Best Croissants in NYC

There’s something beyond enticing about the flakey buttery exterior and the soft melt in your mouth insides of the croissant that keeps them in vogue year after year. New York is renowned for its food, and when it comes to pastries, the city’s croissants are no exception. We have a round up of a few favorite bakeries that serve up fresh, warm croissants that will make you think you’re in Paris.

This award-winning bakery knows how to do croissants! The amazing aroma of fresh baked goodies wafts through the air of the Silver Moon Bakery, inducing drooling the moment you walk in the door. The Silver Moon croissants are just the right amount of airy, buttery and delicious. They also nail the size— nothing to gargantuan— just a proper French-size portion.

2740 Broadway (at 105th Street)

New York, NY 10025

Patisserie Claude has long been a neighborhood staple in the West Village. Opening its doors in 1982, the patisserie was owned by a Frenchman, Claude Le Brenne who moved to New York from Brittany. Tales about his eccentricities and at times rowdy behavior abound. Soon after opening he began working with his loyal assistant and current owner, Pablo Valdez. Today Pablo carries the torch with Le Brenne’s blessing. The croissants are world-class and some patrons laud them as the best outside of Paris.

Patisserie Claude doesn’t seem to have a website, but Untapped Cities has a wonderful history of the patisserie and beautiful photos.

187 West 4th Street (Between Barrow and Jones)

New York NY 10014

This Upper West Side neighborhood spot is a favorite of New Yorkers. Many come for a quick coffee and pastry; while others linger for a full meal, morning noon or night. Kirsh’s motto is to make everything fresh, from scratch and that includes their mouth-watering croissants that are popular among the breakfast crowd, and for good reason. The Kirsh croissant, while slightly denser than the classic French croissant, is the perfect balance of sweet and earthy with a beautiful golden outside.

551 Amsterdam Avenue (at 87th Street)

New York, NY 10024

Balthazar’s warmly lit interior and rows of delicious looking baked goods recall a quintessential French patisserie. Grab a croissant to go for the perfect start to your day! Balthazar’s croissants nail buttery tones and perfect pull apart insides that always leave you wanting just one more bite. The pain au chocolate is also worth the splurge, if a plain croissant just isn’t enough.
80 Spring Street (at the corner of Crosby)
New York, NY 10013

If you haven’t heard of the cronut, you’ve quite possibly been living in a pastry hole. The Cronut is a cross between a croissant and a doughnut. Fans love them and critics warn that they’re overly sweet. It may be polarizing, but the Cronut has definitely put Dominique Ansel Bakery on the pastry map and probably in the history books. In our book, they’re an original creation worth a try— at least once. If you’re more interested in classic croissants and pastries, the delicious Dominique Ansel Bakery certainly can scratch that itch as well.

189 Spring Street (between Sullivan and Thompson)

New York, NY 10012

Inspired by the cafes of Paris, this patisserie is full of European charm with dainty tables, a small chandelier and an inviting and cozy atmosphere. Ceci Cela’s founder and famed French pastry chef Laurent Dupal has been at the helm for over 20 years creating traditional, high quality French pastries that make mouths water. The croissants here are exceptional, and perfectly French. Flakey, airy and buttery without being over zealous. The almond croissant is also noteworthy for its perfect balance between almond flavor (nothing artificial— freshly crushed almonds here) and just a hint of sweet. Stop in early, as they often sell out!

14 Delancey Street

New York, NY 10002

The Lombardy Hotel’s timeless elegance is iconic to Midtown Manhattan. Our rooms are spacious, comfortable and thoughtfully designed to make you feel at home. We look forward to hosting you on your next visit to New York City.

*Due to Covid-19 our restaurant, cafe and gym will remain closed for a time.