Café d’Avignon: Your Go-To Bakery for Artisanal Breads and Pastries in NYC

Café d’Avignon Introduce

For New Yorkers who understand that great bread is the foundation of a great meal, Café d’Avignon is a name that commands respect. More than just a simple bakery, this establishment is an artisanal café that carries the legacy of its renowned parent company, Pain d’Avignon. For over 25 years, Pain d’Avignon has been the secret ingredient for many of New York City's top-tier culinary establishments, supplying Michelin-starred restaurants and luxury hotels with their impeccable breads. Now, with Café d’Avignon, this same dedication to quality and traditional baking methods is available directly to the public. Located within the vibrant Essex Market on the Lower East Side, this bakery and café offers a slice of European tradition with a modern New York twist. It's a place where the simple pleasure of a perfectly made croissant or a slice of expertly crafted sourdough bread takes center stage. This article is your comprehensive guide to discovering why Café d’Avignon is a must-visit destination for anyone who appreciates the art of baking.

At the heart of Café d’Avignon's philosophy is an unwavering commitment to quality. The foundation of everything they do is bread, and they approach it with a level of passion and expertise that is evident in every bite. They honor traditional European baking methods, fermenting their doughs for extended periods to develop complex flavors and textures. This dedication ensures that their breads are not only delicious but also wholesome, made without the use of preservatives, artificial ingredients, or conditioners. The impeccable bread is the canvas for their other creations, from classic ham and cheese sandwiches to sophisticated tartines. The café also excels in its beverage offerings, particularly its coffee, partnering with Stumptown Coffee Roasters to ensure a strong and well-balanced cup. The staff is consistently praised for being friendly and efficient, creating a relaxed and welcoming vibe that makes it an ideal spot for a quick visit or a leisurely meal. The combination of exceptional products and a great atmosphere has made Café d’Avignon a beloved local spot for a quick breakfast or a light lunch.

One of the most appealing aspects of Café d’Avignon is its ability to blend the best of a traditional bakery with the convenience of a modern café. It's a place where you can find time-honored classics like a buttery Pain Au Chocolat alongside innovative creations like a Savory Cheese Amann. The menu is diverse enough to cater to different cravings, from a simple yet perfect coffee and pastry pairing to a hearty sandwich or salad. Their pumpkin pies are particularly noteworthy, with options to order in various sizes for a special occasion. This variety, combined with their commitment to natural ingredients and meticulous craftsmanship, solidifies Café d’Avignon as a standout in New York City's competitive food scene.

Location and Accessibility

Café d’Avignon is conveniently located at 88 Essex St, New York, NY 10002, placing it within the bustling and historic Essex Market. This prime location on the Lower East Side makes it highly accessible for residents and visitors alike. The market is easily reachable via public transportation, with several subway and bus lines serving the area. As an establishment within a larger market, it offers the convenience of a one-stop shop for various culinary needs. A key feature of its location is the wheelchair-accessible entrance, ensuring that the delicious offerings are available to everyone. Whether you're in the neighborhood for a shopping trip or specifically heading to the market for a delicious bite, Café d’Avignon is a straightforward and welcoming destination. The availability of outdoor seating also provides a great option for enjoying a coffee and pastry while soaking in the vibrant atmosphere of the market and the surrounding streets.

Services Offered

In-store shopping: Customers can browse and purchase a wide variety of breads, pastries, and other menu items.
Takeout: All items are available for takeout, perfect for grabbing a quick bite on the go.
Dine-in: Seating is available for guests who wish to enjoy their meal in a relaxed and inviting setting.
In-store pickup: Convenient for those who place their order ahead of time.
Delivery: A delivery service is available, bringing their delicious products right to your doorstep.

