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Chef David Zaquine to Expand Sweet Rehab's Parisian Pastry Magic
February 28, 2025, 1:15.17 pm ET

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Photo: Cititour.com

David Zaquine doesn’t just make pastries—he creates experiences. As the chef and owner of Sweet Rehab, a Parisian-style pastry shop tucked into the heart of SoHo, Zaquine has spent the last five years refining the art of indulgence. Open until midnight, Sweet Rehab caters to those late-night cravings, offering a selection of delicately balanced treats that are “lightly sweet,” as he puts it. Champagne flows, alongside rare teas imported from France, making it a destination for more than just dessert.


Photo: Cititour.com

A native of Paris, Zaquine arrived in New York nine years ago, eager to share his culinary expertise. “I came as a pastry chef and decided to open my business here,” he says. “I love SoHo. It’s a perfect mix between food, art, and that luxury vibe.” His passion for crafting beautiful, texturally complex pastries shines through in every bite. “I like when you have a lot of crunch,” he says, a philosophy evident in his signature mille-feuille and delicately crisp lemon tarts. Several types of eclairs are also offered including the Rehab Dark Chocolate and another topped with red berries, along with his Addict Brioche.




Photos: Sweet Rehab

At Sweet Rehab, quality is paramount. “Everything is fresh, we respect the seasons, and we use a lot of natural ingredients like honey and coconut sugar,” Zaquine explains. His team—whom he credits as fellow food lovers—shares his dedication to excellence. Before launching Sweet Rehab, Zaquine honed his skills at top establishments in France and the U.S., including the Plaza Athénée in Paris, Le Cinq at the Four Seasons Hotel George V, Paris, and Bagatelle in New York.


Photo: Sweet Rehab

Zaquine isn’t stopping at one location. This summer, he will open a second Sweet Rehab on the Upper East Side on 87th St between Lexington and 3rd Ave., followed by a third in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. “It is my passion. I love what I am doing,” he says. “Starting with just eggs and flour, and turning them into something beautiful—it’s amazing.”


Photo: Sweet Rehab

Beyond the pastries, Sweet Rehab’s ambiance is an extension of Zaquine’s Parisian roots. The intimate space, adorned with vintage decor sourced directly from France, transports guests to another era. Antique light fixtures, a brass-and-steel glass wall, and an original 1904 brick backdrop all contribute to the shop’s refined yet edgy aesthetic. Inside, just six cozy tables invite customers to slow down and savor the experience.


Photo: Sweet Rehab

At its core, Sweet Rehab is about more than just dessert—it’s about educating the palate and embracing the art of indulgence. With his expansion plans in motion, Zaquine is poised to bring his vision of refined, handcrafted pastry to an even wider audience. And for those in need of a late-night sugar fix? Sweet Rehab remains the ultimate destination.



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