New York City's Best Cafés and Bakeries

Kopitiam is a relaxed Malaysian café in New York’s Lower East Side that highlights Nyonya cooking, blending Chinese and Malay traditions. They focus on using fresh ingredients without additives or artificial coloring, staying true to time-honored family recipes. This cozy spot is open all day and offers a warm, casual environment to drop by anytime.

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Maria Nilsson

Foodie, Stockholm

Charming Malaysian café perfect for breakfast.A small, charming Malaysian café perfect for breakfast: kaya toast (with coconut jam), very soft boiled egg with broth and sweet coffee.

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Davelle is a traditional Japanese café in New York that focuses on carefully prepared comfort food. They offer a welcoming space for breakfast and lunch, with close attention to detail in every meal. The relaxed atmosphere makes it a pleasant spot for anyone looking to enjoy a simple, satisfying bite.

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Maria Nilsson

Foodie, Stockholm

Two young Japanese women cooking Japanese comfort food and making these very explicit and beautiful milk toasts with fun patterns. All very carefully done.

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Crema BK is a family-owned café in Brooklyn offering specialty coffee and house-brewed chai. There’s a relaxed vibe and friendly service, making it a nice stop before a stroll through nearby McGolrick Park. You can pop in for a quick cup or linger a bit to enjoy the laid-back atmosphere.

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Randy Moon

Restaurant Owner

Good coffee from nice folks in Greenpoint. It's a good stop before a walk through McGolrick Park. Photos courtesy of Crema BK.

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Ashbox is a small café in Greenpoint that focuses on authentic Japanese home cooking. It has just a few seats and offers takeout for those on the go. Their simple daily specials and relaxed setting make it a welcoming spot for a comforting meal.

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Randy Moon

Restaurant Owner

Criminally underrated Japanese "real food" in Brooklyn.Criminally underrated one woman Japanese “real food” cafe at the northern tip of Greenpoint. Go for a nori wrap w/ mustard greens, a vinegary drink, and whatever the daily special is.Photo credit: Ashbox.

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Absolute Bagels is known as one of the best bagel shops in New York, with a line that’s often worth the wait. Founded in 1990, it serves fresh bagels that many find perfectly chewy and satisfying. It’s a straightforward spot that’s popular with both locals and visitors.

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David P. Leja

@thegastrojourney

It feels like you are obligated to have at least one bagel when you visit New York. We did an extensive research until deciding this was going to be the place to try a bagel in NYC. We can't tell if it's the best in the city, but one thing is sure, that bagel was super good and we will have it again on our next visit!

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Bakeri is a friendly bakery-café in Williamsburg, New York, where regulars begin their mornings grabbing fresh treats or settling in at the cozy communal table. Despite its intimate size, it’s well known among locals for its welcoming atmosphere and the aroma of warm baked goods. Tucked near the oven and kitchen, it’s a neighborhood favorite for a relaxed start to the day.

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Mika Ihamuotila

Foodie

Brooklyn’s favourite breakfast and bakery.Bakeri in Williamsburg is a wonderful tiny bakery-café where hunderds of Williamsburg creatives start their mornings either by picking up their takeaways or by enjoying breakfast in the long communal table in the small space next to the oven and kitchen. Unbeliveably delicious baked stuff makes it natural that everyone in Williamsburg know the place despite its small size. Try the amazing cheese-ham croissants or the apricot muffins. Just follow the colourful crowd inside or at the table by the street.

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Abraço is a small, inviting coffee shop in New York’s East Village, known for its friendly atmosphere and quality coffee and pastries. It has a no-computer policy, which adds to its relaxed, social feel. Originally cash-only, it now accepts cards, making it easier for anyone to stop by.

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Daniel Modlin

Food & Wine Editor

The best coffee shop in NYC, by far.Abraco is an east village institution. No computers allowed. Used to be no card, but the pandemic changed that. What it didnt change is the amazing vibes, fantastic pastry, and perfect coffee. Whatever you do, get the olive oil cake!!!

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Russ & Daughters Brooklyn is a century-old spot known for making some of the freshest bagels in New York. Located in the Brooklyn Navy Yard, you can see them being made right on site. It’s a straightforward, down-to-earth experience that keeps people coming back.

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Joshua David Stein

Writer

The freshest and best bagels in New York from a century old institution.The original Russ & Daughters is on the Lower East Side but their bakery is situated in the Brooklyn Navy Yard where you actually watch your bagels made. They come out, fresh as day, perfectly small with a shiny crust and chewy interior. Paired with silken slices of lox, cream cheese, capers, tomatoes and onion, it's the closest thing to heaven on Earth.

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