Features and Highlights

Impeccable Bread: The foundation of the business is its award-winning bread, known for its quality and authentic taste. The Sourdough, Country, and Cranberry Pecan loaves are particularly popular.
Wide Variety of Pastries: The pastry menu is extensive, featuring both classic French items like the Pain Au Chocolat and Croissant, as well as unique creations.
Exceptional Coffee: The café partners with Stumptown Coffee Roasters, ensuring high-quality and well-balanced coffee and espresso beverages.
Delicious Sandwiches and Tartines: The sandwich menu is a highlight, with options like the Black Forest Ham Baguette and Curried Chicken Salad Tartine, all made with their signature fresh bread.
Package Deals: For convenience and value, the bakery offers various package deals, such as the "Breakfast Box" and "4 Assorted Croissants."
Friendly and Efficient Staff: Customers consistently praise the staff for their positive attitude and excellent service, which enhances the overall experience.
Wheelchair Accessible: The bakery features a wheelchair-accessible entrance, making it a welcoming space for all patrons.

Contact Information

Address: 88 Essex St, New York, NY 10002, USA

Phone: (917) 261-2092

What is Worth Choosing

Choosing Café d’Avignon is a decision to prioritize quality, tradition, and a truly exceptional culinary experience. What makes this bakery stand out in a city overflowing with options is its deep-rooted commitment to the craft of baking. The fact that their bread has been a staple in some of New York's most prestigious restaurants for over two decades speaks volumes about its quality. This is not just a place to get a quick bite; it's a place to taste the difference that passion and expertise make. The menu is thoughtfully curated, offering a perfect balance of sweet and savory items, ensuring there's something to satisfy every craving at any time of day. From the classic elegance of their croissants to the hearty satisfaction of their sourdough bread, every item is a testament to their dedication. Furthermore, the overall atmosphere, with its friendly staff and relaxed vibe, makes every visit a pleasure. Whether you are a local picking up your weekly loaf or a visitor looking for an authentic New York bakery experience, Café d’Avignon offers an experience that is both simple and extraordinary. It’s a place that proves that a few simple ingredients, when treated with care and respect, can create something truly magnificent. For anyone who believes in the power of good food and the warmth of a great neighborhood spot, Café d’Avignon is an unmissable destination.

Café d’Avignon Menu

PASTRIES
French Apple Tart $7.75
Savory Cheese Amann $5.00
A buttery croissant filled with swiss cheese, lightly sprinkled with paprika, then rolled in a mix of seeds (poppy, flax, sesame, sunflower, pumpkin). This is the ultimate savory pastry.
Pain Au Chocolat $5.10
Dark chocolate sticks rolled up inside croissant pastry dough
Ham & Gruyère Croissant $6.35
Ham and gruyère cheese croissant topped with toasted sesame seeds
Almond Croissant $6.00
Almond-cream-filled croissant topped with toasted almond slices and powdered sugar *contains nuts
Cinnamon Kouign Amann $4.85
A buttery croissant rolled in cinnamon sugar to form a caramelized crust creating pockets of sweetness, a soft, moist center, and a crispy caramel-like coating on the outside.
Classic Croissant $4.50
Classic French croissant
Pumpkin Pie $40.00
Tangy Cream Cheese Pumpkin Pie in Gingersnap Crumb Crust Dairy, Egg, Wheat
Pumpkin Pie $32.00
Tangy cream cheese pumpkin pie in gingersnap crumb crust dairy, egg, wheat

CAKES
Honey Cornmeal Olive Oil Cake, Slice $6.30
Olive oil-based cornmeal cake then topped with wildflower honey syrup, lemon zest and sea salt flakes
Dark Chocolate Olive Oil Cake, Slice $6.30
Chocolate cake topped with cocoa and sea salt flakes, not too sweet with nice hints of olive oil
Banana Bread, Slice $6.30
Moist and tasty banana bread, topped with powdered sugar

