Not-so-Frugal Desserts in NYC (That Are Worth Every Penny)

As a Frugal Foodie, distinguishing between “cheap” and “good value” is crucial.

Cheap means low cost. We’re talking $1 slices, $1.50 cookies, or perhaps one of THESE NYC eats for under $2. Good value means that the product is worth what you’re paying. Something that’s cheap can be a good value, but something that’s a good value isn’t always cheap. I.E a $1 slice with nothing but cheese and a $10 fancy pants slice topped with a ball of burrata could both be a good value, but only one is cheap.

22 year old Katie was a cheap-at-all-costs sort of gal. 30 year old Katie, however, is able and willing to pay a bit more for good value. But there’s a problem– you don’t know if something is a good value until your cash is long gone and your teeth have sunk into that *insert food item here*.

Lucky for you, my hungry friend, I’ve put in the leg work so you don’t have to.

Here are 3 desserts in NYC that aren’t frugal, but they are worth every penny.

1. The Figo gelato from Figo Gelato, $6.00 for a small cup with two flavors

On Figo’s website they say “Gelato is not just a simple food, but it must know how to give you emotions, it must make you feel like when you were a child, you enjoyed it in a hot afternoon.” And let me tell you, the figo flavor featuring ricotta, caramelized fig, and amaretti will make you emotional.

The texture is mind boggling thick and creamy and the flavors are deep and sophisticated. Figo makes it’s gelatos in house with only the freshest ingredients, and you can taste the difference. It’s one of the best desserts in NYC, and well worth the not so frugal price tag.

2. Mochi Donut from Win Son Bakery, $5

If mochi and a donut walked into a bar and really hit things off, the mochi donut would be their child. A great mochi donut is dense and chewy with a bit of bounce. Added flavors should be subtle and complimentary, not overwhelmingly sweet. I went through a mochi donut phase, and I can confidently say that the mochi donut from Win Son Bakery in Brooklyn is the best in NYC.

The donut has the perfect texture, and the cinnamon-sugar coating has warm spices as well as a hint of salt. It’s truly exceptional, and well worth $5.

3. Loomi Babka from Librae Bakery

Librae Bakery combines flavors from the Middle East with cooking techniques from Copenhagen to make one-of-a-kind baked treats that are unlike anything your taste buds have had the privilege of trying. I’ve raved about Librae’s pistachio almond croissant in posts past. But I recently gave this loomi babka a crack and WHOA BABY is it something special.

Loomi is a dried lime that is often used in middle eastern dishes. It adds a light and bright pop of citrus that gives the mega moist babka, making for a baked treat that is one of the best desserts in NYC (although I suppose some might say it’s not actually a dessert… but let’s save that debate for another time.)