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Ladurée - Soho
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Ladurée - Soho
8.3
Ladurée’s SoHo outpost marries its signature Parisian macarons and pastries with a full café and back garden for leisurely brunch and afternoon tea. It’s less about quick coffee and more about lingering over sweets, eggs, and salads in a space that feels pulled from a travel postcard.
Must-Try Dishes:
Assorted macarons, Ispahan pastry, French toast or brunch eggs
Scores:
Value: 6.7
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 8.7
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Macaron-focused French patisserie with a hidden garden for brunch and tea.
Who should go: Guests wanting pretty desserts and leisurely, Paris-style daytime meals.
When to visit: Late mornings or mid-afternoons on weekdays to avoid peak brunch.
What to order: Macaron assortment, Ispahan or seasonal pastry, brunch main or salad.
Insider tip: Ask for a table in the back garden when weather cooperates for the most transportive setting.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited in SoHo; expect metered spots to be scarce. Nearest paid garages are within a 2–3 block radius on Thompson and Greene Streets.
Dress code: Smart casual with a polished, daytime lean—jeans are fine, but many guests opt for brunch-friendly outfits and photo-ready looks.
Noise level: Moderate; indoor rooms can be chatty during peak brunch, but the garden is generally calm enough for easy conversation.
Weekend wait: N/A – the focus is daytime dining and tea; late evenings are typically quiet with minimal waits.
Weekday lunch: 5–15 minutes during peak hours; often no wait mid-afternoon.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Strong selection — pastries, salads, omelets, and sweets make it easy to build a full vegetarian meal.
Vegan options: Limited — a few salads or sides may qualify, but pastries and macarons are not vegan.
Gluten-free options: Moderate — some salads and egg dishes work; macarons contain almond flour and are naturally gluten-free, though not produced in a dedicated GF facility.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the garden and pastel interiors create a romantic, low-pressure setting ideal for daytime dates, especially if you want something pretty and relaxed rather than formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually yes for weekday brunch or tea, though you may wait briefly. Weekends fill quickly, and the garden often goes first — reservations help secure the best seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for well-behaved children; the menu is sweet-leaning and approachable, though the café is not designed for strollers in tight indoor areas. The garden is more comfortable for families.
Best For
Better for: A more refined, Parisian pastry-and-brunch experience than nearby cafés, with a uniquely photogenic garden and consistently high-quality macarons.
Skip if: You want a fast, grab-and-go pastry stop, a savory-focused meal, or substantial entrées—this is a linger-and-indulge destination, not a quick-service bakery.
Ladurée - Soho
8.5
Ladurée’s Soho flagship pairs its jewel-box macarons and classic French pastries with a full tea salon and tree-shaded back garden. It’s a go-to for leisurely brunches, afternoon tea, and special-occasion sweets in a setting that feels more Paris townhouse than downtown café.
Must-Try Dishes:
Assorted macarons (including Ispahan), Ispahan dessert (rose, lychee, raspberry), French toast or brioche at brunch
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 9
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Paris-born patisserie with a rare Soho garden for macarons, tea, and brunch.
Who should go: Guests wanting photogenic sweets and leisurely, French-leaning daytime meals.
When to visit: Late mornings or mid-afternoons on weekdays for calmer service.
What to order: Macaron assortment, Ispahan dessert, a brunch main or French toast.
Insider tip: Request a table in the back garden when weather cooperates; it transforms the experience.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in SoHo is limited and competitive; nearest reliable options are paid garages along Greene St. and Wooster St.
Dress code: Smart casual; daytime outfits lean polished but comfortable. Pastels and light neutrals fit the salon aesthetic.
Noise level: Moderate; indoor rooms hum during brunch but you can generally hold a relaxed conversation. The garden is quieter.
Weekend wait: Not applicable — Ladurée is primarily a daytime destination; weekend brunch waits can reach 30–45 minutes without a reservation.
Weekday lunch: Typically 5–10 minutes, occasionally immediate seating on non-peak days.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Strong coverage — many pastries, salads, egg dishes, and brunch plates are vegetarian-friendly.
Vegan options: Limited — macarons are not vegan; a few salads and fruit-based items may qualify, but choices are sparse.
Gluten-free options: Some macarons are naturally gluten-free and select pastries avoid gluten, but cross-contamination is possible; no dedicated prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the Parisian décor, garden seating, and elegant pastries make it a low-pressure but charming setting, especially for daytime dates.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes for weekday lunches and mid-afternoons; weekend brunch almost always requires a wait unless booked in advance.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for well-supervised kids, especially in the garden where spacing is generous. High chairs are limited and the atmosphere leans refined, so best for ages 6+.
Best For
Better for: Photogenic desserts, leisurely tea service, and a uniquely serene back garden unmatched by most SoHo bakeries.
Skip if: You want fast grab-and-go pastries, robust savory options, or vegan-friendly baked goods — nearby bakeries may suit those needs better.