Cafe Riviera Greenpoint: Brooklyn's Authentic Polish-European Bakery Gem

Cafe Riviera Greenpoint Introduce

Introduction / Overview

Cafe Riviera Greenpoint

is a quintessential Brooklyn bakery, a cherished neighborhood gem that brings the authentic flavors of a Polish-European patisserie right to the heart of Greenpoint. Operating primarily as a bakery, it has cemented its reputation among local New Yorkers as a premier destination for high-quality, authentic, and remarkably balanced baked goods. While the menu offers a few surprising savory items like specialty

Calzone

and

Stromboli

, its core identity, and what truly sets it apart, is its extensive selection of fresh-baked European pastries and cakes.

The experience at Cafe Riviera is defined by exceptional quality that often surpasses expectation, particularly given its budget-friendly pricing. Customers rave about the workers being

polite and welcoming

, creating a friendly atmosphere that encourages repeat visits. The pastries are noted for not being

overly sweet

, showcasing a careful, professional touch to the baking process—a dedication sometimes attributed to the owner's reported studies in French baking. This commitment is evident in the flakey shortbreads, moist chocolate truffles, and cinnamon rolls described by connoisseurs as quite possibly

the best ever had

The Cafe Riviera experience is built on a "remarkably good food and bargain prices" philosophy, making it a beloved institution. Although its physical space is acknowledged as more utilitarian than a sprawling, leisurely cafe—with limited seating often occupied by regulars—the perfect solution is to grab a delightful coffee and a handful of precious delicacies to enjoy at nearby

McCarren Park

, which is just steps away. This bakery is truly one of those

underrated places that makes you wonder why!

once you've tried it.

Location and Accessibility

Cafe Riviera Greenpoint is conveniently located at

830 Manhattan Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11222, USA

. Manhattan Avenue is the main thoroughfare of the Greenpoint neighborhood in Brooklyn, providing easy access via local buses and a reasonable walk from the nearest subway station, making it a highly accessible spot for both daily commuters and weekend visitors from across the boroughs.

While the vibe is noted to be more of a quick stop than a place to linger for extended periods, the essential service options cater to a fast-paced New York lifestyle. The primary service options are

Takeout

and

Dine-in

, allowing customers to either grab their treats quickly or enjoy them at one of the limited tables. Essential operational features include the acceptance of modern payment methods:

Credit cards, Debit cards, and NFC mobile payments

. The establishment is geared toward a

Quick visit

, ensuring high-quality products are delivered efficiently to its loyal and rapidly growing customer base.

Services Offered

As a dedicated bakery, Cafe Riviera Greenpoint focuses primarily on high-quality baked goods and a few savory options:

Bakery and Patisserie: Offering a vast selection of
Polish and European cakes, tarts, and pastries
, including traditional Polish cheesecakes, poppy seeds rolls (Makowiec), and French-inspired croissants.
Breakfast Service: Primarily offered through their baked goods, pastries, and coffee, the bakery is a popular choice for New Yorkers to start their day.
Savory Food Items: A surprising addition to the bakery menu, offering lunch and dinner options such as
Special Calzone
(e.g., Cafe Famous Special, Ultimate Veggie),
Special Stromboli
, and Italian-American favorites like
Spaghetti and Meatball
.
Coffee and Beverages: Serving a range of hot and cold drinks, with
Coffee
being a central offering to pair with their renowned desserts.
Takeout and Dine-in: Providing the convenience of
Takeout
for enjoying treats elsewhere (such as McCarren Park) and limited
Dine-in
seating.
Kids Menu: A small menu section tailored for younger patrons
Under 12
, featuring simple, kid-friendly options like
Kids Buttered Noodles
.

