When asking yourself about something to do near me in New York with a group of friends or family, consider
ANDO patisserie
Why ANDO patisserie is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Ando Patisserie, nestled in the East Village at 214 East 10th Street, is a charming bakery renowned for its unique blend of Japanese, French, and Asian-inspired pastries. This cozy bakery opened in August 2022 and quickly captured the hearts of locals and visitors alike with its refined flavors and high-quality ingredients. The bakery features an intimate setting with limited indoor seating, perfect for quick dessert stops or casual meetups with friends. Highlights include the famous matcha Basque cheesecake, praised for its delicate balance of sweetness and flavor, and the mango pomelo sago parfait, celebrated for its refreshing and innovative taste. Adjacent to a tranquil tea selection that enhances the dessert experience, Ando Patisserie offers a variety of treats like the sea salt cheese cream sponge cake, black sesame lava cream crepes roll, and taro custard profiteroles, catering especially well to Asian palates who prefer desserts that are not overly sweet. The bakery’s quality and inventive menu make it an excellent destination to gather, indulge in sophisticated desserts, and enjoy a cozy atmosphere in the bustling city environment.
Here's what people think of ANDO patisserie
As of recent, ANDO patisserie holds a 4.8-star rating based on 1987 reviews.
User reviews overwhelmingly praise Ando Patisserie for its exceptional pastries and unique flavor combinations, particularly highlighting the matcha Basque cheesecake and mango pomelo sago as standout items. Many reviewers appreciate the bakery's commitment to balanced sweetness, which suits Asian taste preferences, as well as the freshness of the desserts when enjoyed in-store versus delivery. Positive reviews often mention the bakery's cozy ambiance, friendly and fast service, and the quality of ingredients that elevate their dessert experience. Customers also enjoy the variety of Asian-inspired treats with French techniques, which sets Ando apart from typical New York bakeries. On the other hand, some critiques note the limited indoor seating and small selection of items on offer, wishing for a broader variety of pastries to choose from and more space to relax. A few reviewers mentioned that certain desserts, like the black sesame lava crepe roll, were somewhat overshadowed by other favorites like the Basque cake. Overall, the reviews reflect a strong customer satisfaction and highlight Ando Patisserie as a recommended spot for innovative, high-quality desserts that appeal to a diverse clientele. The positive comments about flavor and atmosphere far outweigh the minor drawbacks, making it a treasured bakery in the East Village community.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Cassia A
The oolong basque cheesecake is really good, but it’s a ridiculous price. The corn latte didn’t quite hit. I really liked the cheese foam on top!! But the latte itself was weirdly bitter - the corn and the coffee flavors didn’t quite jive. They have sago and a bunch of fun desserts. They’re just expensive. The basque cheesecake is a good gluten free option (at least I think it’s gluten free).
Cindy Song
We got the osmanthus oolong basque cheese cake and jasmine panna cotta and they were both sooo yummy and creamy. The osmanthus flavour was pretty light, which I actually prefer. The jasmine flavour of the panna cotta was pretty strong and super fragrant. The store is rlly cute too
Tina He
This shop is so unique and cute. I love the vibes and the unique selection of Asian desserts. Would come back again!
Henry Ruan Li
Absolutely love this dessert shop! The desserts are out of this world. I tried their signature Basque, and it was perfectly balanced—sweet, rich, and full of flavor. The presentation was beautiful, and you can tell they use high-quality ingredients. The staff was super friendly. If you have a sweet tooth, this place is a must-visit. Can’t wait to come back and try more!
Uzu
The desserts here are really good — definitely worth trying. That said, by the time I arrived (around 5 p.m. on a Sunday), many of the desserts were already sold out, so I’d recommend coming earlier for the best selection. Also, seating is limited and there’s no air conditioning, which can make it a bit uncomfortable on hot days. Still, it’s a charming spot overall if you can get there early and find a seat!
How to reach ANDO patisserie
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Why ANDO patisserie may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Ando Patisserie with your friends? This compact East Village gem offers an exceptional destination for anyone seeking a memorable, flavorful, and cozy gathering spot. With a stellar 4.8-star rating from nearly 2,000 reviews, it’s clear that Ando Patisserie has captured the hearts of dessert lovers in New York City. What makes this patisserie uniquely appealing for group meetups is its intriguing blend of Asian-inspired and classic European desserts, presenting a fresh taste adventure that sparks conversation and delight. Although the shop itself is small with limited seating, its intimate size lends a charming, neighborhood vibe perfect for friends who want to share an authentic and exclusive dessert experience. The cozy atmosphere combined with the fast, friendly service creates a welcoming space that encourages relaxed socialization over exquisite sweets and specialty lattes. Additionally, the patisserie’s location near parks and bustling city streets means groups can easily transition from a take-away dessert to an outdoor picnic or a casual stroll nearby, making it fantastic for both planned gatherings and spontaneous meetups.
What kinds of activities can groups enjoy at Ando Patisserie?
