Yum! An out of town friend told me about this place so I made the drive just for breakfast. Was it ever worth it. The chocolate croissants were to die for (like we got in Europe) and the French Toast with banana caramel sauce was very good too. The place has a great vide to it and the decor is very comfortable. What a great experience, I can't wait to go back. read more

Updated Review: based on my experience of the weekend where I was missing items from my takeout order, I was very pleased with the outcome of my conversation with management. It was sincere and apologetic. Based on that, I will give this place the five star it deserves. The quality of food is amazing and it's nice to see ownership out in the lobby talking to the customer. Something that more local businesses should do in the Valley. I can only think of two other places where ownership goes out of their way to welcome customers. The sausage turnover and croissants are amazing! read more

So nice to finally have an Essence nearby! Love their French toast with the banana caramel sauce!

Breakfast at Essence is a good way to start the day. I had the quiche and my friend had an egg dish with a Mexican twist. The portions are average. I had to have an almond croissant to go. The place is not as quiet, as I recalled. Chair legs should be capped, to lessen the noise. read more

I love this place. I got a burger and side of tater salad. The food is really good. I like to get the chocolate cookie here too. The only thing that can prevent me from coming to this place is time. Sometimes they can take a tad long to make the food. That is fine because it is good. I am on time restraints at times when in the area. This place is worth a visit. They have a good menu and lots of delicious treats too. read more

This place is super cute and fun. I really enjoyed their baked goods the most - we had a chocolate and almond croissant and it was wonderful. We had a breakfast here as well and although it was good, it wasn't my favorite. I had the special of the day where it was a puff pastry stuffed with cream cheese, sweet peppers and asparagus. This was fantastic and would have been better if there was a meat in there(maybe sausage?) but having the peppered bacon on the side was just as good. I had a serious issue with the eggs. They are done in a french style, so I think they are baked. I had an issue with the texture and that's more of a personal thing than anything against the chef. They came off as runny as far as a scramble goes and it just didn't work for me. Fiance had something more basic with sausage and eggs and some toast (I think) and he seemed generally please with it. He has had lunch there before and says the lunch is far better than the breakfast. I had an iced coffee that wasn't that great, it was the caramel one and I think they used salted caramel - but ether way it was extremely bitter all while having an overly sweet after taste. I would not order this again. Like I said the baked goods were the best for that visit and I want to go back for lunch to get a newer experience. I would feel more comfortable leaving 3.5 stars however I will give them the benefit of not being able to. read more

I've driven by Essence Bakery Cafe so many times, but finally decided to stop in for some coffee and a pastry. I got a pistachio croissant and it was delicious. The coffee was also better than average and certainly better than the chain coffee stores. The service was excellent and the staff courteously and professional. I highly recommend checking it out and I'll be returning soon to try more of their various pastries. read more

Best French bakery in the valley, bar none. Authentic and delicious croissants (that impossible combination of flaky, tender, and buttery!), real baguettes, and so much more. Their Parisian style hot chocolate is swoon-worthy, pure dark chocolate goodness, no milk, no cream, whipped cream on the side if you need it -personally I don't think it's necessary at all. Tip, take it home, make your regular coffee, mix with some of the hot chocolate, perfect mocha. You're welcome. If they have their coffee cake, grab it! It's not coffee cake as you know it, not at all, but it's always fabulous. Made with croissant dough, fresh fruit, a layer of pastry cream below the fruit, and a streusel topping. Oh. My. God. Seriously, so good! Savory items are also wonderful, from the huevos frenchos, to the chicken pot pies. It's all good, enjoy! read more

Cute spot for a quick breakfast. Not a big menu, but everything I order is always good. Highlights: Macarons- caramel, chocolate Coffee, lattes Puff pastry breakfast dish read more

I've only ever had pastries to go here, so I cannot comment on the hot breakfast foods. The danishes, croissants, macaroons are amazing. The parking lot is usually full but people move in and out quickly. Its worth the wait. read more

Really a 4.5. Have now been about a dozen times. The highlights? Vanilla latte is to die for as is the chocolate croissant. Had an eggs Benedict on brioche on Sunday which was perfection. Kitchen can be a little slow so I wouldn't go if you are in a hurry, and it is a meal to be savored not inhaled. Parking is challenging as well. Can't go too often or I would end up in a sugar coma. read more

This is my go to spot for macarons. I have yet to find another place in the Phoenix area that does them as well as Essence. A great variety of flavors and always so fresh! I do wish that they were open a bit later because in all honesty I would probably stop by on my way home from work at least a few times a week. read more

Had lunch here today. The special salad was flavorless and dry. Ate 3 bites only. Staff asked how it was and I told them it had no flavor and was so dry I couldn't eat it. Was told they would let the chef know and to have a nice day. I like this place usually so am disappointed. The dessert was stellar. Everyone has an off day so I will try again because I love their macacon read more

