Post overview: Best bakeries in Chelsea
Looking for the best bakeries in Chelsea? This local has you covered! If you’re anything like me, then you know self control flies out the window when you’re within walking distance of a bakery. And let me tell you something friends, in New York City… they’re everywhere.
At this point I need to plaster my face on a flyer. Write in big red letters “DO NOT let this woman on the premises”and hand them out to bakeries in Chelsea. Because I will buy everything and it’s getting difficult explaining credit card charges to my husband.
The only time there isn’t a croissant stuffing my mouth is when there’s a cupcake, I’m like a kid in a candy store. It doesn’t help that the Chelsea bakeries advertise their pastries by stocking their cases to the brim.
If you’re interested in finding the best bakeries in Chelsea I’m going to share my personal list of favorites. As a local, I’ve been able to find the can’t miss spots so you don’t waste any precious stomach-space on subpar pastries.
But hey, enough of the small talk. What do you say we get to the good stuff?
Visiting New York City? If you haven’t decided where to stay (yet) check out our helpful guide on Where to Stay in New York City (The best neighborhoods for first timers +2 to avoid). Don’t have time? Here’s our favorite hotel in NYC, hands down.
Best Chelsea Bakeries
Doughnuttery (Chelsea Market)
The Chelsea Market is a popular food hall mixed with unique shops, restaurants, and cafes. The market has 35 vendors waiting to impress you with tasty treats and fare. But the vendor that stands out the most when my sweet tooth comes knocking is Doughnuttery.
As the name suggests, this Chelsea bakery has mastered the art form that is mini donuts. Offering a variety of different flavored toppings, powders and sugar-coating, this is a place where your inner child gets to run wild.
The menu is made up of four categories; House Favorites, Seasonal/Exotic, Fruity/Nutty/Savory and House Traditional. The concoctions are endless. My husband loves the sugary options like Cookies & Cream or Fruit Cereal while I tend to go with savory options like the Purple Pig (maple, purple potatoes and bacon).
The best part about this sugary confectionary is that they are made fresh in front of you!So you’re guaranteed a warm batch. No matter what you order, you’re in for a treat since this is one of the best Chelsea bakeries.
Address: 425 W 15th St, New York, NY 10011
Fabrique Bakery
No list of best Chelsea bakeries is complete without mentioning Fabrique Bakery. I mean who doesn’t love a heavenly baked goods you can smell from a block away?
At Fabrique Bakery, everything is made in-house and always served fresh. This Swedish bakery originally started in Stockholm and now boasts two other locations in London and New York City.
Famous for their cardamom buns, when I tell you, run don’t walk — I mean it! The treat is perfectly dense and full of flavor and unlike anything I’ve ever had before.
For those who don’t know what a cardamom bun is, it’s honestly a bit complicated to explain — but I’ll try. Essentially, cardamom buns are best described as a cross-breed between a cinnamon roll and pull-apart bread. Typically a soft, flakey interior with a crunchy exterior and stuffed with a sugary cardamom dusting.
Regardless, New York City is lucky to have a location. I suggest trying any treat Fabrique Bakery makes since it is one of the best Chelsea bakeries.
Address: 348 W 14th St, New York, NY 10014
Sarabeth’s
What started as a tiny bakery-kitchen in 1981 quickly spread like wildfire and now stands as one of the best Chelsea bakeries.
Opening the doors to their Chelsea Market location in 1998, Sarabeth’s takes the crown when it comes to preservable jams. Using high-quality ingredients and having years to perfect the recipe, I can’t go within arms-reach of this Chelsea bakery and not leave with five jams in hand.
Not to mention the baked good that just so happen to pair beautifully with the jams. Sarabeth’s has been a sweet-spot for me for many years and I don’t anticipate it’ll end anytime soon.
Sarabeth’s is a convenient spot to swing by for a quick bite while exploring the Chelsea Market. Serving pastries, sandwiches and hot meals like lemon-ricotta pancakes — it’s not difficult to see why we consider this one of the best Chelsea bakeries.
Address: 75 9th Ave, New York, NY 10011
Amy’s Bread (Chelsea Market)
Walk into Amy’s Bread on any weekend morning and you’ll find yourself lost in a sea of locals eager to get their hands on a baked good from this beloved Chelsea bakery.
