Absolutely the best sandwiches around... My favorite is the whole pastrami cut in half.. Bring help because this is a massive sandwich.. George is the best !! read more

French Bakery & Delicatessen - One half of the large pastrami - Bakeries Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

The BEST - Always look forward to visiting the French Bakery! I've been visiting them for many years ~ way back when I went to school with Eli! Geaorge has done a wonderful job keeping things up & running since Eli's passing ~ I look forward to visiting again in 2026! read more

The food they're really sucks. I had a pastrami sandwich who uses pastrami with provolone cheese Swiss only. The bread was stale. The pastrami taste weird read more

Absolutely incredible food and atmosphere! If you're in town visiting or a local, this hidden gym is worth the stop. Hands down the best pastrami sandwich I've ever had!! read more

French Bakery & Delicatessen - The Famous Pastrami Sandwich - Bakeries Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

I came here at the end of their day at approximately 2:45 p.m. and they close at 3:00 p.m. I got 2 pieces of bread pudding, 3 eclairs, 7 donuts, 3 ginger cookies, 2 tart cookies, 2 squares of baklava. All was well and good until he was tallying up all of my items and ended with the eclairs as he was putting the eclairs in he said "by the way I'm sorry that the prices have been increased recently due to the economy" and proceeded to tell me the price of each 3-in by 1 in eclair ($6.95!!) which everything ended up being $123.67 To recap I purchased: 7 donuts 2 smaller squares of bread pudding 3 eclairs 3 Ginger cookies 2 cookies He was very adamant that his donuts are like no donut I've ever had, which he was correct, and also said that it would be the best donut I've ever had, which in my opinion even removing the price out of it was not true. However it might be the 3rd best donuts I've ever had only to be beaten by My number one spot which was a place in Portsmouth called late great unfortunately now shut down o-Doodle-doos donuts in My number one spot, and my number two spot is a food truck called Classic doughnuts. So I'm sorry to say in my humble opinion these are not the best donuts I've had I would give them a four out of five but they get a 3/5 stars because I think they were $5 each. They are not your typical donut, I would describe them as a combination between a cake donut and a flinky biscuit style pastry. The eclairs at $7 each and 3 in long were honestly not that great either, I think that maybe I got an end of the day batch and the pastry cream had possibly emulsified a little bit. The chocolate and the eclair pastry were very good but the cream was not very good 2/5 stars The bread pudding was the star of the show, The owner told me if I have any dark rum to drizzle some on top and then proceed to heat up the bread pudding. Unfortunately I'm not a drinker so I do not have any rum but I did heat up the bread pudding and it was very good for just a plain raisin style bread pudding. 4/5 stars on the bread pudding I cannot speak on the behalf of the tarte biscuit style cookies because I do not really like hard cookies. My spouse ordered those because she likes to dip those types of cookies and coffee. She told me this afternoon that they were pretty good but maybe just a little bit too hard. 3/5 stars Unfortunately the worst performer of the show was The Ginger cookies. We picked up 3 of these ginger cookies because my mother-in-law is a huge fan of old school French style ginger snap cookies. She told me this afternoon they were harder than rock and the ginger taste was way too powerful. She unfortunately said she would have to give them a 1/5 stars. Overall if you take the price out of everything in my opinion currently with what I've eaten end up my other family members have explained to me. This currently sits at a low 3/5 stars. Nothing he put in front of me was the best I've had better bread pudding mind you I'm very partial to a blueberry style bread pudding so that could just be me, but I would say I have had a plane raisin style bread pudding that was better than his as well but, maybe it could have been better if I had rum to put on it like he told me to. I've had better donuts but not by much so I'll give him that, but for the price he needs to be the best I've ever had and he's not there even though he thinks he is and that's fine it's an opinion, I understand the economy is on the Fritz right now, but a $7 eclair that's 3 in long is just a bit heavy. I definitely would like to go back to this place when he first opens and try something fresh but with the prices it's going to be hard for me to want to open that door again. He also told me that he makes the best pastrami sandwiches in the area, for which I proceeded that is awesome because my favorite pastrami sandwich restaurant shut down. He did not even ask me what restaurant it was he said his is better hands down. I said really, the place that was my favorite that shut down has been in the area for very long and actually has been rated as the best pastrami sandwich in the area, and it was called route 58 delicatessen. He said that it doesn't matter because his is better because it was a blast of flavor heaven inside of your mouth. Honestly I am game to take that challenge, but my expectations are extremely high because although route 58 delicatessen closed down, their pastrami sandwiches are so good I will never forget the taste of them. give this bakery a try, but I warn you either make sure your pockets are fat or that you pick your favorite dessert and call it a day unless you plan on using all your gas money for the week on a donut and a piece of bread pudding!!! read more

