SWEET TREATS
There are a lot of delicious desserts in NYC!
Here are some of our favorites for all ages by neighborhood (see our treats map to plot out a path)- also check out our guide to hot chocolate, doughnuts and over-the-top dessert destinations guide.
DOWNTOWN
Eataly NYC Downtown
The 40,000 square feet outpost of Italian marketplace Eataly is focused on bread, but you can also find delizioso pizza, fresh mozzarella, prosciutto, pasta, rotisserie chicken, chocolate, gelato and (post-pandemic) weekend kids cooking classes.
Choose from five restaurants, nine take-away counters (including gelato), two caffès, and one wine bar. Shop more than 10,000 high-quality imported Italian and local seasonal products spread over the f , including salt, extra virgin olive oil, dried pasta, fresh truffles, aged balsamic vinegar and a mix-and-math Venchi chocolate bar.
Watch fresh pasta shapes, gooey mozzarella cheese and other products being made.
Look for more than 500 signs that tell the story of different products, from ancient tradition to modern place in Italian cuisine, plus a cool pasta shape map of Italy. Shop for kid-friendly kitchenware and books.
Max Brenner
Select from nine hot chocolates – Italian Thick, Oreo, Peanut Butter and more – at this huge cafe and store that feels like Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory, with tubes of liquid chocolate criss crossing the space. Choose from a variety of creative, high-quality chocolate concoctions to fo, gift or to eat on site.
Salads, paninis, pizza, cocoa spiced waffle fries etc. available on the extensive menu, but the real draw is the over-the-top desserts from marshmallow chocolate pizza to three types of chocolate fondue to a melting s’mores sundae to a syringe full of chocolate goodness. Lots of cocktails, including a chocolate peppermint martini, available for grown-ups.
Advance reservations recommended.
Monday-Friday 12pm – 11pm
Thursday-Saturday 11 am – midnight
Sunday 10am – 11pm
Pick up chocolates & hot cocoa to go at the new Times Square outpost (720 7th Ave at West 48th St).
Shopsin’s
This whimsical, family-owned restaurant features a legendary 900-item menu with dozens of wacky (and delicious) pancakes varieties filled everything from s’mores and mac n’cheese. Lots of savory, extravagant egg, sandwiches etc. options also.
Small seating area; expect waits on weekends (but lots to explore in the indoor Essex Market while you wait). The owner and staff can be rude and capricious. If have a group of more than 4 they might not seat you (even if you offer to sit separately at staggered times).
Wed-Sat 9 am–3 pm
Sun 10 am–4 pm
Le District
Mangez on freshly made croissants, crepes, frites and more delicious treats in a French shopping district within happening Brookfield Place. Take your treat to the terrace for a view of the French-in-origin Lady Liberty.
Economy Candy
At this legendary family-owned LES sweets emporium, founded in 1937, shop over 2,000+ items, including international gummies, unique candy bars, a color-sorted jelly belly bar, chocolate covered graham crackers (with and without jelly), bacon and kale lollipops and so much more. Also find unique toys, Pez, gifts and vintage trading cards featuring fan favorites from Garbage Pail Kids to Super Mario to Growing Pains to Stranger Things.
Small and gets crowded on weekends but lots to discover while waiting in line. You can also browse their extensive offerings online and order for delivery or curbside pick up.
Lots of cool street art to explore in the neighborhood.
Museum of Ice Cream
Explore a colorful pop-up with 13 interactive installations across 3 floors (plus a 3 story slide) that’s fun for sweet lovers of all ages.
Eat as many ice cream treats as you want in 5 different shapes and forms. Play in a game room with mini golf and jungle gyms, jump or slide into a rainbow sprinkle pool with a slide and try more interactive experiences. All very colorful and photogenic with lots of pink. Look for prompts in each room for discussion and connection – and learn a lot about ice cream.
🎟 Prices vary by day and time. Through Feb 12, get 2-for-1 tickets with promo code MSW23 on Mondays after 6 pm as part of NYC Must-See Week
Winter Garden at The Standard East Village
Hunker down in private alpine yurts, or outside (with heaters) among the twinkling evergreens. The cozy menu includes raclette burgers, fresh oysters, orange blossom waffles, spiked hot cider, gooey fondue, freshly baked beignets and more.
