ZipPicks Awards
Best French in Soho
Best Bakery in Soho
Master Critic Review
Dominique Ansel Bakery
8.7
Since opening in 2011, pastry chef Dominique Ansel’s original SoHo bakery has drawn daily lines for inventive French pastries from the Cronut to the DKA. It functions as both a neighborhood coffee stop and a destination dessert shop, trading table-service comforts for creativity and a constant stream of limited-run sweets.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cronut, DKA (Dominique’s Kouign Amann), Frozen S’more
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 9.2
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 7.8
Cultural Relevance: 9
What makes it special: World-famous French pastry counter where the Cronut and DKA were born.
Who should go: Dessert-obsessed visitors and locals chasing inventive pastries.
When to visit: Early mornings on weekdays to minimize lines and sellouts.
What to order: Daily Cronut flavor, DKA, Frozen S’more or Cookie Shot.
Insider tip: Pre-order online for specific items when possible and line up before opening for Cronuts on busy weekends.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is scarce in SoHo, especially mornings; rely on nearby paid garages along Spring St. and Thompson St.
Dress code: Casual—most guests come in everyday wear since it’s a grab-and-go bakery.
Noise level: Moderate—steady foot traffic and espresso-machine noise, but still fine for solo visits or quick chats.
Weekend wait: N/A — the bakery closes before dinner hours.
Weekday lunch: Short to moderate lines; 5–10 minutes for most items, longer for limited releases.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—many pastries, sandwiches, and drinks are naturally vegetarian.
Vegan options: Very limited—occasional vegan pastries but not guaranteed daily.
Gluten-free options: Some options like flourless cakes and meringue-based items, but no dedicated gluten-free kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for a casual, low-pressure meetup—especially if you’re bonding over pastries—but it’s not ideal for long conversations due to limited seating and constant crowds.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—there are no reservations. Seating is limited and first-come, first-served, so expect to hover during peak hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—kids enjoy the playful desserts, though strollers can be challenging in tight spaces. Best during off-peak hours.
Best For
Better for: Creative, boundary-pushing French pastries and limited-time sweets that you won’t find at traditional patisseries.
Skip if: You want a relaxed sit-down café experience, ample seating, or a quiet space to linger.