The best cheesecake in NYC in 2026 is at Junior's in Downtown Brooklyn for the classic dense New York slice, Eileen's Special Cheesecake in Nolita for a lighter, creamier style, Veniero's and Ferrara for Italian ricotta cheesecake, and Two Little Red Hens on the Upper East Side. S&S Cheesecake in the Bronx supplies many of the city's restaurants.
The most famous cheesecake in New York, from a Flatbush Avenue diner.
Junior's has been baking its rich, sponge-based cheesecake on Flatbush Avenue Extension since 1950. The original diner is the place to try it; there are also branches in the Theater District.
Good to know: Get the plain original slice first before branching into the flavors.
386 Flatbush Ave Ext, Brooklyn, NY 11201
A tiny shop with a lighter, creamier cheesecake and dozens of flavors.
Eileen's has sold its fluffier, creamier cheesecake from a small Cleveland Place shop for decades, in plain and many seasonal flavors, by the slice or as small individual cakes.
Good to know: Buy a few of the mini cheesecakes to taste several flavors.
17 Cleveland Pl, New York, NY 10012
An 1894 Italian pastry shop famous for its ricotta cheesecake.
Veniero's, an East Village institution since the 19th century, sells both Italian ricotta cheesecake and New York-style cheesecake alongside cannoli and cookies in a café with stained glass and old-world charm.
Good to know: Take a number at the pastry counter, or sit in the café for a slice and espresso.
342 E 11th St, New York, NY 10003
Little Italy's historic bakery, for ricotta cheesecake and cannoli.
Ferrara has been on Grand Street since 1892, and its Italian cheesecake, cannoli and gelato make it the classic sweet stop in Little Italy.
Good to know: Combine with a walk along Mulberry Street.
195 Grand St, New York, NY 10013
A neighborhood bakery whose Brooklyn-style cheesecake has a big following.
Two Little Red Hens is a small Upper East Side bakery known for its dense, creamy Brooklyn cheesecake, as well as cupcakes and pies.
Good to know: Close to the Met and Museum Mile for an afternoon treat.
1652 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10028
The Bronx bakery behind the cheesecake served in many New York restaurants.
S&S Cheesecake has supplied New York restaurants and hotels for decades from its Bronx bakery, and sells whole cakes to the public.
Good to know: Call ahead to check what's available for retail pick-up.
222 W 238th St, Bronx, NY 10463
A busy Queens bakery-café with towering cheesecakes and pies.
Martha's Country Bakery is a Queens favorite for big slices of cheesecake, fruit pies and layer cakes, served late into the evening.
Good to know: The Ditmars Boulevard location stays open late — good after dinner in Astoria.
36-21 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria, NY 11105
New York-style cheesecake is dense, rich and tall, made with cream cheese (often with extra cream or sour cream) on a graham-cracker or sponge base. Italian-style cheesecake, made with ricotta, is lighter and more crumbly.
Yes — Junior's ships whole cheesecakes nationwide from its website.