The 15 Most Instagrammable Cafés in New York City

Instagram really changed how we think about holidays. Sure, a destination has to be warm, pretty, interesting, enjoyable. Now, it also needs to be Instagram worthy. How so?

Places must provide great photo opportunities. Beyond that, the places must be eye-catching and like-grabbing. Therefore, they must also be instagram-famous. And so, most of us research our holiday destinations just to make sure we will be able to take that shot.

No, this is obviously not the only reason why we are going there. If the place does not provide a good photo opportunity? Never mind. If it does, however, jackpot!

Although we do like a floral background and cherry trees, we also enjoy good food and good cuisine. Which, again, will require some research as well. But what if you were to hit two birds with one stone? By combining amazing food with a very Instagrammable spot?

Take New York City for example. Amazing city with so many places to see, monuments to visit. Turns out, the city also has a lot of Instagrammable cafés and restaurants. Should you be visiting, we want to make sure you know where to go. 

This is why we put together this list of the 15 most Instagrammable cafés in New York City. You'll thank us later.

1. L'Appartement Sézane

You probably have heard of French brand Sézane before. The brand is taking the fashion world by storm with a chic yet minimalist Parisian style. The aesthetic? Neutral tones, romantic designs and sleek lines. Even Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge, is a fan.

Paris, of course, has its own Sézane store. London does too, in Notting Hill. New York City is not left behind as it has its own Appartement Sézane in Nolita, Lower Manhattan.

Not only is the store in one of the trendiest areas of the city, it also has one of the most Instagrammable floral displays in the city. Florals, vegetal constructions, cute little benches, vintage vespa and bistro tables, it is a complete scenery that strongly recalls Italy.

You can shop, and you can also enjoy an afternoon tea with French pastries as L’Appartement Sézane is also one of the most Instagrammable cafés in New York City. Indoors or outdoors, the place is the perfect backdrop for a fashion photoshoot or just that picture that will go up on your Instagram feed.

Where: 254 Elizabeth St, New York, NY 10012

2. Ralph's Coffee, Upper East Side

Ralph’s Coffee is a bit of an institution in New York City. The brand is all over the city after all. Fixture of the Upper East Side, it is close to Central Park and gives all the Gossip Girl vibes. Social media star and favorite backdrop of style influencers, Ralph’s Coffee simply is Ralph Lauren’s restaurant.

You will find several branches in the city, however the most famous one is indeed in the Upper East Side. On Madison Avenue and 72nd Street, each corner of that intersection is occupied by a Ralph Lauren store.

As one of the most Instagrammable cafés in New York City, Ralph Lauren’s is mostly famous for its outdoor sitting area. However, the indoor space is just as pretty and perfect for photos in winter. The brand has its own coffee roaster and makes one of the most delicious coffees in town.

Perfect for a photoshoot and for a good cup of coffee, this place got it all.

Where: 888 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10021

3. While We Were Young, Greenwich

Picture this. A high ceiling, white walls, sparkling chandeliers, pink velvet furniture and a cosy yet intimate atmosphere. Marble on the bar top, pastels everywhere and a oh-so 20 feel. No, you did not get back in time. You just got into While We Were Young.

Reminiscent of days past with a luxurious feel, not only is While We Were Young one of the most Instagrammable cafés in New York City, it is also the perfect place for brunch. Or late lunch. Just look at the place. Who would not want to sip cocktails there?

The look, the drinks, the food, everything makes you say yes. Indeed, as much as we enjoy an avocado toast, for the price we are going to pay, we still want to make sure it is good. Being Instagram-worthy is not enough. Yes, While We Were Young is a bit pricier than the other options in this blog post.

It remains a must-see though!

Where: 183 W 10th St, New York, NY 10014

4. Pietro Nolita, Nolita

Pink. I like pink. Who does not?

Pietro Nolita is all over Instagram. It probably is one of the most well-known Instagrammable cafés in NYC. A star on social media, a backdrop favorite of fashion bloggers, it is mostly recognizable by its pink outdoor store front and neon sign.

This place is all about pink, sweet moments and delicious food. Italian inspired, big plates are pasta based yet still Instagram worthy. What would you say about heart-shaped butternut squash ravioli?

