La Bergamote

Bakery display case

La Bergamote is a French patisserie located in Chelsea (9th Ave. on the corner of 20th). I wanted to feature it in this blog because not only do I love their pastries and coffee, but also because it makes me reminisce of my time in France.

This shop has been around for many years and used to be a hangout of Ira Glass (still is?). They have a wide variety of pastries, truffles and sweet breads along with delicious coffee. My favorite is always the lemon tart (or in French: tarte de la citron), but I need to make a habit of being more adventuresome and trying the others. All available desserts are behind a curved glass display case, leaving your mouth watering and you decision difficult.

In fact La Bergamote has been in Chelsea since 1998, when chefs Stephane Willemin (Executive Pastry Chef) and Romain Lamaze (Managing Director) decided to collaborate on the business together. Originally located across the street, they reopened in their new location during the Fall of last year.



Their new location appears to have more space, leaving room for more sit-in customers. A popular staple of the neighborhood, the business has done so well that the owners also recently opened a second location, more of a restaurant than a café, over in Midtown West. It is still on my list of new things to try.

If you are looking for French bakeries in New York City, this is the one to go to. The atmosphere is calm and relaxing, and there's nothing you won't like. You can sit at a small table in front of the vintage murals on the back wall, or in front of the windows if you're more inclined to people watching. Stay as long as you like, have a sip of coffee, a bite of dessert and enjoy a book or the company of a friend. I guarantee you will want to come back.