Post Overview: Best Cheesecake in NYC
I hear a lot of folks talk about New York pizza and New York bagels, but the real crown-jewel of NYC’s culinary scene is its cheesecake.
While researching this post I was shocked to learn of cheesecake’s ancient history. An early form of the delicacy was the subject of a 5th century BCE cookbook. That’s right, even the ancient Greeks had their own Martha Stewart.
And over the course of the last few thousand years many societies have created their own recipes of the fabled sweet-treat. Traditional New York cheesecake is a classic, but NYC is a global city so you’ll come across more than one variety. I know I sure as hell did.
In anticipation of my mother in law coming to visit (the only person who loves the delicacy more than me) I’ve researched where to find the best cheesecake in NYC. I’ve tried them all, ranking them based off their flavor, consistency and experience I had at the bakeries.
And instead of gate-keeping I thought I’d share the culmination of my research in the article. I know my stomach is growling, so why don’t we get to the good stuff. Without further ado, here is the best cheesecake in NYC!
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Best Cheesecake in NYC
Posh Pop Bakeshop
New York City is a land for innovation, and Posh Pop Bakery is remaking all your favorite sweet-treats but gluten-free. With the idea that dessert is for everyone regardless of dietary restrictions they’re responsible for some of the best cheesecake in NYC.
The heavenly treats come in a variety of flavors including ube, peanut butter and strawberry shortcake. As enticing as they are, the best flavor I’ve found is the Funfetti Cheesecake – a tried and true Posh Pop favorite.
You’d think it’s going to be too sweet, but the beloved NYC cheesecake is perfectly balanced. The richness of the cheesecake is adorned in a vibrant slew of colors and flavors, creating a dance party in your mouth with every bite.
The bakery itself is also cute, it looks like the Home Depot was having a paint sale on the color pink and the construction crew went wild. There are a few tables outside to enjoy your treat and trust me when I tell you: this is some of the best cheesecake in NYC so you’re going to want to sit down.
If you’re hosting a party, gifting it to someone or going through a breakup you can also order a whole cake. Running north of $100 it’s not the cheapest source of happiness but it is the most delicious.
Address: 192 Bleecker St, New York, NY 10012
Magnolia Bakery
Open in 1996, Magnolia Bakery is a non-negotiable pit-stop for any first time visitor. Made nationally famous by Hollywood, the bakery has a cult-like following thanks to their diving banana pudding.
But don’t let the big-screen fool you, Magnolia is home to more than just pudding and cupcakes. In fact, the bakery is responsible for some of the best cheesecake in NYC.
The beloved dessert comes in five flavors: vanilla bean, red velvet, key-lime, caramel pecan and (my favorite) blueberry.
Made rich and luscious, the dense filling has a way of melting in your mouth. Add in the tasty, chewy crust and you’re practically in heaven. We’re fortunate to have eight Magnolia locations in NYC so the best cheesecake is readily available!
Address: Multiple locations in NYC
Artion Bakery
Artion serves as a reminder of New York’s resilience. Formerly known as Artopolis, the bakery reopened in 2021 as Artion after being shuttered due to the pandemic.
The European bakery draws inspiration Mediterranean baking practices, but don’t worry I’m sure they don’t use the same cheesecake recipe the ancient Greeks did. Speaking of which, they make some of the best cheesecake in NYC!
You only have three flavor options, either original, chocolate or strawberry but hey the classics are classics for a reason. The expert bakers know how to make a velvety, smooth filling that doesn’t need any fancy or flashy toppings to make you drool.
When I had the strawberry cheesecake I didn’t even want to bite into it. It looked like a work of art, marbled like a piece of stone and topped with a vibrant, neon strawberry filling, it’s some of the best cheesecake in NYC!
Address: 23-18 31st St, Queens, NY 11105
Gallaghers Steakhouse
I love savoring my steak. The still-dripping juicy bites of tenderly goodness are worth taking your time, but at Gallaghers Steakhouse I can’t help but stuff my face to get to dessert quicker.
The steakhouse makes some of the best cheesecake in NYC! They only offer a traditional New York slice to compliment your hearty meal. Only having one option makes sense, considering Gallaghers is a classic establishment impressing with quality of food, not the quantity.
The ability to have a phenomenal dinner followed by a tasty dinner makes Gallaghers Steakhouse a premier date-night destination, especially if you’re in search of the best cheesecake in NYC.