If you are reading this because you are trying to decide if you should visit this small, but mighty, cafe.....then the answer is a resounding YES!!!! Absolutely! Go now! And as soon as you walk in the door, ask for a loaf of French bread to go and a croissant doughnut to munch on while you're standing in the store paying for it. Soooo delicious!!!! I cannot believe I have lived in Hampton Roads for all these years and never stopped in. I've been totally missing out!! read more

French Bakery & Delicatessen - the front of the building - Bakeries Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

If it's pastrami you're looking for... here it is. Great characters working here. I said Pastrami sandwich He said Medium? I said Large. He said You can't eat it, get the medium. It's a phenomenal sandwich with salami and cheese served hot. I said,"To go." He said," You have to eat it here. It's hot." I stayed. Take some time to eat in and talk. It's a great experience. read more

French Bakery & Delicatessen - Notice the medium and large... - Bakeries Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

Stopped in to support a local small business and get some pastries for breakfast. WILL NEVER GO BACK!! Pastries were a rip off. Wondered if he made up the price because we had an out of state license. $21 for 2 mediocre pastries. read more

Have you ever walked into a restaurant and could just tell that it was a front for something shady? Well this place felt exactly like that. They quadruple the price on a sub made out of cardboard bread and plastic salami, then basically shove you out the door. Call me crazy, but I thought you might want to create a more welcoming atmosphere for customers. The man who touched the donuts and eclairs with his bare hands AND PROCEEDED TO CLEAN THEM WITH HIS MOUTH made sure I never go within 50 feet without an oxygen mask. Solid soups though. read more

The hype is real. The medium pastrami sandwich and the orange donuts are worth every penny and calorie. Don't convince yourself to get the regular, you need the medium. The bread is different and the bread with medium is EVERYTHING. read more

French Bakery & Delicatessen - Orange donut - Bakeries Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

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Amazing bread and unbelievable pastrami sandwich! Authentic Italian bread is tough to find! French Bakery's bread fills that void! In a new regular! read more

My father and his family went there as teenagers and my father took me there when I was a boy. The donuts were delicious then. I went back in Summer of 2023 after many years and the man there acted like he was crazy. Sold us old crappy orange donuts for like $6 each. I tried to tell him about my family's history with the business, but he just went off on some nutty "political rant" and how donuts were going to be $100,00 a dozen soon (completely destroyed my hopes for a nostalgic experience)! read more

this place is a gem that we always drive by but have never stopped in! I am SO glad we did that! the donuts and turkey sandwhich is AMAZING! Even the customer service is exeptional... a gem we will definitely drop in more often. read more

French Bakery & Delicatessen - Turkey sandwich and cappuccino - Bakeries Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

The pastrami sandwich is amazing and will have you coming back for more !! The owner is very passionate about his cooking

Great little hole in the wall deli. Handmade in house baked goods and sandwiches. We tried some amazing sweets and plan to come back for the sandwiches. If you're looking for cheap price go grab something from a local grocery store bakery. You can't get this kind of quality from anywhere other than this kind of spot and as the owner said ingredients aren't cheap! read more

French Bakery & Delicatessen - Bakeries Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

In a land of fast food this is a historic landmark with people and food you just don't see anywhere anymore. Hopefully this place lives on forever. Amazing pastrami sandwich and bread pudding. read more

