New York
/
Guides
/
Top 7 Cozy Cafés on the Upper East Side: Your Guide to the Best Coffee Spots
Los Angeles
/
Guides
/
Top 7 Cozy Cafés on the Upper East Side: Your Guide to the Best Coffee Spots
San Francisco
/
Guides
/
Top 7 Cozy Cafés on the Upper East Side: Your Guide to the Best Coffee Spots
Washington DC
/
Guides
/
Top 7 Cozy Cafés on the Upper East Side: Your Guide to the Best Coffee Spots
Austin
/
Guides
/
Top 7 Cozy Cafés on the Upper East Side: Your Guide to the Best Coffee Spots
Chicago
/
Guides
/
Top 7 Cozy Cafés on the Upper East Side: Your Guide to the Best Coffee Spots
Miami
/
Guides
/
Top 7 Cozy Cafés on the Upper East Side: Your Guide to the Best Coffee Spots
Seattle
/
Guides
/
Top 7 Cozy Cafés on the Upper East Side: Your Guide to the Best Coffee Spots

Top 7 Cozy Cafés on the Upper East Side: Your Guide to the Best Coffee Spots

The Upper East Side in Manhattan is known for its classic charm, tree-lined streets, and timeless elegance, but it's also home to some of the coziest, most aesthetic cafés in NYC. Whether you're looking for a peaceful spot to sip on a perfectly frothed cappuccino, grab a pastry before heading to Central Park, or set up with your laptop in a stylish ambiance, these UES coffee shops have got you covered.

From French-inspired cafés with delicate pastries to hidden gems serving up strong espresso and house-made treats, here are the best coffee shops in the Upper East Side where you can enjoy great coffee in a warm, inviting setting.

list

4.6

of 5.0

(282)

Image source
Tom Erke

Madame Bonté Café

Madam Bonte Cafe brings a little piece of Paris to the Upper East Side with its charming ambiance and incredible coffee. The ham, egg, and cheese croissant is a must-try, pairing perfectly with their expertly made cortado. Whether you're stopping in for a quick espresso or lingering over a French pastry, the cozy yet refined setting makes this spot a favorite.

4.0

of 5.0

(279)

Image source
John Maull

Gotham Cafe

Gotham Cafe has been a neighborhood staple for over 20 years, and it’s easy to see why. This no-frills spot offers strong coffee, a variety of bagels, and an impressive selection of vegan treats. The matcha here is a standout, and their pastries and cookies make for the perfect afternoon snack. The space itself is welcoming, with small tables and plenty of seating, making it a great place to relax with a book or catch up with friends.

4.4

of 5.0

(292)

Image source
Shukhrat Maks

Le Reveil - Upper East Side

Le Reveil is a small but stylish coffee shop located right in front of the Q train escalators, making it the perfect pit stop for your morning caffeine fix. The atmosphere is rustic yet modern, offering a cozy space to enjoy freshly brewed coffee and their famous Dubai chocolate. Their pastries are always fresh, and if you’re looking for a laid-back place to sip an early-morning espresso, this is it.

4.5

of 5.0

(30)

Image source

Colomba Bakery

If you’re on the hunt for a great cappuccino and some seriously good pastries, Colomba Bakery is a must-visit. Their almond croissants are flaky and rich, while the savory croissants stuffed with sausage and eggs are the perfect breakfast on the go. The warm, inviting space makes it a great place to linger, whether you're sipping on a creamy oat milk latte or grabbing a quick espresso at the counter.

4.8

of 5.0

(346)

Image source

Ella’s Cafe - Upper East Side

Ella’s Cafe is the kind of spot that keeps regulars coming back. Their pancakes are fluffy, the shakshuka is rich and flavorful, and the smoked salmon sandwich is a generous portion that won’t disappoint. The vibe is relaxed, and the staff is always friendly, making it a great place to stop by for brunch or grab a latte to-go. The atmosphere feels effortlessly cool, perfect for a laid-back weekend morning.

4.9

of 5.0

(142)

Image source

Cositas Cafe

Cositas Cafe is a gem for those who love Colombian flavors and a cozy, welcoming atmosphere. Their empanadas are a standout, packed with bold flavors, and their rollito de jamón y queso (ham and cheese roll) is the perfect balance of flaky and savory. The coffee is always fresh, and the friendly staff makes you feel right at home. It’s the kind of place where you stop for a quick coffee and end up staying longer than expected.

4.6

of 5.0

(215)

Image source

PlantShed - Upper East Side

PlantShed is the ultimate cozy café, offering not just great coffee and pastries but also an aesthetic backdrop of lush greenery. With plenty of seating, soft music, and an airy, relaxed vibe, it’s an ideal place to unwind. Bonus points for the fact that it’s dog-friendly and even offers dog treats—so bring your pup along while you sip your latte and admire the plants.