SANDWICHES & TARTINES
Cranberry Pecan Roll $5.10
Vermont Cheddar & Sea Slat Butter on a Cranberry pecan roll
Black Forest Ham Baguette $10.50
Black Forest ham & sea salt butter on a PDA baguette
Curried Chicken Salad Tartine $16.30
Grilled chicken breast mixed with curry mayo, sliced almonds, currants, celery and mixed herbs (tarragon, chives, parsley) served on a slice of our sourdough toast. Comes with a side of greens & sherry vinaigrette on the side.
Turkey Croque $15.50
Turkey, sauerkraut, mustard and gruyere on toasted seed rye bread with side salad.
Croque Monsieur $13.50
Black forrest ham, béchamel, and gruyere on toasted sourdough. Add more items at an upcharge.
Avocado Toast $14.50
A thick layer of chunky mashed avocado topped with soft boiled egg and dill on a slice of our sourdough toast. Comes with a side of greens & vinaigrette on the side. Add more items at at an upcharge.
Salami & Pickle Baguette $10.50
Italian Salami, Dijon and Swiss on a PaD baguette
Veggie Croissant $8.10
Creamy goat cheese, roasted tomatoes and spinach on a classic croissant

Package Deals
Breakfast Box $49.75
Two blueberry scone, two chocolate walnut scone (contain nuts), two ham and gruyère croissants, two plain croissants, 1lb stumptown coffee beans, hairbender blend.
Snack Pack $19.75
Two dark chocolate chip cookie with sea salt, two cranberry pecan shortbread cookie (contain nuts), one piece honey cornmeal cake, one piece banana loaf cake.
4 Assorted Croissants $15.00
One classic croissant, one almond croissant (contain nuts), two pain au chocolate.
Breakfast Box With Eggs $53.00
Two blueberry scone, two chocolate walnut scone, two ham, and gruyère croissants, two plain croissants, 1lb stumptown coffee beans, hairbender blend, one dozen organic eggs.
6 Assorted Croissants $23.25
Two classic croissant, two pain au chocolate, two ham, and gruyère croissant.

BEVERAGE
Natalies Orange Juice $6.95
Sparkling Water $4.00
Vanilla Latte $5.25
Hot or iced.
12oz Drip Coffee $4.00
Still Water $4.00
Natalies Lemonade $5.95
Espresso $3.75
Cup of espresso.
Stumptown Original Cold Brew $5.95
The coffee is cold brewed without heat for 12 hours to create a complex, smooth and full-bodied brew with low-acid and a chocolate finish. Feelings of invincibility and euphoria are likely to follow. 12-oz cup, iced
Natalies Grapefruit Juice $6.95
Stumptown Coffee Roasters, Hairbender Blend Beans $22.00
The coffee that started it all for Stumptown. Hairbender is their most popular coffee with good reason --- it's sweet, complex and balanced. This blend will make your day no matter how you brew it. (14 oz bag of beans)
Macchiato $4.40
Two shots of espresso topped with a dollop of foamed milk 4-oz cup, hot
Tropical Iced Tea $3.45
Made with Palais des Thés, a fine French tea company. This iced tea is decaffeinated, naturally sweet with flavors of mango, pineapple and peach. Served cold 12-oz cup (no ice)
Cappuccino $5.00
Two shots of espresso with steamed, slightly foamy, milk 8-oz cup, hot
Latte $4.75
Hot or iced.
Americano $3.85
Hot or iced.
Mocha $5.00
Hot or iced.
Cortado $3.50
16oz Drip Coffee $4.00

SCONES
Dark Chocolate Walnut Scone $6.00
Chunks of chocolate and walnuts baked into a supple scone
Blueberry Scone $6.00
Fresh blueberries and lemon zest baked into a supple scone

SALADS & QUICHE
Curried Chicken Bibb Salad $16.30
Grilled chicken breast, celery, currants, toasted almonds, curry mayo, herbs and radish wedges served over a bed of bibb lettuce with sherry vinaigrette.
Quiche Lorraine $12.00
Swiss, Bacon, Shallots, with a seasonal salad.
Spinach Feta Quiche $12.00
Quiche baked with baby spinach, Greek feta, toasted almonds, currants and herbs. Comes with a side of greens & sherry vinaigrette (on the side).

