Valani's is a must if you're in the mood for something sweet…read more Tried the Italian crème cake and a strawberry cream horn. The Italian crème cake was an easy 10/10, super rich, moist, and decadent without being overwhelming. You can tell it's done right. The strawberry cream horn was also really good. The strawberry flavor itself was pretty subtle, but the crème was light and airy, and the pastry shell had a great crisp to it. They have a small outdoor seating area, which is nice, because the inside is very... cozy. Staff is friendly and helped us choose these great desserts Also had their tiramisu here in the past and it was delicious. Overall, really solid bakery. I'd absolutely come back, especially for that Italian crème cake.

Wow... this place is legit! If you want excellent quality, Italian baked goods, you have to come…read morehere. Everything not only looked great, but tasted amazing as well! It was difficult to decide what to get. They had so many options, but everything held up to the highest standard and quality. When we got there, there was a line out the door, however, the line moved very quickly, and it was definitely worth the wait. I do wish they had more of a seating area.

I prefer this location over the South End location because it is more spacious and I feel like the…read morepastries taste better lol. I always get the garlic cheese croissant. The one at this location is even more amazing!!! A bit sweet and savory. I also got the pretzel that had some sort of custard inside and it was pretty good too. Coupled that with a matcha and I had a pretty great Sunday. I wish the flavor of the matcha was bolder though. My husband had the Ube and we both thought it was better than the matcha. Ambiance is cute and roomy. The staff is pretty nice but are sort of busy because this location gets swamped. There is a free parking deck connected to the building. This Southpark location is worth checking out.

Quick SouthPark sugar stop at Tous les Jours after a long afternoon of errands and shopping…read more Sometimes you do not need a full meal. You just need caffeine, carbs, and five minutes to reset your mood. I already knew exactly what I wanted, so this turned into a tactical pastry mission. Pulled into the little Piedmont Town Center circle with the fountain, double parked for a hot second, ran inside, grabbed an iced coffee and a mango croissant, and got right back out into Charlotte traffic. The mango croissant was flaky, buttery, lightly sweet, and filled with enough cream to make the entire stop worth it. Perfect little energy boost when your social battery and shopping patience are both running low. The location itself is great for a quick pop-in. Cute little area with hotels, restaurants, and walkable spots nearby. Easy place to grab a sweet treat before continuing your day. Life is too short to not eat well, Charlotte. Get out there and eat.

discovered Renaissance Patisserie through the Charlotte in Bloom event a few weeks ago and finally…read moremade my way in to experience it for myself. They had offered samples of their lemon tart at the event, which stayed on my mind--so I came back and ordered the Lorraine-style quiche. It was rich, flavorful, and perfectly balanced by a fresh side salad. I paired it with a café au lait, which was equally well done. The ambiance is effortlessly chic--very much reminiscent of a European café--and it was lively during lunch. It's the kind of place where you can sit, linger, and people-watch... and SouthPark definitely showed up in style. At one point, several guests seated near us were speaking French, which added to the authenticity and overall experience. Service was warm and efficient, even with the crowd. The bakery itself is on the smaller side--you order inside and then head outside to sit and eat. I went on a Sunday, so it was very busy with a long line, but it moved quickly. When seating fills up, the neighboring restaurant allows use of their patio, which is a thoughtful touch. My friend enjoyed her quiche as well, and we both agreed it's a spot worth returning to--whether for a casual lunch, coffee, or a pastry break. I also order a few macarons to go and my family enjoyed them.

