MICHELIN Guide Ceremony 1 minute 07 November 2023

MICHELIN Guide Inspectors’ Favorite Desserts in New York

The 3 sweet treats our illustrious Inspectors couldn't get enough of.

Dessert. It’s the last word, the sweet send-off, the goodbye kiss—and it just so happens to be one of our Inspectors’ favorite courses. They’ve sampled, savored and devoured plenty of delicious treats but some of their favorites this year are far from your average piece of cake. From creative takes on the classics to not-too-sweet treats, here are three of our Inspectors’ favorite desserts in New York this year.


Café Mars
Olive Marble Cake

A square of cake that looks like a typical marbled brownie, but as this kitchen excels at, the expectation is always flipped in some way. The lighter cake was a sweet olive oil pound cake batter while the darker was a black olive cake, which was more salty than sweet. It was finished with amaretto-soaked cherries and whipped cream. It was creative, and it came together well.

Patrick Dolande/Cafe Mars
Patrick Dolande/Cafe Mars

Bad Roman
Tiramisu Ice Cream Cake

Bad Roman may be on a lot of Instagram posts as of late, but there’s no questioning the desserts, especially this tiramisu ice cream cake with its distinct layers of sponge cake, vanilla ice cream, a thin layer of chocolate chips and espresso ice cream. It’s a proper wedge with clear flavors at every level—and shockingly easy to finish in its entirety.

Christian Harder/Bad Roman
Christian Harder/Bad Roman

The Modern
Mascarpone Sabayon with Espresso and Amaretto

A sophisticated interpretation of tiramisu, comprised of a creamy light base of mascarpone and delicate chocolate sponge, capped off with a crisp chocolate tuile and quenelles of a light espresso ice cream and malted milk chocolate crémeux. This dessert offers a lovely balance of coffee, chocolate, and sweet dairy flavors with a light touch, while the note of liqueur and spice lend a bit of intrigue.

Photo: Pastry Chef Nick Henn/The Modern
Photo: Pastry Chef Nick Henn/The Modern

Hero image: Nick Glimenakis/Café Mars

Thumbnail: Patrick Dolande/Cafe Mars


Keep Exploring - Stories we think you will enjoy reading

Select check-in date
Rates in CAD for 1 night, 1 guest