Features / Highlights

Cafe Riviera Greenpoint is distinguished by several features and products that New Yorkers consistently celebrate:

World-Class Cinnamon Rolls: Consistently hailed as potentially
the best ever had
, described as buttery, flaky on the outside, tender and moist on the inside, and sweet without being cloying, all at an incredible value of
$3.00 each
.
Non-Overly Sweet Pastries: A major highlight appreciated by patrons, as the baked goods—from the shortbread to the cheesecake—achieve a perfect balance of flavor without being sugary or overwhelming.
Exceptional Desserts: Famous for its rich and moist
Chocolate Rum Truffles
and a vanilla pudding-filled
Shortbread pastry with blueberries or raspberries
featuring a "work of art" crust. The plain
Cheesecake
is celebrated as being so good it
stands on its own
.
Authentic Polish and European Patisserie: Offering a genuine taste of Central European baking traditions, including favorites like
Paczki
(Polish donuts) and
Makowiec
(Poppy Seed Rolls), which are staples in the Polish community.
Bargain Prices: Provides
Remarkable food and bargain prices
, offering an unparalleled value proposition in the otherwise expensive NYC food scene.
Friendly and Professional Staff: The workers are consistently described as
polite and welcoming
, contributing significantly to the pleasant experience.

Contact Information

For local users in New York looking to visit or place an order with this beloved Greenpoint bakery, here is the direct contact information:

Address: 830 Manhattan Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11222, USA

Phone: (718) 383-8450

Mobile Phone: +1 718-383-8450

What is Worth Choosing

Cafe Riviera Greenpoint is worth choosing for any New Yorker in search of genuinely superior baked goods, particularly if you appreciate European-style pastries where flavor and technique trump excessive sweetness. This establishment excels in its core competency: the art of the patisserie. It offers a rare blend of

Remarkable food and bargain prices

that is increasingly hard to find in Brooklyn.

The primary reason to visit is to indulge in their celebrated items. The

Cinnamon Rolls

are not merely a recommendation; they are a culinary experience that has led one customer to call them the best they've ever had, a testament to the bakery's high standards. Similarly, the

Chocolate Rum Truffles

are a must-try for chocolate enthusiasts, and the shortbread pastries demonstrate an attention to crust and filling that elevates them beyond typical fare. Furthermore, the commitment to Polish and European baking traditions offers a delightful cultural experience, with specialties that connect deeply with the Greenpoint neighborhood's heritage.

For those concerned about the limited dining space, the proximity to

McCarren Park

transforms the experience from a quick stop into a charming neighborhood ritual—pick up a coffee and your selection of precious delicacies, and enjoy them in a scenic setting. Cafe Riviera is a true local gem, providing authentic, expertly crafted baked goods that will undoubtedly earn a spot on any New Yorker's list of favorite hidden bakeries.

Cafe Riviera Greenpoint Vibe

Starters and Appetizers
Garlic Butter Knots
Comes with sauce
Riviera Fries
Fries with Bacon, Cheddar and Ranch

Riviera Salads
Add extra dressing for an additional charge
House Garden Salad
Add grilled chicken, shrimp, Italian tuna in oil or meatballs for an additional charge
Antipasto Salad
Assorted meats, cheeses, olives, tomatoes, cucumbers, roasted peppers and giardiniera vegetables

Special Calzone
Large size only. Includes ricotta and mozzarella
Cafe Famous Special Calzone $14.95
Cheese, pepperoni, mushrooms, sausage, peppers, onions, olives
Ultimate Veggie Calzone $14.95
Mozzarella with a medley of fresh garden veggies, garlic and oil

Special Stromboli
Large size only. Includes mozzarella
Cafe Famous Special Stromboli $13.95
Cheese, pepperoni, mushrooms, sausage, peppers, onions, olives
Ultimate Veggie Stromboli $13.95
Mozzarella with a medley of fresh garden veggies, garlic and oil

Kids Menu
Under 12
Kids Buttered Noodles $6.95
Kids Spaghetti and Meatball $7.95

Cafe Riviera Greenpoint Details

Service options
Takeout
Dine-in
Delivery

Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible parking lot

Offerings
Coffee

Dining options
Breakfast

Planning
Quick visit

Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards

Cafe Riviera Greenpoint Photos

Cafe Riviera Greenpoint Location

Cafe Riviera Greenpoint

New York Kings County Greenpoint Manhattan Avenue

830 Manhattan Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11222, USA

Cafe Riviera Greenpoint Reviews

An average rating of ★4.6 from 418 user reviews.