Review for Renaissance Patisserie…read more After relocating to Charlotte from San Francisco, one of the first things I searched for was a proper kouign-amann (pronounced queen-ah-mahn). It's a staple where I'm from, and when I discovered that Renaissance Patisserie carried it, I made the drive immediately. I'm happy to say--this place is the real deal. The kouign-amann here reminded me of the ones back in San Francisco. It wasn't quite as buttery or rich as some of the West Coast versions, but it was absolutely enjoyable--and most importantly, I finished every bite. That alone says a lot. Location & setting: Renaissance is tucked into the upscale specialty shops of SouthPark, in a lovely, polished shopping center surrounded by quality retailers like Williams Sonoma and several restaurants. Parking is plentiful and convenient, and once you step out of your car, you're welcomed into a charming outdoor courtyard that feels relaxed and refined. You'll immediately notice the bright yellow awning--it's cheerful and inviting--and inside, the bakery is just as charming. The black-and-white tile floors, small bistro tables, and beautifully arranged pastry case create a classic European feel. It's not a huge space--maybe six or seven tables--but it feels cozy, elegant, and thoughtfully designed. What makes it special: * A stunning pastry case filled with beautifully crafted desserts and laminated pastries * Skilled bakers and decorators--you can tell there's real craftsmanship behind the products * Friendly, efficient service * Apple Pay accepted (always appreciated) * Self-service water and condiments station * Clean, comfortable environment * A lovely outdoor patio that's perfect when the weather cooperates I do wish they occasionally experimented with more creative variations of the kouign-amann--perhaps seasonal fruit or specialty flavors--but even in its classic form, it's consistently a hit. I've brought these pastries to friends and gatherings, and they're always well received. What I appreciate most is that Renaissance delivers on quality and consistency. It may be a newer trend here in Charlotte, but these pastries have been a long-standing favorite in cities like San Francisco, and it's wonderful to see that level of craftsmanship available locally. Bottom line: Beautiful pastries, fair prices, great service, and a polished, welcoming atmosphere. This has become my go-to bakery in Charlotte, and if you appreciate well-made French pastries, you will not be disappointed.

I loved the experience of this place. It was quaint and loved the ambiance of it all. We stopped…read morethrough after dinner up the street and I got a few treats to enjoy back at the hotel. I ordered the Biscoff cheesecake, a lemon bar, pecan and keylime tart....all delightful by the way. Definitely will come back the next time in town....you have to stop in if you are in the neighborhood!

Review for Amélie's French Bakery & Café…read more As a transplant from the West Coast--specifically San Francisco, where high-quality bakeries and true French pâtisseries are plentiful--I was genuinely excited to try Amélie's after moving to Charlotte. Unfortunately, my experience was disappointing, and after giving it more than one chance, it's simply not a place I plan to return to. The concept feels more like a themed destination than a serious bakery. The interior is whimsical and eye-catching, with decorative elements like a faux Eiffel Tower, which clearly appeals to visitors looking for a fun atmosphere. However, if you've spent time in authentic French cafés or bistros, you know the real charm is understated elegance--wood, mirrors, tile, and craftsmanship. This felt more theatrical than authentic. Where it fell short for me was the food. For a place calling itself a French bakery and pâtisserie, the absence of classic laminated pastries was surprising. I was expecting staples like Napoleons, kouign-amann, or beautifully executed croissants. What I found instead were pastries that looked average and lacked the refinement and technique you'd expect from a true pâtisserie. On my visits, I tried: * A leek soup that was supposed to be cream-based but tasted thin and under-seasoned--more like warm vegetable water than a properly developed soup. * A baguette sandwich with fig, Brie, and apple that sounded promising but was poorly executed. The bread was overly hard, and the balance of ingredients felt off, making the sandwich less enjoyable than expected. I gave Amélie's two chances, hoping the second visit would change my impression. It didn't. To be fair, the café clearly has a loyal following and works well as a social or casual gathering spot. But if you're specifically looking for high-quality French pastries or refined bakery craftsmanship, there are stronger options in the Charlotte area. Personally, I'd recommend: * Renaissance Patisserie for more traditional European-style pastries * Paris Baguette at Rea Farms for consistency and better execution * Or trusted local favorites closer to home Bottom line: Fun atmosphere, but the food didn't meet expectations for a French bakery. After multiple visits, it's a pass for me.

