Patisserie Vanessa

A Parisian vibe. The pastries were delicious. And beautiful. Very classic and clean. Quiche was good but the salad wasn’t that good. It’s a lovely place. Staff could be more friendly. I know it’s hard to work in this industry, but you’re dealing with people. But I want to go back and try different things.

One of the best things about NYC is the incredible food scene—you can always find something delicious no matter the hour. While looking for dessert spots with strong reviews, I came across Vanessa’s Patisserie. What caught my attention were the unique mousse options and beautifully presented pastries. I stopped by on a Saturday afternoon, and as expected, the place was pretty packed—a good sign. The atmosphere was cozy yet buzzing with energy, and the pastry display was hard to resist. I tried La Charlotte, which was rich and beautifully balanced, along with a couple of Madeleines—light, soft, and just the right touch of sweetness. I also went for the dark chocolate mousse option, which didn’t disappoint. It was smooth, intense, and perfectly decadent. To complement it, I ordered a coffee, and the roast was bold with a sharp, flavorful punch that cut nicely through the sweetness of the desserts. Prices are on the higher side, but that’s expected for this part of the city, especially given the quality of ingredients and the care put into presentation. It’s definitely a spot where you treat yourself, and it’s worth it. If you’re a dessert lover or just craving something refined and indulgent, Vanessa’s Patisserie should absolutely be on your list. Come ready to enjoy and don’t skip the mousse.

It was a quiet Saturday afternoon on the Upper East Side, the kind of day that carries a soft sense of purpose without any rush. I’d been meaning to stop by Pâtisserie Vanessa for some time—a name I’d bookmarked long ago but hadn’t had the chance to visit until that moment. And as I stepped into the charming little storefront on Lexington Avenue, I immediately knew it had been worth the wait. The space is discreet and elegant, tucked away yet unmistakably French in spirit—refined, luminous, and lined with pastries that look like they belong behind glass in a museum of confections. There’s a grace to how everything is arranged: rows of delicate treats, glimmering under soft lights, each one whispering an invitation. I stood there for a while, quietly mesmerized and slightly unsure of what to choose. The offerings were abundant and thoughtful—each more tempting than the last. Thankfully, Noah—gracious, gentle, and intuitively kind—stepped in to help. He listened, asked what I liked, and guided me toward something special: La Charlotte. La Charlotte is the kind of pastry that speaks before you’ve even tasted it. Wrapped in a ladyfinger-style edge and filled with a rich lemon mousse, it looked almost ceremonial. Though I didn’t get to try it myself—it was a gift for a friend—I could already imagine its texture: airy, citrus-laced, soft yet dignified. A quiet crescendo of sweetness and light. I didn’t sit down that day, but I intend to return—next time not just to browse, but to stay. There’s a softness to this pâtisserie, the kind that makes you want to slow down and sip something warm while the world drifts gently by outside. Pâtisserie Vanessa isn’t just a place to pick up something sweet—it’s a pause, a gesture of refinement in a city that rarely stops. And thanks to Noah and Jada, my brief visit became something quietly memorable.

I often find myself underwhelmed by French patisseries in NYC, but I finally discovered a standout on the Upper East Side—Patisserie Vanessa. This two-floor café features high ceilings, large windows, and plenty of seating. The pastry display feels more like an art gallery than a bakery—elegant and inviting. I even spent a few quiet, undisturbed hours there reading a book. ＊Le Charlotte Raspberry $9.75 Their signature dessert—and for good reason. The soft, ladyfinger-style edge added a refined touch. This is easily the best Charlotte cake I’ve had in a long time, with its airy texture, raspberry mousse, housemade raspberry jam filling, and fresh raspberries on top. I’ll definitely be returning for more of their Charlotte cakes. ＊Le Choux Mango $9.50 A limited-time pastry. The bright, tangy flavor from the fresh mango compote was perfectly balanced by the smooth mango curd and choux pastry. I wish they still had the pistachio choux as I’ve seen it online before. ＊Iced Latte with Oat Milk $6.75 It was an expensive iced latte, but well worth it. I was amazed by how creamy and smooth the coffee was, and the serving size was generous. I didn’t expect to get one of the better oat milk lattes I’ve had in the city from a patisserie, so it was a win.

French bakery with limited flavors. I came for chocolate but they didn't have any. They have other fruity flavors. They have tea and coffee. They have a limited inside and outdoor seating.

This dessert shop is small but brightly decorated, with a wide variety of sweets. I tried two different items and found both to be quite tasty. It also serves as a great gathering spot for people in the community. I'm looking forward to coming back to try more of their offerings—or simply to relax and chat with friends.

Great pasties and coffee. Lots of comfortable seating but does get busy. Tried one of their cakes and it was overtly tasty without being overly sugary.

I got this cake. It was way too sweet for me. I didn’t like it… but the chai latte was okay. If other desserts are sweet like the cake, this place is not for me at least. Haha. But a cute cafe. Good to come for just a coffee or tea