Address: 228 W 52nd St, New York, NY 10019
Little Cupcake Bakeshop
Since opening in Brooklyn in 2005 it’s been a shot to the top for Little Cupcake Bakeshop.
Their claim to fame are the best cupcakes in America, but they also make some of the best cheesecake in NYC. With sweet-treats this addicting it’s no wonder celebrities will brave the public-eye for a bite.
The NYC cheesecake comes in tiramisu, cookies & cream, strawberry and white chocolate raspberry flavors. If you’re lucky they’ll have a seasonal flavor that you can pair with a classic (you know, one for now one for later).
The shop has three locations, one in Bay Ridge, another in Prospect Heights and a sole location in Manhattan in SoHo. The best cheesecake in NYC is always within reach thanks to the wide-availability!
Address: Multiple locations in NYC
Martha’s Country Bakery
Martha’s Country Bakery has become one of best bakeries in Brooklyn thanks to good old fashioned hard work.
In a world where everyone is trying to create the next best thing, Martha’s is staying true to the classics but executing them extremely well. This includes some of the best cheesecake in NYC.
Made fresh and on site using quality ingredients, the NYC cheesecake is consistently a home run. Part of being the best is reliability, and Martha’s Country Bakery is old faithful in the world of sweets.
In fact, this year they’re celebrating their 50th anniversary in business. It’s safe to say Martha’s Country Bakery has a bit of experience making tasty treats.
Plus I’ll add that Martha’s Country Bakery also has a generous amount of different styles of cheesecakes. With 10 different flavors the hard part isn’t finding the best cheesecake in NYC, the hard part is deciding what to order.
Address: Multiple locations in NYC
Keki Modern Cakes
Adding Keki Modern Cake to my list of best desserts in New York City was a no-brainer. The hard part is choosing just one dessert worth shouting out.
After many debates with my wife and many research calories later, I’ve come to the conclusion that the Japanese “bouncy” cheesecake is some of the best in NYC.
Take everything you think you know about cheesecake and toss it out the window. Keki’s bouncy cheesecake is one of the most unique you’ll find in NYC. It’s silky, it’s airy, it’s perfect.
But the cheesecake is not the only thing that dances. After one bite you’ll be busting out your happy moves and jiggling in harmony, enjoying each bite more than the last.
Address: 2 shops in New York City
Junior’s Cheesecake
The shop originally opened in 1929, although it operated under a different name. in 1950 it was bought by the Rosen family and the name was changed to Junior’s, which has become synonymous with the best cheesecake in NYC.
And just because Junior’s Cheesecake is arguably the most famous cheesecake in NYC don’t think it’s all just hype.
True, its iconic flashing lights and various locations draw in a lot of tourists, but the creamy cheesecake draws in locals time and time again. In Manhattan they have two locations in Times Square, and I’ve braved the notorious crowds all in search of the best cheesecake in New York City.
If you’re curious as to why they have two locations in Times Square, the one on 45th Street is basically just a slice shop. You pop in, order and then head outside to a few tables to devour your treat. The 49th Street location is an actual restaurant where they serve food and drinks too, along with the best cheesecake in NYC.
They also have a location in Brooklyn, which is the original. The corner of Flatbush and DeKalb Avenues in Downtown, Brooklyn is colloquially known as the “Cheesecake Corner” in honor of Junior’s.
Address: 1626 Broadway at, W 49th St, New York, NY 10019
Mah-Ze-Dahr
Since opening in 2014, Mah-Ze-Dahr has risen to the top of most “best bakeries in NYC” lists within a mere seven years. No easy feat in a city chock-full of bakeries and steep competition. They make some of the best cheesecake in NYC, which is reason alone to visit.
The owner, Umber Ahmad is a James Beard Award semi-finalist (a huge deal in the culinary world) who left the lofty confines of the financial world to purse her dream of baking.
She’s lovingly called a banker-turned-baker, and let me tell you — we are all better for it, she’s incredibly talented.
The cheesecake is incredibly light (which has fooled me into eating more than I should have) and has a tasty, lemon zest with every bite. It’s refreshing, which can’t be said of most rich cheesecakes in NYC.
There’s no denying that Mah-Ze-Dahr makes some of the best cheesecake in New York City, but don’t just take my word for it, order a slice next time you’re in the West Village!
