Where to get GREAT macarons

Macarons in Paris

Top 3 in Paris

• Ladurée - The most famous macarons in Europe. The Salon on the Champs-Elysée is the largest (and most touristy) of the Tea Salons in Pari'. Avoid it and head to the original on La Rue Royal.
  
• Pierre Hermé - A stand out. Known for his unique flavour combos (Balsamic vinegar, white truffles with grilled hazel nuts, wild roses with fig, Wasabi and Grapefruit). Vogue called him "the Picasso of Pastry". His most famous creation, Ispahan, is an inspired combination of rose petal cream, fresh raspberries and litchi nuts cushioned between two rose flavored macaroons. He is extraordinary. Giséle Scanlon, globetrotting hunter of all things wonderful calls them "utter genius... instant joy", for her they secure the top spot en Pari.
• Lenôtre - One of the very best and certainly known for it! Famous all over the world, Lenôtre has many boutiques around Paris. Lenôtre also offers macaron master classes in their cooking school on the Champs-Elysée, it's pretty pricey though at 132 Euros for a 3 hour class.
  
  

  

Macaron's in London

Top 3

1. Ladurée at Harrods - A very expensive option, also, not surprisingly, full of tourists. But not back for picking up a Macaron to take home. and.... Ladurée at Burlington Ave - A much better choice than Harrods, closer to the Parisian Salons... plus its covered in gold foil... avoid it if you've got a hangover!
2. Macaron (22 The Pavement, Clapham) - A vintage hidden gem (there's no signage, look for the gold lettering "boulangerie" and "pâtisserie" and antiquey brown awnings). The macarons are fantastic! Plenty of colours and flavours to choose... from the traditional "vanilla" to the tropical "lychee". There's a great atmosphere here too, very kitsch and cutesy... floral china and a ceiling adorned with cherubs and clouds... oh and the staff wear burlesque style outfits.
3. Yauatcha - Some nice flavours with an Asian twist, think 'lemon cashew' and 'black bean'. Yauatcha don't do it quite as well as the Parisian's but it's worth popping in if you're in Soho, or better yet if you're at Yauatcha for Dim Sum, which really is fantastic (but very pricey).
   
   

   

Macarons in NYC

Top 3

1. Madeleine Patisserie - This place is a real vintage treat! Perfect for a first date...if you can get a seat. And the macaroons aren't bad either, actually they are very good ...a rainbow of colours (would you accept anything less?!). Lovely mismatched antique furniture add to experience. The snooty staff do not. But, still, these are the best macaroons to be found in New York without a doubt.
2. La Maison Du Chocolat - A good go to for a decent macaroon with adequate filling. The Caramel are the best. They ship their macarons in from France, which isnt quite as lovely as a freshly made variety but it's still pretty good. If you want to save some pennies, ask them to sell you a box of broken macaroons... there are plenty witheld from the counters due to being damaged or dented during shipping. (Go for the Madison Avenue branch)
3. Bouchon Bakery - Not amazing, but not bad for NYC. They do the standard flavours best, but can be a bit hit and miss. They are very large and flat which makes them a bit crispy. But if you're in the neighbourhood this is a nice place to get a spot of lunch and a macaroon or two. Their sandwiches are pretty tasty!
   
   

   

   
   
   A little note on Fauchon. This used to be the best place for macarons in NYC but the main store seems to have disappeared. Fauchon products (The original location is in Fr and would have been my no.4 á Paris) in 3 places in NYC at two "Food Emporium" locations (BridgeMarket & Third Ave) and at Sakura Shoji. I'm not sure if you can get their macaroons here, but it might be worth checking out.
   
   Payard Pâtisserie & Bistro and Macaron Café aren't worth bothering with.