Sat-Sun brunch: 11 am – 1:30 pm (no minimum)
Dinner: 4 – 7:30 pm ($100 pp minimum)
UNION SQUARE/FLATIRON
Max Brenner
Select from nine hot chocolates – Italian Thick, Oreo, Peanut Butter and more – at this huge cafe and store that feels like Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory, with tubes of liquid chocolate criss crossing the space. Choose from a variety of creative, high-quality chocolate concoctions to fo, gift or to eat on site.
Salads, paninis, pizza, cocoa spiced waffle fries etc. available on the extensive menu, but the real draw is the over-the-top desserts from marshmallow chocolate pizza to three types of chocolate fondue to a melting s’mores sundae to a syringe full of chocolate goodness. Lots of cocktails, including a chocolate peppermint martini, available for grown-ups.
Advance reservations recommended.
Monday-Friday 12pm – 11pm
Thursday-Saturday 11 am – midnight
Sunday 10am – 11pm
Pick up chocolates & hot cocoa to go at the new Times Square outpost (720 7th Ave at West 48th St).
Eataly Chocolate & Gelato
Try rich Italian hot chocolate and/or some of the best gelato in the city in a range of flavors.
Shop by weight from bins of colorful Venchi bon-bons or pick up artisanal chocolate made in Italy with raw ingredients in a variety of shapes and textures according to traditional recipes, from smooth spread to crunchy bars to elegant cigars.
Also at Eataly Downtown.
Eataly Flatiron
This large Italian marketplace has restaurants, food counters, mozzarella making, Italian groceries, housewares and a nutella bar. We love the delizioso pizza, prosciutto, pasta, rotisserie chicken…really just about everything. One of our favorite spots for chocolate and gelato.
The always-lovely rooftop greenhouse restaurant SERRA by Birreria changes seasonally and is always lovely. Seating for take-out is limited, especially during lunch and dinner hours when the whole place is crazy crowded, but lovely Madison Square Park is just across the street. A kiosk pops up in Flatiron Plaza during warmer months.
Daily 9 am–10 pm
Restaurant and counter hours vary
MIDTOWN
Krispy Kreme Times Square Flagship
Get hot, fresh addictively delicious doughnuts 24/7 at Krispy Kreme’s Times Square Flagship store. The 4,500 square-foot shop features a doughnut-making theater, a Glazed Waterfall with digital projection, a giant conveyor belt that runs throughout the store and and a doughnut themed seating area. Choose from a variety of flavors, including an exclusive Big Apple Doughnut, filled with a Red Delicious flavored cream and dipped in a sweet, shiny red shimmer mirror glaze.
Gotham West Market
Sample a mix of some of best eats in the city including Blue Marble ice cream, Corner Slice’s square pizza, La Palapa’s fresh tacos and more in an indoor, weather-proof hall with some patio seating.
Monday-Sunday 11 am–9 pm
Food at Chelsea Market
Choose from doughnuts, tacos, hand-pulled noodles, lobster rolls, gelato and many more delicious options at this indoor market housed in a former factory. Covered outdoor tables available along 15th and 16th Streets.
Shopping options include books, chocolate and fun Chinese merchandise & snacks at Pearl River Mart.
Look for art installations among twinkling lights and cool decor at this always happening historic market.
The narrow walkways can get very crowded, so best to visit earlier in the day and/or on weekdays. Hours vary by vendor.
Bathrooms available on both floors, but the line can be quite long.
See our guide to Chelsea/Meatpacking.
UPPER WEST SIDE
Alice’s Tea Cup
Enjoy scones in rotating flavors as magical as the decor, sandwiches, salads and treats with optional fairy wings and glitter at a whimsical tea house inspired by Alice in Wonderland. Choose from hundreds of teas served in charming mismatching pots and cups.
Gets crowded on weekends; reservations recommended. Go early to beat the crowds (or take the scones to go for a Central Park picnic).
Also in the East 60s.
Wednesday–Sunday 11 am – 6 pm
UPPER EAST SIDE
Serendipity 3
Get the famous Frrrozen Hot Chocolate, a creamy secret blend of 14 exotic cocoas, and other decadent, over-sized desserts at this legendary restaurant and store with whimsical antique-store-meets-ice-cream-parlor decor. Heraty burgers, foot long hot dogs, mac ‘n’ cheese variations, salads and sandwiches are also available. A favorite of actors, artists and tourists for the last 67-years.
