I had the classic egg sandwich with bacon. I also hade a side of the fingerling potatoes. I think there is better hot sandwiches on the menu, I'll order one of those next time. Although a little over priced the quality is tasted. I also ordered a tea. Those three things were $17... pricey for a breakfast sandwich. Like the restaurant too it's nice and cool. read more

Essence Bakery Cafe - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

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Bad food and bad service. The special did not correspond to the ad. The server was rude, insulting and condescending.

This is my favorite breakfast spot in Phoenix! The pastries are always made fresh and on busy days they will sometimes run out. The staff is all nice. You order your food at the counter and then they bring it to you. read more

Essence Bakery Cafe - Cafe - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

DELICIOUS! Any place that makes fresh macarons is a hit with me but Essence is the whole package for lunch. We had the quiche Lorraine with a fruit side. I can't stand when the fruit sides are all soggy cantaloupe but this side was fresh raspberries, bananas, and pineapple. Perfect! And yes the quiche was delicious. We also had the lunch special which was moussaka- it was perfection! What a wonderful blend of flavors. Of course we had macarons to go- the best in town! read more

Essence Bakery Cafe - Quiche Lorraine - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

Do yourself a favor, and go to Essence Bakery for some out of this world pastries!! I normally try to skip out on the sweets (no bueno for the waistline....but so good once it hits your lips!), however anytime I have a crazy sweets craving, Essence is the place I go. If you go in the morning, I highly recommend the Almond Chocolate Croissant. It is seriously out of this world delicious, especially when it's fresh 1st thing in the morning. The other item I 100% recommend is trying any flavor of their macarons. They are so light and fluffy yet packed full of flavor. And if you can't decide on just one, you can buy mini macarons to try out a myriad of flavors. Seriously, I'm salivating just thinking of them, they are that good!! Two very enthusiastic thumbs (and belt notches) up for Essence! :) read more

Beautiful, fresh food with great preparation and friendly service in cute decor - pricey for the portion size, though. My favorite breakfast buddy and I really enjoyed the wonderful food, beverages and atmosphere at Essence Bakery. You order at the counter and then sit down with a number and await your food/drinks. The huevos Frenchos are really creamy and tasty, the salsa adds tangy flavor and the avocado is fresh. And my friend's breakfast sandwich was delicious, too! The only drawback is that the portions are really small, but the prices aren't proportionate. We'll probably be back - we love to sit and chat (and not having a server makes it easier to hang out guilt-free). Plus, the food is nice, and we haven't tried the pastries, yet. read more

Essence Bakery Cafe - It's beautiful inside - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

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This place is heaven for vegetarians and those that prefer gluten free foods. You definitely get your money's worth here. Essence has a Great atmosphere, great friendly staff to match as well. I got the chance to have a strawberry delight macaroons as well. So delish. I have no complaints! :) read more

Essence Bakery Cafe - Brunch special - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

Overcroweded, overpriced, no customer service, no attention to details. If u were to go, order pastry. Breakfast otherwise disapoints read more

My wife and I have eaten here three times and everything is outstanding. We have enjoyed various fresh pastries and delicious egg dishes and great coffee to name some. In addition, the staff is very friendly and helpful and fun to be around. The ambience is casual and not noisy. We definitely recommend this to anyone who wants to have a good brunch read more

Update in response to comment: I would love to come back and take advantage of your offer in the below comment but I never keep receipts nor did I get one the day of my purchase. So disappointing. We spent over $10 on 3 macarons and 2 of the 3 were stale and hard as rocks! We drove up from Ahwatukee because we love macarons and we're excited to try this place. What a waste of time and money. So sad. read more

I called and they asked me to be on hold for a moment and I was on hold for over 10 minutes. I called again thinking they maybe forgot, and I was on hold again. Not good customer service.. read more

I would not go here for breakfast. The food is very overpriced - I paid almost $20 for french toast and bacon. The french toast was a very bland and a little sour. It came with a tiny plastic cup of cold syrup instead of a warm dispenser. In addition, we waited forever for two orders. read more

OMG I wish I'd found this place sooner when I moved here 4 years ago. I haven't been able to eat there during COVID,but their takeout pastries are out of this world. We've served them at picnic breakfasts during COVID. Everyone loves them and fortunately we always buy too many so there are leftovers. Ok, we buy too many on purpose. The chocolate almond croissants are delicious!!! read more

Thank you! -Visited you Sunday. Delicious egg sandwich and baguettes this trip. We took some cookies to our new neighbors. See you next time. read more

Essence Bakery Cafe - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

Delicious food. Menu does change a bit over the seasons, but always fresh. They have large and small macaroons, in many different flavors. Chicken Pot Pie is a staple and delicious as ever! read more

