Great food even for me being Lactose free and gluten free Good service Good ambiance Parking can be an issue during busy times. read more

Essence Bakery Cafe - Yumtastic- this place never disappoints. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

The coffee was good, the service was below average and the ambiance is spartan. Three flickering overhead lights just made me want to leave. Sip coffee a couple blocks to the west is a much better option, in my humble opinion. read more

I have been going to this place for number of years and I NEVER been disappointed . The service has been great and the food and pastry even better. I highly recommend this place read more

What a cute place. Parking can be tricky, so come prepared. Stopped in for a quick coffee to go. They have a lovely breakfast and lunch menu that I will have to try next time. The pastries are gorgeous. I got a chocolate croissant. They have a wide variety of macrons in different sizes that look amazing. I will be trying those next! On to the coffee. My mom got a vanilla latte and I got an iced coffee with caramel. We thought both were pretty good. read more

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Very disappointed in food. Quiche was warm at best and many parts on the inside were cold. It also tasted like powdery cardboard. Coffee was meh. The pistachio croissant was good. The fruit side was good. Not at all worth the price. read more

In honor of International Women's Day, I'm writing a review for this incredible female owned European bakery and cafe... I've been in and purchased croissants, pastries and macarons to-go many times over the years, as well as fresh bread, but I have only dined in a couple of times... I plan to return to do so again real soon! Chef Eugenia, Co-Founder / Owner and her staff do a fabulous job with quality and service, and they source fresh ingredients locally. For example, this week, they note that they are using McClendon Farms' asparagus in their weekly specials. I recommend going in early so as not to miss out on the best selection of pastries daily... especially if you have your heart set on a particular product. However, I don't think you can really go wrong with anything on the constantly changing menu. Note: the hand-crafted macarons are incredibly tasty and picture perfect as well. They make a guilt-free sweet treat or hostess gift! Keep up the great work, Essence! read more

First time visiting this place and i was not impressed.. cashier seemed bothered to take my order and when I asked her if she could recommend a pastry to me she said to me "oh, I don't know ". No smile no apology just attitude. I made my selection from the display and it was dry and not good. Needless to say I threw it in to the garbage after a couple of bites. My expectations for a $6 croissant were much higher than what I actually received. If you're going to be this pricey I would expect a decent pastry and a medium amount of quality service. Needless to say I don't recommend and don't intend on coming back. read more

I've only had breakfast or lunch here a few times, and long ago, so I can't really comment on the full menu. But this is an amazing bakery if you want coffee and a sweet snack. I picked up their amazing almost croissant and a caramel latte this weekend. Latte was not too sweet, so I could actually enjoy the balance of caramel and espresso. Croissant was perfect - flaky, phenomenal almond filling, just amazing. The caramel macaroon there is one of my favorite cookies ever. And if you ever luck out and they are offering the lemon meringue tart, order it! Their meringue has a fluffy, almost marshmallow consistency. It's incredible. And a cute space, lots of seating. Just a neighborhood gem. read more

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

Fantastic bakery and coffee shop! Been here a few times but never wrote a review. Coffees are always good and so are pastries. Of particular note I would add freshly baked bread! Recently I bought Brioche bread to make French Toast for my family on a Christmas morning, and reviews were awesome! I just think I found perfect brioche here! Ambience is a coffee shop style, with ample seating space, although parking can get tricky. Service is also always on par as employees do know the menu and can make pretty good recommendations which is one of my favorite traits of happy employees... read more

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Ate there this morning for the first time. Had a danish and coffee, also the quiche and fruit. My companion had the big breakfast. We split the danish with our coffee while our breakfast was prepared. We had no problem with wait time or anything because we were there right at opening. I can see where it could get pretty crowded. It seems quite popular. I would go back. However, my only complaint was that the coffee was served in a classic cup and saucer. The handle was thick and hard to grasp the cup without using my middle finger for balance but because it was so hot, I couldn't do that so I had to use both hands to drink my coffee comfortably. It was good coffee, just awkward to handle. I think a mug us much more user friendly. My companion had the same complaint. It would have been a 5 star with a decent mug. read more

I had high hopes for this place, but unfortunately, it didn't quite live up to expectations. The atmosphere was lacking and felt a bit drab. My chai was one of the worst I've had in the Valley. It was incredibly bitter, almost as if it had been seeped for too long or the spices had burned. The Gruyère pastry was flaky but very oily. Overall the experience was below average. read more

The croissants here are next level. Honestly, they deserve 5/5 stars. The same can't be said for the coffee which took the staff over 20 minutes to make (mind you it wasn't busy and I only ordered 1 to go). Let's get back to the good stuff. The croissants are perfectly flaky and delicious with a wide selection of flavors to choose from. I can't wait to go back and try the raspberry chocolate next time I'm in Phoenix! read more

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

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The food and this bakery is very good... I would recommend the egg sandwich and the quiche. When it come to the friendliest of the staff it's definitely a hit or miss. The other downside to this place is that if you go after 12pm it's slim pickings of what is offered. read more

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Best croissant I've had in Phoenix hands down. Chai was so so but service and ambiance are great. Lots of parking available in the back.

