Papa d’Amour

In the heart of Greenwich Village, a new culinary landmark has emerged that bridges the gap between classic French pastry technique and the vibrant, soulful world of Asian bread culture. Papa d’Amour, located at 64 University Place, is the latest visionary concept from James Beard Award-winning pastry chef Dominique Ansel. Known globally as the creator of the Cronut, Ansel has moved into a more personal territory with this establishment. The name itself, "Papa d’Amour," translates to "Papa, my love," a term of endearment used by his two young children, who are of Taiwanese and French heritage. This bakery is a tribute to that blend of cultures, offering New Yorkers a menu that is daring, nostalgic, and entirely unique to the Manhattan landscape.

The atmosphere at Papa d’Amour is designed to reflect the warmth of a family kitchen where "there are no rules." While Ansel’s previous ventures often leaned into high-concept patisserie, this shop feels more like a neighborhood laboratory for "Asian bread culture." It explores the textures and flavors found in night markets and traditional bakeries across Asia—think mochi, taro, sesame, and scallions—and elevates them with the precision of a French master. For local users in New York, this spot has quickly become a destination not just for the "Instagrammable" aesthetic of the desserts, but for the genuine innovation found in every bite. It is a space that celebrates the intersection of heritage and imagination, making it a must-visit for anyone looking to expand their definition of what a bakery can be.

Location and Accessibility

Papa d’Amour is perfectly situated at 64 University Pl, New York, NY 10003, USA, tucked between 10th and 11th Streets. This prime Greenwich Village location puts it right in the center of one of the city's most historic and walkable neighborhoods. The bakery is surrounded by the academic energy of NYU and the sophisticated residential charm of the "Gold Coast" of Fifth Avenue. Its position on University Place makes it an ideal stop for a morning pastry before work or a mid-afternoon dessert break while exploring the nearby Washington Square Park.

Accessibility is a key advantage for this location. The bakery is just a few blocks away from major transit hubs, including the Union Square station (4, 5, 6, L, N, Q, R, and W trains), which provides seamless access for residents from all five boroughs. Additionally, the 8th St-NYU station and the Astor Place station are within a five-minute walk. For those who prefer the bus, the M1 and M2 lines run nearby. The shop maintains daily hours from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM, allowing both early risers and after-work commuters to experience the menu. While the interior is intimate, the flow of the shop is designed to handle the inevitable New York queues with grace, and the service is frequently praised for being welcoming and attentive.

Services Offered

Papa d’Amour offers a specialized range of services that cater to the diverse needs of the Greenwich Village community:

• Artisan Baking Program: A daily rotation of fresh-baked breads, including shokupan (Japanese milk bread) used for savory sandwiches and toasts.
• Signature Steam Station: A unique feature for a Manhattan bakery, offering steamed items like Croissant Bao filled with soft scrambled eggs and tomatoes.
• Custom Coffee and Tea Service: A curated drink menu featuring specialized lattes, such as the Vietnamese hot latte, and premium teas.
• Takeout and Quick-Service: Designed for the fast-paced New York lifestyle, with efficient ordering at the register for both food and drinks.
• Savory Sandwich Program: A selection of "sandos" including the crispy shrimp sandwich and various shokupan-based options.
• Gifting and Retail: Beautifully packaged items like jam jars and signature dessert pots that are perfect for local gifting.

Features / Highlights

Several distinct highlights make Papa d’Amour a standout in the competitive New York bakery scene:

• The Edible Sesame Pot: A culinary marvel featuring a jar made of edible material filled with rich, smooth sesame pudding.
• Mochi Donut Innovation: A variety of mochi donuts, including the "lace batter" donut, which provides a unique, chewy texture inspired by Asian snack traditions.
• The Salt Bread Bagel: A creative hybrid available primarily before 11:00 AM, though locals know to ask for it later as it is a frequent "off-menu" surprise.
• French-Asian Fusion Flavors: Use of ingredients like matcha, ube, mango, coconut, and taro, blended with traditional French lamination and butter.
• Dominique Ansel’s Pedigree: The quality assurance of a world-renowned chef, utilizing premium butters reminiscent of the finest Parisian patisseries.
• Cultural Homage: Menu items like the Steamed Croissant Bao pay direct tribute to classic Asian comfort foods like tomato and egg scramble.

Contact Information

For inquiries regarding daily availability or to place an order, the bakery can be reached via the following details:

Address: 64 University Pl, New York, NY 10003, USA

Phone: (917) 675-6151

Mobile: +1 917-675-6151

What is worth choosing

When visiting Papa d’Amour, the absolute standout and "must-have" is the Sesame Pot. Described as "the most interesting thing you'll ever have," this dessert features a pudding encased in a completely edible jar. It is a masterclass in texture and flavor, combining the nuttiness of toasted sesame with a silky, indulgent interior. For those arriving in the morning, the Salt Bread Bagel is a high-priority choice. While the menu indicates it is only available until 11:00 AM, it is often worth asking at the register if any remain, as the "perfect butter" used in its preparation makes it a local favorite that rivals even the best traditional bagels in the city.

If you are looking for something unique and "Instagrammable," the Matcha Souffle and the Lace Batter Donut provide a fun visual and textural experience. However, for a flavor that truly satisfies, the Mango Coconut jam jar is highly recommended over other fruit options for its balanced sweetness. If you see the Pretzel Salt Egg Tart on the counter, do not hesitate—it is a savory-sweet revelation brushed with brown butter. While the Vietnamese hot latte might be a "miss" for some palates, the rest of the drink menu, particularly the Yaki Mochi Hot Chocolate, is excellently crafted. A final word of advice for New York commuters: the jam jars and pudding pots are delicate and "don’t travel the best," so be sure to handle your bag with care as you navigate the city streets. Whether you are there for a quick mochi donut or a sit-down savory sandwich, Papa d’Amour offers a slice of Asian-inspired luxury that is well worth the trip to University Place.

Papa d’Amour

64 University Pl, New York, NY 10003, USA