My friends and I come regularly for breakfast, and we've surrendered to the fact that we'll never leave without a made from scratch pastry. We've tried to understand how a chocolate croissant can be completely cool but still have melted, gooey chocolate on the inside. Obviously, the answer is..MAGIC, and we never pass up magic desserts at any meal. The food is incredible. In 10 years of eating here I've liked everything I've ordered. I usually get the huevos frenchos, oat pancakes, or the special the chef creates for the week. The chef uses local, organic ingredients and is a true artist. Art takes time so don't expect to be in and out in 30 minutes if you're there for breakfast. When you want to relax into your morning, enjoying your time and your food, have a meal at Essence. read more

The pastries are outstanding. The pistachio danish was our favorite but everything else is equally delicious. If you're in the area, this place is a must! read more

Exquisite recipes. Complex and delicious. Chef is exceptional. We really do love the food and folks here.

Used to love coming here and haven't had any issues prior with coming in grabbing a macaron and walking out while holding my small pup who is 4 pounds. It's hot in Arizona, I'm not going to leave my dog in a hot car when I'm running in to grab one thing and then back out and I'm also not leaving my car unlocked to keep the car running. I'd understand if we were going to sit and eat there but we were running in to grab a macaron for my girlfriends birthday as a surprise and was met with subpar customer service, not friendly at all, instantly coming off with an attitude about my pup which again, was going to be a quick grab a macaron, pay and go back to the car. Would you leave your baby in the car? Even if it's for a quick run in? No. Arizona is HOT. Cars get HOT. Also, the forced tipping is ridiculous for someone just handing me a macaron. Definitely not coming back, unfortunate that one bad experience can outweigh the few good ones. read more

We were expecting a relaxing lunch with good food and pleasant service. We were disappointed on both fronts. Sandwich arrived not as ordered, and with cold soup. It was returned for the original order, but not without argument and protestations from the server. X-buzzer to this place. read more

Amazing pastries! 10/10 would recommend visiting! Masks are required inside, and you just grab your food and go!

I got a gift card from my job's holiday party and decided to go here today. I got an egg sandwich, no tomato with spinach on a croissant. It was average, and so very greasy. It really took away from the experience. I would have hated to pay almost $11 for that. It's a cute location, but I probably won't go back read more

Essence Bakery Cafe - Greasy sandwich box - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

The absolute BEST pastry and fresh, hand-made food you will find outside of Paris! Have been a patron & fan of all foods Essences for years; from Tempe location to E. Indian School Rd. No one puts more thought into sourcing ingredients or skill into the preparation than Chef Eugenia Theodosopoulos. Give yourself a treat & indulge your palate at Essence. read more

This is close to my house and I'm always looking for new places for coffee, breakfast, and a little work time. The food and coffee here are good, but probably not worth the cost. And there is NO WIFi! How do you have a cafe with no WiFi? I assume they just don't want people to linger, but it seems very unwelcoming, and at the very least, there should be sign. You could easily make a nice sign before people come in, order food, and expect to be able to get on WiFi. read more

French toast was overcooked and mediocre, it was just slightly burnt french toast with fruit slices on top, not nearly close to the compote it was supposed to be. Wife's avocado toast was overcooked and hard to bite and cut through. Not worth the $45 bill. The bakery was a little scarce and had only macaroons. At least my wife liked her meal taste. Menu items are not accommodating like asking for half and half versus regular milk for coffees or getting a food item without a certain topping. The prices were extremely expensive for the level of quality you get. Not really worth it. But this is only my opinion. I wish I had a better experience. I was a little too hopeful. Mediocre american food with a French name tagged to it and charging more doesn't produce quality. I do wish the bakery had more of a selection. read more

I've heard rave review after rave review about this bakery and I've got to say, it certainly didn't disappoint! I stopped in for breakfast this morning and ordered the french scrambled eggs with bacon, toast, fresh jam and a vanilla latte. First and foremost, I love that they asked if I wanted my bacon chewy or crispy as this is a big source of debate amongst bacon lovers. (: My scrambled eggs were literally melt-in-your-mouth creamy and the flavor medley was just outstanding. Probably THE best scrambled eggs I've ever eaten. And that latte...oh, that latte. *dreamy sigh* It was what every latte on the planet should be. The ideal drinking temperature, creamy, rich and teeming with real vanilla bean. I can't wait to come back again in the future and try something new and most certainly delectable. Hats off, Essence. read more

One of my family members brought me here after yoga. HOLY COW! SERIOUSLY. If there is one thing I Love in this life, It's a damn good croissant. And they're hard to find. A TRULY great croissant. And here at Essence? I think I have to say top croissant ever. ALSO, the macarons. I've always sort of detested macarons in general. They always seem like dry puffs of air. Well, I tried a few of their large size macarons and I think I finally understand what a macaron is supposed to taste like. The raspberry rose on tastes like silky sweet flowers, and the lemon one was SO delightful. We went there once more on our way out of town, & got breakfast and pastries to go. I also have to vouche for their french scrambled eggs, and potato cake. They just do everything here so well, there is not words.... Thank you Essence Bakery. I Love you! read more