Minimum food or drink purchase of $16.95 per person so bring an appetite – portions are huge.
Daily 11 am – 11 pm
BROOKLYN/QUEENS
Young Chefs: Apple Fritters
Make apple fritters made with a cakey batter and juicy Granny Smith apples. Top them off with a homemade glaze to make these fritters a dessert no one can resist! For ages 8-12.
Du’s Donuts & Coffee
Try Chef Wylie Dufresne’s New England-style cake donuts and crullers in classic and imaginative flavors like peanut butter yuzu and Mexican hot chocolate. Also get a killer scrambled egg cheese sandwich and locally-roasted espresso, drip coffee and cold brew from Brooklyn Roasting Company. Ample seating, clean bathroom and lots of natural sunlight.
Du
DeKalb Market Hall
This bustling basement food hall houses 40 diverse food vendors, including old-school & new-school NYC names. Feast on artisanal arepas, noodles, baos, donuts, french pastries, susgi, tacos, sushi, churros, crepes, frites, humus, ice cream and more.
Hours vary by vendor.
Industry City Food Hall
From Korean comfort food to an avocado-focused cafe, Industry City hosts a huge range of Brooklyn-based purveyors. BBQ, pizza, bao buns, French pastries, artisanal ice cream, tacos, Mediterranean mezzes – whatever you’re craving you’ll probably find it here. Most of the vendors or in a central Food Hall but other shops can be found around the campus, including a few sit-down options. Also visit Japan Village for sushi, noodles, dumplings, yakatori and more.
Hour vary by store.
Time Out Market New York
Sample some of the best NYC food: fluffy pancakes from the venerable Clinton Street Baking Co., thin-crust pizza from Patsy Grimaldi’s Juliana’s, Middle Eastern bites from Miss Ada, fried chicken from Jacob’s Pickles, Japanese comfort food from Bessou, cookie dough scoops from DŌ and more amazing eateries—all cherry-picked by Time Out New York. 21,000 delicious square feet over two floors with incredible views of the East River, Brooklyn Bridge and Manhattan skyline.
Close to happening Brooklyn Bridge Park.
Monday–Thursday & Sunday 11am–10pm
Friday-Saturday Sat: 11am–11pm
Clinton St. Baking Company & Ess-a-Bagel 8am-4pm
Mister Dips
A retro airstream trailer parked at the William Vale hotel seasonally serves burgers, fries (get yours ‘dirty-dipped), inventive, can-be-boozy shakes & soft serve ice cream dipped in candy shells. Scenic views and lots of outdoor seating.
Also at Seaport.
Wednesday – Sunday 12 to 9:30 pm
Ample Hills Creamery Astoria Scoop Shop
Beloved Brooklyn based Ample Hills Creamery’s 10th shop features indoor seating (including comfy booth seating), a small kids play area and 20+ creative flavors including Nectar of the Queens (honey cinnamon ice cream mixed with pieces of baklava and galaktoboureko from local Artopolis Bakery), only available a this location. Also try flavors inspired by favorite Super Heroes: Black Panther, Captain America and Spider-Man.
Monday–Thursday 2 pm–9 pm
Friday 2 pm–10 pm
Saturday 1 pm–10 pm
Sunday 1 pm–9 pm
Brandon’s Donuts
Customize classic glazed vanilla, chocolate, red velvet, or cinnamon sugar donuts with eight frosting flavors and a multitude of toppings including froot loops, sprinkles, chocolate and caramel drizzles and more. Look for cute seasonal and holiday-themed concoctions throughout the year.
Tuesday – Thursday 11 am – 6pm
Friday – Sunday 11 am – 7pm
OddFellows
Enjoy small-batch ice cream company with creative, wacky and weird flavors alongside reimagined and improved classics. Take your cone, cup or sundae to nearby Domino Park for incredible views.
Also at Brooklyn Bridge Park, Empire Stores in Dumbo, McCarren Park and Rockaway Beach. The Manhattan locations closed during COVID and we miss them.
Daily 12 pm – 11 pm
The Lemon Ice King of Corona
This 60+ year old family owned business sells Italian Ices with real pieces of fruit. Lots of fun flavors.
Grab and go only. Close to Flushing Meadows Corona Park.