Address: 28 Greenwich Ave, New York, NY 10011
Little Grace Bakery
Little Grace Bakery is a baking powerhouse, with more than 2,700 reviews on Google and a a 4.5 star rating. I had to see what the hype was about and so I visited, shocked to learn that they make some of the best cheesecake in NYC.
The secret is in a blend of two cultures and two flavors. By combing New York cheesecake and Japanese soufflé cheesecake, Little Grace Bakery makes Basque Burnt Cheesecakes (they didn’t invent it, though).
By cooking the cake at an insanely hot temperature they’re able to give it a caramelized, burnt exterior and a creamy interior. Each bite is a flavor-bomb that sets off fireworks in your mouth.
The unique New York City cheesecake is a fan favorite, and now Little Grace Bakery even ships the cake through Goldbelly. If you’re shopping for the best cheesecake in NYC you can enjoy it anywhere in the country.
Address: 17 W 32nd St, New York, NY, 10001
Veniero’s Pasticceria & Caffe
Veniero’s Pasticceria has been around since 1894, (yes you read that correctly). They truly don’t make ’em like they used to! This old-school Italian bakery is family-owned and operated, over 120 years later.
What originally started as a pool hall serving espresso and candy, eventually shifted from billiards to baked good (lucky us!). Using fresh ingredients, this East Village bakery has kept folks coming back for generations.
They make some of the best cheesecake in NYC, both in a classic New York slice and an Italian variation. If you order the Italian version you’ll enjoy a ricotta-based filling that will have you crawling over the counter for more.
And if you need a full sized cake for the party you’re having next week? Guess what, Veniero’s has you covered. They even ship nationwide, so you can enjoy the best cheesecake in NYC no matter where you are.
But if you’re in town you need to visit in person. Veniero’s is the kind of bakery where you get the full New York experience from the moment you walk in, communal, friendly and full of flavor.
Address: 342 E 11th St, New York, NY 10003
S & S Cheesecakes
If you take the 1 train north, all the way up to the second to last stop, you’ll be a stone’s throw away from some of the best cheesecake in NYC. S & S Cheesecakes has made their name on the dessert, being a local favorite for more than 60 years.
Still family owned and operated you’ll find a time-tested recipe has kept locals wrapped around their finger.
If I’m honest, the cheesecake doesn’t look like much. You wouldn’t assume it’s some of the best cheesecake in NYC solely based on looks, but it more than makes up for it with flavor.
Interesting tidbit: Fred Schuster, founder and owner of S & S Cheesecakes, was born in Nazi Germany in 1925 and moved to New York at 16 years old in 1941. He opened S & S Cheesecakes in 1960 and still works at the bakery.
Address: 222 W 238th St, Bronx, NY 10463
Eileen’s Special Cheesecake
A fan favorite since 1974, Eileen’s Special Cheesecake is a beloved NYC institution. As the name suggests, they make some of the most popular cheesecake in NYC and I’m proud to say I’ve fallen under their spell.
Unlike most New York cheesecakes that are dense and rich, Eileen’s is fluffy, airy and soft. Biting into a slice is such a joy, I bring all of my fellow cheesecake loving friends here to share the fun.
And when it comes to variety Eileen’s Special Cheesecake has mastered more than one recipe. Coconut, salted caramel and pineapple are some of my favorites but there’s more than 15 kinds.
Founded by a mom who now has help from her two daughters, Eileen’s is a woman-owned business we can all be proud of. And the work speaks for itself, they don’t only make some of the best cheesecake in NYC, Food & Wine ranked them as some of the best in America.
Address: 17 Cleveland Pl, New York, NY 10012
Best Cheesecake in New York City (Post Summary)
- Posh Pop Bakeshop
- Magnolia Bakery
- Artion Bakery
- Gallaghers Steakhouse
- Little Cupcake Bakeshop
- Martha’s Country Bakery
- Keki Modern Cakes
- Junior’s Cheesecake
- Mah-Ze-Dahr
- Little Grace Bakery
- Veniero’s Pasticceria & Caffe
- S & S Cheesecakes
- Eileen’s Special Cheesecake
Best NYC Cheesecake (Helpful Map)
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And there you have it, our list of the best Cheesecake in NYC. As always, don’t hesitate to let us know if we missed anything. Cheers!
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