This will come as a surprise (it did to me), but aside from having incredible pastries and decadent breads, Belleville has the best pizza in town. Hands down no competition-- the crust is incomparable, I would eat the red sauce by the spoonful. Trust me, try it. read more

Firstly, there's a few 15 minute parking spots around Belleville. Secondly, the space is real cute but real small. I got the raisin au pain and it was fabulous. Their base dough is good but almost everything looked overcooked. Is that the intent? If so, maybe it's not my place but I am glad I tried it. A little on the pricey side for pastries but I'm not an East Ender so I also probably won't be back again soon. read more

Belleville - Bakeries Near Me - Portland, Maine

Believe me, BLVL is simply one of the best patisseries ever. I had the pleasure to order and indulge in a box full of memorable treats. In this time of COVID, I took advantage of the online ordering option for pickup at opening. This ensured I would get to try everything my heart ever so desired. Croissant, Chocolate Croissant, Cardamom Bun, Pain au Raisin, Seeded Zucchini Bread and the famed PIZZA!! We lucked out as they just started pizzas again on our visit. Bless. Everything was divinely memorable. So much so as we have a friend currently in Maine as I type this and I am honestly considering asking him if I were to place an order for pick up would he bring us treats back home to PA with him. Everything was that good. Wrapping up this review with the need to give a HUGE shout out for truly wonderful service from the ever so sweet Bea. I will say that their pre-order pickup situation sucks as you still need to wait it the super long line to pickup your preordered-waiting-and-ready-for-you-items (which is totally ridiculous, I really hope they change that). I called while I was in the long line waiting for my preordered-waiting-and-ready-for-you-items and a sweet voice picked up the phone, calmly listened to my concern, verified my order was there and ready, told me she would be able to run it out to me and to meet her across the street. INCREDIBLE service and hospitality by an employee who was empowered to go above and beyond during what was probably their typical weekend morning hustle and bustle. BLVL, you are lucky to have an employee like Bea. Bea, thank you for the memorable service, truly appreciate your kindness. read more

Belleville - Bakeries Near Me - Portland, Maine

Once you try a croissant from Belleville, you'll never be able to look at those soggy atrocities from Starbucks (let alone those even sadder looking ones in plastic bags at the gas station) ever again! They're known to sell out on busy days, so it's best to go early in the morning if possible - you have some more leeway on weekdays. The corner bakery is filled with natural light and the decor is simple to keep all eyes on their incredible pastry case filled with baked delights. There were many varieties to choose from including pastries with chocolate, ham and cheese, or fruit-filled. I decided that I needed to go with the classic croissant, however, and I wasn't disappointed. It's huge, flaky, buttery, and slightly more crispy on the outside than I was expecting - but it was a thing of beauty! The only croissant I've had that beats it for me was at Arsicault bakery in San Francisco... But Belleville was a very close second. It was perfect with my self-serve drip coffee, and made even better by the smile and friendly helpfulness of the guy behind the counter. I can't wait to come back for their pizza as well! read more

Belleville - Bakeries Near Me - Portland, Maine

See all

We were up in Acadia staying at an amazing Bed and Breakfast and we let the owners know we were driving down to the Portland the next day. Looking for recommendations they provided a couple of restaurants but hands down said we MUST go to Belleville (it was also just a block away from the apartment we were staying at ) With only weekend hours (Friday - Sunday) we had to wait all week to check out the bakery but luckily fit it in on Friday morning ahead of our drive home. It was worth the wait. We pre ordered about 6 different items and couldn't resist adding the plum, raspberry, hazelnut cake to the order while I was picking up the order. That might have been the best decision I made all day, it was the perfect consistency and so delicious. All of the pastries were very good but the kougin-amann was my favorite. It had amazingly flaky pasty but a sweetness to it that you don't get in their regular croissants. The cardamom bun is worth a try as well as the almond croissant. Find some friends to get a big box of pastries with so you can taste a bunch of things. I think my least favorite was the ham and cheese croissant, it was a little light in the filling but still incredibly flaky and delicious if you're more into savory items. Highly recommend going on your next visit to Portland. If you can, bring your pastries and coffee down to Eastern Promenade for a nice morning breakfast overlooking the water. read more