Love this place! I come for coffee and a croissant almost every Saturday and it never ceases to blow my mind! And that is just the basics of their menu. Highly recommend. read more

The slowest service I have ever received, plus the girls don't have the best customer service. Very dry and not friendly. I waited over 15 minutes for a coffee and a salad. Don't go there if you are in a rush read more

Yes always great authentic French pastries however this visit warranted a 'review'. I had the international flavor brunch 'special' that included organic squash blossoms pressed between house made corn tortilla and plenty of oaxaca cheese. It did not stop there, this quesadilla was topped with organic eggs scrambled (I got my requested egg whites instead) and warm pepper bacon (c photo). Temperature was perfect of all ingredients and a finely diced fresh house made salsa clinched it for me. Palate and nutritionally balanced brunch. Get on their email list for weekly 'specials'! read more

Essence Bakery Cafe - Brunch Special Quesadilla - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

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Legit pastries. A-plus croissants. Particularly enjoyed the chocolate and pistachio options. Highly recommend.

Such a fun place with cute decor and yummy food! Perfect hangout spot with girlfriends especially, if you want some sandwiches or desserts. I had the jalapeño croque-monsieur with potato salad. I loved it. Sandwich was savory, creamy with a little kick. Potato salad was yummy and perfect for a hot Arizona day. If you do not like mustard though, I suggest you skip it. I will be returning to try more stuff read more

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Oh my heaven! This was absolutely THE BEST BREAKFAST I've ever experienced! I had the special: scrambled organic eggs, spinach, chives and mild cheddar cheese topped with avocado! Melt in your mouth. Came with whole grain toast and apricot preserves. There are plenty of other things on the menu! We had to try a chocolate croissant (Oh my) and walked out with a variety of croissants and macarons for later! Absolutely excellent! Service was outstanding! You need to go to this little piece of heaven! read more

I almost hesitate to review as the more people that know about this the harder it will be to park....but this is really my favorite place to lunch in Arcadia. Love the salads, sandwiches and of course the macaron's are the bomb. We've also catered for corporate breakfasts and the food was superb. They have a small dining room as well, which looks like it would be really great for a group lunch or lunch meeting. Really the only downside here is the limited parking. read more

Two goods and a bad here. Iced dirty chai latte was delicious and smooth and the chocolate caramel sea salt tarte was decadent. I would definitely order either one again and the tarte could easily be shared between two for two satisfying portions. However, the large meyer lemon macaron was disappointing. I got it to go and the shell was greasy and was crumbling as it took it out of the paper bag. It was oily and mushy. I may try their macarons again and opt of the small ones to see how those are. read more

Mediocre food, inept service, dismal interior. Menu is a poor guide to what they actually have available.

$15 plus tax for breakfast and it was only me!!!!!!! A breakfast sandwich and coffee. This place is outrageously expensive. Why is has $$ is a mystery. I ordered a classic breakfast sandwich and requested is on a croissant and there was a $2.00 up charge! Two extremely small pieces of avocado was $.90. So an egg sandwich became $9.40. The individual pastries were slightly overpriced but very good. The brewed coffe is extremely weak and no better then Circle K. AND.......NO WiFi!!! AND louder then normal background music that was Annoying and not selected for a relaxing early morning breakfast. I really think the music is for the young staff not for ambience. With all this being said, the food was good. read more

Fantastic!! The quiche was amazing, hubby had the sausage turnover- the flakiest ever !! Coffee was hot. Great job Team Essence !!

The food was excellent but it's very disappointing that the staff makes me feel like I shouldn't come back. I haven't felt such uncomfortable energies. It's hard to explain but once you walk in there and see the looks every person gets for entering their business you'll see what I'm talking about. It was such an unwelcoming feeling. I asked a question about the menu and was made to feel stupid because I wanted something other than cream In my coffee. When the woman gave me my drink it was like I was putting her out for simply standing behind the coffee machine and doing her job. I really want to come back because the bakery items were amazing but I haven't felt so eager to leave an environment like I did today in a really long time. Very sad about it because they have the potential to be an awesome Phoenix spot. read more

Oh...my...lordy people. I wish I had a photo, but you would think it was drawn or photos hopped. I've tried their breakfast and lunch, but the pastries really drive this bakery. Granted they are super pricey, baking ingredients are almost still cheap, their skill and craftsmanship make the most amazing chocolate/pistachio croissants as well as a multitude of other desserts. Totally recommend checking them out if you can spare some change. read more