LE REFUGE
New York City, one of my favorite cities for shopping, food & just walking around to enjoy the city feels. Even though New York cities is known for it's landscapes, shops and fancy restaurants, it has so many bakeries, coffee shops, brunch spots and much more which we will be exploring more in this post.
Let's start of with bakeries. I love going to bakeries in the morning for a quick breakfast before an activities filled day. So here's my top picks:
Located in 2 different locations in New York city (Rockefeller Center & Colombus Circle), we love going to Colombus Circle to enjoy a sit down lunch with good desserts and a fantastic view!!! The TKO, the better version of an oreo, is our favorite cookie there. Website.
Our new find in NYC. A catering, restaurant/cafe/bakery and shop with many different locations in New York and Brooklyn. Keep in mind the spaces are on the smaller side so do go early to make sure you have a spot. https://www.mamannyc.com/
Known for his famous cronuts, we had to try them out for ourselves. We waited in line 20 minutes for this master piece, and it was worth the wait. If you love croissant and donuts, this will be the greatest thing you've ever tasted. The flavor that day was a key lime and dulce de leche donut, but the flavor changes very often if not every day. Located in Soho and West Village, make sure to check out his website to learn more about his gastronomic creations: https://www.dominiqueansel.com/
Secondly, Coffee shops. New York has many different coffee shops that you need to explore:
One of the best coffees I've ever had. Simple like that. Latte art, a healthy breakfast and good coffee, could you ask for anything better? With fourteen different locations all around New York, you are sure to find one near you. https://bluebottlecoffee.com/cafes#new_york
With many locations in New York and Brooklyn, this coffee shop is well known across the US. In my top coffee shops I've visited so far. The coffee is amazing and the baked goods are as well. It is similar to bluebottle but different at the same time, if that makes any sense. Two coffee shops but with a very different esthetic. https://bluestonelane.com/
The most classic french bakery/patisserie/coffee. Originally from Paris, they have now two locations in New York: 398 W Broadway & 864 Madison ave. If you have never heard of Ladurée, they are mostly known for their amazing macarons (my favorite being the caramel fleur de sel) & their tea service. The original decorations used make the ambiance of the place very unique and different from the typical New York you would expect. https://www.laduree.us/
Cutest cookie shop in Brooklyn and also perfect spot to relax with a pastry and coffee or for a quick grab and go on a busy day. Serving many pastries and their famous bite size cookies I love this spot in Brooklyn. http://onegirlcookies.com/location/dumbo/
Master of chocolate and hot chocolates. This is one of my favorites spots, I first discovered it in Boston, then realizing they had a shop in New York City. They offer a variety of hot chocolates that can be served hot or cold, that are honestly perfect for the winter weather. Also, they offer a variety of sweet treats including their famous linzer Torte you will not regret getting. A must stop when in Soho, more specifically 156 Prince Street,
between W. Broadway and Thompson. https://www.burdickchocolate.com/
Located in the lobby of the one hotel in Brooklyn (near water and brooklyn bridge), they offer healthy and sweet treats to enjoy with a good coffee or smoothie. You can even bring your breakfast to the rooftop in order to enjoy the New York City landscapes.
Another famous chocolate shop would be this one. They sell the most elegant and funny chocolate bars you will have ever seen with a huge variety of flavors. They also offer some chocolate milk they make (served hot or cold). This shop is located in Brooklyn. https://mastbrothers.com/
Finally, Brunch Spots:
A very famous breakfast Spot in New York City. Serving breakfast, brunch, lunch & diner daily from 8 am to 10 pm, it is a great spot for a healthy breakfast. Most of the times packed, I recommend going early to limit wait times, mostly because they don't accept reservations. https://www.thebutchersdaughter.com/ For those who might not know, this is a plant based restaurant that only uses local, fresh and seasonal ingredients.
Happy eating!!!