Honestly, the pear almond Danish I got here was one of the best pastries I've ever eaten. Extremely crispy and flaky and rich, with a nice pastry cream in the middle. I got pizza, too (two for one Tuesdays!) which was also great. read more

Belleville - Pear almond Danish - Bakeries Near Me - Portland, Maine

I just finished the best almond croissant of my life. And the cardamom bun. And the Swiss chard turnover! If you're in Portland and have even a passing appreciation for mind-blowing pastries, hit this place up. read more

Of all the excellent bakeries in Portland, this is one of our favorites. The pastries, including the croissants, are better than some I've had in Paris. Standouts include the cardamom bun and the perfectly-balanced apple cider-glazed breakfast bun, not too sweet! read more

I was able to get here opening day and am sad I haven't had time to go back since. Friendly staff. Delicious pastries and bread. (I got a few plus a loaf of bread.) Reasonable prices. They also serve pizza and other goodies which I hope to enjoy in the coming weeks as our weather gets better. read more

The egg in the croissant was a godsend! Pastry was cooked perfectly and it was so hard to choose just one pastry. The staff was SO helpful and friendly. The owner asked me how I enjoyed my pastry. It's also a gorgeous sun filled location. Cons are that the seating is limited but if you get there when it's empty, you're golden. They also have Tandem Coffee! Check this spot out, it's a gem. read more

Belleville - Bakeries Near Me - Portland, Maine

See all

Having experienced wonderful food in Europe, including France and Italy, I knew how a perfect croissant would look and taste like. This place is a real deal! Everything I've tried so far has been fantastic, authentic and super delicious. I would highly recommend this place read more

Granted we arrived her 30 minutes before closing Only to come upon a locked door. There were still people inside drink coffee so we thought the door was stuck and we tried the door again. The young lady behind the counter rolled her eyes at us walked over, unlocked the front door and opened it for us and before we can even finish walking over the threshold she proceeded to mumble "we only have a palmier left unless you want some coffee" I then asked oh so you are already closed? And she repeated herself a palmier left unless you want some coffee" I asked her what the palmier was as I was not familiar with it and she looked at me annoyed. I happened to look up at the person at the window above the cashier and she furrowed her brow in annoyance and laughed at my question. As soon as we made eye contact she stepped behind the wall laughing. My sweet husband tried to salvage the tense atmosphere an ordered a vanilla latte. I paid for his drink. Waited for his drink and walked out the place without looking back. It's a shame that's how these ladies choose to treat their customers on this day. And I guess it was my fault to assume that they would actually be open during their posted hours of operation. In regards to the vanilla latte... it's little on the light side... not great but not horrible either. This review is more about their service and how that effects the ambiance of this bakery. read more

OMG OMG OMG OMG!!! These were the finest, most delicious, perfect pastries I have ever eaten. The beauty of the pastries was eye catching. We ordered six and tried them all. The cardamom bun with the pastry cream is the most delectable and tasty treat I've experienced. The almond croissant was perfection. Each and every pastry was the best example of its kind and the addition of cardamom to those we tried blew us away!!! Do not pass up the opportunity to try these pastries. read more

Really excellent bakeries. Hate to say it, but better croissant than anything I had in Paris... really interesting pastries too with some unusual flavor combinations. read more

Besides the fantastic long history Standard Baking Co., Belleville is another great hidden gem bakery surprised me. I'm bias on croissant ish pastries, so I believe BLVL is on my top list of croissants (another is Arsicault Bakery in San Francisco, also a hidden-gem, and no one is in charge of its IG) in the US. Amy and Chris the duo life and business partners gave up their corporate America jobs, just turn into Quote from its website "BLVL is just product of a simple love story: - Mainer meets Frenchie, who marry and together dream of opening a bakery. They move to Paris, learn to bake, and eventually settle in Mainer's hometown to raise a family and open a bakery. A historic storefront at the top of Munjoy Hill becomes available and the dream becomes real. - Belleville opened its doors in October 2017. The bakery focuses on laminated pastry and pizza. Follow your dreams kids!!" I came to BLVL on a Tue morning around 9am, right across the Portland Observatory (open May-Oct only). Only found the almond croissant was already sold out, I was told you can call them to hold your wanted pastries next time though. Guess just not my lucky day~ So I ended with the Apple Danish, I request to heat it up, and they do did the favor (slow re-baking like 6-8min). IT was so splendid! So buttery and fruity at the same time. Then I bought chocolate croissant and Cruffin (croissant & muffin hybrid mix) for next morning. decide to come back for its lunch special sour-dough pizza, while wandering the Munjoy Hill top neighborhood to kill time. PS: do check out its business hours before you go...the hour settings are very European, lol. read more

