New York is a playground for dessert lovers. If you live there, lucky you! If you are visiting, like I did in 2019, then a little bit of planning goes a long way.
So, how realistic is it to tick off all your desired dessert stops when you're only visiting for few nights and trying to fit in sightseeing as well? I spent ages researching desserts in New York, mapping out where I wanted to visit, and looking at what else was near. I made it to most of the places on my list, however there were some I didn't get to, purely because Manhattan is huge and there weren't enough days in the trip.
With this in mind, I share below my top-tips for planning your dessert stops in New York, and my travel blog of where I ate and where I recommend to try:
TOP TIPS
Tourist spots have many dessert shops nearby due to the convenient location, so its worth starting with your touristy plans and exploring what sweet stuff is in the area.
If there is somewhere you MUST try, plan it in - which day will you go, at what time, what else will you do with the day. This way you won't miss out.
If it's American pancakes and waffles you're after and you're staying in a hotel, see if they offer these for breakfast. It's an easy way to get the item ticked off your list without travelling anywhere.
Food markets are great for choice and offer enough options to keep everyone in your party happy. See Chelsea Market, Eataly Italian market, and the Time Out market in Brooklyn;
Don't forget to order dessert after your evening meal. You're on holiday, enjoy yourself!
And finally, use search engines to find blogs like mine of fellow dessert lovers who can give you the low down, suggest places and hopefully inspire!
TRAVEL BLOG
Day 1
Wafels & Dinges: Wafel with Nutella
After arriving early evening we took a short walk to Times Square. The area was vibrant and busy, a real tourist spot, but right in the middle was the the dessert truck Wafels & Dinges. What a great start! They sell authentic Belgian waffles, with a variety of toppings (the word "Dinges" refers to the assortment of toppings). I had Nutella on mine, basic yes, but you can't go wrong. The waffle was warm, sweet, and melt-in-the mouth, the perfect way to calm my nerves and settle in. Day 1 dessert, tick!
Day 2
Magnolia Bakery: Red Velvet and White-Out Cupcakes
Magnolia Bakery is one of those reportedly 'must try' destinations. There are a few locations dotted around Manhattan, all primed to serve in the most opportune areas. We visited the shop by the Rockefella Center. I got red velvet and white-out cupcakes, two quintessentially American flavours. The cream cheese on the red velvet was so delicious and swirled into a cute quiff. The deep red, chocolate sponge was pretty standard but nice enough. The white-out cupcake was the winner for me - a devils food sponge topped with meringue icing and cake crumbies. So rich and deep, yet sweet and light. Mmm!
Tony's di Napoli: Tiramisu
That evening we ate at Tony's di Napoli on the Upper East Side. A cute, rustic little Italian restaurant serving huge portions for 2-3 people. Of course I had to try the tiramisu, which was also huge. The tiramisu was everything one hopes and dreams of: the mascarpone deliciously creamy, and the sponges oozing with flavour. The lower layer of sponges were swimming in coffee which is a personal preference of mine, it was simply wonderful.
Day 3
Odd Fellows Ice Cream: Chocotorta
Over in the Dumbo area of Brooklyn you'll find Odd Fellows ice cream. Known for being a bit different and creating interesting flavours, plus being a small, independent company I was really keen to visit. I was naturally drawn to the "chocotorta", which was sour cream cheese ice cream. mixed with dulce de leche sauce and chocolate cookies. The cookies really came through with that chocolate, biscuity hit and the flavours worked well together. Just what I needed after a ride on Jane's Carousel.
Amarone: Tiramisu
In the evening we walked down 9th Avenue (Hell's Kitchen) looking for somewhere to eat. I loved how many different cuisines you could find on one street, take your pick! We went to the Italian restaurant Amarone. I had another great tiramisu for dessert, full of flavour, nicely soaked sponges and comforting creaminess.
Day 4
Sarahbeth's: Buttermilk Pancakes
Breakfast thus far had routinely been taken at Bluebird Cafe in the Time Warner Center (their avocado on toast is amazing btw!). However on this particular day we went to Sarahbeth's by Central Park, described on Google as a "posh chain serving American fare". The pancakes were light and fluffy, stacked five in total, and came with maple syrup, cream and strawberries. They were cooked perfectly. Afterwards we walked it off through Central Park.
Chelsea Market, L'Arte del Gelato: chocolate and coffee cone
That afternoon we took the subway to the Meatpacking District on the hunt for more food. Chelsea Market is a must for foodies and dessert lovers. As an indoor food and retail marketplace, there is plenty of eateries to choose from. I ate Sicilian gelato from L'Arte del Gelato, going for a somewhat Lulu-standard chocolate and coffee combo. Fresh, smooth and delicious, everything you want in a gelato cone. I also sneaked in a coffee macaron from Bar Suzette, which makes sweet and savoury crepes. You'll also find Fat Witch Bakery, Doughnuttery and Li-Lac Chocolates on the main concourse.
Day 5
Serendipity 3: Forbidden Broadway Sundae & Outrageous Banana Split
On our final full day in the city we went shopping and had a pit stop at Serendipity 3. This place was high on my list because of their gigantic ice cream sundaes. It is located on the Upper East Side, close to Bloomingdales. I had the Forbidden Broadway Sundae, consisting of the super decadent chocolate blackout cake, vanilla ice cream, hot chocolate fudge sauce and whipped cream. My travel companion (aka my mum) had the Outrageous Banana Split, consisting of vanilla, chocolate and strawberry ice cream, banana, peanuts, walnuts, hot chocolate fudge sauce, caramel, whipped cream, cherry and chocolate shavings. These are REAL desserts. The banana split comes in a smaller 'cowards portion' which is pictured here.
Day 6
Mandarin Oriental Hotel: Pancakes
The final morning called for a classic pancake stack for breakfast at the hotel. We stayed at the Mandarin Oriental, and what better way to bring the holiday to a close than eating pancakes looking out over New York from the 35th floor. Three fluffy pancakes are accompanied by fresh cream, maple syrup and cherry compote.
Grom: Tiramisu Gelato
Before we left there was just enough time to nip into Grom for tiramisu gelato, a flavour that had just recently been launched. Combining coffee, chocolate and mascarpone, this was a good effort at channeling my favourite dessert into a gelato.
Lulu's Final Thoughts
Looking back on my trip I had a great time, eating at every opportunity! Finding places near the things we wanted to do helped to keep the trip balanced and worthwhile. Manhattan was huge, and there was only so many spots we could visit in the five nights we had. I would have loved to have tried Supermoon Bake House, Two Red Hens and the 24 layer cake from Maison Pickle - maybe next time!
If you know any great places I should visit when I next find myself in New York I would love to know. Equally if you have been to any of the places covered above do get in touch!
Lulu xx