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Let me start this review by stating that I don't really eat meat and I definitely don't eat pastrami. This place is the exception. My husband and I saw a few reviews for this place and a cool old photo so we thought we'd check it out. Upon walking in you're greeted by the owner who is an older gentleman and a character in the best way. He had us laughing immediately. His grandfather opened the business 109 years ago and it's been in the family the entire time. Amazing! My husband wanted a sandwich so he placed his order. The owner looked at me and told me that I needed a sandwich, too. I would see how good my husbands was and I'd regret not getting one. He's so charming that I immediately agreed... even though I don't like pastrami. This man could have told me to go rob a bank and I probably would have done it. The sandwiches come out and they looked good. I was still a little worried because of my distaste of meat so I took a small bite and WOW... I was in heaven. This sandwich was one of the best I've ever had. Not too much meat and just the right amount of toppings. It's pastrami, salami, cheese, tomato, onion, pickles, and mustard. It's just so simple and so good. The meat is hot and that added to the great flavors. Nothing overpowering, just all melding together. The owner immediately asked if we liked it and we were falling over ourselves with compliments. After devouring our sandwiches we ordered some pastries to go. This was after the owner let me try samples of all the cakes and gave us an eclair to share. We left with orange donuts, a linzer tart, ginger cookie, hot cross buns, and a donut made from a croissant. All outstanding. Seriously. My favorite is the croissant donut. Do yourself a favor and please go check this place out. It's everything you need and want in a neighborhood spot. We can't wait to go back. read more

French Bakery & Delicatessen - Pastrami sandwich (medium) - Bakeries Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

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The owner will tell you that you want the pastrami sandwich. You may not be certain that you want the pastrami sandwich. You are incorrect. Order the pastrami sandwich. Eat the pastrami sandwich. Love thepastramisandwich. I'm a big dude and the medium was plenty. Delicious French bread sub roll piled high with warm pastrami, raw onions, tomato, pickles, and mustard. All hail the pastrami sandwich. read more

French Bakery & Delicatessen - Pastrami sandwich - Bakeries Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

The hot pastrami was delicious. We tried a variety of pastries, the orange donuts, eclair, chocolate "cigar", bread budding, and a piece of baklava, everything was delicious. This place looks like it's been around forever, but don't let its looks deceive you, they have excellent food. read more

French Bakery & Delicatessen - Pastrami sandwich - Bakeries Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

I'd heard about French's for a few months, ever since an article came out in the paper detailing the struggles that they were facing. It seemed to question how long the place would stay open. So in between grocery deliveries, I made a stop to try the pastrami sandwich. It's definitely not what one would call a trendy atmosphere. It's pretty dark and a little dusty, no frills. George, the owner, recommended the pastrami and I asked for the works. Now as a New Yorker, all I want is brown mustard and maybe swiss cheese on rye. But he said German salami, tomato, pickle, mustard, oil, vinegar, and spices. As long as there's no mayo...fine, let's go. I was really impressed with the bread. Crunchy on the outside, super soft inside. And that meat, which had been warmed up in a small sautee pan, was marvelous; the spices were so flavorful and present on my tongue. The mustard was yellow, not normally my preference, but I can see how brown would have overwhelmed the other flavors. I had no trouble putting this sandwich down. Make sure you have a good supply of napkins though, cause there's gonna be a lot of juice dripping! They had Coke products in the cooler, and I'm sorry, but $2.50 for a can of soda is nuts. For that price, get me some Dr. Brown's, like you'd find in a good Jewish deli. Oh and I did take home two orange donuts. I'm pretty picky with donuts, but these had a nice crispy glaze on them, and thankfully they didn't taste overly sweet. Excellent donut. read more

Wanted to love it, but couldn't. I'm sorry, I really tried. This place has over 110 years of history as a bakery. That's incredible! The current owner remembers helping his grandfather run the bakery as a kid. Sadly, whatever charm this place used to have is gone. The owner was crotchety and rambled about politics the entire time. The pastries were fine, but nothing worth writing about. The worst part? For four mediocre, small pastries, I paid nearly $20!!! This place is not French nor is it worth your time and money. That's all I have to say about that. read more

Sandwiches were excellent. Orange donuts were outstanding. Family-owned for generations. It doesn't look like much on the outside, but this shop is worth the effort. read more