Best almond croissant I've had! ChocoTe croissant was good but needed chocolate throughout it a little better. The pizza was excellent! Highly recommend read more

Great neighborhood bakery with many delicious options. Grab a coffee and croissant and head down to the bay to enjoy the breeze. The chocolate chip cookie and croissants are absolutely delicious. read more

Picked up a cappuccino and 2 pastries - pain du chocolate and cinnamon bun. Both were so fresh and delicate! I wanted to revisit before I left Portland but it didn't open early enough. read more

This is a great new pastry shop on the East end. The location is great, staff friendly, and ambience inviting. Would recommend if you are looking for a place to go. My regret was I did not take any pictures and recently had breakfast before coming so we only got a few things. read more

See all

If it was ever acceptable to curse very loudly in a public space this would be where that would occur. Heaven in your mouth. Best croissant I've ever tasted. Perfect crispy layers. This is perfection of pastry in Portland. The establishment is also gorgeous inside. Windows & woodwork stunning. Go now! Don't delay! read more

Belleville - Egg & cheese croissant - Bakeries Near Me - Portland, Maine

This is an amazing bakery. They do their croissants in the true French style so they are very crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. If they have the egg croissant, do not pass it up! read more

I finally managed to get here during their rare open hours, and it was beyond worth the effort. I got a kouign amann, a plain croissant, and a morning bun, and I'm not ashamed to admit that I devoured all three in the car on the way home. Almost before I pulled out of my parking spot around the corner. Perhaps the kouign amann was my favorite, but they were all so high on the delectability scale that it ceased to matter. The flavor, the texture, the flakiness, the butteriness...OMG. If I ever manage to get there when they are open again I plan to try the cardamom bun, because I adore cardamom and it sounds unreal. read more

Four stars simply because I haven't had the pleasure of trying the baked goods, YET. I did however have the BEST slice of pizza here. It was the Pistachio (Fresno?) something something and it was freaking awesome. Cute little place! Not a ton of seating but they do have counters at the window to stand at and people watch so mama was happy. I'll be back for those baked goods. read more

Belleville - Bakeries Near Me - Portland, Maine

Let me just start by saying I LOVE THIS PLACE. Quite possibly the best croissants you'll be able to find in the Portland area. Their pizza is also out of this world, I often enjoy a slice of the rosemary fig or the margarita. Though, everything they have is absolutely delightful, along with the staff. Such an adorable spot for a little snack! read more

Belleville - Margarita pizza - Bakeries Near Me - Portland, Maine

See all

Exceptional food. Best croissants you'll find outside France. Staff were very nice even when super busy. Went 2x during our stay in Portland. read more

Honestly and truly, the best and most wonderful experience I've ever had with fine pastry/croissants and such. I've kicked around France, lived in Manhattan and grew-up in New Orleans, all while sampling the French croissant. Chris and wife (and staff) have literally brought a little corner of old world Paris right here to Portland, and they deserve all the accolades they receive. Whether you're a tourist or next door neighbor, I can't suggest enough that you stop into this little shop and see for yourself. I'm glad these folks found their way here. read more

I was so excited when I heard all they hype about a traditional French-style bakery, mostly because I knew that would mean they would make Kouign Amann, something no bakery in Portland sells (to my knowledge, please prove me wrong, somebody?). I finally checked it out this morning. I loved the big windows, light, airy, clean atmosphere with the simple, minimalist spread. They show you just enough of each offering to not be overwhelmed and to make it clear what the options are. Sometimes bakeries with mounds of their goods overlapping each other at various heights etc can look like a wonderland of baked dough but can be kind of overstimulation and causes me to tell the person behind the counter, "I'm going to need a few minutes..." So, I tried the kouign amann (KA from here on out) and have to say it left me disappointed. If I had never had one at all, (and especially if I had never had an incredible one), I might have thought, "this is great! Layers of baked dough, what's not to like?" But I have had KAs with unreal layers of subtle complexity: dark, crispy carmelized bottoms that add texture to each bite alongside the light fluffy croissant-like interior. Everyone has different tastes though, this KA just didn't do it for me for the price. However, I haven't given up and I do plan to try some of the other enticing goodies and hope to be more blown away. If I'm not, when I want this kind of fare I'll keep heading over to standard baking for that. read more

