Acclaimed Jewish-Style Bakery Opens Upper East Side Shop

UPPER EAST SIDE, NY — Upper East Siders craving rugelach, challah or babka will have a new, prestigious local spot to try starting this week, when Michaeli Bakery opens its doors in Yorkville.

The popular Lower East Side establishment is opening its second location Thursday at 401 East 90th St., just east of First Avenue, taking over a long-vacant storefront that was formerly home to K&G Hardware.

It is helmed by chef-owner Adir Michaeli, who hails from Israel and previously served as head baker at the acclaimed Breads Bakery, where his famous chocolate babka drew crowds and topped rankings.

Since opening his own venture downtown in 2019, Michaeli has specialized in classic Jewish pastries, plus European-style items like croissants, danishes and quiche; American-style cookies; and a slew of vegan and gluten-free options.

The Upper East Side bakeshop will feature an identical menu, Michaeli told Patch. Burekas, a savory Israeli pastry, will be baked fresh every weekday, as will other baked goods ranging from hamantaschen to "pastry galil" — a signature item that includes goat cheese, za'atar and honey. Challah will be baked every Friday, in keeping with Jewish tradition.

The new location is larger than Michaeli's Lower East Side shop, with a row of stools and a counter facing the street. The open-kitchen layout was designed to put the oven front-and-center for customers, sitting directly behind the cashier.

"You look up and the oven is right in front of you," Michaeli said. "It’s like, in your face."

Drinks include coffee from Irving Farm, with lattes as a particular highlight, Michaeli said.

The shop will open at 9 a.m. Thursday — about six months after Michaeli first took over the 90th Street storefront.

"It looks good, and I’m happy about it," Michaeli said.

Learn more at Michaeli Bakery's website.

Have an Upper East Side news tip? Contact reporter Nick Garber at nick.garber@patch.com.