From dense, chocolatey, and frosting-covered to light, spongy, and fruit-topped, cake is the MVP of desserts. Endlessly customizable and always crowd-pleasing, a party isn’t really a party unless there is a cake to be sliced.
So whether it’s for a crowd or a party of one, here are the shops your fellow Local Guides head to for truly exquisite cakes.
Dominique Ansel Bakery (New York City, NY, USA)
Before it was launched into superstardom with the Cronut (a mix of croissant and doughnut), this New York pastry heavy-hitter was known for gorgeous French pastries and spectacular cakes, including a lighter-than-air cheesecake.
Local Guides say:
“You always wonder if the long queues in front of a bakery is ever worth it. Well, in the case of Dominique Ansel Bakery, it totally is. Try any of their desserts and you will not return disappointed. The chocolate mousse cake was sublime. Not too sweet, with the right amount of dark chocolate taste coming through. It was brilliant…” -Local Guide Abhilash Mohanty
Wenger’s (Delhi, India)
This Delhi institution has been serving up cakes, pastries, and other sweets since 1926. It started with just a few varieties, but now you’ll be spoiled for choice.
Local Guides say:
“When it comes to amazing desserts and cakes, Wenger’s is the safest choice. They have an old history of serving great snacks, pastries and cakes…The cake was perfect and freshly made. The place has surely lived up to their estimated legacy.” -Local Guide Love kaushik
Henri Charpentier (Tokyo, Japan)
Named after a French chef who supposedly invented the crêpe Suzette, the original Ashiya location opened in 1969. The popular Ginza location welcomes sweets-seekers with cakes that double as little works of art.
Local Guides say:
“Cake is excellent and the atmosphere is very nice. I’ve been twice and will return again." -Local Guide Rob Weiss
La Pâtisserie Cyril Lignac (Paris, France)
Cyril Lignac rocketed to fame on the French TV program Oui Chef! Now, he has a Michelin-starred restaurant, two chocolate shops, and five patisserie locations. Visit the popular Paul Bert patisserie to sample his stunning cakes.
Local Guides say:
“I tried paris brest (good cream and great pate a chou) tarte au citron (amazing tartelette and good cream, although I’m not a fan of the “cool” composition) and equinox (a strange cake with three red dots in top, very very good and soft)…so I think I can surely suggest you this nice patisserie…” -Local Guide guglielmo paoletti
Café Demel (Vienna, Austria)
Since 1888, this lovely cafe has been supplying Austrians with cakes, scones, and strudels, including its famous Anna Cake, chocolate cake with nougat and orange liqueur, and sachertorte, chocolate cake with apricot jam.
Local Guides say:
“Amazing place with glorious cakes. It has kept its original setup so when you go inside it is like being transported on the 1800. The preparation us done behind a glass screen so one can delight oneself with the technique of the masters” -Local Guide Sandra Gauci
Cukiernia NANAN (Wrocław, Poland)
This photogenic, millennial pink cafe turns out equally photogenic mini-cakes, many of which are covered in a beautiful shiny glaze.
Local Guides say:
“Love this place! I really recommend Nanan for its tastes and interiors. Mirabelka cake is heavenly delicious!” -Local Guide Anna Świniarska
Vete-Katten (Stockholm, Sweden)
Founded in 1928, this long-standing, stylish cafe is known for its Princess Cake, a green marzipan-covered sponge cake with layers of custard and raspberries enveloped in whipped cream.
Local Guides say:
“Their Princess cake is by far the best I ever tried” -Local Guide Marina Ciocea
Have you shared photos on Google Maps of your favorite bakery? Show us in the comments below!