Petit Chou | 229 First Ave.
Lebanese American pastry chef Bassim Nasr is entirely self-taught which makes the technical precision of his work all the more impressive. He’s also generous on proportions and a wiz with seasonal ingredients, featured in his sought-after specials. The Order: Breakfast Croissandwich, $12; Pistachio Éclair, $8
Smør Bakery | 437 E. 12th St.
There are more obvious sources of cardamom buns, but if that’s your craving, this Scandinavian charmer shouldn’t be missed. Everything else here is worth trying, too—notably the cinnamon bun, the poppy-seed-strewn tebirkes and the focaccia. The Order: Cardamom Bun, $4.75
The Pastry Box | 515 E. 12th St.
There is no such thing as a universal “best” chocolate chip cookie, but the one here might well qualify as your personal best. Even if not, you’ll have to concede that Tiara Bennett delivers sensational classic American treats. The Order: Chocolate Chip Cookie and Black & White Cookie, $5 each
From Lucie | 263 E. 10th St.
The table outside the sunny yellow exterior is ideal for people watching, but Bordeaux native Lucie Franc de Ferriere’s flower-topped cakes are just as delightful savored at the cozy nook inside the front window. The Order: Victoria Sponge Cake Slice, $11; Mini Layer Cake, $17
Ando Patisserie | 214 E. 10th St.
Nic Yang applies his knowledge of Chinese, Japanese and French cuisine to pastries that ingeniously blur the line between sweet and savory and celebrate textural contrasts. The Order: Earl Grey Portuguese Custard Tart, $12 for two; Black Sesame Lava Cream Crepes Roll, $18
La Cabra Bakery | 152 Second Ave.
Although many come here—and linger at one of the indoor or outdoor tables—for the coffee, connoisseurs of laminated pastries, mini tarts and bread recognize the excellence of this Danish outfit’s baking. The Order: Canelé, $5
Lady Wong Patisserie | 332 E. Ninth St.
If you haven’t tried the Southeast Asian snacks known as kuih, do it here. But don’t sleep on the entremets and cakes matching Malaysian flavors with French technique. The Order: Assorted Kuih, from $1.98; Black Sesame Passion Fruit Petit Gateau, $9.20
Hani’s | 67 Cooper Sq.
When the acclaimed pastry chef of Gramercy Tavern and a Bon Appétit editor open their version of the Great American Bakery, you can bet great pains will be taken to nail every recipe down to the last crumb. The Order: Chocolate Chip Cookie, $8; Carrot Cake, $12.50
Le Fournil | 115 Second Ave.
A third-generation baker from Normandy launched this quintessential neighborhood bakery. Stop in for your baguette, your coffee and croissant, your lunchtime sandwich or quiche, or your sweet afternoon pick-me-up. The Order: Croque Monsieur or Croque Tomato Mozzarella, $9 each
Librae Bakery | 35 Cooper Sq.
The culinary (and literal) marriage of Dona Murad’s Bahraini-Indian heritage and Andre Gerschel’s French and Moroccan roots results in surprising scones, danishes, focaccia and more. The Order: Pistachio Rose Croissant, $8.50; Za’atar Labneh Morning Bun, $8
Là Lá Bakeshop | 73 Second Ave.
This modern Vietnamese import from Toronto has rightly garnered attention for its savory-edged desserts featuring salted egg yolk, but they’re not the only draw. While you’re there, try a durian croissant or a scallion and cured sausage bun. The Order: Salted Egg Cake, $48
Red Gate Bakery | 68 E. First St.
This tiny bakery expresses a huge imagination. Here, layer cakes, crisp-edged chewy cookies, gooey bars and slathered buns are big on creativity and comfort. NB: Those cookies travel quite well. The Order: Slice of the Day, $10