BREADS
Rye Caraway Seeded (1lb Loaf) $7.00
Sourdough based loaf with caraway seeds dotted throughout. This bread is our own version on traditional New York deli Jewish rye. - Ingredients: whole wheat flour, filtered water, natural sourdough starter, dark rye flour, caraway seeds, sea salt, fresh yeast
Country (1lb Loaf) $6.30
This loaf is moist with a touch of rye for flavor. It has a thick textured crust. - Ingredients: bread flour, rye flour, sponge, sea salt, filtered water
Sourdough (2lb Loaf) $15.00
The king of all breads! This bread has a moist and silky crumb, with a distinctive but mild sour flavor, and a rich and chewy caramelized crust. Occasional holes in the crumb are the sign of a long and successful fermentation. - Ingredients: bread flour, whole wheat flour, sourdough starter, sea salt, filtered water
Cranberry Pecan (1lb Loaf) $9.50
A rich combination of cranberries and pecans which is both sweet and tangy. The crumb is dense and chewy, and the crust is sprinkled with flour and baked to a deep caramelized brown, punctuated by toasted pecans. - Ingredients: bread flour, sourdough starter, pecans, dried cranberries, sugar, baker’s yeast, sea salt, filtered water
Multi-Grain (2lb Pullman) $10.00
The ultimate health bread, packed with grains, a dense, regular crumb and a thick, durable crust -- it’s the perfect mix between chewy and crunchy. - Ingredients: whole wheat flour, sourdough starter, baker’s yeast, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, flax seeds, oats, honey, filtered water
Sourdough Seeded (2lb Loaf) $15.05
The king of all breads! This bread has a moist and silky crumb, with a distinctive but mild sour flavor, and a rich and chewy caramelized crust. Occasional holes in the crumb are the sign of a long and successful fermentation. This load has seeds inside and out: poppy, flax, sunflower, sesame, caraway - Ingredients: bread flour, whole wheat flour, sourdough starter, sea salt, filtered water
Traditional Baguette $4.75
Traditional French Baguette! *contains wheat
Brioche (1lb Pullman) $8.80
Soft and rich, regular delicate crumb and a thin crust baked to a deep golden brown, great for sandwiches, burgers and French toast - Ingredients: bread flour, milk, baker’s yeast, preferment, sea salt, eggs, sugar, butter
White French (1lb Pullman) $6.00
A light white loaf made for slicing. This bread has a denser, more regular crumb and a crust which crackles. - Ingredients: bread flour, sponge, baker’s yeast, sea salt, filtered water
Anadama (2lb Boule) $22.45
A traditional bread of New England, sourdough based, made with whole wheat flour and corn porridge (aka polenta) mixed into the dough, dark in color, strong sour flavor and very moist. This boule has a high water content giving in a 6-7 day shelf life home.
Multi-Grain (1lb Loaf) $7.00
The ultimate health bread, packed with grains, a dense, regular crumb and a thick, durable crust. It’s the perfect mix between chewy and crunchy. - Ingredients: whole wheat flour, sourdough starter, baker’s yeast, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, flax seeds, oats, honey, water
Raisin-Pecan (1lb Loaf) $9.50
A regular dense crumb full of plump raisins and crunchy pecans, and just enough sweetness, baked to a dark crusty brown. - Ingredients: bread flour, sourdough starter, pecans, raisins, sugar, baker’s yeast, sea salt, filtered water
Picholine Olive Baguette $4.00
Soft, open, airy crumb, filled with picholine olives and a little bit of fresh rosemary, matched with a soft, bubbly crust with a bit of crunch. Ingredients: bread flour, baker’s yeast, preferment, green olives, fresh rosemary, sea salt, filtered water.
Pane Francese (1lb Square) $6.30
Similar to ciabatta, but made with sourdough starter, a very open, moist irregular crumb, very soft, and a slightly thicker crust, baked to a dark-golden brown. Slightly sour and salty taste. - Ingredients: bread flour, sourdough starter, sea salt, filtered water
Kalamata Olive Sourdough (2lb Boule) $12.60
Light, colorful crumb, speckled with Kalamata olives and a floured golden crust. This bread smells deeply of the olives, has a slight sour taste. - Ingredients: bread flour, baker’s yeast, preferment, kalamata olives, sourdough starter, sea salt, filtered water
Ciabatta (1lb Loaf) $6.30
Ciabatta means old slipper in Italian. This loaf has a very open, irregular crumb, with a slight saltiness and a crisp, durable crust, coated with flour, baked to a very light brown. - Ingredients: bread flour, sponge, baker’s yeast, salt, water