As a San Francisco Bay Area foodie who recently relocated to Charlotte, I keep a running list of…read morebakeries to explore--especially anywhere that might carry a proper kouign-amann (that glorious Breton pastry that is basically my kryptonite). That search led me to Vicente in South End, and I'm happy to say it absolutely earned its spot on my list. The kouign-amann here was slightly lighter and a bit less dense and buttery than the ones I remember from the Bay Area, but it still hit all the right notes--caramelized edges, flaky layers, and just enough indulgence to satisfy the craving. When you find one in Charlotte, you take note. I also ordered a frangipane (marzipan) croissant, which is always one of my go-to pastries when it's done well. This one delivered--rich, nutty, and comforting without being overly sweet. I'm not much of a chocolate pastry person, so I tend to gravitate toward custard- or almond-filled items, and this bakery clearly understands how to execute those classics. The space itself is beautiful--clean glass storefront, modern aesthetic, and a welcoming feel from the moment you walk in. It's attached to a large apartment complex with underground parking, which makes it surprisingly easy to access. Very walkable, very convenient, and refreshingly low-stress compared to some of the trendier spots. The staff were friendly and helpful, and the prices felt reasonable for the quality. One small wish: I'd love to see a late-day pastry special or a loyalty program. I'm the kind of regular who will absolutely show up more often if there's an incentive--and let's be honest, pastries are hard to resist when there's a little nudge. I'll definitely be back, especially if they start experimenting with more creative flavors. A kouign-amann with poached fruit--nectarine, mango, or passionfruit--would have me running back through the door. And candidly, I'm grateful Charlotte's pastry scene is still growing. It means there's room for bakeries like this to shine and keep raising the bar. As someone who loves good food, I'm always rooting for local bakers and artisans to succeed. Bottom line: A beautiful neighborhood bakery with solid execution, friendly service, and a kouign-amann worth the trip. I'll be back--and I'm keeping an eye on that pastry case.

Vicente is GOATed. I go there almost every Saturday for amazing pastries and breakfast sandwiches…read more I'm hesitant to leave a review because I don't want the line to get any longer. No better way to kick off your day than with a stop here. You are immediately hit with a heavenly aroma the second you walk in the door!

Really great, local café that I will absolutely be adding to my regular coffee shop + bakery…read morerotation. Plentiful parking out front. Good amount of seating inside (mostly 2-seaters; one larger table reserved for bigger groups). Helpful and friendly staff who were amazing with my little one. You have to try a slice of the basque cheesecake. The plain slice (with no whipped cream or fruit topping) is not overly sweet and the perfect amount of "burnt" & creamy. We also tried the madeleines, which - as the café's name suggests - were on point. And the garlic bagel is a garlic + cream cheese lover's dream. The iced dalgona latte was such a treat. Sweet with a creamy foam and topped with crunchy cookies - very well balanced and delightful to drink. The prices reflect the care and high quality of the products. Come support this amazing local spot and enjoy their unique, thoughtful offerings!

Second time at this spot. The interior is super cute and the pastries are very good as well. The…read moreinjeolmi latte was a bit clumpy (make sure you mix well!) Coffee and service is always great.

I still can't pronounce the name of this place, but that hasn't stopped me from eating what might…read morebe the best croissant money can buy. The garlic and cheese croissant at Tous Les Jours in South End is ridiculous in the best way possible. It's like a pizza shop decided to get into the breakfast business and accidentally invented a croissant. Crispy, buttery, cheesy, garlicky... basically everything you didn't know you needed in a pastry. It's delicious, borderline life-changing, and absolutely worth stopping in for. Everyone should eat one at least once.

