"A nearly secretive, tiny pastry counter hidden in the lobby of an unmarked Jay Street building, open only a few hours on select days and prone to selling out. Run by chef Ayako Kurokawa, the counter fuses French and American techniques with Japanese flavors, offering items like gateau Basque, caramel banana cake, matcha madeleines, seasonal quiches, and basic drinks including coffee, tea, and a chantilly-topped hot chocolate." - Kat Odell
"Burrow, tucked inside of an office building, is only open from Tuesday to Thursday. That’s just one reason the Japanese bakery feels a little “mysterious.” Another reason: There’s almost no signage telling you you’re headed in the right direction. While Lysée, a bakery in Flatiron has gotten attention for its corn-shaped desserts, Burrow has been making cakes on the cob for years. The bakery sells plenty of other pastries, too, and whole cakes such as a pistachio mousse." - Eater Staff
"A Japanese bakery in Brooklyn run by Ayako Kurokawa known for otherworldly cakes and cookies; this summer the bakery refined a corn-themed dessert by finding the right chocolate to pair with layers of sable, frangipane, and white-chocolate chantilly topped with sweet corn, resulting in a composition that reads like a squared-off corn cob from above but resembles an ice-cream-sandwich from the side." - Bettina Makalintal
"The name is apropos: Find pastry chef Ayako Kurokawa’s shop in the belly of a Brooklyn office building. Kurokawa is a flavor maestro, and her sweets are both arresting and playful. A slice of the cheesecake, tall and pillowy, is an obvious order, but the other delicate layer cakes, including one flavored with coffee, chocolate, and cream, also shine. Limited hours of operation mean a limited menu; go just before noon for the best selection." - Daniela Galarza
"This chic Dumbo patisserie in a nondescript storefront turns out remarkable, pretty custom cakes that don’t lack for flavor. Equally worthwhile are the cookies, especially the chocolate ganache, a shortbread biscuit generously layered with high-quality dark stuff. The bakery is closed on the weekends." - Paul Schrodt