The 20 Best Desserts in Astoria You Need to Try Right Now!
It’s no secret that Astoria’s food scene is bursting with flavors, the neighborhood is home to some of the most incredible desserts in the city. With an overwhelming number of options, it can be hard to choose the perfect treat to satisfy your sweet tooth. Luckily, this list features 20 mouthwatering options that will hit the spot. From gooey cookies to luxuriously rich cakes, here are the 20 best desserts you can find in Astoria right now.
Gold N Honey – Classic Loukoumades
It felt like the only right way to kick off this list was with a classic and delicious Greek dessert. For those who don’t know, Loukoumades are deep fried dough balls usually soaked in honey. Essentially, they are Greek doughnuts and they are absolutely incredible. Gold N Honey proclaims themselves to be New York City’s Original Loukoumades Shop, and takes pride in offering traditional versions of the dish with modern twists. If you are visiting the shop for the first time, you can’t go wrong by starting out with their Classic Loukoumades. You will be sure to fall in love with them and be inclined to return for one of their more adventurous options, such as their Rocky Gold variety, which comes covered in marshmallow, milk chocolate, and almonds.
25-03 Ditmars Blvd I 347.848.0384 I 4.2 out of 5 Stars (Yelp)
Sanfords – Banana Caramel Cheesecake Xangos
Sanfords’ website claims their concept is a simple one, they set out to “serve exceptionally well prepared American comfort food in a casual trendy environment.” When you visit Sanfords, which was also named one of the top 40 whiskey bars in America by Whisky Advocate, you’ll see that that concept has guided them well. Their food and drink menus are full of quality, tasteful options. It is on their dessert menu where you will find perhaps many of their patrons’ most beloved hidden gem though. Sanfords’ Banana Caramel Cheesecake Xangos are the perfect way to cap off a great meal. Xangos are fried cheesecake chimichangas and Sanfords’ are layered with chunks of banana, vanilla ice cream, and caramel. You will not regret indulging in this dish after a terrific entree and a great glass of whisky.
30-13 Broadway I 718.932.9569 I sanfordsnyc.com I 3.9 out of 5 Stars (Yelp)
ChipCity – Brookie
Chip City may now be known for its 41 locations throughout the east coast, but the neighborhood’s favorite cookie shop was actually born right here in Astoria in 2017. Those of us who have visited their flagship store know there are no shortage of delicious options to try at Chip. You really can’t go wrong, but if for some reason you find yourself having to choose just one, try the Brookie, which is a Brown sugar cookie mixed with dark chocolate chips swirled with a fudgy brownie base. Because honestly, why choose between a brownie and a cookie when you can have both at the same time?
30-06 34th St I 917.745.0101 I chipcitycookies.com I 4.3 out of 5 Stars (Yelp)
Vesta – Original Baby Jesus Cake
If you’re seeking a truly divine dessert option, look no further than Vesta Trattoria and Wine Bar’s Original Baby Jesus Cake. The dish gets its name from the words “Sweet Baby Jesus!” being proclaimed when it was first tasted. This unique cake is served in toffee sauce with a side of whipped cream and is truly unlike anything you’ve ever tasted. Crisp on the edges and tender on the inside, the Baby Jesus Cake is really something that needs to be experienced firsthand in order to be understood so plan a visit to Vesta soon, you won’t be disappointed.
21-02 30th Ave I 718.545.5550 I vestavino.com I 4.3 out of 5 Stars (Yelp)
Dough Doughnuts – Hibiscus Doughnut
One of New York City’s favorite doughnut shops, Dough, has been an extremely welcome addition to the neighborhood for the past couple of years. Their handmade doughnuts are the perfect sweet treat in the morning, afternoon, or night. Anyone who has visited their Astoria location knows they offer a wide variety of both traditional and audacious flavors year round—as well as their always enticing special releases and seasonal offerings. Their colorful doughnut smothered in a sweet and tangy Mexican hibiscus glaze, topped with a candied hibiscus flower, is one of their most must-try options though. If you are in the mood for a fun, vibrant, and unique dessert, this is the choice for you.
21-70 31st St I 718.540.9170 I doughdoughnuts.com I 3.6 out of 5 Stars (Yelp)
Ruta Oaxaca – Tiramezquila
Ruta Oaxaca is one of the most beloved restaurants in the neighborhood and a go-to spot for many Astorians craving authentic Mexican fare. They are also home to perhaps the most imaginative dessert on this list. Their Buñuelo Loco features vanilla fried ice cream coated in Kellogg’s corn flakes, served atop a cinnamon flour buñuelo, with fresh house-made whipped cream and a dusting of chocolate powder. This dessert is truly a “must-try to believe” dish, and those familiar with it can’t get enough, often finding themselves returning for more.