This is a classic locally-owned spot. They've been in business for over 100 years. They make really good sandwiches, pastries, and breads. The pastrami sandwich is particularly good, and very generously sized. The pasties are also really, really good. The service is really friendly and welcoming. They'll give you the hard sell on the goodies in a really nice way, including a sample. The prices are a bit high however, which keeps me from a five star review. Two medium sandwiches and two eclairs came to $39. You do get quality here, it's worth a splurge occasionally to keep a good local tradition going. read more

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This place is so adorable and delicious! Here are reasons to try them: 1. Small business! The owner has been running the place for years and makes the sandwiches himself 2. Freshly baked goods! They make cannolis, donuts and cookies. I can't wait for the pumpkin pie in the fall. I got a chocolate cannoli and a donut, which my family and I DEVOURED 3. Friendly and accommodating. I have two picky boys and the cook made me a grilled cheese sandwich not on the menu. 4. Delicious!! We ordered the pastrami sandwich - a must try. The bread perfectly flakes off and it is so flavorful. It had a lot of toppings (my hubby loved it but I had to take the onions off) that added extra flavor. The sandwich itself is not lacking in meat either! Really good! If you have ever been to Europe, this place just seems like it is from there. There are tables to sit and talk. It just has a community feel and history all around it! read more

French Bakery & Delicatessen - Bakeries Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

All right I first heard about this place from the Virginian-Pilot about how they were struggling and then I had a good friend of mine actually go visit and tell me the sandwiches were pretty good so I went check them out. I will say this the pastrami is fresh and it is delicious. One thing that I think would help this place is number 1 location. They have to move location because they are right off of the main road in this absolutely no where to park. They definitely need to update some things on the inside. Now the sandwich was pretty damn good I must say. Was a little surprised for the price point and what you actually get in the sandwich. I think they are a little pricey. read more

French Bakery & Delicatessen - Pastrami - Bakeries Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

Can't believe this place has been around for a century! George, the owner, is very nice and alerted me that the pastrami used in my sandwich is a substitute due to the crazy business he's been receiving after the article about his shop was released. The pastrami usually used in his shop is shipped from New York, but his pastrami sandwich was still crazy delicious so I can't even image what the usual pastrami tastes like! He said the usual pastrami will be in stock again on Tuesday and asked me to come again, which I surely will! As much as the sandwich seems pricey, the large sandwich is worth the price for the taste and size. His desserts were amazing as well and can't wait to go back and try the others! Also digging the old school vibe of his shop. I'm glad he and his family decided not to conform to the hipster trend just to attract more customers and stuck true to their own style. read more

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Not for patisserie items. The baked goods looked very old and nothing like something made from France. Hard pass.

I' e been driving past this place for YEARS, and finally had the time to stop in. I went to pick up a few pastries as a surprise for the wife. However, the owner told me about the Wold Famous Pastrami sandwich, so I had to try that. Ma , oh, man, am I glad I did. I'm STILL tjinking a out it! It miht not be the BEST, but it is in my top-5 for sure. I eat almost the entire thing, then start picking out pastries. He gave me a taste of the orange donut, and I was sold! I filled a box, and it was expensive, but I know everything will be su lime, so I'm ok with that. Can't wait to return! read more

French Bakery & Delicatessen - Pastrami - Bakeries Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

I've been a regular here for about a year now and I cannot recommend this place enough, the pastrami is to die for. The owner is very friendly and can crack a joke at the drop of a hat. The store has that classic family owned deli/sandwich shop feel. The food can tend to be a little pricy but the taste justifies the price and more. Also the orange donuts are amazing too. read more

So I've admittedly wanted to come by here for years and have just kept forgetting; boy, do I regret that. Walking in here felt like stepping into a Brooklyn delicatessen back in the day and the pastrami sandwich was phenomenal. If there is a better one around, I don't want to know because this one changed my life. The staff were friendly, likable, and very proud of their craft. If you want a fast sandwich for five dollars, this isn't your place. If you want an artisanal crafted sandwich, get here the next chance you have. read more

French Bakery & Delicatessen - The Famous Pastrami Sandwich - Bakeries Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

Went here the first time today and wish I could give it zero stars. The place was dirty and messy. The owner, I believe, was incredibly pushy and I believe tried to scam me. The prices were absolutely outrageous!! $8 for a 3 inch eclair that was not good, $47 for a foot long sandwich!! Insane!! There were only two actual French pastries and maybe a total of five pastries and no French bred like other reviews have said. So many other places that are legitimate, great quality of food, and reasonable in the area. Not worth the money. read more

