10 New York Sweet Shops That Seem Like They’re From A Movie
New York’s sweet shops often feel like stepping onto a film set, with charming displays, whimsical décor, and desserts that look too good to eat.
From candy-filled corners to pastry cases stacked high with confections, these spots capture the magic of a storybook treat.
Each shop offers more than just sugar; they deliver an experience that delights the senses and sparks nostalgia, making every visit feel like a scene straight out of a movie.
1. Economy Candy — A Wonderland of Nostalgia
Crammed floor-to-ceiling with colorful treats, Economy Candy is a time machine disguised as a candy store.
Since 1937, this family-owned treasure has been selling everything from penny candies to exotic international chocolates.
The narrow aisles and overwhelming selection make you feel like Charlie discovering Wonka’s factory for the first time.
Kids press their faces against glass cases while adults rediscover childhood favorites they thought were long discontinued.
2. Veniero’s Pasticceria & Caffè — Italian Elegance Since 1894
Marble countertops and ornate tin ceilings transport you straight to a scene from ‘The Godfather’ at this East Village institution.
Founded by Antonio Veniero as a billiard parlor that served espresso and pastries, it evolved into one of NYC’s oldest and most beloved Italian bakeries.
Showcases brim with cannoli, biscotti, and tiramisu that would make any nonna proud.
The vintage atmosphere remains largely unchanged since the early 1900s, giving visitors an authentic slice of old New York.
3. Ferrara Bakery & Cafe — Little Italy’s Sweet Crown Jewel
Stepping through Ferrara’s doors feels like walking onto the set of a classic Italian-American film.
Founded in 1892 by Enrico Scoppa and Antonio Ferrara, this Little Italy landmark has served five generations of New Yorkers and countless celebrities.
Famous for its cannoli and sfogliatella, the bakery maintains its old-world charm with vintage fixtures and family photos.
The aroma of espresso mingles with sweet pastry scents, creating an atmosphere that’s both nostalgic and vibrant.
4. Serendipity 3 — Where Whimsy Meets Decadence
Made famous in movies like ‘Serendipity’ and ‘One Fine Day,’ this Upper East Side icon serves desserts that are practically supporting characters in their own right.
The $1,000 Golden Opulence Sundae once held the Guinness World Record for most expensive dessert.
Tiffany lamps and mismatched antiques create a storybook setting that’s equal parts Alice in Wonderland and Breakfast at Tiffany’s.
Celebrities have been slurping their famous frozen hot chocolate since 1954, making it a genuine New York institution.
5. Li-Lac Chocolates — Greenwich Village’s Chocolate Time Capsule
Manhattan’s oldest chocolate house looks like it belongs in a period film about 1920s New York.
Founded by French-trained chocolatier George Demetrious in 1923, Li-Lac stubbornly refuses to modernize its recipes or production methods.
Vintage copper kettles still cook small batches of chocolate, while wooden molds create shapes that haven’t changed in nearly a century.
The shop’s signature chocolate alligators and Statue of Liberty figures have become edible New York souvenirs that taste as good as they look.
6. Aigner Chocolates — Queens’ Hidden Chocolate Gem
Nestled in Forest Hills, this family-owned chocolate shop could easily serve as the setting for a heartwarming holiday movie.
Originally Krause’s Candy Kitchen in 1930, the Aigner family took over in the 1960s, maintaining its old-world German chocolate-making traditions.
Hand-dipped chocolates line glass cases while the sweet aroma of cocoa envelops you.
The shop still uses many original copper kettles and marble slabs for tempering, creating treats that connect modern New Yorkers with the city’s immigrant confectionery heritage.
7. Eddie’s Sweet Shop — A Soda Fountain Frozen in Time
Visiting Eddie’s feels like walking onto a movie set from the 1950s. This Forest Hills ice cream parlor has barely changed since opening over 100 years ago, with its marble counters, swiveling stools, and vintage soda fountain equipment all gloriously intact.
Homemade ice cream is scooped by hand and served in metal dishes just as it was generations ago. Teenagers still share banana splits at the same wooden booths where their grandparents might have had first dates, creating a timeless slice of Americana.
8. Stick With Me — Jewel Box of Chocolate Artistry
Former Per Se chef Susanna Yoon transformed a tiny Nolita space into what looks like a Wes Anderson-designed chocolate boutique.
Vibrantly colored bonbons arranged like precious gems gleam from behind glass cases, each one hand-painted and filled with unexpected flavor combinations.
The meticulous attention to detail extends to the packaging. Boxes unfold like books revealing chocolate treasures inside.
This is where traditional confectionery meets modern artistry, creating an Instagram-worthy experience that’s as visually stunning as it is delicious.
9. Peter Pan Donut & Pastry Shop — Brooklyn’s Retro Donut Heaven
Pink-uniformed staff behind a horseshoe counter make this Greenpoint institution look straight out of a 1950s sitcom.
Founded by Donna Siafakas, this beloved shop serves classic donuts that have barely changed since opening over 60 years ago. Lines form early for their famous red velvet donuts and egg creams.
The vintage decor, affordable prices, and no-nonsense approach to classic recipes have attracted celebrity fans like Tina Fey, who once said she fantasized about working there just to eat the mistakes.
10. Ray’s Candy Store — East Village’s Legendary Late-Night Sweet Spot
Ray’s isn’t just a candy store… it’s a living piece of New York counterculture history that looks like it belongs in an indie film about the city.
Iranian immigrant Ray Alvarez has been serving egg creams, beignets, and soft serve ice cream from this tiny storefront since 1974.
Open until the wee hours, Ray’s has fueled generations of artists, musicians, and night owls.
The hand-painted signs, cramped quarters, and Ray himself (still working in his 90s) create an authentic New York experience that no movie set could fully replicate.