 15+ Great Things to Do in the Upper East Side
Best Bakeries Upper East Side
Orwashers
Originally founded in 1916, Orwashers is one of the oldest bakeries on the Upper East Side. Serving New Yorkers for more than 105 years, their success can be attributed to traditional baking methods perfected over time.
I suggest showing up early for the best selection because the most popular items sell out quickly. It’s not uncommon to see lines wrapping the block, especially during weekends. The croissants are delicious and the black and white cookies are some of the best in NYC.
My favorite items on the menu at this Upper East Side bakery are the following: sticky-bun babka, bagels, turnovers, jelly donuts and the black-and-white cookies. Try to visit before noon for the freshest selection.
Address: 308 E 78th St, New York, NY 10075
Ladurée
The decor at Ladurée is perfectly Parisian, which makes it a great pit stop for any Francophile. There’s a handful of tables indoor and out, but snatching one might be a challenge because this Upper East Side bakery is quiet popular. But those macaroons are worth the wait!
Address: 864 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10021
Maman
Ask any New Yorker about their favorite bakeries in New York City and the honest ones will mention Maman. Oozing whimsical vibes, this is one of the best bakeries in the Upper East Side if you’re looking to catch up with an old friend.
Originally started as a French bakery in SoHo, Maman quickly became renown for perfectly executed baked goods. But what really put them on the map was Oprah listing their nutty chocolate chip cookie as one of her favorite things. Never pass on the opportunity to order the quiche and chocolate croissant while you’re visiting (oh, and the coffee is great too).
Address: 1424 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10028
William Greenberg Desserts
Serving New Yorkers since 1946, William Greenberg Desserts is one of the best bakeries in the Upper East Side. Their iconic black-and-white cookies consistently grace the top of award lists every year, so ordering one is non-negotiable.
William Greenberg Desserts has been a staple in the Upper East Side since opening in 1946. This iconic establishment is renowned for its classic, old-world baked goods, including their legendary Black and White cookies, which have been a New York City favorite for decades.
What sets this Upper East Side bakery apart is their commitment to traditional baking techniques and high-quality ingredients, resulting in delicious and nostalgic treats. Their assortment of cookies, cakes, pastries, and holiday-specific treats keep locals coming back for more.
Address: 1100 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10028
Padoca Bakery
Padoca translates to “neighborhood bakery” in Portuguese. Aptly named, this small Brazilian bakery on the Upper East Side makes everything to order (the items are baked to order, which is a nice touch). The star of the show is the famous Brazilian cheese bread (little doughy cheese bites, so good!). It’s not uncommon for baked goods to be sold out by noon, so get there early if you can!
Address: 210 E 67th St, New York, NY 10065
Levain
Chances are good that you’ve heard of Levain’s massive cookies, the most famous cookies in New York City, if not the world. Their gooey chocolate chip walnut cookies have amassed a cult-like following that only sounds surprising until you try them for yourself. The line stretches well out the door most hours of the day and can be up to an hour long during the weekend. Have I waited in line for 1+ hours for a cookie? Yes. Did I regret it? Absolutely not.
Address: 1484 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10028
Breads Bakery
Breads Bakery is one of the best bakeries in New York City. With 6+ locations, the bakery has grown like wildfire mostly thanks to their award-winning chocolate babka (a traditional Jewish pastry made from yeast dough and garnished with cinnamon or chocolate). It’s delicious, you can’t regret ordering an entire loaf to go.
But the chocolate babka isn’t the only thing this Upper East Side bakery has mastered, quite the contrary. Anything you order at Breads is bound to impress, especially the croissants and seasonal delights.
When the Upper East Side (UES) location opened, the owner of the bakery decided to create a special treat exclusive to the UES bakery. The winner? The most unique black-and-white cookie in NYC! Half-croissant, half-traditional cookie, I happily trek a mile for it most Sundays.
Address: 1294 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10021
Best Gluten-Free Bakeries in the Upper East Side
By the Way Bakery
By The Way Bakery is a great option for those in search of the best gluten free bakeries in the Upper East Side. The entire selection of toothsome baked goods is gluten-free, dairy free, certified kosher and so dang delicious.
Started by a lawyer-turned-baker By The Way Bakery bills itself as an old-fashioned bakery where everything is homemade made from scratch in small batches. The passion and effort shine through! My friend is gluten-free and I make it a point to pick up a treat from this beloved gluten-free UES bakery whenever she’s in town.
Address: 1236 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10028
Noglu
Noglu is a gluten-free bakery in the Upper East Side that opened in 2015 by French pastry chef, Frédérique Jules. This is the perfect spot to get a mid-day pick me up. This Upper East Side bakery focuses on local and organic ingredients and you can taste the difference.
Long gone are the days when gluten free treats felt more like a punishment. This gluten-free bakery in the UES puts those distant memories to shame. The tarts and muffins are especially good but you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu.
Address: 1260 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10128
Best Upper East Side Bakeries (Post Overview)
In summary, here’s a quick roundup of the best bakeries in the Upper East Side.
- Orwashers
- Ladurée
- Maman
- Lady M Cake Boutique
- Levain
- Breads Bakery
- William Greenberg Desserts
- Sprinkles Upper East Side
- By the Way Bakery
- Noglu
Map of the Best Bakeries on the UES
Helpful Related Links
Best Bakeries NYC: 10 Delightful New York City Bakeries You Should Try
Williamsburg Bakeries: 15 Wonderful Williamsburg Bakeries
Best Bakeries East Village: 10 Delicious East Village Bakeries
Best Bakeries Chelsea: 12 Cheerful Chelsea Bakeries to Indulge
DUMBO Bakeries: 10 Delicious DUMBO Bakeries to Try
Best Bakeries Brooklyn: 10 Balling Brooklyn Bakeries to Taste
Best Bakeries in the West Village: 10 Worthwhile West Village Bakeries
Lower East Side Bakeries: 10 Lower East Side Bakeries You Have to Try
Gluten Free Bakeries NYC: 10 Glutenous Gluten Free Bakeries in NYC
Bakeries in Tribeca: 10 Tantalizing Tribeca Bakeries to Try
Cheers!
