In a search for the best bakeries in NYC, Frenchette will inevitably come up as a top contender. Many bakeries excel in breads, many others have perfected viennoiseries. Frenchette is of the rare breed that does well in both categories. And as extra credit, also takes coffee very seriously with a great espresso program. The pastries are as beautiful as they are delicious: well laminated and often featuring seasonal flavors and ingredients. The baguette tastes like France in the best way. If you manage to come midday, they also do pizz-ettes and sandwiches to make for a well above average lunch.

Frenchette has a full restaurant in Tribeca, but there is just something so delightfully joyous about sneaking out midday, opening a nondescript door in a beautiful office building in Tribeca and gliding down the main corridor to the bakery window to pick out a treat from the pastry case. Last year, they took over the lobby cafe at the Whitney Museum, both with a takeaway cafe counter and a sit-down restaurant that offers decadent pastries and full meals all day.