Post overview: A local shares the best bakeries in the Upper West Side

If you’re anything like me, you have an insatiable sweet tooth constantly in search of something sweet. In that regard, I’m fortunate because I live in the Upper West Side and there’s no shortage of phenomenal bakeries to choose from.

I’ve lived in the Upper West Side for five years and have amassed a proper list of the best bakeries in the UWS based on firsthand experience. I wanted to share that list with you all today, hope you enjoy!

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Best Bakeries Upper West Side, NYC

Breads Bakery

Breads Bakery is not only one of the best bakeries in the Upper West Side, but in all of New York City. With four locations, this bakery has grown like wildfire mostly thanks to their award-winning chocolate babka.

If you’re not familiar with babka (I wasn’t before moving to NYC) it’s a traditional Jewish bread/pastry made from yeast dough and garnished with cinnamon or chocolate. The end result is an airy layered loaf chockfull of nutella and chocolate chips.

The thing could launch a thousand ships, it’s beyond delicious. But the chocolate babka isn’t the only thing this UWS bakery has mastered, quite the contrary. Anything you order at Breads is bound to impress, especially the croissants and seasonal delights. Every baked good is executed to perfection and I swing by weekly to get my fill.

Address: 1890 Broadway, New York, NY 10023

Délice Macarons

Délice Macarons, an authentic french bakery in the Upper West Side, is the new kid on the block. They opened less than a year ago but you couldn’t tell by the long lines that start forming early in the morning. Specializing in toothsome French pastries like croissants and macaroons, this is easily one of the best bakeries in the UWS.

The chef, Pierre Chahine has more than 20 years of experience training in the culinary capital of the world, Paris. So if you can’t catch a flight to Paris, why not make a beeline for Délice Macarons? It’s the next best thing. Plus, the staff are some of the kindest in the city.

Address: 321 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10023

Best bakeries UWS — The tantalizing display of desserts at Délice Macarons | Best Bakeries Upper West Side

Levain

Chances are good that you’ve heard of Levain, arguably the most famous chocolate chip 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.

There’s two Levain bakeries on the Upper West Side. The charming original location on 74th St and the newer (and larger) store on Amsterdam between 76th and 77th street. I love the original location the best and have been going there for years, but if the line is obnoxiously long then I head to the new location.

Unlike some places, the consistency doesn’t change between locations so the cookies taste the exact same regardless of where you order from.

Locations: 351 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10024 & 167 W 74th St, New York, NY 10023

Orwashers

Originally founded in 1916, Orwashers is one of the longest running businesses on the Upper East Side and they recently branched out with a second bakery in the Upper West Side. This classic New York City bakery has been serving New Yorkers for more than 105 years. Their success can be attributed to traditional baking methods that have been 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 New York City. Try to visit before noon for the freshest selection.

My favorite items on the menu at this Upper West Side bakery are the following: sticky-bun babka, bagels, turnovers, jelly donuts and the black-and-white cookies.

Address: 440 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10024

Daily Provisions

Daily Provisions was opened by Danny Meyer, the mastermind behind Shake Shack, and now proudly boasts two locations (Union Square & Upper West Side, West Village coming soon). Most folks come to this cute Upper West Side bakery for the crullers and find themselves returning to try everything else on the menu.

This bakery is famous for crullers, no doubt, but the true star of the show is the great sandwich menu, which offers some of the best breakfast sandwiches in New York City. Two clear standouts are the BEC (bacon, egg and cheese) and the smoked salmon everything croissant.

Address: 375 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10024

Epice

Tiny but mighty is the name of the game for this delicious bakery in the Upper West Side. Epices opened in 2021, during the pandemic, but I believe their baked goods will make them a mainstay in the neighborhood.

It’s clear that the pastry chef has mastered French baking techniques because the croissants are some of the best I’ve had to date. Buttery and flaky, with a satisfying exterior that encloses a soft center — sheer perfection. I also ordered the leek quiche because I couldn’t help myself and promptly returned the next day for more.