Mom & Icepops
Enjoy family-made icepops with original flavor combinations, made with all-natural ingredients. Enjoy with a view of the East River, Brooklyn & Manhattan, and keep cooling off in the nearby splash pad. We love the watermelon and heard great things about the Arnold Palmer flavor.
Ample Hills Creamery
Sweet Cats Cafe
Enjoy a selection of bubble teas, sweet treats and arcade games and a cute pink and pastel shop. Play claw machines for $1-$3 for adorable plushie prizes to put in your pink shopping cart.
Try specialty colorful drinks like Tinkle Bell (Kiwi), Purple Paradise (Lychee & Lemon), and Frozen Volcano (Dragonfruit) and a vast menu of Milk Teas including Red Bean, Taro, Rose, Jasmine, Strawberry, Almond, Banana, and Coconut.
Speciality Crepe Cakes come in a range of flavors including Matcha, Earl Grey, Rose, Rainbow, and more. Savory options include Takoyaki Balls (fried octopus balls), Popcorn Chicken and French Fries.
Pink photo ops include a small ball pit and swinging chair under a pretty tree.
BROOKLYN
Du’s Donuts & Coffee
Try Chef Wylie Dufresne’s New England-style cake donuts and crullers in classic and imaginative flavors like peanut butter yuzu and Mexican hot chocolate. Also get a killer scrambled egg cheese sandwich and locally-roasted espresso, drip coffee and cold brew from Brooklyn Roasting Company. Ample seating, clean bathroom and lots of natural sunlight.
Du
DeKalb Market Hall
This bustling basement food hall houses 40 diverse food vendors, including old-school & new-school NYC names. Feast on artisanal arepas, noodles, baos, donuts, french pastries, susgi, tacos, sushi, churros, crepes, frites, humus, ice cream and more.
Hours vary by vendor.
Industry City Food Hall
From Korean comfort food to an avocado-focused cafe, Industry City hosts a huge range of Brooklyn-based purveyors. BBQ, pizza, bao buns, French pastries, artisanal ice cream, tacos, Mediterranean mezzes – whatever you’re craving you’ll probably find it here. Most of the vendors or in a central Food Hall but other shops can be found around the campus, including a few sit-down options. Also visit Japan Village for sushi, noodles, dumplings, yakatori and more.
Hour vary by store.
Time Out Market New York
Sample some of the best NYC food: fluffy pancakes from the venerable Clinton Street Baking Co., thin-crust pizza from Patsy Grimaldi’s Juliana’s, Middle Eastern bites from Miss Ada, fried chicken from Jacob’s Pickles, Japanese comfort food from Bessou, cookie dough scoops from DŌ and more amazing eateries—all cherry-picked by Time Out New York. 21,000 delicious square feet over two floors with incredible views of the East River, Brooklyn Bridge and Manhattan skyline.
Close to happening Brooklyn Bridge Park.
Monday–Thursday & Sunday 11am–10pm
Friday-Saturday Sat: 11am–11pm
Clinton St. Baking Company & Ess-a-Bagel 8am-4pm
Mister Dips
A retro airstream trailer parked at the William Vale hotel seasonally serves burgers, fries (get yours ‘dirty-dipped), inventive, can-be-boozy shakes & soft serve ice cream dipped in candy shells. Scenic views and lots of outdoor seating.
Also at Seaport.
Wednesday – Sunday 12 to 9:30 pm
Brandon’s Donuts
Customize classic glazed vanilla, chocolate, red velvet, or cinnamon sugar donuts with eight frosting flavors and a multitude of toppings including froot loops, sprinkles, chocolate and caramel drizzles and more. Look for cute seasonal and holiday-themed concoctions throughout the year.
Tuesday – Thursday 11 am – 6pm
Friday – Sunday 11 am – 7pm
OddFellows
Enjoy small-batch ice cream company with creative, wacky and weird flavors alongside reimagined and improved classics. Take your cone, cup or sundae to nearby Domino Park for incredible views.
Also at Brooklyn Bridge Park, Empire Stores in Dumbo, McCarren Park and Rockaway Beach. The Manhattan locations closed during COVID and we miss them.
Daily 12 pm – 11 pm
Mom & Icepops
Enjoy family-made icepops with original flavor combinations, made with all-natural ingredients. Enjoy with a view of the East River, Brooklyn & Manhattan, and keep cooling off in the nearby splash pad. We love the watermelon and heard great things about the Arnold Palmer flavor.