35-03 Broadway I 929.349.1228 I rutaoaxacamex.com I 4.5 out of 5 Stars (Yelp)
Martha’s Country Bakery – Berry Napoleon
A list of the best desserts in Astoria just would not be complete without at least one entry from the famous Martha’s Country Bakery. Martha’s is widely regarded as one of the best bakeries in all of New York City and their signature Berry Napoleon is truly iconic. It is the perfect place to start if you somehow have never experienced Martha’s and are planning your first trip there. Obviously, there are so many other incredible cakes, pies, and various treats that are bound to catch your eye when you walk in for the first time. But, there will be plenty of time for those after you first introduce your tastebuds to the flavors of Martha’s with the Berry Napoleon.
36-21 Ditmars Blvd I 718.545.9737 I marthascountrybakery.com I 3.8 out of 5 Stars (Yelp)
Victory Sweet Shop – Baklava
When you’re in the mood for a truly timeless dessert like baklava, why not go to the Oldest Greek bakery in all of Queens. Victory Sweet Shop was established in 1968 and is still going strong today. Upon entering Victory, you feel like you have been transported to Greece. The sights, smells, sounds, and most importantly tastes feel extraordinarily authentic—making it the perfect go-to spot for one of the most famous Greek dishes there is, baklava. For the uninitiated, baklava is a layered pastry dessert made of filo pastry, filled with chopped nuts, and sweetened with syrup or honey. You would be hard-pressed to find any place that crafts this Greek classic with more care and love.
21-69 Steinway St I 718.274.2087 I victorysweetshop.com I 3.6 out of 5 Stars (Yelp)
Chocolate House Astoria – Chocolate Layer Cake Shake
Next time you’re in need of a sweet treat on the go, indulge in this drinkable dessert from Chocolate House. An establishment that is truly a chocolate lover’s dream, Chocolate House is home to so many inventive and delicious chocolatey desserts, but their best may just be their Chocolate Layer Cake Shake. You won’t be surprised to learn that this dish is exactly what it sounds like—a shake made from a chocolate layer cake, as well as vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, chocolate sprinkles, and chocolate syrup. Perhaps on the go is the ideal way to consume this dessert because you will definitely want to get some steps in after finishing this shake. But hey, you deserve it!
25-88 Steinway St I 718.278.6912 I chocolatehouseus.com I 4.7 out of 5 Stars (Yelp)
II Fornaio – Oreo Cheesecake
Il Fornaio is a classic bakery that works as a great option whether you need a cake made for your next special occasion, or if you are just craving a slice at the end of a long day. Their luscious Oreo Cheesecake is among their best offerings. The combination of the creamy cheesecake texture and the beloved crunch of Oreos comes together to make something truly magical for your tastebuds to enjoy. And as we all know, when you’re in the mood for dessert, you can’t go wrong with anything that has Oreos.
29-14 30th Ave I 718.267.0052 I ilfornaionyc.com I 4.4 out of 5 Stars (Yelp)
Tipsy Scoop- Boozy Baklava Ice Cream
Tipsy Scoop is a recent addition to the neighborhood, but is quickly becoming a hit with Astoria’s 21 and over crowd. As you might have guessed, what separates Tipsy Scoop from the other establishments on this list is that their desserts are infused with alcohol. Their Boozy Baklava flavor is actually exclusive to the Astoria location, and is definitely worth a try for anyone who loves ice cream, bourbon, or baklava. The flavor is a honey vanilla ice cream infused with Barenjager Honey Liqueur & bourbon, as well as chunks of flaky baklava. For the Greek representation alone, Astorians should give this boozy ice cream a shot.
38-15 23rd Ave I 347.448.6788 I tipsyscoop.com I 4.8 out of 5 Stars (Yelp)
Cafe de Colombia II – Tres Leches Cheesecake
Cafe de Colombia II is one of the beloved dessert spots for Astorians in the know. This Colombian bakery is home to a menu full of tremendous dishes, but without a doubt their Tres Leches Cheesecake, pardon the pun, takes the cake. A truly decadent dessert, the Tres Leches Cheesecake also comes with a layer of peaches in the middle.