In the mood for cocktails? Pietro got you covered. Drinks in shades of pink and purple, everything is made to please the eye and your followers on Instagram! And if you are looking for a place that will provide other photo opportunities, know that L’Appartement Sézane is just down the street.

Where: 174 Elizabeth St, New York, NY 10012

5. Sprinkles, Upper East Side

If you are a fan of baking shows like The Great British Bake Off, you may not be a stranger to Sugar Rush. Available on Netflix, one of the judges on the show is Candace Nelson. She is mostly known for being the co-founder of Sprinkles.

Sprinkles is a cupcake company from California. Now, nothing exceptional about that, isn’t it? Just be patient, it is not all. Maybe you’ve heard about cupcake ATMs? Unlike a regular ATM, it is not money that it gives you but cupcakes.

The concept is quite revolutionary and blew so out of proportion that now, the brand is mostly known for it. It is fast, it is convenient and if you are an introvert who doesn't like to speak to people, it is perfect for you!

The cupcake ATM is a very popular backdrop for Instagram photos and there is why it made it to our list of the most Instagrammable cafés in New York City!

Where: 780 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10065

6. Angeline Paris USA, Bryant Park

Another institution but of the Parisian landscape this time. Angelina Paris was founded in Paris (that is in the name) in 1903 on Rue de Rivoli. Famous for its delicious and artistic patisserie, the little café became so big, it opened a branch in the Galleries Lafayette, Paris’s most renowned department store.

Favorite of locals, it is also a must-see should you visit the French capital. But guess what, New York now has its very own branch! From the outside, the cafés does not look that Instagrammable, not gonna lie. However, from the inside, it is an entire other story.

Black and white checked tiling, white walls with intricate moulding, high ceiling, huge mirrors and fresco, this place is the ultimate Parisian chic experience. The pastries are also amazing, including the world famous macarons.

For brunch, late lunch or le goûter, Angelina Paris USA has everything you need and is one of the most Instagrammable cafés in the city! You better get there early though as it is always very crowded.

Where: 1050 6th Ave, New York, NY 10018

7. SERRA by Birreria, Madison Square

Do you like the taste of Italy? Looking to get some Italian food but don’t know where to go? Why not check out Eataly? It is THE place to go for all things Italian, including wine, cheese, charcuterie and more. That is not all however!

At the top of the Eataly building sits a rooftop restaurant called SERRA by Birreria. What is so special about it? Well, first of all, the view of the city, which is spectacular. Second of all, the floral display that changes with the season.

SERRA by Birreria is one of the most Instagrammable places in the city and you’ll get to take some amazing pictures! While enjoying an amazing dining experience with delicious food and cocktails. If you were looking for a place to sip some Aperol Spritz, look no further!

Where: 200 5th Ave, New York, NY 10010

8. Ladurée, Soho

Do we actually need to introduce Ladurée? The brand is quite famous and has been featured in some iconic movies and TV shows. Gossip Girl and Marie-Antoinette for starters! You’ll see those Ladurée macarons everywhere!

With several locations across New York City, it may be difficult to know where to go. All locations have a very cute boutique layout and decor. However, it is Ladurée Soho that is one of the most Instagrammable cafés in New York City.

Because it has a Secret Garden. Yes, it does. Bistro tables, cherry trees, mountains of macarons and the loveliest decor makes for a very unique outdoor experience.

Where: 396 W Broadway, New York, NY 10012

9. Cha Cha Matcha, Flatiron District

Cha Cha Matcha has a nice ring to it, doesn’t it? A happy name for a happy place. You probably have heard of this café or seen it on social media. It has quite a recognizable store front and indoor layout.

Cha Cha Matcha is indeed one of the most Instagrammable café in New York City. It looks pretty with tiles and walls of emerald and pink. The drinks are colorful and Instagrammable themselves. Plus, this place is super famous in LA and NYC.

Are you a fan of Matcha? Then, this place is for you. Lemonade, latte or tea, you’ll find something you like. And all in shades of pink and green please. Not only is the location Instagram worthy, but everything about it is too.