We walked into Bellville with the intention of buying two croissants and getting on with our day after that. They were so good we took another to go. Then, when we couldn't break away, we decided to share a slice of lunch pizza before leaving, and added a sandwich to our to-go order as well. Clearly we're obsessed with everything BLVL has to offer! Can't wait to visit again on our next trip. read more

Belleville - Perfect mushroom and gruyere pizza! - Bakeries Near Me - Portland, Maine

Nice place. Tried the Kouign Amann & a piece of Cherry Tomato Pizza Al Taglio. The KA was Pretty Darn Good. Reminds me of the ones I love in SF. The Pizza was okay. We were a bit disappointed by how tough the crust was. Perhaps we shouldn't have requested that it be reheated? read more

I took a little study break and went to get some pizza and salad with a friend. We got the arugula pizza and arugula pizza and we felt pretty healthy after that lol :P The pizza was light, thin and crispy... exactly how we like it :) read more

See all

Do yourself a favor and run here right now from Standard Bakery. The croissant here is fantastic! It runs Steep at $4 per pop (for the non-plain one) but well worth it. I also loved the pitaschio danish. No take away please because you have to enjoy the croissant when it's still Fresh and crispy. read more

Belleville - Pitaschio chocolate danish and chocolate croissant. To die for! - Bakeries Near Me - Portland, Maine

Ok Belleville you are officially my go to spot for croissants as of this past weekend. I arrived just before 8 A.M. opening on Saturday and a line had already started to form, no doubt the well-deserved mention in Bon Appetit had something to do with this....anyways, the doors opened and I stepped into heaven. Everyone was all smiles and eager to help and serve you. The shop itself is adorable. I'm coming back for an almond croissant. I had to get the seasonal blueberry danish because low bush blueberries are life. It. Was. Amazing. Thank you Belleville for such wonderful treats! I need to come back and try the pizza as well as I've heard wonderful things. Go here. You will not be disappointed! read more

Belleville - Blueberry danish - Bakeries Near Me - Portland, Maine

Five stars because it's the only bakery in town that deserves the good reputation. Excellent croissants. I loved the chocolate croissant. The staff was lovely as well. I only wish they were open more days and with longer hours, but I understand it is tricky. read more

Such such such such incredible croissants. I have not had the chance to try the pizza but I'm sure it would be just as good. The croissants are so perfectly done they are (in my opinion) best in Portland, surpassing my old favorite Standard Baking which I did not think could be done. Worth the trip. read more

Belleville - Plain croissant - Bakeries Near Me - Portland, Maine

See all

Hard to describe the level of deliciousness in all items consumed. Impossible to imagine a better tasting almond croissant. Service great.

Amazing croissants even by Paris standard Also try pear tart Above standard quality Masterpieces!!!! read more

BLVL is amazing. There are so many delicious pastries that you can't help but leave with a big box full of goods! I also love the backstory behind how and why they decided to create a shop serving pastries by day and pizza by night. They've become a great staple in the neighborhood. read more

The pizza is out of this world. Popped in randomly and did not regret it. Crust is perfect.

Croissants better than Standard, better than Tartine (SF) Typically, croissants are mushy or too dry all around. BLVL croissants have a crispy substantial shell that keeps from being crushed yet has such a moist center under those crispy layers. Got regular, chocolate, and ham & cheese. All top notch. The blueberry and corn something was amazing as well as the mozzarella tomato and basil. Also got other pastries I forgot what they were but they were delicious also and would not be disappointed. The others were a strawberry toast thing, and a blueberry and peach and was not disappointed. Don't forget a cookie! Love that it is sea salted read more

We paid $40 for ONE pizza. We pre ordered at 9am, for a 5:30pm Pick-Up. It wasn't ready until about 5:50pm. The very polite and kind cashier kept saying it wasn't ready because it needed to be cut; which was maybe nice to hear but was clearly not the truth. It was also burnt to hell. Love this place but honestly, yikes. I wonder if the outrageous price is worth the risk. Do better. read more