The 8 Best Croissants in NYC

Flaky, buttery, and layered to perfection, a properly-made croissant can turn a bad day into a slice of heaven.

While the french pastry is popular at most coffee shops, only the best french pastry shops and bakeries can provide you with the impossibly thin-layered croissant of your dreams. The arduous process of kneading and rolling multiple layers of dough and cold butter can sometimes take days before a croissant is ready to bake and enjoy fresh, but the result is always the perfect match for your daily coffee.

Stores across New York have added their own spins to the french staple. From plain and pain-au-chocolats, to raspberry and Ferrero Rocher croissants, these bakeries make the perfect croissant every time, sure to please both adventurous and classic palate.

See also: 5 Luxury Teas to Try in 2021

CECI CELA

Ver esta publicación en Instagram

Una publicación compartida por Ceci-Cela (@cecicelanyc)

14 Delancey St. / Website

Ceci Cela is consistently hailed as one of the top croissants in New York City for a reason. Their vast french pastry menu welcomes those looking for a taste of Paris, but their cozy atmosphere and buttery croissants keep you hanging around after the last bite. Past the plain and chocolate-flavored croissant specials, Ceci Cela boasts multiple flavors and sandwich specials. From mozzarella, prosciutto and tomato croissant sandwiches, to ham and brie and almond chocolate croissants, there is something here for sweet and savory cravings.

Ceci Cela now also offers frozen, ready-to-bake plain and chocolate croissants, so you can mimic the smell and feel of a French bakery at home. If baking is too much, their menu is also open for delivery and take-out.

EPICERIE BOULUD

Ver esta publicación en Instagram

Una publicación compartida por Épicerie Boulud (@epicerieboulud)

1900 Broadway at 64th St. / Website

Opened by famed French pastry chef Daniel Boulud, Épicerie Boulud serves all your French pastry needs. With incredibly thin and buttery layers, Boulud’s croissants are a must when stopping by the casual café. Although two of his locations are currently closed due to COVID, the café on Broadway and 64th is still serving take-out and delivery orders. Specialty croissant flavors vary by season, but you can never go wrong with a plain, raspberry or Nutella croissant.

MILLE-FEUILLE BAKERY & CAFE

Ver esta publicación en Instagram

Una publicación compartida por Mille-feuille Bakery café (@millefeuillenyc)

552 LaGuardia Place; 2173 Broadway; 622 Vanderbilt Ave. / Website

French chef Olivier Dessyn opened Mille-feuille with the hopes of providing French and American fine pastries made from all organic ingredients. Since opening in 2011, Swiss-feuille has lived up to the dream. Apart from the plain and chocolate croissant classics, the raspberry croissant at Mille-feuille is a jam-lover’s dream. A layer of house-made raspberry preserves is swirled onto the croissant dough, resulting in a beautifully-coordinated pink swirl on alternating layers. The raspberries’ tang perfectly complements the rich dough of the croissant. Savory options include a ham and swiss croissant (with a dash of béchamel for a creamier and cheesier punch), and a New York-style ham, egg and cheese croissant sandwich.

BIEN CUIT

Ver esta publicación en Instagram

Una publicación compartida por Bien Cuit Bakery (@biencuit)

120 Smith St.; 21 Franklin Ave. / Website

Sweet and savory, big and small, Bien Cuit has it all. Mainly known for its large selection of artisan breads, Bien Cuit’s croissants consistently make top croissants in NYC lists. Their plain croissant is as buttery and flaky as they come. Sweet staples like pain-au-chocolat, almond croissants, and chocolate and almond croissants are perfect for a mid-afternoon coffee break. If you’re in the mood for something savory, try the ham and brie croissant.

See also: The 10 Best Milkshakes in NYC

MAMAN

Ver esta publicación en Instagram

Una publicación compartida por maman (@_mamannyc_)

Multiple locations / Website

What started as an independent café and bakery in Soho is now a national lifestyle brand. With locations across the United States and Canada, Maman serves as an event space for luxury brands and special workshops. Offering classics like plain and almond croissants, Maman sticks to fan favorites. Their pistachio chocolate croissant brings a refreshing breath to the chocolate staple. The green, toasted pistachios layered on top of the classic pain-au-chocolate squared shape bring a pop of color you’ll inevitably want to share.

DOMINIQUE ANSEL

Ver esta publicación en Instagram

Una publicación compartida por dominiqueansel (@dominiqueansel)

189 Spring St. / Website

Cronuts. What more do we need to say? Dominique Ansel is the famed bakery who started the viral cronut, a mix between a donut and a croissant. While this is their best seller, Dominique Ansel also has the croissant staples – plain and chocolate – among other layered baked treats. Currently, the NYC bakery is only open for delivery, but special packs are available, like the Croissant and Cold Brew order, and the Chocolate Lover’s basket.

SUPERMOON BAKEHOUSE

Ver esta publicación en Instagram

Una publicación compartida por Supermoon Bakehouse (@supermoonbakehouse)

120 Rivington St. / Website

Known for their unique croissants in the Lower East Side, Supermoon Bakehouse specializes in custard-filled croissants for every taste. Made in-house, these layered treats take three days to make, ensuring maximum flakes and rise. Serving plain and almond croissants, Supermoon experiments past classic flavors. From a Banana Split Sundae Twice Baked Croissant, to Raffaello and Ferrero Rocher Croissants, Supermoon has croissants for breakfast, lunch and dessert. Don’t forget to check out their pain-au-chocolat, the chocolate classic that “must be ordered in a french accent” for the full experience.

While Supermoon’s new COVID hours mean they’re only open during the weekends, their new CarePacks (including a selection of their most popular treats) go on sale every Monday and are available for in-store pickup and delivery.

LE PETIT PARISIEN

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by LE PETIT PARISIEN NYC (@lepetitparisiennyc)

32 East 7th St.; 151 Malcom X Boulevard / Website

This hole-in-the-wall spot in the East Village specializes in french pastries and sandwiches. While their spotlight shines on their whole-baguette sandwiches, don’t skip out on their classic croissants. Buttery, flaky, and warm, they make the perfect side to a good cup of coffee or a snack for the go. If you’re feeling something sweet, their pain-au-chocolat and almond croissants bring the same buttery goodness with the perfect amount of sweetness.