A short walk from the bustle of Canal Street sits Frenchette Bakery, a Tribeca destination that has quietly earned a reputation for exceptional French breads, pastries and café fare since opening in late 2020. Located inside the historic Merchants Square Building at 220 Church Street, the bakery has become a favorite stop for locals, visitors and dedicated pastry lovers seeking classic French baking with a contemporary New York flair.
Frenchette Bakery emerged from the space once occupied by the iconic Arcade Bakery which closed in 2019. When Arcade’s owner retired, chefs Riad Nasr and Lee Hanson, the duo behind the popular Tribeca brasserie Frenchette, seized the opportunity to continue the legacy of quality baking that Arcade had established.
The bakery focuses on traditional French viennoiserie, such as croissants and kouign-amann, along with rustic country breads and seasonal baked goods. Standout items include the pistachio croissants, croissant au jambon, baguettes and artisanal breads.
Rating: 8.7
Location: 220 Church Street
Website: Frenchette Bakery
Frenchette Bakery effortlessly produces pastries that maintain the lofty standards of French baking in a casual setting. The cozy, corridor style interior invites both quick takeaways and relaxed café visits. Many popular items often sell out quickly in the morning and there can be a long line during peak hours.
The pastries are the reason most people come, and they deliver with remarkable consistency. The croissants are balance perfectly, crisp without shattering, rich without being heavy, and layered precisely. Take the first bite and Tribeca gives way to something unmistakably Parisian.
