Landmark NYC Bakeries Open in DC

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Giant Cookies, Cult Cheescake and more now available to DMV residents

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By Matt Yan | Photo courtesy Mah-Ze-Dahr | From the Edible DC Fall 2020 issue

Is it me, or is DC starting to feel a bit more like the Big Apple? That might be because two new bakeries with celebrated followings in New York City are now open for business. Whether you need a cookie, cheesecake or coffee fix, be sure to visit these sweet shops by way of our neighbors up north. 

Levain Bakery  

3131 M St. NW, Washington, DC 20007  

NYC institution Levain Bakery opened its doors in Georgetown in September. Co-owners Pam Weekes and Connie McDonald immediately fell in love with the breezy, open space on M Street, McDonald tells Edible DC.   Here, the smell of fresh loaves— like their country boule or seasonal pumpkin ginger spice cake waft throughout the store, but their famous cookies take the spotlight. Rightly famous for their giant cookies, the chocolate chip and walnut and dark chocolate-chocolate ooze with melted chocolate when broken in half. Catch the limited-edition café con leche cookie while you can: It’s a collaboration with Paola Velez, co-founder of Bakers Against Racism and Maydan’s executive pastry chef , who made this cinnamon-chocolate cookie with dulce de leche and cashews. It was inspired by her frequent trips to the Dominican Republic to visit her grandmother.  

 Mah-Ze-Dahr 

1201 Half St. SE Suite #105, Washington, DC 20003  

Just a scone’s throw from Nationals Park is Mah-Ze-Dahr, a New York bakery that serves up an Instagrammable pastry case. Popular picks include their heavenly cheesecake and famous donuts. The shop was founded by Umber Ahmad in 2014, and mah-ze-dahr is the Urdu translation of that feeling of je ne sais quoi, akin to “the magic or essence of something special,” Ahmad tells us.  

The chocolate explosion cookies are a must-try, rolled in powdered sugar, and with a texture like a brownie. Meanwhile, for something more traditional, try the chocolate chip cookies, made with cake and bread flour, giving the cookies a chewier texture with a delicate crumble quality. Or try one of Oprah’s favorite scones. The espresso bar is equally appealing with oat milk draft lattes from La Colombe. In partnership with Knead Hospitality, Mah-Ze-Dahr will provide desserts for The Gatsby, a classic American restaurant, adjacent to the bakery and set to open later this fall.