NYC's 9 Best Croissants
Can't fly off to Paris this week, but longing for a freshly baked croissant? You're in luck. These New York City bakeries and restaurants are serving up both sweet and savory renditions of the flaky, buttery pastries. By Sarah Shaker.
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French Pastry Chef François Payard is known for his delicate pastries, from macaroons to truffles. Visit any of his FPB locations when you're looking for an authentic croissant. Buttery, flaky and fresh, these will not disappoint. Treat yourself to a jar of his popular Pate a Tartiner Salted Caramel to spread on your croissant (and pretty much everything) in the comfort of your home.
This recently-opened East Village cafe offers one of our favorite cinnamon rolls. But the bakery's namesake pastry earns this adorable coffee shop outstanding accolades. The freshly baked croissants can be enjoyed on their own or as the crispy, flaky shell to both savory and sweet sandwiches. French Ham is stuffed with Gruyere cheese, sliced ham, Dijonaise and butter for a creamy breakfast sandwich. Nutella and Banana is perfect for a sweet tooth fix. Croissants are baked in both regular and mini sizes – perfect for any mood.
Cannelle Patisserie
75-59 31st Ave
East Elmhurst, NY 11370
(718) 565-6200
cannellepatisserie.com/
The long lines that develop nearly every morning at this Jackson Heights bakery will be your first hint that the fresh croissants are some of, if not the best, of their kind in the city. The second hint? Cannelle's pastry chef, Jean Claude Perennou, is formerly of the Waldorf Astoria. The flaky chocolate croissant and sweet almond croissant both earn rave reviews from regular clientele. Folks also love the reasonable prices.
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The coming of spring means New Yorkers are anticipating summer in the Hamptons. When you make your first weekend trip out East, take the ferry to Shelter Island for Maison Blanche Hotel's exquisite Chocolate Croissant. These pastries are served piping hot at an outdoor walk-up window, oozing warm chocolate for a sweet morning. For something a bit heavier, order their creamy Croque Monsieur. Enjoy your breakfast with coffee out on their front patio for beautiful people watching.
Whether you're home in NYC or visiting Chicago, Philly or even Seoul, La Colombe's coffee is always reliable and strong. At their three New York City locations, enjoy a fluffy croissant with your latte for a comforting breakfast. Choose from plain, cheese or almond topped depending on your mood for a fresh croissant experience.
This adorably quant Williamsburg café has recently moved from a cozy location on Skillman to N. 6th. Locals love stopping by for coffee and their freshly baked croissants and baguette sandwiches, like the delicious Gruyere Tomato Croissant or a croissant stuffed with herbed scrambled eggs for brunch. When you want something sweet, their Croissant Bread Pudding is a special treat!
Pastry chef Laurent Dupal's Ceci Cela's croissant won Serious Eats' taste test as their pick for the best croissant in New York City. This Spring Street shop bakes buttery and easy to pull apart croissants that downtown New Yorkers and visitors can't get enough of! For those in love with their elegant sweets, you can have Ceci Cela cater your upcoming events and wedding as they've got you covered for French cakes and decadent Petit Fours.
One of our favorite East Village coffee shops, Paradiso serves freshly baked croissants from Balthazar Bakery both plain or as delicious Italian inspired sandwiches. From croissants stuffed with egg, fresh mozzarella, tomato and basil to goat cheese, egg, caramelized onions and gruyere, Paradiso serves up a delicious breakfast or brunch. End your meal with a slice of their homemade tiramisu, in flavors ranging from Classic to Chocolate Banana.
Think chain restaurants can't do a croissant justice? Stand corrected at Financier, with multiple NYC locations. When you're in need of a croissant on the go in Grand Central, snag one of their buttery, flaky pastries, which will not disappoint for an authentic French flair. Order a coffee to make your breakfast complete and enjoy a free Madeline cookie with your order for a sweet ending or to save at your desk for an afternoon pick-me-up treat.
Sarah Shaker is the founder of the blog Bright Lights, My City.