Even though Ando Patisserie is not a large sit-down café, it offers several engaging activities that make it ideal for group visits. First and foremost, sharing the patisserie’s signature desserts becomes a delightful group event. Famous for its Asian-inspired Basque cheesecakes—such as the Osmanthus and Coconut Latte Basque cheesecakes—friends can order a variety of flavors to sample and compare. This tasting experience turns dessert into a fun and interactive activity. Alongside these, the Earl Grey bubble tea egg tarts present a unique twist on classic pastries, offering a flavor profile that guests can discuss and enjoy together. Ordering multiple types fosters a sense of shared discovery, perfect for sparking conversations and creating memorable sensory experiences. For groups who appreciate beverages, Ando’s specialty lattes like the iced black sesame latte or jasmine coffee latte complement the desserts wonderfully, allowing everyone to find something that suits their palate. Thus, dessert tasting combined with curated drink pairings makes Ando an engaging destination beyond simply eating out.
Why is Ando Patisserie perfect for group meetups, despite its small size?
Though the interior space at Ando Patisserie is limited—offering only about five seats inside with no real counter seating—this limitation actually adds to its charm as a cozy, intimate venue. Instead of large crowds or noise, the small scale cultivates a relaxed and unpretentious atmosphere where friends can connect authentically without distractions. Many patrons prefer to buy desserts and drinks to-go, making it ideal for groups to collect their orders and head to a nearby park or a communal outdoor space such as Tompkins Square Park, just a short walk away. This flexibility is especially appealing in good weather when friends want to enjoy the vibrant East Village ambiance alongside their gourmet treats. Furthermore, having a destination with a strong identity and high-quality offerings makes the meetup feel special and curated, distinct from typical chain cafés. Ando’s unique fusion of Chinese flavors with classic French-style pastries gives groups a shared experience they cannot easily find elsewhere, strengthening the social aspect of the outing.
What makes the desserts at Ando so special for a gathering?
The desserts at Ando Patisserie stand out due to their sophisticated blends of flavors that draw on both Asian ingredients and European pastry traditions. For example, the Osmanthus Basque cheesecake is celebrated for its delicate floral notes that elevate the creamy texture, providing an exotic twist on a well-loved dessert base. Coconut latte Basque cheesecake pairs silky coconut jelly cubes with shredded coconut and espresso undertones, crafting a creamy yet refreshing profile that intriguingly balances sweet and bitter flavors. These desserts are not just tasty but also visually appealing, often presented in sleek minimalist packaging that adds to the modern aesthetic of the dining experience. Such attention to detail encourages sharing photographs and social media posts among group members, contributing to a collective memory of the meetup. Additionally, the bubble tea egg tarts bring a playful element to traditional pastries, combining the chewy tapioca pearls with a lightly savory custard base, which adds diversity to the tasting experience and sparks conversation on unique flavor combinations.
How accessible and convenient is Ando for group events?
Ando’s central location at 214 East 10th Street in New York City’s vibrant East Village makes it highly accessible for groups coming from various neighborhoods. The area is well-served by public transportation, including nearby subway lines and bus routes, easing travel logistics for meetups. The surrounding neighborhood is filled with additional amenities such as parks, shops, and restaurants, allowing groups to extend their time together beyond just dessert. Because the patisserie focuses primarily on take-away service due to limited seating space, it naturally suits the dynamic lifestyles of modern groups who prefer flexible gathering options. Whether planning a daytime meetup with a park picnic or a casual evening stroll with a latte and cake, Ando’s model integrates seamlessly into urban social life. The service staff are known to be fast, friendly, and accommodating, facilitating smooth ordering experiences for groups even during busy hours. This efficiency enhances the overall enjoyment and convenience when rallying friends at Ando Patisserie.
What types of groups and occasions are best suited for a meetup at Ando?
Ando Patisserie is an excellent choice for any group looking for a tasteful yet casual outing centered around gourmet desserts. It is ideal for close-knit friend groups, families with older kids who have adventurous palates, or coworkers seeking a unique spot for a casual after-work gathering. Because of its high-quality but slightly premium-priced offerings, it also makes for a special occasion venue such as celebrating birthdays, achievements, or catching up after a long time. The patisserie’s cozy vibe fosters intimate conversation and shared moments, perfect for bonding with people who appreciate culinary craft and novelty. Moreover, cultural enthusiasts who enjoy trying Asian fusion foods will find Ando a shining example of creative pastry innovation. Whether for a spontaneous meet or a planned event, the combination of exquisite desserts, friendly service, and a charming neighborhood setting makes Ando an outstanding meeting point to create joyful memories.
In summary, Ando Patisserie offers a uniquely flavorful, culturally rich, and cozy environment ideal for group gatherings. Its specialty Asian-inspired Basque cheesecakes and inventive pastries paired with specialty lattes provide a delightful tasting adventure that sparks connection and conversation among friends or family. Although the physical space is limited, this encourages alternative meeting styles like park meetups that complement and extend the experience. Conveniently located in the vibrant East Village and rated 4.8 stars by nearly two thousand reviewers, Ando is a reliable and beloved destination for those seeking an intimate, high-quality, and memorable spot to rally with loved ones.