COOKIES
Cranberry Pecan Shortbread Cookie $4.75
Buttery and soft shortbread cookie with cranberries rolled in chopped pecans *contains nuts
Chocolate Chip Cookie $4.00
Dark chocolate pieces and slivers baked into a soft cookie topped with Maldon sea salt flakes

Café d’Avignon Details

Service options
Delivery
In-store pickup
In-store shopping
Takeout
Dine-in

Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible parking lot

Offerings
Coffee

Dining options
Breakfast

Planning
Quick visit

Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments

Café d’Avignon Photos

Café d’Avignon Location

Café d’Avignon

New York New York County New York Essex Street

88 Essex St, New York, NY 10002, USA

Café d’Avignon Reviews

An average rating of ★4.3 from 138 user reviews.

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★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

Really great place. I was a bit rude, but the male server was incredibly nice. I loved his attitude and personality, and the coffee was delicious.Seating outside was fine. Would recommend chai unsweetened, lactose free milk (without additional charge), and a shot of espresso (+$2). For a total of ~$8.67
August 15 · Brenda
Café d’Avignon is an artisanal bakery café in NYC, founded by the same team behind Pain d’Avignon, the award-winning bread bakery that has been supplying Michelin-starred restaurants and top hotels for over 25 years. Bread is at the heart of everything they do, and they do it exceptionally well. The bread is impeccable. I particularly enjoy the small ham and cheese sandwiches they serve. The coffee is also excellent—strong and well-balanced. The staff is friendly and efficient, and the relaxed vibe of the café makes it an ideal spot for a quick breakfast or light lunch.
October 20 · carlos borges
Great service, pastry’s are great. I recommend the yoghurt bowl. Staff were lovely and super friendly
May 04 · Buster Hawksworth
**Long-time customer review — for management attention**I love this café. I’m here 3+ times a week because the coffee is excellent and most of the team is genuinely kind and professional.However, there has been a repeated issue with one employee that now warrants management review. The employee is a woman who says she is a supervisor, wears clear/transparent glasses, and whose name appears to start with “F.”**What has happened across multiple visits*** My drink is frequently prepared incorrectly (e.g., a large served as a small; “less ice” made as regular ice).* When I point out the discrepancy—often with the order visible on the receipt/app—I’m told it’s my mistake.* On a recent visit, after I picked up a few extra straws for my group, she challenged me with “How many straws are you taking?” and then cited a “one-straw-per-drink” policy I’ve never seen communicated. When I said I hadn’t been told that before, she gave a dismissive laugh. That is not an acceptable way to address a customer.**Why I’m concerned**Across visits I’ve noticed she is noticeably more cordial with other guests—especially Hispanic/Spanish-speaking customers—while being curt with me (I am Asian). I hope I’m wrong, but the pattern feels discriminatory, and that’s unacceptable anywhere, especially at a café I otherwise appreciate.**What I’m asking management to do**1. Review order logs and camera footage around the times of these incidents.2. Reinforce training on respectful communication and accurate order fulfillment.3. Clearly post or communicate policies (e.g., straw limits) so customers aren’t confronted over rules they’ve never seen.4. Reiterate a zero-tolerance stance on discriminatory behavior so every guest is treated with equal respect.I want to keep supporting this location, but this situation has become impossible to ignore. Please address it promptly. Thank you.
September 15 · Jiayi Wang
We were in NY for a week and had a hotel around the corner, and went for breakfast somewhere else once, but then went back to Café d'Avignon every morning. Such nice people in the service and such good things, good coffee and such lovingly prepared tea! Quite expensive for us (Germans), but it was worth every penny.Thanks again!
September 29 · Co He