I've only been here twice but both times it was exceptional! Today I had the Quiche Lorraine which was amazing, filling but not overwhelming. I'm a huge fan of anything that contains bacon so this was a real treat :) and I haven't been able to find anywhere else in phoenix that makes such yummy macaroons! Must try! read more

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

Simply delicious. Simple, elegant, delicious dishes & baked goods. Coffee is great, portions are medium to small. Ambience inside the bakery is good, outside there is something left to be desired. Baked Goods = A Coffee = A Ambience = B Pricing = B read more

What a wonderful bakery. We are new to the neighborhood and this has become a breakfast and lunch favorite. read more

I was disappointed with my visit here for several reasons. First of all, the coffee. I asked if I could not have as much syrup in my order of the signature caramel glace (I don't like overly sweet coffee). I was confused by her answer, but I remember her saying it was a pre-made mix and they couldnt adjust the sweetness to coffee ratio, but they could put more milk in there. Ok? I ordered an iced coffee, and I really didn't like it. It was watery and too bitter at the same time, which all comes down to the roast. Food - I instantly wanted to order their special (scrambled eggs with herbs, peppers, served with baguette and nutella and bacon). The special sounded SO delicious and it sounded like a huge plate of food, that I decided to share the plate. What came to our table was a tiny amount of eggs, about the size of an older iphone. Since it was the special I was expecting so much more than a tiny amount of unflavorable, unremarkable, un-wow food. Based on this experience, I won't be stopping in here again. Nothing wrong with the service or anything, but I expect the special to be, well, special! read more

Probably the best macaroons I had ever had in my like, even better than France. Pick a flavor and that is what you are going to taste. Highly recommend you visit this place! Will definitely come back to try their breakfast menu. read more

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

Click your heals and say "There's no place like France!" When I travel, it is pretty much all based around food or skiing. This French bakery/cafe brought me right back to France. One of my sayings when in France is "every next pasteria on the right!" Well, this is one that I would keep circling back to. The pastries, the croissants, the macaroons!! They are so light and delicate. The breakfasts are simply perfect. A Great casual place, and each time I go, I close my eyes and picture myself sitting at an outdoor table somewhere in France. It is just too good if there is such a thing. The chef/baker is nothing less than amazing. Merci pour la nourriture fabuleuse! read more

I'm giving this place 5 stars for cuteness and food and 1 star for coffee, price, and dog friendliness. Let me explain. The place is super cute inside and they have a wonderful menu. I started with a cup of coffee. Super disappointed. It was warm not hot and it had that bad acidic tang to it. I tried putting almond milk in it and it broke apart, my pet peeve is coffee places not using barista almond or soy milk. Then the food came. I ordered the special. Squash blossom omelette with a ham steak. It was amazing! Eggs were perfectly done. Ham was delicious. They were able to carry to my annoying gluten and dairy diet restrictions. Unfortunately, the breakfast cost me almost $20. I may be back for the yummy food but will go elsewhere for coffee. I really wish they had outside seating up front or out back. Bummer to be living in the neighborhood and not be able to walk to breakfast with the dog. ...went back to give it another chance. Spent $20 for egg breakfast special with bacon and a latte...for one person. Food is still yummy...coffee still tastes like dirt. What a shame. Won't be back. read more

Great croissants. Everything else looked good but I only got a croissant, a fruit danish and a chocolate croissant. They were all perfect.

The food here is great! I could not give 5 stars given the egg on my breakfast sandwich this morning was not even close to how I ordered it. read more

The mini macaroons at $1.40 a piece are worth every penny! 1 is all you need. My fiance was rolling his eyes at me when I insisted that we pay $3 for 2 bite size salted caramel cookies. And then he put it in his mouth. Wait for it....wait for it....BAM! I love it when I'm right :) 2 hours later he was still thinking about that cookie & said he wished we would have splurged and gotten the big ones. They are new to the neighborhood. I read a couple of reviews that indicated they may not have gotten their sea legs yet. Give them a chance. We stopped in because I'd been hearing some buzz about those delicious little cookies. Didn't have time to stay for lunch, but the menu sounded so good I thought about grabbing something to go. We'll definitely go back to check it out. read more

Ehhh... Sorry Essence, but you dropped the ball. We ordered a small OJ, 1 coffee, Huevos Frenchos, and a Brunch Special (chocolate waffle w/ toasted hazelnuts and homemade creme). Total, $27. The eggs in the Huevos Frenchos were very softly scramled, and came with a small side of fingerling potatoes. I appreciate how delicately the chef handled making the eggs, they were clearly attended to! Although, they came out very cold which ruined it. The waffle had too much fudge, but were overall decent. The waffle itself was light and airy. Pros: - Aesthetically very clean and attractive - Menu is creative and unique - Service is friendly - Good food presentation Cons: - Overpriced ($3.50 for 4 oz of Orange Juice) Folks, you can get away with these prices if the issues below didnt exist. - Portions are small - Food was cold - Food is just average, nothing to write home about (Or rave on Yelp about) - Slow Service. Took 10 minutes to get drinks, and over 30 minutes for food, and it was not overly busy. Yes, I did time it! Final thought...I will not go back. I recomend trying it for yourself, but personally i will not pay those prices again at the risk of being highly unsatisfied. I think the chef has a good idea of what they're trying to accomplish, but they failed at execution. Hope you guys work out the kinks and succeed in the future! Maybe hire a good kitchen manager? read more

