New York’s bakery scene has evolved far beyond the classic black-and-white cookies and bagels it’s famous for, offering incredible pastry experiences for every taste. After countless early mornings exploring Manhattan’s diverse bakeries, I’ve put together this guide highlighting my favorite local spots—from Instagram-famous establishments to hidden gems locals treasure.

And if you’re looking for the perfect places to grab drinks after indulging your sweet tooth, be sure to check out my New York City Best Bars guide for the best cocktail lounges, speakeasies, and neighborhood bars in town!

Must-Visit Destinations

These Manhattan bakeries have earned their reputation through exceptional pastries and baked goods worth the trip.

La Cabra

When it comes to authentic Nordic baking, La Cabra stands as a Manhattan institution that delivers pastry perfection with every bite.

Known For: Cardamom buns, exceptional coffee, and dense, dark sourdough loaves
Open Daily
Pro Tip: Visit weekday mornings to avoid the longest lines at their East Village location.

Librae Bakery

This Cooper Square bakery blends Middle Eastern flavors with Danish pastry methods, creating Manhattan’s most photogenic and delicious fusion pastries.

Known For: Pistachio rose croissant, Marmite cheddar morning bun, and innovative seasonal creations
Open Daily
Pro Tip: Items sell out quickly. Arrive early for the full selection, and don’t miss the savory options, which are just as impressive as the sweet treats.

Hani’s Bakery and Café

Founded by former Gramercy Tavern pastry chef Miro Uskokovic and food editor Shilpa Uskokovic, this East Village gem elevates familiar favorites with extraordinary technique.

Known For: Honey cake with sour cream frosting, perfectly executed classic cookies, and seasonal treats
Open Daily
Pro Tip: Don’t sleep on the Halva Rice Krispy treat – it’s an unexpected twist on a childhood classic.

Hidden Gems

These spots might fly under the radar but deliver exceptional baked goods that locals cherish.

ALF Bakery

Hidden below Chelsea Market’s main floor, this baker, led by Amadou Ly (an alum of cult favorite Arcade Bakery), has cultivated a devoted following of bread enthusiasts.

Known For: Laminated baguettes, mushroom danish, and sourdough miche
Closed: Monday & Tuesday
Pro Tip: Purchase a half sourdough miche to quarter and freeze at home for exceptional toast all week. Their lunchtime sandwiches are also worth the trip downstairs.

Win Son Bakery

After years of Brooklyn success, this Taiwanese American bakery opened its Manhattan outpost in March 2025, bringing its incredible breakfast creations to a wider audience.

Known For: Scallion pancake breakfast sandwiches, mochi donuts, and fan tuan (sticky rice rolls)
Open Daily
Pro Tip: If you see the mortadella egg sandwich on the menu, consider it a must-order. The combination of havarti, mortadella, and egg on their flaky scallion pancake is absolutely worth the wait.

Elbow Bread

This tiny bakery on the Lower East Side/Chinatown border specializes in Jewish American baking traditions executed with technical brilliance by renowned baker Zoë Kanan.

Known For: Signature pretzels with tiny dimpled hands, nori chocolate chip cookies, and bialys
Open Daily
Pro Tip: The pretzels typically emerge from the oven around 11 a.m., so time your visit accordingly.

International Flavors

Manhattan’s global bakery scene continues to thrive, offering authentic tastes from around the world.

Mary O’s Irish Soda Bread Shop

What began as a pandemic pop-up by Mary O’Halloran to support her family has evolved into a beloved brick-and-mortar establishment specializing in Irish baked goods.

Known For: Irish soda bread scones
Closed: Monday, Tuesday, & Wednesday
Pro Tip: The shop maintains a sense of nostalgia with its decor (featuring porcelain teacups), creating a genuinely warm and authentic experience.

Smør Bakery

This East Village bakery brings authentic Scandinavian traditions to Manhattan through the vision of two Danish founders and head baker Rowan Gill.

Known For: Cardamom buns, traditional rye bread, and authentic Nordic pastries
Open Daily
Pro Tip: Their sibling restaurant, which has the same name, offers an expanded menu of Nordic dishes.

Sweet Indulgences

No trip to Manhattan is complete without sampling these exceptional American classics.

Sunday Morning

This hyper-specialized East Village bakery opened in January 2025 with a singular focus: offering ten different varieties of cinnamon rolls daily.

Known For: Creative cinnamon roll variations including Earl Grey strawberry, blueberry lemon curd, and ube
Open Daily
Pro Tip: The chocolate babka and pistachio varieties sell out first, so arrive early. While waiting in the rain may seem excessive for a cinnamon roll, the wafting aromas of cinnamon, sugar, and butter may convince you otherwise.

Red Gate Bakery

This intimate East Village bakeshop specializes in cookies, loaves, and cakes that balance nostalgic familiarity with sophisticated technique.

Known For: Classic chocolate chip cookies, seasonal fruit pies, and elevated American classics
Closed: Sunday & Monday
Pro Tip: Their rotating seasonal offerings showcase the best of New York’s local produce, rewarding repeated visits as their menu evolves.

Final Thoughts

Manhattan’s bakery scene truly offers something for every taste and budget, from hyper-specialized cinnamon roll shops to traditional Nordic cardamom buns. While New York is famous for its bagels and black-and-white cookies, the bakeries highlighted here showcase the true diversity and creativity of the city’s baking landscape.

Planning a trip to New York City? I’d love to help you create the perfect food-focused itinerary, complete with recommendations for the best times to visit these sought-after bakeries and suggestions for the best bars to visit between pastry stops. Reach out using the button below, and let’s start planning your delicious Manhattan adventure!