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Dominique Ansel Workshop
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Dominique Ansel Workshop
7.8
Dominique Ansel Workshop is a production bakery and café from the Cronut creator, serving viennoiserie, seasonal tarts, and composed pastries in a counter-service Flatiron space. Opened in 2021, it functions as a morning and midday stop for serious pastry fans who want laminated doughs and sweets that lean more patisserie than coffee-shop pastry case.
Must-Try Dishes:
Croissant and pain au chocolat, Kouign amann, Seasonal fruit tart or cake slice
Scores:
Value: 7.3
Service: 6.7
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 7.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: High-end French pastry work from Dominique Ansel in a focused café.
Who should go: Pastry obsessives chasing laminated doughs and thoughtful sweets.
When to visit: Early morning for freshest bakes and best selection.
What to order: Croissant, kouign amann, rotating seasonal tart or cake.
Insider tip: Go early on weekends; limited-run pastries often sell out by midday.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is very limited; best option is nearby paid garages around Flatiron. Rideshare or walking is easiest.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable—anything from work clothes to athleisure fits right in.
Noise level: Low to moderate—mostly quiet with light café chatter and espresso machine noise.
Weekend wait: Not applicable—primarily a daytime pastry and café destination.
Weekday lunch: 5–15 minutes during peak hours; minimal wait mid-morning or early afternoon.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—most pastries and tarts are vegetarian by default.
Vegan options: Very limited—occasionally one seasonal option, but not guaranteed daily.
Gluten-free options: Extremely limited—some naturally gluten-free items may appear seasonally, but no dedicated gluten-free program.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, for a daytime coffee-and-pastry date—it's low pressure, stylish, and easy to keep it short or extend if the chemistry is there.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—this is counter service with limited seating, so you simply order and grab a spot if one is available.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids who like pastries and sweets, but there are no kids’ menus, high chairs, or play-friendly seating.
Best For
Better for: Refined, patisserie-level pastries and laminated doughs that go far beyond standard coffee shop baking.
Skip if: You want a full sit-down brunch, hot savory entrées, or a wide selection of vegan or gluten-free desserts.
Dominique Ansel Workshop
8.8
Dominique Ansel Workshop is a croissant-focused bakery and café attached to the chef’s production kitchen, turning out highly technical French viennoiserie in a low-key NoMad space. Locals treat it as the upgrade from a standard coffee run, dropping in for DKAs, laminated specials, and light savory bites before or after Madison Square Park.
Must-Try Dishes:
DKA (Dominique's Kouign Amann), Olive oil croissant, Seasonal brioche bressane
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 8.5
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 9.3
Atmosphere: 8.7
Cultural Relevance: 9
What makes it special: Croissant-focused workshop from James Beard–winning pastry chef Dominique Ansel.
Who should go: Pastry obsessives chasing inventive viennoiserie near Madison Square Park.
When to visit: Morning or early afternoon before sell-outs and commuter rush.
What to order: DKA, olive oil croissant, seasonal brioche bressane or sandwich.
Insider tip: Ask staff about off-menu test pastries coming from the kitchen.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited and competitive in NoMad; nearby paid garages are the most reliable option.
Dress code: Casual — athleisure, jeans, and park-day outfits all fit right in.
Noise level: Low to moderate — generally calm with a steady buzz of walk-in traffic.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes in the early evening if limited items remain; longer lines earlier in the day.
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait outside of the noon rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — many pastries and several savory items are vegetarian.
Vegan options: Very limited — occasional specials but not a dependable go-to for strict vegan diets.
Gluten-free options: Extremely limited — this is a wheat-forward pastry program with few true gluten-free options.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — it’s low-pressure, visually impressive, and perfect for a short coffee-and-pastry meet-up rather than a long sit-down date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s fully walk-in with a quick-turn café setup, but seating is limited during peak hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — kids love the pastries and sweets, though stroller space is tight inside.
Best For
Better for: More technically precise and visually striking croissants and laminated pastries than most neighborhood bakeries.
Skip if: You want lots of seating, full breakfast plates, or reliable gluten-free and vegan options.