Read a review about this place in the AZ republic so we had to try it. Got 3 pastries - a ham and Gruyère, another with olives and of course a chocolate croissant. The butter was overwhelmingly delicious. The pastry was so crispy and light. I thought I was in France while I was eating these amazing treats! read more

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

I stopped by while out running errands to grab a couple of breakfast sandwiches and some pastries to-go for my neighbors. I had my small Maltese with me and, while placing my order, I was approached by an older woman, most likely manager or chef, who touched my dog's leash and asked if he was a service animal. I said no and mentioned I hadn't seen any signage on the door about pets or service animals. She referenced health inspection regulations, which I completely understand. I let her know we'd just place our order to-go and head outside. However, I was then asked to leave entirely, which felt unnecessary and unkind. The croissants and macarons are truly delicious, but the service today didn't reflect the same warmth. It was over 100 degrees outside, so leaving my dog in the car simply wasn't an option. I wish the situation had been handled with a little more understanding and care. read more

Great food and pastries. Does get pretty busy and have to wait in line. Smaller cute environment.

How disappointing. I visited on Sunday just before 1pm First the staff obviously doesn't want to be there. In the middle of taking my order the woman stopped me to ask her coworker to switch stations with her and then they did. It was super weird. My oat milk chai latte had so little flavor besides the oat milk that I threw it away after a few sips because if I wanted a cup of oat milk I could have opened my own fridge and not paid nearly $8 for it. If it wasn't a to-go order I would have requested a refund without hesitation. The macarons had great flavor but were sloppy. The way they were packaged ruined them. Stacking them in a flimsy too small box so they were smashed and slightly soggy once I got home felt like a middle finger after the chai latte. I honestly don't know if the problems I experienced were because the staff was incompetent or if the owners just don't care anymore since it can ride the coattails of its former reputation. read more

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While the food was delicious and the coffee was good, the service was horrendous. The lady taking our order was SO RUDE!!! This could have been a 5/5 experience if it wasn't for the lady who was so unnecessarily rude and did not know what she was talking about. Do better. read more

Second time here for lunch and it is AMAZING. So fresh, delicious and a break from chains and average food. Menu is full of extremely fresh combinations and great quality food! The egg salad sandwich with bacon and avocado is SUPREME! read more

Fabulous pastries and the chicken salad is also delicious!!!! Staff is very nice and helpful with choices

Sophia greeted me right away when I walked in, which was awesome and welcoming! She took and made my order. I ordered a Carmel latte which was yummy. This business is nice in and out. You may even sit inside if you like. It looks small from the outside but, is actually pretty big inside. They have reserved parking spots for their establishment in front of the bakery, as well as, there's parking behind the bakery. The pastries looked yummy, although, I didn't purchase any, this visit since I didn't want to ruin my appetite for a huge luncheon I was attending. I definitely recommend stopping here and ask that Sophia make your drink. She's Awesome and deserves a raise!!! It's hard to find great attitudes these days! read more

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A high quality bakery with some exceptionally fine pastries: well made, profound flavors, extremely fresh. Unfortunately, the prices at Essence range from above average to exorbitantly ridiculous. I'm willing to pay $5-6 for a really good Pain Au Raisin or Almond Croissant, but there's a box of 2 mini quiches in the To Go cooler for $25. Wow. Service is hit or miss. When the staff can concentrate on the customer and order in front of them, they do fine. But any time there's a line four deep, they tend to hurry, mess things up, and then get all bent out of shape when you bring it to their attention. Consistency is not the mantra at Essence. If you're willing to pay $10 for a pastry and a coffee, Essence is a perfectly fine place during off hours. Otherwise, Essence Bakery is a coin flip. read more

Pro tip: I'm still convinced these are the best macarons I've ever had and I've had A LOT. It looks like the macaron selection changes so just order them all in case they aren't around next time! Highlights: The macarons are impeccable. I also like the concept of their box of treats but each sample is a touch too small for me since I usually share it with my boyfriend - so I wouldn't recommend sharing it. Lowlights: The passionfruit chocolate croissant was a bit of a letdown as there was really no passionfruit flavor at all. I wouldn't order it again. read more

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I was craving a good Sunday morning pastry and I drove past this place and decided to go in. Their pastry selection is next level. I was salivating just looking at the raspberry brioche pastry. I also also ordered the chai tea latte, which was just ok. I'm really glad I got the macarons to go as there were a nice evening treat. I want to come back and try their entrees because they have a solid lineup. The restaurant was packed so you know it's local hot spot. read more

Essence Bakery Cafe - Chocolate and raspberry macarons and a raspberry brioche pastry - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

The BEST pastries in Phoenix. Period! And the pastries are fresh, unique, and delicious in every way. I love treating friends and picking up a box for coworkers who are visiting from out of town. read more

Nice place to hang out with friends! The vanilla macaron was unbelievably delicious!!! Wasn't a fan of the Vanilla Glace drink but my friends Vanilla Iced Latte was very good. read more