Tous Les Jours is a small bakery located on a very busy street, and the biggest challenge here is…read moredefinitely parking. There's almost nowhere to park nearby, so if you're stopping in, be prepared for a quick visit and keep an eye out for the meter maid. Inside, the setup is simple and self-serve with pastries, coffee, and blended drinks. I went in specifically hoping to find cronuts or cruffins, but they don't carry anything like that. Most of the selection leaned toward classic pastries and cream-filled donuts. Everything looked fresh and tasted fine, but the variety felt fairly basic. In my opinion, it doesn't quite reach the same level as Paris Baguette when it comes to selection. Insider tip: Skip the weekends. It gets extremely crowded and parking is already challenging. Weekdays are a much better time to stop by. Overall, it's a decent place to grab a quick coffee and pastry if you're nearby, but probably not a destination bakery.

This French bakery is a hidden gem tucked away in southpark . I sat outside with my puppy. I had…read morethe blue matcha which was quite unique. My friend had a dirty chi latte and we shared the lychee dessert. Wow it was delicious!!! I can't wait to try other options. Service was a bit slow due to the crowd of people that came in . However, it was a Sunday afternoon at 2pm .

Chez Marie is a bright, charming little patisserie at one corner of Sharon Corners shopping center…read more The blue and white ambiance lends a decidedly French air to the place, with its half-dozen or so tables inside and another four or five outside. The inside was immaculate and beckoning, with a two-sided display of the offerings and a shining espresso machine behind the register. The workers bore welcoming smiles and a a polite, inviting nature. All of that is the reason I give this patisserie three stars instead of two. While some foods are still a mystery to me - barbecue I can just take or leave, mostly leave - I know coffee and I know baked goods. The croissant I sampled was dry, implying unkindly that the flaky pastry dough was either formerly frozen or not fresh, and while croissants aren't exactly the moistest pastry to be found, the idea behind making them is kneading and rolling in a lot of butter, which I truly could not taste. What a disappointment. And somehow, somehow, my latte, albeit freshly prepared before me, was lukewarm when I took my first sip on the way to the car. How is that even possible? At the last minute, I asked for caramel to be added to my drink, but that was imperceptible too. I'd forgotten to ask for it to be half sweet, so I guess that was a blessing in disguise. When you stop by a bakery late in the day you sort of pays your money and takes your chances, but I visited just before noon. No crowds either. Disappointing all around, though again, the ambiance invites lingering. Cute bistro, lovely people, but - and I cannot believe I'm saying this - I'd have done better at the nearby Starbucks if all I wanted to do was get a latte and pastry. As the French would say, domage.

What a unique experience. Love the french theme, Napolean paintings, Eiffel Tower selfie-bait. All…read moreamazing. Had the cinnamon roll, and the cream dripped all over fabulously. The almond croissant was perfect. Mini pecan bites super tasty. Iced latte was perfect. I can see why this comes up on places to visit in Charlotte, it was the highlight of our trip!

Amelie's is quickly becoming my new favorite bakery in the area! From their adorable decor & lovely…read moresweets selection, to their yummy sandwiches & cute coffees, they've got a little bit of everything. We tried the strawberry & cheese danish and bread pudding along with our macarons - everything was fresh & tasty. I also had a chicken & goat cheese sandwich with wonderful flavor. I only wish the chicken was cut a bit to fit the sandwich. We will definitely be back to try more of the menu!

I got the vanilla puffed pastry. It was delicious! I seen other things that I wanted to try before…read morevisiting but they were sold out. Very sweet people that work there. They were patient and accommodating. It's definitely worth going! I'm looking forward to going back to try other things but will go early before they sell out.

I don't know who needs to hear this ! But Mado is a treasure in Rockhill Sc. I'm not really into…read moresweets that much but I heard I just had to try this spot . It's black owned & they are from France which I thought was a nice little twist to the business. When I arrived it was a line out the door ! I said oh boy this place must really be good and guess what it was & was worth the wait & the hype ! My favorite was the almond croissant I also ordered a chai , I will be making my way back to try other items they have to offer .