We really love the French. Why? Well, we really love croissants, baguettes, and macarons. Therefore, we really love the French.
Okay, okay, our logics professor from college wouldn't be so proud of that equation, but we're also sure that without the French, we probably wouldn't have such delicious baked goods.
The French have far surpassed other nationalities in the experimentation and creation of buttery, sugary, deliciously unforgettable desserts, pastries, and treats.
Lucky for us, we have a handful of talented french bakers who have set up shop in our great city, producing abundant heaps of delectable goodies to fatten up us American gluttons.
Here are the 5 French bakeries (in no particular order) of NYC that make us say "oui oui!"
1. Dominique Ansel Bakery (189 Spring Street)
dominiqueansel Happy Monday! It's the last day to pre-order our January Gianduja and Blood Orange Jam #Cronut® for pick-up the last week of January at #DominiqueAnselBakery in #Soho. Visit www.CronutPreorder.com - there are still a few left! (Regram from @wendykou)
If you're anyone who has had any interest in baked goods, you've probably heard of Dominique Ansel. If you haven't you should educate yourself ASAP.
Chef Ansel is one of the most talented French bakers that we have in NYC. He also gave us the "cronut," which may be the best creation since the croissant.
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Dominique Ansel Bakery has continued to introduce the city (and the world) to innovative baked goods that combine traditional French baking techniques with modern, Americanized flavors and textures.
Right now we're seriously crushing on the "DKA" or "Dominique's Kouign Amann," a tender, flaky dough with a soft, moist center and a caramelized crust. Get on it, New Yorkers.
2. Ladurée (various locations)
In 1862, a man named Louis Ernest Ladurée founded a bakery in Paris. In 1871, a fire forced the transformation of the establishment from a bakery to a pastry shop, and it flourished ever since.
Ladurée has two locations in NYC, serving desserts and pastries, with the most popular (and delicious) being their flavorful, uniquely flavored macarons. If you've ever wondered what a real French macaron should taste like, try one of Ladurée's. That would be your answer.
3. Francois Payard Bakery (various locations)
garrylarduinat A line up of my favorite desserts of this current collection...!😋 pineapple, chocolate, matcha, passion fruit, berries....🤗♥️ When team work pays off! Thank you for all your hard work everyday 💪🏻 @damienshortandsweet @jamieinnyc @monte_cuisto @francoisbehuet @juger_naut91
As a young man in France, Francois Payard was born into a family immersed in the intricate art of French pastries. After learning as much as he could from his family, he moved to Paris to continue to hone his talent. Luckily for us, Payard moved to NYC in 1990.
Considered one of the best pastry chefs in the world, Chef Francois Payard has several locations in NYC where New Yorkers can sit down and enjoy his savory and dessert dishes. We're big fans of the "L'Ecureuil," or chocolate and hazelnut mousse and hazelnut cake with a crispy biscuit.
4. Maison Kayser (various locations)
Founded by Eric Kayser in Paris in 1996, Maison Kayser did not arrive on our shores until 2012. However, it has since expanded to several locations in NYC.
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As a traditional, French-style sit down café, Maison Kayser has been recognized as serving the best baguettes in NY by New York Magazine. If you're looking for some incredible, freshly baked French bread and croissants, you need to visit Maison Kayser.
5. Mille-Feuille Bakery (various locations)
millefeuillenyc Our lovely Mille-feuille ! Made with vanilla cream in 3 layers of caramel puff pastry. Sooooo delicious ! #sofrenchsogood #millefeuille
Founded by Olivier Dessyn, Mille-Feuille is a French style bakery with a homely, welcoming atmosphere reminiscent of French village cafés. Mille-Feuille was named after a cake of the same name, meaning, "a thousand layers or pages."
Apart from incredible baked goods and desserts, Mille-Feuille also offers cooking classes where New Yorkers can learn the art of macarons, croissants, mille-feuille, and eclairs. If you don't want to learn, you can still enjoy one of their baked goods from their bakeries.
Check out 8 Amazingly Fresh Bread Bakeries That'll Warm Your Soul in NYC.
[Feature Image Courtesy Instagram]