All the pastries are amazing. I obsess over the butter croissant and the chocolate raspberry croissant. Macarons are delicious in every flavor. I've had breakfast a few times and it's very French and delicious. I've liked everything I've gotten here. Service is great but it's a small shop so the line can get long. Come early! They'll sell out of things pretty quickly otherwise. If you get anything with bread make sure you get the jam to go with it! I just wish they were also open Mondays and Tuesdays read more

Essence Bakery Cafe - Inside - pastry glass with macarons - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

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staff was honestly not that friendly, ambiance feels hostile as f, I asked what kind of syrups they used and they said "we don't use syrups"... ok... I told them they have syrups for coffee on the menu and then she said it's house made syrups but I saw the barista using a generic bottle of syrup?? the chai looked atrocious and tasted even worse, worst $8 I've ever spent. This place sucks and also why is there coffee grinds at the bottom of my coffee read more

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

I recognized the name of this place and realized I visited the Tempe location like 8-9 years ago before it had closed! My husband and I are trying to find the best croissants in the valley and this is definitely a contender. There was a bit of a line and the parking situation isn't great but it's worth it. I got butter croissants and a mocha. They only serve their mochas iced with cream. It was super rich so I only had half but it was good! The croissants are the stars of the show though. So crisp and flaky on the outside, soft on the inside. Very delicious and complements the mocha well! Would love to come here for lunch sometime read more

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

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Hands-down, best bakery in the valley! Nobody can make a croissant like Chef! We test tasted every croissant in the area. Also, we will not get macarons from any other place. This place has the BEST! We have been going here for years read more

I had the very best vegetarian Quiche Lorraine this morning! It was absolutely delicious with a flakie crust and a fresh side salad! The veggies were tasty and peWill go back again soon. Highly revise this spot for their amazing pastries and especially the large variety of macaroons read more

Let me tell you something. The macarons!!!! OMG. A hidden gem here in the metro PHX area. Treat yourself

A favorite spot in Phoenix, I thought I had found my favorite treat in a chocolate croissant, only to be upstaged by an almost more sophisticated version of itself - a chocolate raspberry croissant. WOW this was absolutely divine. Such a good crunch on the pastry with a wonderful acidic fruity to cut the sweet on the chocolate. The best way to start off a Saturday morning. Coffee here is always solid. I like the iced vanilla glacé more than the caramel, but you really can't go wrong!!! read more

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

We've been coming to Essence for years and were quite bummed when they moved from Tempe to the Arcadia area. Much farther from us, but it's a nicer building. The special salad that enticed us to make the drive was perfection: warm bacon with arugula salad, Utah peaches, feta cheese, sun-dried cherries, toasted pecans and a red wine vinaigrette. The combination of ingredients was amazing. Plus, it came with one of their flaky, buttery croissants. One of Essence's specialties is their macaron cookies. We were bummed to see that the case was almost empty. My husband and I split a caramel macaron, a mini chocolate macaron, and a chocolate crinkle cookie. The caramel cookie was good, the mini chocolate macaron was outrageously fantastic, and the crinkle cookie was also extremely amazing. They really know how to do dark chocolate here. Essence may be far from our house, but it's worth coming out here. read more

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First time eating here with my family. Utterly disappointed with the poor customer service. The waffle special was burnt. When we attempted to ask if we could place a new order for waffles that weren't so hard, we were told that it's the batter and we could only exchange it if wanted to pay for a new order. From the cashier to the waitress, bad experience. Food was mediocre and we will never return nor recommend it to anyone. read more

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

Staff are great and helpful, efficient. Pastry are really tasty, and looks really pretty. Tried the croissants(both chocolate and almond, so yummy and crunchy, I think the almond is abit rich for me), macaroons (they are huge and really tasty! Tried pumpkin, chocolate, hazelnut, strawberry .. they are all delicious) Also tried their Apple pie, it's good. They open really early (I was there at 0630!) and they open on time with a bunch of staff serve you with a smile. I noticed there are lunch menu too. Would love to go back and try it again. Even though it's on a pricey side, but everything is good. Would definitely recommend and go back for more! read more

Essence Bakery Cafe - Apple pie, croissants, macaroons - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

Fantastic croissants and French pastries. They make everything fresh in the morning. The almond croissants have a bit of orange zest in them to give them that freshness. Would love to be back for breakfast. Cheers read more

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

This place is it, there is NO comparison. Essence is on another caliber altogether... the pastry is so rich, the layered flavors are perfectly harmonious. I couldn't decide on one so I tried three of them and they were all amazing. The only other time I've had a pastry this good was at a cafe in Paris. I am excited to have something even more delicious within a ten minute drive from home. Based on their Instagram account it looks like they make different pastries every week. I can't wait to try them all! read more

Essence Bakery Cafe - I couldn't decide so I got three... they were ALL amazing!! - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

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This is kind of a big thing to say, but the butter croissant here is the best one I've had, in any major city or when I've been in France even. I am limiting myself to one per week when I'm in the Valley but I can't really get enough. Perfect texture, flavor, all of it. There is often a line on the weekend but it moves quickly. The chocolate raspberry is also a really good croissant. The service isn't the most friendly and doesn't make me want to dine in, so they lose a star, but I will keep coming back for the butter croissant because it's that good. read more