What makes this one of the best bakeries in the Upper West Side in my book, is the fact that they’re located steps away from Central Park. Grab a treat to go and park yourself on a bench while watching the world go by. :

Address: 104 W 70th St, New York, NY 10023

P.S. Did you know that dedicating a bench in Central Park costs $10,000? It’s true, here’s 25 Thought-Provoking Facts About New York City (You May Not Know)

Epice UWS — Epice | Best Bakeries Upper West Side

Maman

Ask any New Yorker about their favorite bakeries in New York City and the honest ones will mention Maman. Offering a whimsical and charming vibe, this is one of the best bakeries in the Upper West Side if you’re looking to catch up with an old friend.

Originally started as a French bakery and cafe 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.

I never miss an opportunity to order the quiche, chocolate croissant and their famous macadamia nut cookie. Plus, the coffee is always great (not to be underestimated at a bakery).

Address: 29 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10024

best bakeries New York City — Maman Bakery in the Upper West Side

Bourke Street Bakery

Bourke Street Bakery is also new, opening in 2021. This UWS bakery hails from Australia — originally opening in Sydney more than 15 years ago. This is the bakery’s second location in New York City (the first one is located at East 28th St.) and the Upper West Side is lucky to have them.

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.

Address: 313 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10023

Silver Moon Bakery

Silver Moon Bakery is one of the most beloved bakeries in the Upper West Side. Locals flock to this place as soon as the door open to get their hands on bread, croissants and some of the best cakes in the city. I especially enjoy their chocolate chip cookies, which are underrated in my book.

Address: 2740 Broadway, New York, NY 10025

Mille-Feuille

A hundred years ago I took a French class and convinced myself I should have been born French. In my mind the French could do no wrong. Nowhere does this ring more true than the country’s knack for making the best baked goods in the world.

This bakery in the Upper West Side is perfectly charming and quaint. It’s not very large, but it has all the basics covered. They excel at making macaroons and croissants, making them a natural stop for a mid-day pick-me-up while exploring the Upper West Side.

Address: 2175 Broadway, New York, NY 10023

The Hungarian Pastry Shop

The Hungarian Pastry Shop is an Upper West Side institution, no two ways about it. Opened in 1961 by a married Hungarian couple, this UWS bakery fills to the brim with locals during the weekends. It’s a very cozy place to read a book or people-watch while enjoying some of the best baked goods in the Upper West Side.

I was eager to share this place with my Hungarian sister-in-law and she loved it as much as I did! She said the baked goods tasted authentic and the cakes were some of the best she’s had in the US.

Address: 1030 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10025

Best Gluten-Free Bakeries in the Upper West Side

Modern Bread and Bagel

I stumbled upon Modern Bakery completely by accident, and what a happy thing that turned out to be. I can honestly tell you that I didn’t realize this was a gluten-free bakery in the Upper West Side until my second visit. During my first visit I ordered a bagel through the app because the wait to order was almost an hour long.

I enjoyed the bagel so much that I returned the following weekend for more. And it wasn’t until my second visit that realized all the gluten-free signs – did I accidentally eat a gluten-free bagel last weekend?

Turns out I did, and I loved it! Which is why I consider this one of the best gluten free bakeries in the Upper West Side. You’ll find everything from challah to bagels and muffins. Pick something up and head to the park for a proper picnic.

Address: 472 Columbus Ave, New York, NY 10024

By The Way Bakery

By The Way Bakery is yet another great option for those in search of the best gluten free bakeries in the Upper West 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 UWS bakery whenever she’s in town.

Address: 2442 Broadway, New York, NY 10024

Best Bakeries UWS (Post Summary)

In summary, these are the best bakeries in the Upper West Side

Breads Bakery
Levain
Orwashers
Délice Macarons
Daily Provisions
Epice
Maman
Bourke Street Bakery
Silver Moon Bakery
Mille-Feuille
Hungarian Pastry Shop
Modern Bakery
By The Way Bakery

BEST HOTELS IN THE UPPER WEST SIDE

Mid-Range: Here’s my go-to hotel on the UWS & the crowd favorite
Luxury: Mandarin Oriental

I hope you enjoyed this list of the best bakeries in the UWS. Don’t hesitate to let me know if you think I missed anything, I’ll happily check it out.

Cheers!