Just got this medium pastrami sandwich. It's everything you'd want it to be. Juicy, peppery, vinegary, flavorful, well balanced. Delicious with a mild spice from the crushed red pepper in the ground mustard. If I didn't have to work the rest of today I totally would have (should have) gotten the large and enjoyed a glorious food coma. Brought my wife and also picked up the last of the rose petal mouse pastries, 2 orange doughnuts, 2 large eclairs, and 2 chocolate covered bacon strips. As we were ringing up the owner brought out a very fresh tray of rum cakes that looked amazing. I'll have to bring my mother to enjoy one of those next time. Man, first time trying the orange doughnut and it's literally melt in your mouth, very subtle orange flavor and a lightly sweet glaze. So glad I got two. My wife isn't even an orange fan, and even she's saying these are great. One thing I want to note.. I will say I was put off by some of the reviews here about the business being pushy on sales and prices being made up on the spot. But, everything I saw in my visit there was the opposite. Prices were available on the menu. The owner did talk with me, but only to make sure I had been taken care of. I ordered my sandwich over the phone and it was ready to pickup in 10 minutes just like they said. read more

Not my cup of tea. Place was a step back in yesteryear. Needs a very good cleaning top to bottom.

Wow!! Didn't know I could buy a $13.00 eclair. $&$$$$$$$$&$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$&$&&&&&

My husband and I were driving past and wanted to try this place out as soon as we walked in a man rudely immediately asked "what do you want we are about to close" as we were trying to see what he had for pastries he didn't even give us a chance to look and see he state "what are you looking for" we didn't even spend our money with him we immediately walked out. We really wanted to like this place and try it out but we couldn't due terrible customer service! read more

I stopped on the way to pick up a sandwich to go. Ordered the pastrami... that's what supposed to be special there but explained I did not want mustard. Two drinks one orange doughnut and a pastrami sandwich that came with mustard anyway $43 Sandwich did taste good though. read more

If you appreciate someone who puts love and effort into food, I truly recommend this place. Both pastries and the sandwiches are delicious. The vibe in the store was peaceful and friendly. I wouldn't mind coming back for another huge pastrami sandwich! Lol I recommend the eclairs!!! You won't be disappointed, I promise! read more

French Bakery & Delicatessen - Medium Pastrami sandwich and pastry in the background - Bakeries Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

came back here for our second time, and I cannot wait for our third trip back! my boyfriend & I split the large pastrami sandwich, and I still have leftovers!! the bun is crispy, the meat is so tender & everything is just perfect. the orange donuts are to die for, most definitely worth the price, you'll never get another sandwich like this one! read more

French Bakery & Delicatessen - The Famous Pastrami Sandwich-large - Bakeries Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

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So let me say this first of all I walked in the customer service was superbthey were so friendly and welcoming. But let me tell y'all about this pastrami sandwich, it was seasoned to perfection, amazing flavor, and boy was it tenderrrrrr. read more

I stopped in today after reading a news article about this shop, and I'm so glad I did! Let me be frank, it's not in a nice part of town, the floors need to be swept and the tables need to be wiped down...but the food is fantastic! George is running the joint all on his own, so I can forgive the floors and tables during lunch time! I ordered a medium pastrami sandwich, 2 orange donuts, and a jar of rose petal preserves. Yes, you read that correctly, rose petal preserves. The sandwich-delicious! The pastrami was hot, the bread was freshly baked, and the toppings were there in the right ratios. I have a hefty appetite, and the medium was perfect. If you are sharing or just love HUGE sandwiches, get the large. The donuts-One of the best and most interesting donuts I've ever had. Most donuts are like cake...these are like bread...moist, chewy, and so, so good! The rose petal preserves-He hand picks the petals off of 4,000 roses to make this stuff, and it's incredible just on a spoon! Can't wait to try it on all sorts of things! To sum it up, I've found a gem that I can't wait to visit again and to take my friends and family so that they can enjoy the food too! Keep up the great work, George! read more