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★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

One of those underrated places that makes you wonder why! Just come here once and get anything and you'll be coming back for more. This is genuinely my go-to spot for pastries. Nothing is overly sweet. The workers are always polite and welcoming.The chocolate rum truffles are incredibly rich and moist. So chocolaty and satisfying. Another favorite of mine is the round shortbread pastries filled with delicious vanilla pudding with either blueberries or raspberries. The shortbread crust is a work of art. I also always get the cheesecake (the one without the apples on top). It’s so good that I prefer to enjoy it on its own, without any added flavors.. it really stands on its own.Apparently, the owner flies to France frequently to study baking, and that passion shows in the pastries.I guess it’s not as popular as it should be because of the space itself. It’s not really the kind of place you sit and relax with your coffee and pastry. The tables line the wall, right next to the line of waiting customers, and are usually occupied by elderly regulars who’ve long finished their pastries and sit for hours reading newspapers and chatting.That said, McCarren Park is just steps away, so you can always take your treats there and enjoy these precious delicacies in a more scenic setting!
July 29 · Olivia Wilson
In my opinion, this is one of the places that I’m always searching for: Remarkable food and bargain prices. My wife and I only ate their cinnamon rolls but they were quite likely the best I’ve ever had and I consider myself to be a cinnamon roll connoisseur (I also make my own but it takes me almost 2 days make them). The cinnamon rolls at Cafe Riviera Greenpoint were buttery and flaky on the outside, tender and moist on the inside and sweet without being too sweet. At $3.00 each, they’re the bargain of the century. In a sad, mean way, I’m almost glad that I don’t live close to Cafe Riviera Greenpoint - if I did, I know I would weigh over 600 pounds in no time!
May 19 · Neal Schneider
Perfect little coffee shop. Atmosphere and service are both amazing and the prices are even better. The food is all so good is hard to not just buy one of everything. It's definitely one of those places that's hard to find in New York City these days. If you get the chance, pop in and enjoy some baked goods, coffee, and incredible ambience.
April 28 · Maxwell Bank
Cafe Rivera has a cozy, laid-back vibe with a distinct Polish touch. The bakery is very Polish, as are the friendly staff, but the pastries are French-inspired, offering a delicious fusion of flavors. Their lattes are excellent, and it’s a great spot to relax or get some work done. Definitely worth a visit if you're in the area!
September 08 · Nathan Lin
Be careful what you’re paying for.If you choose to pay by credit card, debit card, or over the phone, Cafe Riviera will add a 4% surcharge to your bill—without informing you in advance. This is not only poor customer service but also a violation of New York law, which requires businesses to clearly and conspicuously display the total price, including any credit card surcharge, before the customer completes the transaction.Additionally , it is not legal in New York to charge a fee for debit card payments, surcharging debit cards is prohibited. I used debit card to pay for the product.When I brought this up to the owner, she responded sarcastically, saying, “How much extra did you have to pay? One dollar?” Is only one dollar! She also claimed that they always inform customers about the fee. That’s simply not true. I’ve been to this café multiple times and have never been informed about this surcharge until I questioned it myself.To the owner:It takes years of hard work to earn loyal customers, but it only takes one careless moment to lose them. This isn’t about the $1—it’s about how you treat customers . Your customers are the reason your business exists and thrives. Respect them.By the way... Since you say it's only one dollar (that's not that much) why don't you cover the transaction costs?)
June 27 · W Martel