31-15 Steinway St I 718.274.9800 I 3.2 out of 5 Stars (Yelp)
Van Leeuwen – Earl Grey Tea Ice Cream
Van Leeuwen has quickly become one of the more popular ice cream shops in the neighborhood since their Astoria location opened in May of 2023. With so many great flavors available, it can be difficult to choose. The unique and rich Earl Grey Tea flavor is perhaps the best on the menu though. Van Leeuwen steeps organic Rishi Tea in fresh whole milk before adding the cream, eggs, and sugar. The product that results from this technique is truly something marvelous.
33-01 Ditmars Blvd I 347.242.2083 I vanleeuwenicecream.com I 3.4 out of 5 Stars (Yelp)
Cafe Renis – Apple Crumb Cake
If you’re looking for a dessert that is perfect for fall, you must try Cafe Renis’ apple crumb cake.
It perfectly balances delicious sweetness with a wonderfully thick and crumbly texture. This
cake’s apple and cinnamon flavor makes it a perfect accompaniment to a great cup of coffee.
Cafe Renis is truly one of the most inviting and warm cafes in the neighborhood and their apple
crumb cake’s homemade feel and taste serves as an incredible representation of the
atmosphere they have created. It is a must-try for any Astorian who has not given it a chance
yet.
47-14 30th Ave I 718.255.1730 I caferenis.com I 4.7 out of 5 Stars (Yelp)
Vite Vinosteria – Cannoli alla Siciliana
Vite Vinosteria is one of the finest Italian restaurants and wine bars in all of Astoria. Even without the splendid dessert that made this list, Vite is a must-visit establishment for neighborhood residents looking for a great Italian meal. If you do have room leftover after that great meal though, Vite’s cannolis are the premier choice when it is time for dessert. Vite serves their cannoli shells alongside the whipped ricotta cream, pistachios, and chocolate chips—and allows guests to fill and top the shells to their liking. This unique twist makes this dish not only delicious, but a fun activity for a family or a couple to partake in at the end of the meal.
31-05 34th St I 718.278.8483 I vitevinosteria.com I 4.3 out of 5 Stars (Yelp)
Paris Oven – Lemon Meringue
This cozy French bakery is a real hidden gem in the neighborhood. Paris Oven serves up a variety of delicious pastries but it is their Lemon Meringue that is their standout item. Described by the bakery as a “smooth lemon custard in a flaky crust, topped with a light, fluffy meringue,” this is the perfect lighter option when you’re craving something sweet but not overly filling or indulgent.
38-12 30th Ave I 718.204.0204 I 4.1 out of 5 Stars (Yelp)
Make Believe – Donut Muffin
Sometimes it is just too difficult to decide which morning treat you’re in the mood for when you visit the bakery. Luckily, Make Believe Bakeshop, a relative newcomer to the neighborhood, has a solution to this problem. Introducing the Donut Muffin—a hybrid treat that’s as fluffy as a doughnut but baked like a muffin. It really is the best of both worlds, and a dessert so good that you’ll forgive the spelling.
25-11 Astoria Blvd I 929.489.3131 I makebelievebakeshop.com I 5.0 out of 5 Stars (Google)
Bianco Nero – Tiramisu Gelato
There is no shortage of great gelato shops in Astoria, but Bianco Nero stands out as an establishment that is unique in both flavor and experience. Their artisanal and authentic gelato comes in a wide variety of incredible flavors, you will certainly not be disappointed by a lack of options. Their deliciously creamy tiramisu gelato is perhaps their preeminent flavor though. It really does capture the taste of the classic Italian dessert in frozen form. And, it is the perfect treat to pick up while you’re on a walk with your favorite four legged friend because, maybe Bianco Nero’s best attribute, is that they serve dog-friendly gelato as well.
3320 Ditmars Blvd I 917.920.0789 I bianconerogelato.com I 5.0 out of 5 Stars (Yelp)
Comfortland – Rainbow Cookie Crumb Cake
Comfortland has long been known as the home of some of the most creative and inventive culinary choices in all of Astoria. Their famous Rainbow Cookie Crumb Cake offers layers of nostalgic flavor with rainbow cookies and crumbly cake topping. It is sure to satisfy anybody with a sweet tooth looking for a fun and different option.
4009 30th Ave I 347.642.9932 I comfortlandny.wixsite.com I 4.2 out of 5 Stars (Yelp)
Sugarfreak – Beignets
Last but not least, Sugarfreak, Astoria’s foremost creole restaurant, brings New Orleans to the neighborhood with their warm, powdered sugar-coated Beignets. Much like the establishment itself, these treats are both delightful and comforting.
37-11 30th Ave I 718.606.1900 I sugarfreak.com I 3.8 out of 5 Stars (Yelp)