If it isn’t the rich chocolate cake that keeps you coming back, then you’re too harsh of a critic and need to let your hair down!
The chocolate cake at Amy’s Bread really sets itself apart form the competition. It’s rich, moist and perfectly airy, topped with a “chocolate silk”. This is one of the best bakeries in Chelsea if you have an event coming up and need a full sized cake.
For those who don’t speak “sugar” like it’s their second language, no worries. Amy’s Bread bakes delicious loaves of bread (on site) that cannot be missed. This Chelsea bakery has been a staple in Chelsea Market since 1996 and does not plan on going anywhere, anytime soon.
Address: 75 9th Ave, New York, NY 10011
Princi Bakery & Café
Founded in Milan in the 1980’s, Princi Bakery impressed a Starbucks executive so much the coffee giant invested and brought the bakery to the U.S.
That’s why inside the fancy Starbucks Reserve Roastery in Chelsea you’ll find an outpost of Princi. Fully stocked with fresh and beautiful loaves of bread it’s no surprise a carb-lover like me is in paradise whenever I visit this Chelsea bakery.
The variety of fresh sandwiches never disappoints. The difficult part is that they all look tempting so it can be hard choosing just one. There’s also pastas, pizzas and salads available if you’re super-starved.
As one of the best bakeries in Chelsea it should come as no surprise the fresh pastries shine at Princi. There’s a small but flavorful selection of Italian classics all begging for you to try them.
The cornettos (which look like a croissant) are sweet and delicate, exactly what you’d want from one of the best bakeries in Chelsea. Plus they come with a variety of fillings, including raspberry (my favorite) almond and chocolate hazelnut.
Address: 61 9th Ave, New York, NY 10011
Empire Cakes
Located a mere two blocks from the Highline (one of the most unique parks in New York City) is Empire Cake, one of the best bakeries in Chelsea. I’ll be honest, I’ll occasionally walk the Highline for exercise and then reward myself with a cupcake from Empire, some call it throwing my workout away – but I call it incentivizing.
I can’t help it, as one of the best bakeries in Chelsea Empire Cake makes all their pastries fresh daily, using quality local ingredients and quite frankly they’re delicious.
The Chelsea bakery makes one of the most mouthwatering red velvet cupcakes I’ve ever had! The frosting is made using real cream cheese (not the stuff out of a can) and combines with the silk red velvet to replicate a firework show for your taste buds.
Another popular item is the “snack cakes” which are essentially a dressed up, homemade (fresher version) of a Twinkie. Available in an array of flavors including lemon, passionfruit, and red velvet you’ll never reach for a Twinkie again.
And of course the best Chelsea bakeries make treats that are meant to be shared so Empire Cake also caters events. Whether you need a wedding cake (congratulations!), custom cupcakes for an birthday party or decorated cookies for an office event you know where to go.
Address: 112 8th Ave, New York, NY 10011
Sullivan Street Bakery and Pizza
Founder Jim Lahey spent a portion of his time studying art in Europe. After moving back to New York City he realized he struggled finding the same tantalizing breads he grew to love abroad.
Taking matters into his own hands, Lahey decided to start making them himself. Boy oh boy does he deliver. He founded Sullivan Street Bakery in 1994, which has steadily become one of the best bakeries in Chelsea.
In a lot of ways Lahey is an artist, sourcing the highest quality ingredients, staying true to tradition and shaping every bread by hand.
The sweet treats are equally as impressive, including favorites like the bombolini. A tradition Italian donut, that is often filled with jelly or custard (and is everything my dreams are made of).
Bread isn’t the only thing this Chelsea bakery perfected. The Chelsea location started making pizza and I’m the first to admit it’s delicious!
Address: 236 9th Ave, New York, NY 10001
Bourke Street Bakery
Bourke Street Bakery is new to the scene, opening in 2021. This Chelsea bakery hails from Australia — originally opening in Sydney more than 15 years ago.
Offering a plethora of delightful baked goods, the bakery is best known for their famous meat pies and sausage rolls. No seriously, the thing has won numerous awards! Give it a try for yourself and see what all the fuss is about.
I recommend ordering the shakshuka egg & feta Danish. The egg is perfectly runny and the texture of the danish is *chefs kiss*. Oh! Don’t even think about leaving without ordering a loaf of the sourdough bread from one of the best Chelsea bakeries.