The place is modern, light and clean. The coffee is wonderful, the counter service is friendly but a tad slow....but who is in a hurry on Sunday! Excellent fresh food but the breakfast sandwich is a little on the small side (but I'm spoiled by Big Matts). I didn't go early so parking was fine. My fellow diners' cereal, breakfasts and Eggs Benedict looked delicious. read more

Simple concept serving house made croissants, Danish etc. this is a dying bread to make these items from scratch. Looking to cost $4-8/each but worth it for such a hand crafted product. Hot breakfast available as well and is equally delicious. Have the French scramble add their pepper thick cut bacon. Do it! read more

I went here only for the macarons. But based off how delicious they are I'd certainly come back to try other items! read more

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

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In my opinion this is the best bakery in Phoenix and if you really want a pastry and you are calling mid morning, I would definitely advise calling and ordering for to go just to make sure you get it. Ie. the chocolate almond crescent or the regular almond crescent, both very delicious and well worth it. They will melt in your mouth. read more

Super friendly staff, wonderful food!! I appreciated all the safety protocols they are taking during Covid. I recommend the croissants!!

Very disappointed with this location.. every time after 9:30am they all sold out and what the fuck even open till 2pm.

I dare you to find anything on this menu that is not delicious. I've been coming here for years and Eugenia and Gilles really have this thing figured out. They are so personable and go out of their way to make me feel welcome every time I'm here. Definitely my favorite spot in the neighborhood. read more

Great food concept in a fun little restaurant space. Unfortunately the staff are slightly inexperienced, but the experience is more than compensated by the kitchen staff, which are top notch! Tip: try the Huevos Rancheros read more

Being European this is the best place in Arcadia and Biltmore. The owner is French and always greets her costumers. Salads are all organic from local farmers. Desserts are amazing from macaroons to Napoleon to croissants. Fresh baguettes are made every morning around 10:30AM. Must try! read more

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Our first time there. We showed up after 12, so the baked goods were slim pickings. Three words after OMG...Vanilla Bean Macaroon. The best I've ever had and just picked it because it was the last one. The texture was velvety and the dense chew factor was absolutely amazing. Next time we will be there before the doors open so we can try more of this goodness. I'm already going through withdrawals. Simply spectacular Essence Bakery‼ read more

Need to keep supporting wonderful places like Essence. Best breakfasts, croissants and macaroons. We need to keep them around !!

Updated after meal: the food was actually pretty good and the owner came out and corrected the situation. Great food, and everyone can have a bad day. Will go back. Just spent $55 on breakfast and terrible service. Had some coffee, the breakfast turnover, French toast, egg sandwich and huevos frenchos. Asked for a simple substitution of an equally priced side to accommodate my wife's diet but they only agreed to substitute with a slice of tomatoe. I wouldn't have minded just buying an extra side; it was the way they handled it. Like I was being a bother to even ask for it. The entire behavior of the manager was a great example of what not to do in a customer service environment. We actually had the waitress apologize for the manager. read more

Let me count the ways... Friendly staff that obviously cares about their work. Nay... their craft. Nice atmosphere. Lovely food. Good coffee. And the baked goods. Oh my the baked goods. You can not get a finer croissant or pastry in town. I'll miss the Tempe location, but the new one is a nice step up on the interior. Truly a must for any foodie in PHX. read more

We went to Essence early this Sunday at 7 a m and we both chose to have croissants! I chose the pistachio and my husband, of course, had the chocolate one! Neither of us opted to share a bite because neither of us wanted to share one morsel! It was as good of pastry as I have ever had either here in the u s or France. MERCI! I was surprised how mediocre the coffee was (and that's being kind). They said it was Italian. I've had coffee in Italy and lots of other places. We both agreed on the pastry and the coffee. We will definitely return for the bakery items and maybe for breakfast next time! read more

This is a place of baking artistry! Eugenia and her husband Jill have been dedicated to creating the most authentic crafted pastries in Arizona. The coffee is without equal and the Almond Chocolate Croissants are well beyond anything you will find in Phoenix. The renovated and repurposed Home is a little architectural gem on Indian School Road and 38th Street. Try it you'll like it and what a relaxed cafe atmosphere! Simply the best! read more

Stopped in about a month ago and got some pastries and quiche. Pastries were pretty good but not memorable. The quiche package contained two individual portions and cost $25, which I thought at the time was a bit high. When we got home I discovered that the quiche was 6 days old, not sure if it had been frozen but it was a bit dried out. The taste was ok, but for nearly $50 for 2 small quiche and some pastries I expect much higher quality. Will not be back. read more