Iconic New York bakery famed for its cookies set to open first OC outpost

Cookie fans rejoice: an iconic NY-based bakery is opening in Newport Beach this fall.

Levain Bakery, beloved for its gooey, slab-thick cookies, will make its Orange County debut this September at the Fashion Island mall.

Levain began in 1995 as a small bread shop on West 74th Street; in the three decades since, the company has developed a devoted fan base and now operates ten locations in New York as well as outposts in Maryland, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Illinois, and Florida.

The Newport Beach opening marks Levain’s latest California location, joining its roster of storefronts in Beverly Hills, Larchmont Village, and Venice.

“We have always felt that Levain brings people together, and our LA Bakeries have shown us that Southern California agrees,” commented Levain co-founders Pam Weekes and Connie McDonald in a joint release.

The pair added that the Newport Beach location feels like a natural next step for their brand.

“We can’t wait to open our doors at Fashion Island,” they emphasized.

While no official opening date has been announced, the location will be at 315 Newport Center Drive, near Macy’s and Sushi Roku.

The Newport Beach location will also offer “full barista service,” offering cappuccinos, cold-foam drinks, matcha and lattes.

Levain bills its cookies as the treat to reach for whether to “celebrate, commemorate, comfort or console.”

Flavors run the gourmet gamut and include Dark Chocolate Chocolate Chip, Chocolate Chip Walnut, Oatmeal Raisin, Raspberry Pistachio, Caramel Coconut Chocolate Chip and Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Chip.

Levain describes its cult favorite confections as flaky, moist, and savory, striking the blessed textural balance between “decadently crispy on the outside and gooey in the middle.”

“You never forget your first — and you’ll always want another,” they emphasized.

Levain recently made the list of NY Post’s best cookie delivery services, taking top honors for best thick cookie.

Earlier this month, Levain announced their exclusive Crate & Barrel collaboration, featuring a line of cookie-inspired pieces including cookie jars, wide-mouth milk glasses for cookie dunking, dish towels, and plates.

As per usual, Redditors had thoughts about the new SoCal locale, with many pointing out that other California-based bakeries offer equal or superior sweets.

“Paderia Bakehouse makes a much better version of these cookies!” said one commenter.

“Mid,” said a second critic.

“Extremely overhyped,” remarked a third.

“Foodologie in Long Beach has the most amazing cookies. Their S’mores cookie is on a whole other level!” argued another.

One cookie angel supplied a Levain dupe recipe for those who would rather bake their own.

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