For this edition of Guide to Greenwich, I visited Raphael’s Bakery, Something Natural, and Patisserie Salzburg to determine which location sells the best macarons. I judged each macaron bakery on taste, price, restaurant ambience, and proximity to Sacred Heart Greenwich.
Raphael’s Bakery
Raphael’s Bakery, located about 15 minutes from Sacred Heart, immediately stood out thanks to the large French flag hanging outside. I visited around 12:00 p.m. on a Thursday. Upon walking into the bakery, the smell of fresh pastries baking welcomed me, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Although parking availability was minimal, the bakery itself felt charming and cozy. There were only a few customers inside, and I waited in line for about two minutes before ordering.
I purchased six macarons for a total of $17.71, making Raphael’s the most expensive of the three locations. I chose the raspberry, pistachio, and vanilla flavors. Raphael’s macarons had a crisp outer shell with a light crunch when bitten. The raspberry had a bright, fruity flavor that tasted fresh and slightly tart, while the vanilla was smooth and subtle with a creamy center. The pistachio had a mild nutty flavor, though it was slightly dry and was the most crumbly of the three. I sat at a small table by the window, which made the experience feel more like a traditional café visit rather than just a quick stop.
Something Natural
Something Natural, a small bakery and deli that was surprisingly hard to find, offered a very different experience from the other locations. It was a 16-minute drive from Sacred Heart to Something Natural, which is located behind Saks Fifth Avenue on Greenwich Avenue and has a small sign. I visited around midday and was the only customer in the store, with no line or wait time. The space felt more like a casual deli than a traditional bakery, creating a quieter atmosphere.
I ordered pistachio, lemon, buttercream, raspberry, and chocolate macarons, which came to a total of $13.46, making it the most affordable option. While the macarons did not have the delicate texture typically associated with French pastries, they were still enjoyable as a simple dessert. Instead of a light crunch and soft interior, they were denser and sweeter than expected.
The pistachio had a mild nutty flavor, the lemon was very sweet, and the chocolate was rich and filling. Although the flavors were not as distinct or refined as those from the other bakeries, Something Natural offers a more affordable option for anyone looking to try macarons in a more casual, convenient setting.
Patisserie Salzburg
My final stop was Patisserie Salzburg in Rye, New York, about a 17-minute drive from Sacred Heart. I went at 4:00 p.m. on a Tuesday and met extremely friendly staff. I was the only customer in the store, so there was no wait, and the experience felt personal.
The pastry displays immediately stood out, featuring a wide variety of French baked goods, from fruit tarts to cream-filled pastries. I spent $15.60 on my macarons, placing Salzburg in the middle price range. The macarons were visually beautiful, with smooth shells and vibrant colors.
In terms of taste, Salzburg’s macarons were soft and balanced, with a slightly chewy interior. The flavors were subtle and not overly sweet, making them easy to eat. However, while they were enjoyable, they lacked the strong, memorable flavors of Raphael’s.
Winner
After visiting all three bakeries, I concluded that Raphael’s Bakery had the best macarons overall. While Something Natural was the most affordable and Salzburg offered a pleasant experience, Raphael’s stood out for its authentic texture, balanced flavors, and true French bakery feel. The crisp shell and flavorful fillings made Raphael’s macarons the most satisfying and memorable, making it the best stop for anyone looking for high-quality macarons in Greenwich.
Featured Image by Avery Quake ’26