Where: 1158 Broadway, New York, NY 10001

10. Felix Roasting Co, Nomad

Another very picturesque place that is all about the visuals. A cosy yet muted atmosphere with a unique vibe. Tables with copper accents and pink velvet armchairs. Gold chandeliers hang at the ceiling and a hand-drawn mural screams of the late 19th century.

We’ve got back in time. It is the end of the Gilded Age and the beginning of the Reconstruction Era. Actually no, that is Felix Roasting Co. Located on Park Avenue South, Felix Roasting Co is like an immersive exhibition in a coffee shop.

Redefining the definition of “coffee break” and a must do in the Big Apple, the place is one of the most Instagrammable cafés in New York City. 

Where: 450 Park Avenue South, New York, NY 10016

11. Dylan's Candy Bar, Midtown East

Dylan’s Candy Bar may not sound familiar. Simply because it is not that well-known outside of the New York City boundaries. You may have spotted the place in some TV shows though. Take Gossip Girl, Season 2, Episode 15. Dan and Vanessa are in a candy shop, talking about Lily and Rufus.

Well, that candy shop indeed is Dylan’s Candy Bar.

Founded by Ralph Lauren’s daughter Dylan, it offers a huge selection of candies of all sorts. You can also sit down at the café and have a drink. Very colorful and unusual as a café, you’ll get to take some amazing and fun photos.

Where: 1011 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10065

12. Café Medi, Lower East Side

If you miss traveling and are craving Mediterranean food, we’ve got the place just for you. Offering French, Italian and Spanish cuisine, Café Medi is a bit of an institution in Lower Manhattan. With a cosy atmosphere, you’ll feel like you’ve flown to Europe to get some delicious food.

Located in the Lower East Side, Café Medi actually is within Hotel Rivington. Open all day, it has a lot of options for brunch, lunch and even dinner. If you are in the playful mood or out with the girls, get the bottomless brunch. You will not regret it.

Like all other very popular places, Café Medi is constantly booked out so you better be on the waiting list early in the morning or go on a weekday.

Where: 107 Rivington St, New York, NY 10002

13. Milk and Roses, Brooklyn

Are you a book lover? Because if you are, we’ve got the perfect place for you. It is in Brooklyn, more specifically in Greenpoint. Just a short ferry ride away across the East River from Kips Bay, Milk and Roses’ walls are covered in books.

All books at that. Books always look amazing in the back of a photo. If you are not that much interested in the photo opportunity, know that the cocktails are absolutely fantastic and the outdoor space amazing.

A must-see and one of the most Instagrammable café in New York City, it is also located in a super nice area that will get you out of manhattan.

Where: 1110 Manhattan Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11222

14. The Blue Box Café, Midtown East

Haven’t we all seen ourselves in Holly Golightly’s shoes from Breakfast at Tiffany’s? The book? Amazing. The movie? Audrey Hepburn gave life to that character. What if we told you that you can actually have breakfast at Tiffany’s?

We are not joking! The Blue Box Café is located within the Tiffany & Co store on Fifth Avenue. Like the name suggests, it is blue. The walls, the furniture, everything is made of that Tiffany blue.

Brunch, lunch or afternoon tea, the place is ideal for an afternoon out with the girls. We do love the England inspired afternoon tea with English scones, clotted cream, jam and finger sandwiches. You better book early though as it is a very popular Instagram worthy destination!

Where: 27 5th Ave 4th Floor, New York, NY 10022

15. Flour Shop, Lower Manhattan

If you are a lover of bright colours, rainbows and unicorns, this place was made for you. Founded by Amira Kassem, Flour Shop not only is one of the most Instagrammable cafés in New York City, it is also an Instagram-worthy bakery.

Everything inside was made with Instagram in mind. Not a single inch of space is not made for pictures. The colorful cakes, the unicorn cakes, the rainbow walls will look amazing on Instagram and your pictures will sure get all the likes!

Even if you don’t feel like staying, you can always grab a cupcake or a whole cake, bring it home, and take your picture then.

Where: 177 Lafayette St, New York, NY 10013

New York City has a lot of Instagrammable cafés and photo opportunities. With this list of 15 ideal candidates for your next Instagram photoshoot, we believe you'll find something that will work for you. If not, the food and drinks in each of those locations are amazing and still very much worth it!