If you’ve never tried New York cheesecake, you’re missing out on one of the world’s most decadent desserts. NYC-style cheesecake is whipped up with extra cream cheese for added richness and denseness. You’ll also find that a lot of chefs make it with extra eggs or a double dash of vanilla extract for a stronger flavor. If you’re ready to experience a slice – or three – of your own, these restaurants and bakeries have some of the best cheesecake in New York City!

Eileen’s Special Cheesecake has been a staple of the Nolita area of NYC  since 1974. The restaurant was established by its namesake Eileen with a recipe that had been passed down from her mother. Today, it’s expanded into dozens of flavors ranging from the traditional to the unusual. You can order a cheesecake with a creamy fruit topping. Or, can try something new like a salted caramel cheesecake or even cookies and cream! No matter what you’re craving, your patronage will support a woman-run, family-first business. Eileen is enjoying a well-earned retirement, but her two daughters have taken over. They’re currently leading the charge for the third generation of amazing cheesecakes.

Veniero’s Pasticceria & Cafe is one of the oldest bakeries that the Big Apple has to offer and has some of the best cheesecake in New York City. Established in 1894, it’s won countless awards over the years and been featured in everything from Law and Order to Curb Your Enthusiasm. What makes Veniero’s so special? For starters, it’s a family-run business that serves much more than just cheesecake. You can also find other Italian favorites such as cannoli, biscotti, and butter cookies. Additionally, you’ll enjoy only the freshest of locally sourced ingredients. From crispy crusts to juicy strawberries on top, these cheesecakes will delight your senses in every way.

You’ll enjoy a blast from the past when you visit Junior’s Restaurant. The neon lights have a vintage NYC charm that evokes the spirit of old speakeasies and movie palaces. And the bar offers everything from Dorothy Parkers to Brooklyn old-fashioneds. You also won’t want to miss the renowned cheesecake, of course. Best of all, the delicious dessert is made fresh every day with fluffy sponge cake and ultra-smooth cream cheese. Variations include everything from your basic raspberry swirl to red velvet to your more eclectic three-layered s’mores cheesecake. You might find yourself coming back again and again to try new flavors! Another great thing about Junior’s Restaurant is that there are multiple locations throughout New York City, so you’ll never be far from your next slice.

Another great find in Italian bakeries, Pasticceria Rocco is famous for making desserts the old-fashioned way. Everything is rolled, baked, and decorated by hand. And even their equipment is manual and vintage. You won’t find any mass-produced products here!

Last but not least, Mah-Ze-Dahr represents an upscale choice for cheesecakes. You’ll find this gem in the West Village, a neighborhood known for its trendy shops and boutiques. Best of all, the ingredients are of the finest quality. You won’t find a lot of different flavors here, but that’s okay. The plain cheesecake is so rich and smooth that you won’t need any extras to make your taste buds sing. “Mahzedahr” is a word in Urdu that describes the wonderfully intense essence of food. In other words, “very delicious.” If you want the essence of New York style cheesecake, Mah-Ze-Dahr is the destination for you. You’ll enjoy a high-quality experience that delivers the very best of one of NYC’s staple desserts.