Address: 162 8th Ave, New York, NY 10011
HARBS Chelsea
If you’re searching for one of the best bakeries in Chelsea for cake, I’ve got just the spot. HARBS is a Japanese inspired bakery that serves some of the freshest cake in the city.
The mission is clear at this Chelsea bakery and if quality and satisfaction isn’t the name of the game, HARBS wants no part in it!The variety of drinks, treats and the attentive staff makes more a memorable expierence
You can come for afternoon tea and get a slice of cake or the whole dang thing, no judgement.
But the best part is the lunch special. Served Friday-Sunday from 11:00-3:00PM for $25 folks can enjoy a sandwich or salad, a slice of the cake-of-the-day and cup of coffee or tea! That’s a steal of a deal and makes coming to one of the best Chelsea bakeries a no-brainer.
Address: 198 9th Ave, New York, NY 10011
Billy’s Bakery
Billy’s Bakery holds a special place in my heart. It’s one of those Chelsea bakeries that’s constantly reliable and never seems to miss when I’m craving something sweet.
There’s a plethora of cake flavors to choose from, but my personal favorite is a tie between the banana cake, lemon raspberry cake or coconut cake. I know, how decisive of me? But I truly can’t choose just one!
However, the most famous cake here might just be the icebox cake, which is comprised of fresh whipped cream (chocolate, peppermint, or vanilla) sandwiched between crispy chocolate wafers – it’s perfect.
Billy’s Bakery is one of my personal favorite Chelsea bakeries when I want something quick and cake-y. There is also a small handful of gluten-free and vegan options.
Address: 184 9th Ave, New York, NY 10011
Best Gluten-Free Bakeries in Chelsea
Modern Bread and Bakery
I stumbled upon Modern Bread and Bakery completely by accident, and what a happy coincidence that turned out to be. Without realizing that Modern Bread & Bakery was a gluten-free bakery in Chelsea, I ordered a bagel.
The bagel was so delicious (with a chewy texture) that I promptly returned the following weekend for more. It wasn’t until my second visit that I noticed the gluten free signage.
And then it hit me, did I accidentally eat a gluten-free bagel last weekend?
Turns out I did, and I loved it as much as a traditional bagel — which is why I consider this one of the best gluten free bakeries in Chelsea. Their baked goods span the gamut and you’ll find everything from challah to cupcakes, filling both your sweet and savory cravings.
I took my friend here during her visit and she raved about the bagels as much as I did. In fact, we returned to this gluten-free Chelsea bakery a few times during her month-long stay.
Address: 139 W 14th St, New York, NY 10011
Seven Grams Caffe
If the name of this cafe looks familiar to you, it’s probably because you’ve seen it come up on every list of best cookies in New York City. Popular for their chocolate chip cookie (which practically melts in your mouth), Seven Grams also happens to be one of the best bakeries in Chelsea.
The Chelsea coffee shop is named Seven Grams because they believe it takes exactly 7 grams of premium coffee grounds to make the perfect shot of espresso.
And I’d argue the name is fitting! The coffee is unfussy and has no need to be overcomplicated with different milks and flavoring. The espresso speaks for itself. It’s some of the smoothest coffee in Chelsea and the flavor really packs a punch.
Although the entire cafe isn’t geared towards being gluten-free, it’s one of the few Chelsea bakeries that actually has options for those with dietary restrictions. Seven Grams offers gluten-free/vegan cookies, scones and even granola bars.
Address: 275 7th Ave, New York, NY 10001
Best Bakeries Chelsea (Post Summary)
In summary, these are the best bakeries in the Chelsea:
- Billy’s Bakery
- HARBS Chelsea
- Bourke Street Bakery
- Sullivan Street Bakery and Pizza
- Empire Cakes
- Princi Bakery & Cafe
- Amy’s Bread
- Sarabeth’s
- Angelina Bakery
- Fabrique Bakery
- Doughnuttery
- Modern Bread and Bakery
- Seven Grams Caffe
Bakeries in Chelsea NYC (Map)
I hope you enjoyed this list of the best bakeries in Chelsea. Don’t hesitate to let me know if you think I missed anything, I’ll happily check it out.
Cheers!
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