Magnolia Bakery - Central Park South — Restaurant in New York

Alright, Magnolia Bakery, let's have a little chat about your banana pudding. We heard all the buzz about it up here in New York, and my daughter, bless her heart, was really looking forward to a taste that reminded her of home. Now, where we come from, banana pudding is a classic – ripe bananas, vanilla wafers, and a custard that's rich and comforting. It's a simple pleasure, done right.

So, we got our little cup, all neatly layered and looking quite appealing. But honestly, one spoonful in, and my daughter's expression just dropped. "Mom," she said, "this isn't like real banana pudding."

It was incredibly sweet, almost overwhelmingly so. Not the pleasant kind of sweetness, but the kind that makes you wince a bit. And the banana flavor? It tasted distinctly artificial, more like a banana candy than actual fruit. My poor girl was hoping for that homemade comfort, and instead, it felt a bit... manufactured.

Now, if you enjoy very sweet desserts with a strong, perhaps less natural, banana flavor, then you might be perfectly happy. But for those of us who appreciate the authentic, comforting taste of a traditional banana pudding, this might not hit the mark. My daughter's still talking about needing a proper Southern banana pudding to make up for the experience. Just a thought, Magnolia, maybe stick to what you do best with...

Dropped by Magnolia Bakery on a sunny May afternoon, which turned out to be a solid people-watching opportunity thanks to their outdoor seating. It’s a prime spot if you like your dessert with a side of pedestrian theater.

I tried their famous banana pudding — the one people rave about like it’s life-changing. And honestly? I get it. If you’re into soft, borderline mushy textures (I am), this one hits the mark. Creamy, sweet but not cloying, with just enough sponge to pretend there’s structure. That said, eating a heavy, dairy-forward dessert on a hot day? Maybe not my brightest idea. Felt like my internal temp rose a couple degrees by the end.

I grabbed a lemonade to balance it out, but… it was kind of there. Cold, sure. Tart-ish. Not offensive, but not memorable either.

Inside, the bakery gives modern country housewife energy — think white trim, pastel accents, and the faint whiff of nostalgia. No indoor seating though, so the outdoor tables are really your only hangout option. Staff was sweet, like the banana pudding, just less creamy.

All in all: cute, classic, and a decent NYC dessert stop — just maybe don’t banana pudding yourself...

Another iconic food spot in New York that definitely lives up to its reputation! We decided to try their famous banana pudding, and it’s absolutely worth a taste. The flavor was rich, creamy, and perfectly balanced with just the right amount of sweetness. If you’re visiting New York, this is a dessert you should absolutely add to your must-try list—it truly captures the essence of comfort food done right.

While we didn’t try anything else on the menu, the other items didn’t particularly stand out visually. That said, the focus here seems to be on their signature banana pudding, and they certainly deliver on that front.

The only downside? The price. At around six dollars for a very small portion, it does feel a bit steep. The serving size is truly tiny, and if you’re looking for something more substantial, you might be left wanting. Still, the quality and flavor make it worth the splurge, especially if you’re a fan of banana-based desserts.

Overall, it’s a spot I’d recommend for anyone visiting the city. While it might not become your go-to for value, it’s a fun indulgence that captures a little slice of what makes New York food...